MWF 8:00AM - 8:50 AM
Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.
Assignments 100% of Grade
25% Minimum of 4 In-Class Essays (350-word min. each)
25% Final In-Class Essay combined with Final test over Mechanics/Usage/Grammar
30% Minimum of 4 Formal, Revised Essays (750-word min. each).
20% Journals (includes: class participation, log of problem areas, and homework assignments) (The 1” binder should contain all assignments and handouts and will be turned in the last day of class. If the binder is not complete with all class materials, I reserve the right to drop a student’s grade by half a letter grade. The binder is a source for me to determine if a student made appropriate progression towards college level writing.)
All essays will be in the MLA format. No exceptions. Improper MLA format will automatically drop a student’s essay grade a full letter grade. LB Brief (479-489)
By enrolling in this class, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” to all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course. The “limited right” shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality and authenticity, and for educational purposes.
Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.
Late Work will not be accepted! If a student is absent on an assignment due date, the student must email me their assignment (rachel.rex@mwsu.edu) by the beginning of the class period. Students are welcome to turn assignments in early if they know they will miss a class. If an emergency arises, I will allow work to be turned in late. (Late assignments will not be accepted unless the student contacts me within 24 hours of the missed due date with information regarding an emergency. )
Students are required to attend EVERY CLASS, and roll will be taken in the beginning of class. After the third unexcused absence, every two absences will drop your final grade one full letter grade. Students will be considered a late arrival if they arrive after the instructor has completed the roll. Every two late arrivals will count as one absence! I reserve the right to drop you from the course after your 5th unexcused absence.
“Authorized Absences” (see catalog) will not be counted in this total. However, even authorized absences DO NOT excuse students from turning in required assignments on time. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed and if/how the work can be made up.
Grading Policies
In this class, the following numerical equivalents for final grades are used: A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%.
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")–whether you use that material in a quotation, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.
Plagiarism is a serious offense and break in trust. All essays assignments for class will begin as in-class writing assignments. I require each student to save all drafts, outlines, and notes used to complete the final typed-paper. If a student is found cheating or participating in plagiarism, he or she will be referred to the office of the Dean of Students.
Students with Disabilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.
Safe Zones Statement
The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being – regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor’s expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.
Contacting Your Instructor
All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor’s phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are not and never will be permitted in the classroom. Once I begin taking roll, cell phones need to be put away (backpacks, purse, pocket, ect...) NOT ON THE DESK TOP!!! If I see any student on his or her phone (this includes texting, email, ect...) during class, I reserve the right to dismiss that student from class and count him or her as being absent that day. If the same student attempts to use his or her cell phone again, I reserve the right to drop him or her from the course with an “F.” (If you have an emergency that will require you to keep your cell phone visible, you must notify me immediately.)
Disruptive Behavior Policy
Any behavior that inhibits a fellow student from learning or obtaining information in the classroom is considered disruptive behavior. Disruptive Behavior will NOT be tolerated. A college education is costly, each student pays to be in this classroom, and I demand that the utmost respect be given to each individual. Any behavior I feel is D.B. will result in the following consequences: A student who displays D.B. will be dismissed immediately and counted absent for the first offense. The student’s second offense will result in the student being dropped from the class with an “F.” (verbally attacking a fellow student is also considered D.B. and will not be tolerated. Any student who purposely offends another student by verbal attacks will be dropped from the course immediately with an “F.”)
Examples of D.B. include: talking, digging through bag/purse, cell phone use, and ect. during lecture.
University Writing Labs
I encourage you to begin drafting papers as early as possible and to take advantage of the MSU Writing Labs located in 224 Bea Wood and RC246 Moffett Library. Writing tutors will not edit your papers for you, but they will provide you with specific suggestions for improving your writing.
Writing Proficiency Requirement
All students seeking a Bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they have 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you have earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit-hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.