Rhetoric and Composition

Course Details

Course Number: 1123 Section Number: 214, 217

Spring 2013

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 133, 336

Days & Times:

214: TR 9:30-10:50

217: TR 12:30-1:50

Course Attachments

Syllabus and Schedul 1123 Syllab-20130123-125446.pdf

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Robert Redmon III
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Course Objectives

This is a writing class. Everything in it is about your writing. (Even, and especially, the reading assignments.) Specifically, this class continues where ENGL 1113—which was intended to introduce you to the formal technical requirements of academic writing, to the broader stylistic vaguenesses of good writing, and to the notion a writing process—left off by reinforcing those things and adding those concerns associated with outside sources—finding them, evaluating their usefulness and credibility, using them effectively, and—this is important—documenting them. (Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.)

Grading Standards

The vast majority of your grade in this class is determined by your writing. Here is a list of things you will write and their weighting in your final grade:

‣ 2 In-Class Essays — 350+ words each 10% each

‣ 3 Formal, Revised Essays — 750+ words each 10% each

‣ 1 Annotated Bibliography 5%

‣ 1 Final Research Paper — 1500+ words 20%

‣ 1 Final Exam 10%

‣ 12-15 Weekly Things — 1 page each 15%

Numbers: F = 0-59; D- = 62; D = 65; D+ = 69; C = 72-79: B = 82-89; A=92+; n- = n2; n=n5; n+=n9

Late Work: For each day (not class day or weekday, day) an essay is late, that essay's grade will be lowered by one letter grade (ten points).

Submission Format Policy

Rough and final drafts of formal essays will be printed on real paper. All formal essays will be submitted in MLA form, information about which will be discussed before the first essay is due and is readily available (of all surprising places) online. Weekly essays will be submitted online and will be adhere to modified version of MLA, which will be discussed, too.

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.

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 quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

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.

Attendance Requirements

Regular class attendance will be expected. Roll may be taken at every class. After the third not-excused* absence, each absence will lower the final grade by five points. Late arrivals and early exits will count as half absences. A late arrival will be defined as an arrival after I have taken roll. If you arrive while I am taking roll, or after I take roll, it is your job to make sure I know you are present.Thus, please keep track of attendance.

Other Policies

If you hand in a plagiarized essay, you will get an F in the class, even if that essay has the least-heavily-weighted grade of the semester. 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 quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

WHILE YOU WRITE

You (yes, you!) are encouraged to take advantage of MSU Writing Center’s writing labs, located in BW224 and the Moffett Library Lounge (opposite the computer lab). The very clever and credible folks there will offer specific feedback on any writing assignment you bring them, but will not edit that assignment for you. Nor will they guarantee a grade. While some of the readers are also instructors, their role in the labs is as informed readers. Go to them. They usually have snacks.

You may also give me a draft at any point before a peer-review day, and I will go through it and be helpful and all sorts of wonderful things.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 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've 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.