English 2113: Composition Skills

Course Details

Course Number: 2113 Section Number: 180

Fall 2010

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: PY202

Days & Times:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks

Gorrell, Donna. The Little Brown Workbook. ISBN: 9780558790240

MSU Faculty Member

Christian McPhate
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Course Objectives

English 2113, Composition Skills, is designed to build skill in clear and forceful composition and in standard usage. Successful completion of this course, which fulfills MSU's Writing Proficiency requirement, requires that students demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and effective writing by passing a final test in usage and writing a satisfactory final essay graded by the same standards as the Examination.

Course Expectations

8 quizzes 20% of Grade

4 writing assignments 40% of Grade

Final Grammar Test 20% of Grade

Final Essay Exam 20% of Grade

Grading Standards

This class will use the following grading system for essays: A, 90-100; B, 80-89; C, 70-79; D, 60-69; and F, 0-59. The grade requirement for passing this course is a minimum of 60 on the Final Grammar Exam and a minimum of 70 on the Final Essay Exam. Two points are added to your final grade average for effective participation and completion of homework.

Final Exam12/8/2010 3:30-5:30 pm

Submission Format Policy

You will need access to a good dictionary, standard white paper (8.5 x 11), and a computer, as well as a “USB stick.” Given that society as steered away from hand-written correspondence, final drafts of written work must be typed.

By enrolling in this class, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” in 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 Paper Policy

In the event that you must miss class, for whatever reason, you assume the responsibility for contacting the instructor for missed work and assignments that are due. If you are going to be absent, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor and obtain copies of any handouts. Tentative assignment due dates are listed on the course schedule. Late work will not be accepted unless you make arrangements with the instructor.

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 will be taken at every class. After the first cut, each additional two can lower your final grade one letter mark. Two late arrivals equal one cut. “Authorized Absences” (see Catalog) will not be counted in this total. Such absences DO NOT excuse you from turning required work on time. In addition, please understand that instructors may drop students from class for lack of appropriate participation (see Catalog).

Other Policies

If you must bring a cell phone with you to class, then please put the offensive device on “silent.” If you are caught “texting,” you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.

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.