English 101: Introduction to Academic Writing and Reading
Wright State University
Winter 2005 Syllabus
Sections:  26   (TTH 2:15-3:55) Overview
                28   (TTH 4:10-5:50) Overview

Course Description and Goals | Text and Materials | Attendance | Conferences and Grades | Final Portfolios | Class Work/Group Project | Critical Reading Log | CC Requirements | Late Assignments | Other

Course Description and Goals:
        This quarter we will examine the writing process concentrating heavily on the “process.” Many times students assume that writing is a gift and that those who have the gift excel, whereas those who do not have the gift, at best, perform average. This is not true!  Writing is a process, and once students are introduced to the strategies of good writing and good writing habits, they will think of composition more as something that they can accomplish—an ongoing learning experience—rather than something that luckily falls out of the skies and onto their blank paper. This course will demand a great deal of creating, inventing, writing, reading, critical thinking, revising, collaborating, and editing. You will not merely “clean up” your drafts after suggestions from your peers; you will make major alterations as your thinking clarifies and expands through writing, reading, and collaborating with your peers. The process demands diligence, cooperation, and an open mind, but the rewards will extend throughout your entire academic and professional life.
        The English Department’s specific goals for this class are explained in the Guidebook for College Composition Classes; please read those goals carefully.

Thematic Course:  
        The papers and much of the discussion in this course will focus on gender roles, gender stereotypes, and how those shape who we are, what we do, how we are perceived, and what power we hold.

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Texts and Materials:      
                                      St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, seventh edition
                                      Guidebook for CCC (available online)
                                      Electronic Reserves/Course Studio
                                      3.5 high-density formatted computer disk
                                      4 folders with pockets
                                      Activated WSU computer accounts
                                      A WSU flex card with $10 credit
                                      Loose Leaf, college ruled, 8 ½ by 11 paper        

 **All materials listed above will be purchased and/or arrangements should be made by our 2^nd class.

Attendance:  
        Since this is a workshop class, attendance and participation is CRUCIAL. Because your attendance is detrimental and because I will cancel a few classes for conferences, missing class will inevitably and negatively affect your grade, and more importantly, your learning. Showing up tardy (after vital information has already been imparted or groups arranged), you will not be permitted to participate. Please be on time!

If you are going to miss one or more classes, email me in ADVANCE, email a classmate, or check COURSE STUDIO for information on what you will miss or have missed. If you are absent from class, you are still responsible for the work completed that day as well as preparation for the next class. Note: I will not play catch up for students who simply choose not to attend. If you have an issue that makes it so you cannot attend class, let me know BEFOREHAND, and in that case, I will assist you. Further, if you show up for the class unprepared (assignments incomplete, reading not read, drafts not drafted etc…) you could be told to go and finish your work, therefore, missing integral feedback, substantial group work points, and/or critical reading log points.

Special Note: regarding attendance, anyone with perfect attendance--missing 0 classes and having 0 tardies--can be bumped up a final letter grade if on the "line." The exception to this rule is anyone earning a D or an F on his/her Portfolio.

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Conferences: 
        Periodically, I will hold open conferences with individual or groups of students. If you miss or are late to your conference, you run the risk of losing the opportunity to have a conference with me. Conferences are for you!! They are scheduled to address any questions, problems, etc… that you or I may have. Students who take the time to meet with me see real results when revising, and thus, learn to write more effectively and earn "better" points.

Grades:   Final Portfolio……….……..70%...due March 10th
                    Reading/Writing Journal.. 15%...checked randomly
                    Class Work/Group Project..15% ...daily

Final Portfolios:
        Final Portfolios will be a compilation of papers that demonstrates the body of work you are capable of completing by the end of the quarter. This portfolio (or in other words, this package of yourself as a writer and student of 101) will exemplify PROCESS—REVISION KEY. ***Throughout the ten weeks, three papers will be written and turned in. They will receive feedback and you will continually revise them until they are compiled into the portfolio for a final grade. Included will also be a reflective, self evaluation of your portfolio which will take shape as a 3-4 page cover letter. Detailed specifics regarding all assignments, including the final portfolio, will be given as needed.  Please note: All  essays due for my feedback and all essays submitted in final portfolio will be typed and be submitted in hard copy form!!!

Please note, I will not grade a portfolio which does not include my feedback!! Also, if your portfolio earns an F, you will automatically fail the class.

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Class Work/Group Project:
       Every day we will be busy exploring topics, brainstorming, writing, revising, getting feedback and having class discussion. Often, you will be placed in groups to generate ideas, to give feedback, and to work on a Group Project—your group will write an Ad Analysis and design a visual PowerPoint to present to the class.

Critical Reading Log:
       Critical Reading Logs will consist of responses to assigned readings (Electronic Reserve) and other topics assigned by the instructor for in and out of class. If you simply do the work, providing me with one FULL typed page illustrating you read and thought about the reading, you will receive a  “3”. If there is more quantity, thoroughness, astute connections it will receive a “5.”  However, if you do below average work (shorter than required, or you have merely summed up—showing no critical thought, you will receive a “1.” And finally, if you do not have your assignment on a day and at the moment I collect it, or you have not typed it, you will receive a 0.  

What do reading log scores mean?

5= A  (Outstanding-Went above and beyond: quantity & critical thought)

3= C  (Competent-fulfilled basic requirements)

1= D  (Below average-lacking length, lacking critical thought)

0= F   (Failure to turn assignment in)

Complete all assignments and bring your reading log (folder) to EVERY class!!!  REMEMBER:  I do not collect every single entry on the day due. I may collect a response on the day due, on a different day, or not collect it at all. The purpose of the log is that you think about the reading and learn from it. Writing about what you read enables you to process your ideas and provides an opportunity to analyze the writing of others!! The 10% grade is just secondary to the learning aspect of the log!

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Computer Classroom Requirements:  Because this class meets in a computer classroom, you must follow several special procedures.

1.    Before the second day of class, please go to the Help Desk in 025    Library Annex or entry way of Millet Hall (1^st floor) to have your WSU computer accounts activated. You will not be able to follow along or access course material unless accounts are activated.

2.    Always come to class with a computer disk and flex card for laser printing.

3.    Always save your work in at least 2 places (on a disk and in personal storage space on the campus file servers).

4.    When working at home, save your work in a format compatible with classroom software.

5.    Please adhere to the rules posted on the wall (no food, no drinks, etc.).

 ***Please note that once class has begun, no one should be engaged in any computer activity not directly connected with ongoing class work. No one should be checking or composing email, surfing the Net, instant messaging, completing work assigned in some other class etc. I reserve the right to count you absent for that class period if I catch you doing any of the above.

Late Assignments:  
        Logs, when requested, must be turned in at the start of class or you receive a 0. There are no exceptions or excuses to turning in late reading log entries. Moreover, if you do not have a draft for my feedback completed or with you, you lose the opportunity to get my written feedback.  I am on a strict schedule to finish papers; therefore, you must have them to me on the required date. You may, however, make arrangements to conference with me over your paper during my office hours if you miss the opportunity to give me your draft.

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Other Important Info:

***You must earn a grade of C or better in English 101 to take English 102. If you have any problems understanding an assignment, developing an idea for a topic, or just need some clarification on something, please feel free to come to my office hours, email me, or schedule an appointment. I am here for you and am more than willing to help, especially those who take the process of writing seriously!

***Do not forget the Writing Center, located in 025 Library Annex, is an excellent place to receive help with your writing. Call 775-4186 to make an appointment.

***Academic dishonesty means, in part, taking credit for someone else’s words or ideas. They university considers academic dishonesty a serious offense that warrants serious penalties. Please consult The Guidebook for a fuller discussion of academic dishonesty in writing.

***The material in the Guidebook for College Composition Courses should be considered part of the syllabus; please take the time to read it.

***The material on the Computer Classroom Basics web page is also required reading. Please be sure you read and fully understand.  See http://www.cola.wright.edu/dept/eng/, “Computer Classroom Basics” link: http://www.cola.wright.edu/dept/eng/cc_basics/.

***If you need information regarding the Office of Disability Services (ODS), please call 775-5680 or see their website (http://www.wright.edu/students/dis_services/).

 ***Please be sure to respect our learning and writing community (your peers and your teacher). Please turn off cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices that make noise. If you have a special circumstance, please see me; otherwise, we should have no interruptions.
 

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