ENG 1113, English Composition I - University of Central Oklahoma

English 1113 (10628) English Composition
Fall 2011, M/W 2:00 to 3:15 in LAR 128A
Laura Bolf-­‐‐Beliveau, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
lbolfbeliveau@uco.edu
103A Liberal Arts Building
Office Phone: 974-­‐‐5505
Office Hours:
Monday 10-­‐‐12 & 1-­‐‐2
Tuesday 10-­‐‐11 (online)
Wednesday 1-­‐‐2
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Flat World Knowledge Handbook for Writers (available online, free or at nominal cost)
http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/node/590699
Additional readings will be required. Those can be accessed on our course homepage.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
Electronic storage device (i.e., flash drive)
High Speed Internet Access
Ability to open PDF files: (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
Real Player for media playback: (http://uk.real.com/player/win/)
WEB SITES:
Web CT http://learn.uco.edu/webct/entryPageIns.dowebct
Having Problems? Call IT: 974-­‐‐2255
Plagiarism Detection Site: http://www.turnitin.com
The class ID is 4147409
The password for this website is ucowriter
PREREQUISITE(S): NONE
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course provides instruction in college level writing, covering grammatical skills, rhetorical issues, and cognitive
abilities necessary to produce effective academic prose. The primary purpose of first-­‐‐year English is to produce writers
of competent expository prose by providing an environment, which acts as an initiation into the academic world.
COURSE GOALS:
*Students will learn that writing is both a process and a product. To ensure that they end up with the best products,
students need to develop a reliable and comfortable process of pre-­‐‐writing, composing, and revising.
*Writing well also requires that students think analytically. To that end, students will practice techniques that will
help them develop analytical thinking skills. Then, those skills will be integrated into their writing.
*One of the best ways to improve as a writer is to read extensively. The readings for this course will be challenging, so
students will practice close, analytical reading as a way to improve their writing.
*Students will gain a greater understanding of their writing skills by learning that discourse is designed with a
purpose in mind and toward an audience or discourse community. Furthermore, they will explore the ways in which
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the rhetorical situation determines the shape of an essay.
*Students will learn the objective use of various sources of data in analytical essays, with attention to documentation
where appropriate. Students must question the reliability and validity of those sources.
*Students will understand how technology influences rhetorical choices and composition skills and how such
advancements operate in the information age.
*Students must master the mechanics of punctuation and usage, as well as grammatical and structural analysis that
contributes to effective writing. They will also learn the refinements of style and diction.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Transformative learning is a holistic process that places students at the center of their own active and reflective
learning experiences. All students at the University of Central Oklahoma will have transformative learning
experiences in six core areas: discipline knowledge; leadership; research; creative and scholarly activities; service
learning and civic engagement; global and cultural competencies; and health and wellness.
This course supports the following tenets of transformative learning:
• Discipline Knowledge—students explore, discuss, and practice the techniques, conventions, and processes
that produce college-­‐‐level writing.
• Global and Cultural Competency—students read and write analytically about global and cultural issues and
direct writing to divers audiences.
• Problem Solving (Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities)—students analyze complex texts, produce
creative and scholarly papers and presentations, conduct limited and focused research, and document
sources.
• Health and Wellness—students read about, write about, and discuss those intellectual, emotional, and
spiritual issues that give human existence vitality and meaning.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING INFORMATION:
Please see Appendix A.
COURSE OUTLINE:
The schedule of assignments is available in Appendix B. It will also be distributed in class.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Class attendance is mandatory. There is no difference between excused and unexcused absences. Upon the NINTH
absence, you will not earn credit for the course. Excessive tardiness and/or early departures will affect the total number of
absences.
The professor reserves the right to make exceptions based on circumstances beyond the student’s control. Examples
include (but are not limited to) health issues, bereavement leave, military service, etc.
LATE WORK POLICY:
Late work is not accepted. Deadlines for major essays are listed on the course outline, and all students must turn these
assignments in on time. Other assignments like quizzes, group activities, presentations, etc. cannot be made up.
TECHNOLOGY/DECORUM POLICIES:
The use of technology during class time is permitted as long as students use this privilege in appropriate ways. Students
are NOT allowed to text or take phone calls during class. Students may use their laptops/iPads/etc. if done so in an
appropriate way. The professor reserves the right to ask students to leave the classroom if any behavior is not consistent
with the decorum expected in an academic setting. This will count as an absence.
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Students will be required to engage in mediated communication. Technological communication (including online
discussions/postings, emails, etc.) should use Standard English and be appropriate in tone and intent. Academic
argumentation does NOT include name-calling or belittling one another. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
1. Always identify yourself. When emailing the professor or each other, state your full name and indicate in
which class you belong.
2. Use email as a tool for clarification, not a way to state a grievance. If you have a serious issue, use email to
set up a meeting time to talk in person.
3. Respond to emails within 24 hours. The professor of record will do the same.
4. Do not discuss the class or individuals associated with the class online (including social media). Your
credibility as a member of UCO’s academic community could be jeopardized.
5. Report online abuse to the professor; do not engage in a discussion that only escalates the situation.
6. Remember that your tone, demeanor, facial expressions, intent, etc. are not easily understood using online
communication. Avoid sarcasm and CAPITALIZING KEY POINTS. The latter can be construed as e-
yelling.
7. Read your contributions (messages/discussion posts/etc.) aloud before sending. Make sure that are easy to
understand and stay on topic.
8. Understand that others may not agree with your beliefs. Academic communities thrive on difference, and
community members should acknowledge another’s point of view as part of a learning process. The intent of
this class is not to change what you believe. Instead, find ways to grow intellectually through thoughtprovoking
analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of difference.
This list is not comprehensive, and students must be cognizant of UCO’s Student Code of Conduct. The professor of
record reserves the right to address other issues as they arise during the semester.
PLAGIARISM POLICY:
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty in which a student presents the words or ideas of another author in a way that
intentionally misleads a reader to believe that the words or ideas were the student’s. Instructors have numerous options for
dealing with confirmed cases of plagiarism, ranging from asking students to repeat an assignment to failure of the course
and other severe university sanctions. The procedures for dealing with confirmed cases of academic dishonesty are located
in the Student Code of Conduct, section IV.D.4.
The UCO English Department forbids the reuse of essays for multiple assignments and classes.
Recently, much has been written about “copy and paste” plagiarism. In essence, this means copying and pasting from the
Internet and claiming thoughts/ideas as your own. Be particularly careful of this new type of plagiarism. I reserve the right
to require any assignment to be submitted to www.turnitin.com.
TURNITIN.COM POLICY:
UCO subscribes to the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention service. Students agree that by taking this course, all required
assignments may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All
submitted assignments will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com restricted access reference database for the
purpose of detecting plagiarism of such assignments. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the Terms and
Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com website. Turnitin.com is just one of various plagiarism prevention tools and
methods which may be utilized by your faculty instructor during the terms of the semesters.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES STATEMENT:
The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with
Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must make their requests by
contacting Disability Support Services, at (405) 974-2516. The DSS Office is located in the Nigh University Center, Room
309. Students should also notify the instructor of special accommodation needs by the end of the first week of class.
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OTHER UCO POLICIES:
You are required to read the UCO Student Information Sheet and Syllabus Attachment. Please refer to the
following URL for more information regarding UCO policies.
http://www.uco.edu/academic-­‐‐affairs/files/aa-­‐‐forms/faculty/StudentInfoSheet.pdf
Appendix A: Major Assignments
Formal Essays (60% of final grade)
Ad Analysis, 2-3 pages, (100 points)
Students will apply the basic principles of rhetoric to an public service announcement. Assessment will
focus on prewriting strategies, correctly using MLA formatting, and providing clear, detailed evidence.
Reading Reflection, 3-4 pages, (150 points)
Students will write a first person narrative studying their reading abilities. After course readings for
Into the Wild are finished, students will analyze best practices for bettering college-level reading.
Assessment will focus on the essay’s focus, development, organization, style, and conventions.
Rhetorical Analysis, 4-5 pages, (150 points)
Students will practice third person, academic writing which uses common rhetorical analysis
structures. Strong emphasis will be placed on the “They Say/I Say” model. An additional
element, “What Others Say” will be added to introduce basic research elements. Assessment will focus
on use of argument analysis and strength of supporting materials. Addition areas may include but are
not limited to MLA formatting, word choice, sentence structure, and use of third person point of view.
Disciplinary Synthesis, 5-7 pages, (200 points)
While studying The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, students will focus on the ways the text
covers a variety of academic disciplines. This essay will focus on the interdependency of these
areas and will demonstrate the student’s ability to synthesize material from multiple academic
disciplines. Assessment will focus on MLA formatting, focus, development, organization, style, and
conventions.
In-Class/Web CT Activities (20% of final grade)
Quizzes, group activities, in-class writings, etc. (200 points)
Students will be required to take quizzes, write informally, and participate in-class activities. The
assessments of each will vary, and some of these may be completed on Web CT.
Performance/Leadership (20% of final grade)
Discussion Contributions (75 points)
Students will be asked to participate in class dialogue in traditional ways (i.e., class discussion, small
group discussion) and on Web CT discussion boards. Assessment will focus on quantity and quality of
comments/postings.
Group Leader Discussion Assignment (50 points)
A formal group presentation with a technological element will be required. Assessment will include,
but not be limited to, organization, vocal projection, use of technology, and equal contribution.
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Final Exam Presentation (75 points)
Individual presentations will be scheduled for the end of the semester. These will be connected to the
Disciplinary Synthesis and will be assessed based on criteria established by the class. Some may be
take place during our scheduled final exam period. Media and design will also be considered
important for the final grade.
Grading Scale Below:
Total Points Possible for Class = 1000
Grading Scale:
1000-900 = A
899-800 = B
799-700 = C
699-600 = D
599-0 = F
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Appendix B: Schedule of Assignments
The professor of record reserves the right to make alterations as necessary.
FWK = Flat World Knowledge Handbook for Writers
HO = Handout on Web CT
ITW = Into the Wild
HL = The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
For this day:
Do this BEFORE class meets:
Wednesday, August 24
*Take Syllabus Quiz on Web CT
*Read FWK, Chapter 1, Section 1 (You are NOT
required to do the exercises.)
*Print/Read/Bring to Class HO, “Words Used in 40
Commencement Speeches”
Monday, August 29 *Read FWK, Chapter 1, Sections 2-4
Wednesday, August 31 *Read FWK, Chapter 4, Sections 1-4
Monday, September 5
No class, Labor Day Holiday
Wednesday, September 7
*Select & watch ad
*Complete prewriting activity for ad analysis
Monday, September 12 *Read FWK, Chapter 5, Sections 1-3 & Section 8
Wednesday, September 14
*Complete entire first draft of essay
*Bring in one copy
Monday, September 19
*Upload final draft of Ad Analysis to www.turnitin.com
by 2 PM (100 pts.)
*Read FWK, Chapter 2, Sections 2 & 3
Wednesday, September 21 *Read ITW, Chapters 1-5
*Take 1-5 Quiz on Web CT
Monday, September 26 *Read ITW, Chapters 6-8
*Take 6-8 Quiz on Web CT
Wednesday, September 28 *Read ITW, Chapters 9-13
*Take 9-13 Quiz on Web CT
Monday, October 3 *Read ITW, Chapters 14-16
*Write 5 complex questions over 14-16; bring to class
Wednesday, October 5
*Finish ITW
*Discuss Reading Reflection Final Draft
Monday, October 10
*Bring in copy of rough draft of Reading Reflection
Wednesday, October 12
Monday, October 17
*Upload final draft of Reading Reflection to
www.turnitin.com by 2 PM (150 pts.)
*Read FWK, Chapter 6, Sections 1-2
*Print/Read/Annotate HO, “The End of Men”
Wednesday, October 19 *Read FWK, Chapter 5, Sections 4-6
*Reread “The End of Men”
Monday, October 24
*Read HO, “What in the world is a rhetorical analysis?”
Wednesday, October 26
*Complete rhetorical analysis outline & bring in copy
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Monday, October 31
*Read FWK, Chapter 8, All Sections
*Draft two paragraphs of rhetorical analysis
Wednesday, November 2
*Upload final draft of Rhetorical Analysis
www.turnitin.com by 2 PM (150 pts.)
*Read FWK, Chapter 3, Sections 1-3
Monday, November 7 *Read HL, pages 13-48
*Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 1
Wednesday, November 9 * Read HL, pages 49-86
*Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 2
Monday, November 14 * Read HL, pages 89-126
* Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 3
Wednesday, November 16 * Read HL, pages 127-157
* Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 4
Monday, November 21 * Read HL, pages 158-176
* Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 5
Wednesday, November 23
No class, Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 28 *Read HL, pages 179-217
* Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 6
Wednesday, November 30 *Read HL, pages 218-258
* Read FWK, Chapter 7, Section 7
Monday, December 5 *Read HL, pages 259-304
* Read FWK, Chapter 9, Sections 1 & 2
Wednesday, December 7 * Read HL, pages 304-328
* Read FWK, Chapter 9, Sections 3 & 4
Wednesday, December 14
Final Essay, Disciplinary Synthesis, Due by MIDNIGHT
(200 pts.)
If we need additional time for individual presentations,
we will meet for our final exam scheduled for:
1:00 to 2:50
NOTE: THE START TIME IS DIFFERENT THAN
OUR USUAL TIME.
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