English 097 Syllabus

 

Instructor: Sara Moellendorf

Section 09701 & 09702, T & R at 9:10-10:25 & 1:00-2:15

Office Hours: By appointment in Study Center, Rm. W108

Office Phone: 521-5503     E-mail: smoellen@uwc.edu

 

Required Texts:

Writing Voyage, 6th ed. by Thomas E. Tyner

 

Course Goals: 

This course is designed to help you develop the writing, reading, and grammar skills necessary in your college and professional careers.

 

Ψ     Grammar and organization.  You will develop the ability

-to analyze and edit your written work for mechanical errors (grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors) and use grammar correctly in your written and spoken communication

-to organize your thoughts into written language by understanding the organization of a paper, as well as the structure of paragraphs and sentences.

 

Ψ     Writing-Reading Connections.  You will develop the ability

-to analyze, reflect on, and respond to information

-to read critically with and against the grain of a text

-to analyze and evaluate a variety of texts by pinpointing the central arguments and supporting evidence

 

Ψ     Writing Processes.  You will develop the ability

                        -to reflect on your writing and become aware of the complex process of

                        writing multiple drafts

                        -to respond critically and constructively to others’ writing by working in

                        peer response groups

 

Course Requirements:

·       Five paper assignments

·       Editing journals for four of these papers

·       Writing journal (class freewrites) that traces the progression of your writing, reading, and thinking skills

·       Various daily readings, writings, assignments

·       Daily attendance as well as participation in class discussions and all peer response sessions

·       Two mandatory meetings with me throughout the semester to discuss your progress on daily outside and in-class work and paper assignments.

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar of Paper Due Dates:

    All paper due dates can be subject to change

Paper #1 peer response (rough draft due)…………...September 18

Paper #1 final version ………………………………September 20

Paper #2 peer response (rough draft due)……………October 9

Paper #2 final version………………………………..October 11

Paper #3 peer response (rough draft due)……………October 25

Paper #3 final version………………………………..October 30

Paper #4 peer response (rough draft due)……………November 13

Paper #4 final version………………………………..November 15

Paper #5 peer response (rough draft due)……………December 11

Paper #5 final version………………………………..December 13

 

   All final versions of papers should:

-Be typed, double-spaced, and use a standard 12-point font

-Include (stapled in this order) a final draft, peer response worksheet, and a rough draft.  If you don’t have all 3 items handed in on the due date, the paper is considered late.

-Be handed in at the beginning of class on the due date (or else it is considered late)

 

Grading Procedures:

What positively affects my grade?

            -Handing in all papers, rough drafts, peer responses, and assignments on time

            -Turning in my best work (spell-check, proofread, and carefully edit final version)

-Being present for all class periods and taking part in discussion

-Showing up to peer response days prepared to show my work and listen to others critically

 

What negatively affects my grade?

-Late work will not be accepted or allowed, unless you have extenuating circumstances and have received an extension from me.

-Late work lowers your grade.  I have had students fail the course simply because they never handed in their homework at all or on time.

-For daily work, I will allow two grace periods, with the understanding that the work will be in my hands the next class period.

-For papers, I will allow one grace period, with the understanding that the paper will be in my hands the next class period.

-Not showing up for peer response is like skipping a test day.   If you do not show up on this day with a complete rough draft, you will be responsible for finding a classmate to fill out the peer review sheet.  Missing peer review sheets in your final draft result in the lowering of your paper grade by one step (from an B- to a C+ for example).  If you are extremely ill or have an emergency and miss peer response, PLEASE contact me so that I can help you make up the peer review.

 

PLEASE contact me if a family emergency or serious illness will be hindering your work or affecting your attendance!  We can arrange a plan for you to catch up on missed work.

 

Grade Breakdown:

Paper grades (5)…………………………………500 pts.

Final exam (Monday, Dec. 17)………………….100 pts.

Editing journals (4, each worth 25 pts.)…………100 pts.

Reading Project………………………………….100 pts.

Mandatory appointments (2, each worth 25 pts.)…50 pts.

 

All assignments (in-class or homework) and writing journal entries are worth 10 pts. each, unless otherwise specified.

 

 

 

Percentage Breakdown:

93-100% = A  80-82% = B-     67-69% = D+           

90-92% = A-   77-79% = C+    63-66% = D

87-89% = B+  73-76% = C      60-62% = D-

83-86% = B    70-72% = C-     Below 60% = F

 

 

 

Policy Procedures:

            Attendance

·       As a matter of courtesy, let me know ahead of time if you expect to be absent.  Let me know why you are absent and how you will catch up on notes and coursework.

·       Excused absences must be taken care of through written college notice before the missed day in order to be considered excused.  Students must notify their instructor of excused absences due to religious holidays within the first three weeks of class.

·       After 7 absences, your final grade will be lowered one step with every exceeding absence (for example: at 8 absences, a B becomes a B-, at 9 absences, the grade then becomes a C+, etc.)

 
Academic Dishonesty
·       Academic dishonesty or plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person’s writing, words, ideas, or facts (in other words, if you use someone else’s words, you must properly cite the source).  Any time you TAKE someone else’s words without acknowledgment (whether you are writing a paper or taking an exam), you have committed plagiarism. You must always give credit where it is due. 
·       If I suspect that dishonesty has occurred, I will notify the student.  The consequences of plagiarizing are a mandatory consultation with me and a failing grade (0 pts.) on that piece of work.

 

Special Needs

·       If you have any type of learning or physical disability that will in any way affect your work in this class, please let me know immediately so I can work with you or get in you in touch with a Student Services and/or Study Center employee who is more qualified to work with your needs. 

 

Conferences:

·        Besides the two mandatory conferences, I encourage all of you to confer with me whenever you need help.  Make an appointment to see me, especially if you are having difficulties with any of the assignments, papers, or course materials.  Seek help early! If you come early, bring questions, and are ready to talk about and reflect on your work, I am better able to help you through problems.