Department of English,
Foreign Languages, and Journalism
12:30-1:50 a.m., TTh, JGM 106
Instructor: Mark B. Hamilton
Phone: 271-4169
Office
Hours: M-F 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., and by
appointment
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
We meet two times per week for 80 minutes on TTh.
Come well prepared, take notes, enter into conversations, keep on track, stay with the subject matter for each class. Think
actively. Write with intensity.
In college, one week of absences (2 classes) are the
usual maximum. Ordinarily, there are
no exceptions and no make-ups for missed in-class work. If you know of circumstances
likely to make these requirements difficult for you this semester, you should
consult with your academic advisor, the Student Success Office, and your
instructor.
Any absences do lower your grade. Even though one or two absences might
be expected over the course of the semester, missed in-class work cannot be
made up, and late work receives a zero or a grade reduction unless prior
arrangements have been made. Each absence beyond two will reduce your
final course grade by 5%.
Being late can count as an absence.
Ten minutes of an eighty-minute class is a lot. Being
disruptive with lateness, or in any other way, can also count as an absence.
Zeros will be given for all missed work and for all work due or given in class
while marked absent. Note that out-of-class assignments are usually due at
the beginning of the class period. So if you’re late or miss an entire
class session, you must take the responsibility for all material covered and/or
assignments given during your absence. If you are unsure of the required work,
talk to me after class, phone my office, drop by during office hours, email me
with your questions, or arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss any
concerns. Exchanging phone numbers with a classmate is also a good idea.
REQUIRED TEXTS AND COURSE
MATERIALS: “Used” editions are fine.
Chaffee, et al. Critical Thinking,
Thoughtful Writing. NY: Houghton
Mifflin, 1999.
Goldberg, et al. Writing
Down the Bones. NY: Shambhala, (1986) or newer.
A
good College Dictionary is recommended.
Notebook
(perforated) for in class notes
Non-spiral
bound lined paper for all written assignments
A
separate Personal Journal
3-1/2"
floppy disks (2-3 for this class)
Portfolio
folder(s)
Blue
or black ink pens
COURSE GOALS AND CLASS
ASSIGNMENTS:
Primarily, this course will allow you to gain
expertise and confidence with college quality work and study through many
varied writing assignments. Close readings of selected texts will augment these
writing activities.
There will be many required in-class writing
assignments, while most readings will be assigned as out-of-class study in
preparation for the next class period. Four (4) major essays with portfolios
and graded assignments, quizzes and tests over readings, a personal journal,
class participation, and a final exam will comprise the bulk of your work in
English 104.
For a more detailed description of the General
Studies requirements for English 104, see the Departmental Website: www. mwsc.edu/EFLJ/Programs/General
Studies/English 104. This will give you the Course
Description, Objectives, Competencies Expected, and a Sample Paper.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
All work should be new and original,
done by you for this class.
Evidence of cheating,
misrepresentation, allowing others to use your work, doing work for others, or
outright plagiarism of other people’s intellectual property, will require you
to show that the work or writing was indeed done by you. Therefore, you should
keep thorough evidence of your writing processes for all papers and assignments
so that you can meet this burden of proof.
Zeros will be given for cheating and/or plagiarism and failure for the
course is probable. Stronger evidence showing flagrant cheating and/or
plagiarism may lead to penalties by the Dean of Students. Please note carefully
the statement on plagiarism on the departmental website, http://www.missouriwestern.edu/EFLJ/plagiarism.asp.
Refer to your Student Handbook for additional codes of conduct.
GRADING POLICY:
Your final grade will be determined
on the basis of your progress as a college writer: the writings you submit, the
knowledge demonstrated by textbook quizzes and tests, the personal journal,
class participation, and the final exam. Additionally, appointments with Academic
Support Services may be required as determined by your instructor.
.
Traditional Letter Grades, with +’s and –‘s, will indicate grades earned on the four essays, the personal journal, and the final exam. A combination of letter grades, numerical scores, and a system of “ ‘s,” with +’s and –‘s (“ +” = 100%, “ “ = 80%, “ --“ = 60% and so on), will indicate grades for other on-going assignments, participation, quizzes and the midterm test.
GRADE PERCENTAGES AND POINTS
EARNED:
A=95, B=85, C=75,
D=65, and F=55 with “+” or “-“ indicating 3 points: 72=C-,
75=C, 78=C+, etc
There is a 1,000 Point Total for the Course. For
example: Essay #1=10%=100 points, and a “B” grade earns 85 points.
FORMAL WRITINGS &
ASSIGNMENTS:
If you start off by doing the best you can and keep adding to your knowledge while furthering your skills throughout the semester, you should do well. All completed essays must be word processed, spell checked, double spaced, properly formatted, and presented neatly with your Name, Class and Section Number, Instructor’s Name, Assignment, and Date appearing on the first page to the upper left. All other assignments should be done in blue or black ink pen on non-spiral bound paper.
Grade(s) Points
Assignments
#1: 5%, 50 Points. __________ _____
Essay #1 “Inner
Resource,” 750-1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Assignments
#2: 5%, 50 Points. __________ _____
Essay #2 “Outer
Response,” 750-1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Essay #3 “Internet
Dialogue,” 1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Essay #4 “Pursuit
of Opinion,” 1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Quizzes from
Test from
Class
Participation: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Personal Journal:
10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Final Exam: 10%,
100 Points. __________ _____
Total
from 1,000 Points = _____
Final Grade % =
STUDENT SPECIAL NEEDS:
Students with any permanent or
temporary special need that hinders the fullest expression of their abilities
should contact Missouri Western's special needs coordinator, Lois Fox for
expert recommendations and assistance. You should also contact your teacher
personally the first few days of class to discuss class requirements and any
accommodations. To contact Ms. Fox: 271-4330, email at fox @ mwsc.edu, or drop
by her office in SS/C 202B. Let me know.
EVERY DAY EXTRA HELP:
Your instructors are here to help you
succeed. Office hours are posted, and other arrangements can be made by
appointment whenever necessary. Contact me when you have questions, or when you
need additional help.
Free tutoring! MWSC has many excellent
support systems, and they are here just for you, such as:
Center for Academic Support offers extra help in
writing, reading, math and all subject areas. Walk in or contact them next to
the Library at 271-4524. Corla Dawson, Writing Coordinator, 271-4531. Cathy
Gann, Reading/Study Skills Coordinator, 271-5621.
Student Success Office has many programs to keep
you progressing toward your goals: from finding your way around campus, to
special academic/career advising. Contact them in SS/C 209 at 271-5990.
Non-Traditional Student
Center can
get you re-oriented toward academic life even if you’re 25 or 40! There are
seminars, associations, and honor societies for older students. Contact them in
SS/C 202, at 271-4280.
CIVILITY AND COOPERATION:
Missouri Western requires all students
to help maintain good classroom conditions and a campus environment conducive
to both learning and teaching. All
students should treat their classmates, instructors, and student assistants
with civility and respect, both inside and outside the classroom. When in doubt, just ask. Your accomplishment
is the primary objective.
Success will happen, and you will
achieve those goals.
Let me know when you need help, or
just some clarification on course assignments, study skills, or readings.
I hope you have an excellent
semester.
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