ENG 108-08 and 108-11 College Writing and Research
Section 08, JGM 104, 12:00-12:50; Section 11, JGM 104, 1:00-1:50, MWF
Fall 2002
Instructor: Dr. Roberts
Office: SSC 222G
Phone: 816-271-5810
E-mail: robertsi@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours: 11:00 - 12:00 MWF, 2:00-3:00 MW & by appointment
Course Description and Objectives:
Students will complete three formal research projects in addition to
other graded and ungraded work. In these assignments, students will learn
to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the thinking of others in order to
discover, develop, and test their own points of view.
As part of the general studies goals for the course, students in ENG 108 will learn to write for different audiences and purposes, to use active reading and critical thinking, to use writing processes and conventions, to write for different audiences and purposes, and to use active reading and critical thinking. This course also meets the state level competencies of communicating, higher order thinking, and managing information. For more information on the institutional and state goals and competencies, see the English Department web site for general studies courses at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/eflj/genstud.asp. Click on English 108.
Required Materials:
Preparation and Participation:
You are required to make significant contributions to class in the
form of preparation and participation. Preparation includes completing
the readings and daily assignments, as well as bringing your assignments,
textbook, and other materials with you on the appropriate days. If you
come unprepared, you will receive a zero for any work due that day.
Participation includes the help you give to fellow writers and the contributions you make to class discussion. Active and insightful contributions to class discussion are therefore not "extra credit." Like the written assignments, your regular, tactful and substantive comments are part of the minimal requirements for successful completion of the course. If you are a naturally quiet person, force yourself to be more vocal; do not assume that if I do not call on you that you need not participate, as it is your responsibility to voice your observations at appropriate and relevant times. Conversely, if you are a naturally talkative person, you may have to restrain yourself so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Since you obviously cannot make up for discussions from which you were absent, attendance is again critical.
Student Conduct:
As a condition to remaining at MWSC, the college expects all students
to conduct themselves so as to maintain an effective environment for learning;
to act responsibly in accordance with good taste; and to respect fully
the rights of others. Behavior that disrupts the classroom environment
or interferes with other students' learning will result in dismissal from
the classroom. Passionate and forceful language are sometimes appropriate,
intolerance and dogmatism are not.
Assignments and Requirements:
In Project One, students will learn how to find and narrow topics,
develop well focused and doubtable theses, generate arguments, find and
evaluate sources, compile an annotated bibliography, and write a prospectus
for a formal academic research paper. In Project Two, students will learn
how to write, revise, and edit a formal academic research paper based upon
the prospectus developed in Project One. In Project Three, students will
gain practice going through the entire research and writing process from
finding a topic to editing a formal academic research paper.
All out of class written assignments for this course must be word processed unless otherwise specified. Non-word processed submissions will be returned with no credit. Assignments should follow MLA format, and pages should be stapled together before you come to class (do not use folders or paper clips and do not fold down the corners of papers). Do not throw away any work you do for this class, from notes to drafts to final papers, and keep back-up copies of all papers you turn in to me.
Late Work:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the hour on the due date.
Learning is a cumulative process, and each assignment is designed to build
on the previous one. Late work disrupts this important aspect of the learning
process. Hence, with the exception of the major papers, no late work
is accepted under any circumstances. Major papers will be lowered one
letter grade for each day late.
Revision is an important part of the writing process, and each major paper we do will go through an intensive draft stage before being turned in. Because each paper will receive extensive critiques before the final version is submitted for grading, you must consider the final version to be final. There will be no further opportunity for revision after that point.
Grading:
The standards for college English classes are higher than those used
in high schools. All the guidelines and standards for classes at MWSC are
similar to those used by other colleges and universities throughout the
country. You, as a serious student, will appreciate the fact that we hold
high standards for your work. Your grade will be determined by the quality
of your drafts, major papers, quizzes, and other assignments, as well as
by your preparation and participation. Assignments will be evaluated according
to how well they meet the requirements outlined in the assignment description
and the following general scale.
A = Superior
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Minimum = passing below average
F = Failing
Project #1 = 20%
Project #2 = 20%
Project #3 = 40%
Other Assignments = 20%
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a most serious offense and, therefore, will incur harsh
punishment. Don't think you won't get caught; writing style is distinctive
and verifiable. It is the student's responsibility to prove that all work
is their own. Papers with evidence of plagiarism, intentional or not, will
fail. Plagiarism may also result in failure of the course.
Disabilities:
Any student who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression
of abilities should contact me immediately so that we can discuss class
requirements.
General:
This syllabus is of a contractual nature, and by remaining in the course
you acknowledge your acceptance of its stipulations in their entirety.
If the goals, policies, procedures, standards, expectations, or obligations
are unclear, then you should speak with me immediately. If they are clear
but unacceptable to you, then you should drop the course.
If you choose to remain in the course, be sure to keep a copy of this syllabus with you and to refer to it regularly. Policies are enforced without exception to ensure uniformity and predictability, to avoid confusion and anxiety, and to facilitate fairness and objectivity for all students. In the interest of efficiency, however, I reserve the right to make necessary alterations to this syllabus and to make announced changes in daily plans. Any announcements made in class automatically supersede this syllabus. It is your responsibility to find out about announced changes.
Final Thoughts:
For further explanations, comments, and advice, I am available during
office hours. For additional help outside of class, I strongly recommend
the Center for Academic Support.
I genuinely want you to succeed in this class and at MWSC generally. I therefore urge you to keep in mind that what you gain from this course, and from your education generally, is proportional to the amount of productive time and careful attention you devote to it. In the words of Abigail Adams (1744-1818), "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."
Course Outline:
This outline shows major readings and assignments, but additional readings
and assignments will be given in class throughout the semester.
8/19 Syllabus
21 Introduction and Ch. 1: The Nature of Research
Writing
23 Ch. 2: Finding and Narrowing the Topic
26 Ch. 2 Cont.
28 Ch. 3: Generating an Argument
30 Ch. 4: Finding Sources
9/2 Labor Day (Holiday)
4 Ch. 4 Cont.
6 Ch. 4 Cont.
9 Ch. 5: Writing a Short Plan
11 Ch. 6: Gathering Information
13 Gathering/Annotating Cont.
16 Gathering/Annotating Cont.
18 Ch. 7: Research Paper Formats (p. 153-193)
20 Ch. 7 Cont.
23 Project One Drafts Due
25 Project
One Final Copy Due
27 Ch. 9: Writing the Rough Draft
30 Reading/Writing Day
10/2 Ch. 9 Cont.
4 Project Two Drafts Due
7 Ch 10: Revising the Rough Draft
9 Ch. 10 Cont.
11 Ch. 11: Editing
14 Columbus Day (Holiday)
16 Project
Two Final Copy Due
18 Topics/Theses
21 Topics/Theses Cont.
23 Generating Arguments
25 Last Day to Drop; Finding Sources
28 Finding Sources Cont.
30 Rough Bibliography Due
11/1 Writing a Short Plan
4 Prospectus with Bibliography Due; Drafting
6 Drafting Cont.
8 Conference Day
11 Project Three Draft One Due
13 Revising
15 Revising Cont.
18 Project Three Draft Two Due
20 Revising/Editing
22 Revising/Editing Cont.
25 Project
Three Final Copy Due
27 Thanksgiving Vacation
29 Thanksgiving Vacation
12/2 Self Evaluation and Wrap Up
12/4 (W) Section 08 Final Exam Period 11:30-1:20
12/9 (M) Section 11 Final Exam Period 2:00-3:50