Department of English,
Foreign Languages, and Journalism
Instructor: Mr. Hamilton
Phone: 271-4169
Office
Hours: MWF 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Th 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and by appointment
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
We meet three (3) times per week for 50 minutes on MWF. Come well prepared,
take notes, enter into conversations, keep on track, stay
focused on the subject matter for each class. Think actively. Write with
intensity. Improve each time. You should do well.
In college, one week of absences (3 classes) are the
usual maximum. 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 Services
Office, and your instructor.
Any absence does tend to lower your grade because it represents missed
class time. The missed in-class work cannot be made up, and any late work
receives a zero or a grade reduction. There
are no excused absences, but I do at times make special arrangements for
situations if prior notification is given.
Being late can count as an absence.
Five minutes of a fifty-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. 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.
REQUIRED TEXTS AND COURSE
MATERIALS:
Dietsch, Betty Mattix. Reasoning & Writing Well. 3rd Edition.
Goldberg,
Natalie. Writing
Down the Bones.
A
good College Dictionary and a Thesaurus are recommended.
Notebook
(perforated) for in class notes
Perforated
or non-spiral bound lined paper for all written assignments
A
separate Personal Journal (as you determine)
3-1/2"
floppy disks (2-3 for this class)
Portfolio
manila folder(s)
Blue
or black ink pens only
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 the 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.
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
Essay #1 “First
Thoughts,” 750-1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Essay #2 “Outer
Response,” 750-1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Essay #3 “Internet
Evaluation,” 1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
Essay #4 “Developed
Opinion,” 1,000 words: 10%, 100 Points. __________ _____
In-class and
out-of-class Assignments: 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 Letter Grade = _____
GRADING POLICY:
Your final grade will be determined
by your overall progress as a college writer: the writings you submit, the
knowledge demonstrated by assignments, textbook quizzes and tests, the personal
journal, class participation, and the final exam. Appointments with Academic
Support Services are recommended and may be required when needed.
.
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 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 therefore earns 85 of those
possible 100 points, etc.
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
needed special accommodations. To contact Ms. Fox: 271-4330, email at fox @
mwsc.edu, or drop by her office in SS/C 202B.
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 Services 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.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
All work should be new and original, done by
you for this class.
So… if required,
you need to show that the work or writing was indeed done by you.
Therefore, save it all! 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, even dismissal from the college. Please note carefully
the statement on plagiarism on the departmental website, http://www.missouriwestern.edu/EFLJ/plagiarism.asp.
Refer to your Student Handbook (pgs. 30—34) for additional codes of
conduct.
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. Remember, your accomplishment
is the primary objective.
Success will happen!
I hope you have an excellent and
enjoyable semester.
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