Missouri Western State College, Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism

English 108-11: College Writing and Research

Also English 108-02 and English 108-08

Instructor: Mr. Hamilton

Office: SS/C 222-Q

Phone: 271-4169

Office Hours: MWF 1-2, TTh 3:30-4:30, and by appointment

E-mail: hamilmb@missouriwestern.edu

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

We meet two times per week for 80 minutes on TTh. Come well prepared, take notes, enter into conversations, keep on track by staying with the subject matter for each class.

Think actively. Write with intensity. Ask questions. Offer peer reviews. Explore & Create.

In college, one week of absences (2 classes) is the usual maximum. Ordinarily, there are no exceptions and no make-ups for late or 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 prior to any absences.

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 for major projects, the exception being only if prior arrangements have been made. Each absence does reduce your final course grade in that it represents missed work of some sort while also affecting your ability to do the work that follows.

Being late can count as an absence. Ten minutes of a scheduled class is a lot. Being disruptive with lateness, or in other ways, can also count as an absence. Zeros will be given for all missed work and for all work due or work 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, take the responsibility for finding out about 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 or 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. I am here to help in any way I can, any time.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND COURSE MATERIALS:

Glaser, Joe. Understanding Style. NY: Oxford UP, 1999.

Dietsch, Betty Mattix. Reasoning & Writing Well. 3^rd Edition. St. Louis: McGraw Hill, 2003.

A good College Dictionary and Thesaurus are recommended.

Notebook/Paper (perforated) for in class notes and written assignments

A Research Journal/Notebook (something that you can easily add and subtract from)

3-1/2" floppy disks (2-3 for this class) and Print Outs as needed

Pocket folder(s) are suggested to keep work organized

Blue or black ink pens, etc

POWER POINT GRAPHIC #1

COURSE GOALS AND CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:

Primarily, this course will allow you to gain expertise and confidence with college quality writing and research through many varied writing, reading and research assignments.

There will be many opportunities for in-class development of ideas through writing, discussion of readings, and practice in research techniques. Many hours will be spent on the computer gaining access to the Internet and to other data-based electronic research sources.

For a more detailed description of the General Studies requirements for English 108, see the Departmental Website: www. mwsc.edu/EFLJ/Programs/General Studies/English 108. This will give you the Course Description, Objectives, Competencies Expected, and a Sample Paper.

MAJOR COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS:

Personal Essay #1 10% 750-1,000 words—a strong belief (No research)

Interpretive Analysis #2 10% 750-1,000 words—a literature based essay

Researched Argument #3 10% 1,000 words—a Native American belief

Researched Project 30% 10-12 pgs, double spaced—a significant question

Quizzes & Activities 20% Textbook Readings & Research Exercises, etc

In Class 10% Participation, In Class Writings, etc.

Final Exam 10% RE: College Writing & Research

GRADING POLICY:

Traditional Letter Grades, with +’s and –‘s, will indicate grades earned on the four major written assignments. 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, in class activities, quizzes and the final exam.

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 this Course. For example: Essay #1=10%=100 points, and a “B” therefore earns 85 points.

Grade reviews are always possible with an office appointment. Keep all your work.

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..

Number each page at the Top Right. Identify short papers on Upper Left page #1 with:

Name

English Course/Section

Instructor

Assignment

Date

Then, Center the Title and Double Space Throughout.

Use Times Roman or comparable font: 12 point as you double space. Do not bold face everything or use all capitals. Side margins should be 1 to 1.25 inch, top and bottom 1.5 inch, paragraph indent .5 inch. All written work should be spell checked and thoroughly proofread for clarity of expression and grammatical correctness.

You will be using MLA Documentation for all outside sources.

Note: Your Researched Project of 10-12 pages will require a Cover Page.

All other assignments, out-of-class or in-class, should be done with blue or black ink pen on non-spiral bound paper (for neatness).

Academic Honesty:

All work is expected to be NEW and ORIGINAL for this course. College and student policies for academic honesty are always in effect. Cheating, misrepresentation, or plagiarism earns No Credit (zero points), an F for the course, or in extreme cases expulsion from the college.

So… when in doubt, ask.

Plagiarism, itself, is the theft of other people’s words, thoughts, creative perceptions, and/or ideas, using them as if they were your own. One of the major objectives in this General Studies English course is to teach you correct MLA Documentation practices and how best to make use of outside sources without plagiarizing—realizing the difference between legitimate and illegitimate use of intellectual properties.

You will receive a thorough introduction to basic MLA Documentation, but a good rule is always…, “When in doubt, cite it out.”

THIS SYLLABUS:

It’s important that you understand this Syllabus. Both the Syllabus and Assignment Sheets that are handed out during the semester do require your participation. However, I do reserve the right to make adjustments to them as will best support our on-going efforts in the class.

STUDENT SPECIAL NEEDS: STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE

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 me personally during the first few days of class to discuss class requirements and any necessary 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. At times, I may require students to make office visits or schedule tutorial sessions with the Center for Academic Support.

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, Day Care for children, student 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. Let me know when you need help, or just some clarification on course assignments, study skills, readings or research.

I hope you’ll have an excellent, and enjoyable, semester!