ENG 108-15 College Writing and Research Fall 2008        Professor M. Shane Heard

 

Work Phone #: 816.671.4220 Ex. 58    Home Phone #: 816.233.5335        Email: msh6797@gmail.com

Office Hours—30 Minutes Prior To Class               MWSU Office Phone #:816.271.4310

 


Purpose:                     To provide practice with writing effective papers using field and document research in the style and manner of appropriate to today’s standards.

 

Texts:                         ––Weidenborner, Stephen., Domenick Caruso,  and Gary Park. Writing Research

            Papers: A Guide for the Process. 7th ed.  Boston/New York: Bedford/St.

            Martin, 2005.

                                     

Goals:                         By the end of the semester you should be able to:

• Effectively construct and defend a written argument.

• Conduct appropriate field research and library research.

• Accurately summarize, quote, and draw inferences from oral and written material.

• Synthesize personal perspectives with outside sources.

• Adequately document sources using appropriate formal citation methodology.

• Complete necessary revision, editing, and proofreading of papers.

 

Common Departmental Requirements:        http://www.mwsc.edu/eflj/eng108.html

 

Requirements:           1.   Computer Use:     You must use a word processor for all the writing in this course.

2.   Formatting:           a.  Margins:      1” Top, Bottom, Right, and Left

b.  Font:           Times, Times Roman, or comparable

c.  Font Size:    12 pt.

d.  Spacing:      Double spaced (24 pt.)

e.  Indents:        ½”

3.  Projects:                All projects must be submitted in person at the beginning of

the class period on the date due.

4.  Reading:                Assigned readings must be completed before the class meeting

when the material will be discussed.

5.  Electronic              All assignment files (In Class Assignments, Rough Drafts,

     Submissions:         Final Drafts, Ect.) being submitted electronically, need to be

                                    save as “Lastname_FirstName_Nameof Assignment”.

6.  Writing:                 Five projects totaling 1,300 points (65% O.F.G.)  

7.   Style:                    All research presentations must follow MLA Parenthetical

Referencing and Work Cited style.

8.   Class Assign.:      Additional In-class assignment will be added as needed  

accounting for at total of 400 points (20% O.F.G.).

9.   Midterm/Final:     The CLASS MIDTERM AND FINAL ARE MANDATORY

                                    AND WORTH POINTS (15% O.F.G.).

 

• PERSONAL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY •

 

1.         Description:      This essay will argue a specific position you are taking concerning a topic of interest.

 

2.         Criteria:            •The Personal Argumentative Essay Rough Draft is worth 50 points.

• Personal Argumentative Essay Final Draft:

•Includes an “Argumentative Statement”

• Length is 3-5 pages

• Entire Personal Argumentative Essay Final Draft is worth 100 points.

• RESEARCH PROSPECTUS #1 •

 

1.         Description:      This research prospectus will cover the same topic used in your Personal Argumentative

                                    Essay and will be used to help write your Research Essay.

 

2.         Criteria:            •The Research Prospectus #1 Rough Draft is worth 50 points.

• Research Prospectus #1 Final Draft must include four parts:

            • 1.       Title Page with Descriptive Title and Sub-Title (4 or more words)

            • 2.       Working Thesis (One Sentence)

            • 3.       Explanation of Purpose (Abstract) 1-2 Pages

            • 4.       Annotated Bibliography (One for each source)                                                                          a.         Minimum of six sources (no more than 1/3 from online)

• Entire Research Prospectus #1 Final Draft is worth 100 points.

 

• RESEARCH ESSAY •

 

1.         Description:      This research essay is argumentative/persuasive, based on your Personal Argumentative                                                 Essay and the library/online research you completed for Research Prospectus #1.

 

2.         Criteria:            • The Research Essay Rough Draft is worth 50 points.

• Research Essay Final Draft:

• A minimum of six sources are required (no more than 1/3 from online).

•The Research Essay Final Draft should include:

 • A revised (if necessary) argumentative statement

 • Points and ideas generated from Personal Argumentative Essay and supported

     with information gained from research completed in Research Prospectus #1.

• Length is 5-7 pages, Minimum of 6 sources

• Entire Research Essay Final Draft is worth 250 points.

 

• RESEARCH PROSPECTUS #2 •

 

1.         Description:      Follow the same criteria as for Research Prospectus #1. However in Research Prospectus                                             #2, you must cover a different topic, which you will use research to support in your

                                    Research Paper.

 

2.         Criteria:            • The Research Prospectus #2 Rough Draft is worth 50 points.

• Research Prospectus #2 Final Draft must include four parts:

• 1.       Title Page with Descriptive Title and Sub-Title (4 or more words)

• 2.       Working Thesis (One Sentence)

• 3.       Explanation of Purpose (Abstract) 2-4 Pages

• 4.       Annotated Bibliography (One for each source)

            a.         Minimum of 10 sources (no more than 1/4 from online)

• Entire Research Prospectus #2 Final Draft is worth 150 points.

 

• RESEARCH PAPER •

 

1.         Description:      This paper will be written based on the information found from your Research Prospectus

                                    #2, persuasive, and based on library/online research. • Research Paper RD= 100 pts.

 

2.         Criteria:            • Research Paper Final Draft: Same Criteria as Research Essay

•Length 8-10 pages, Minimum of 10 sources.

• Entire Research Paper Final draft is worth 300 points.

GENERAL POLICIES:

 

1. Grading:                 Your course grade will be determined by your performance on the projects listed, as well as, additional classroom work. No extra credit or bonus points are available!

                                    a.  Deadline: Start of class, unless otherwise stated.

                                    b.  Grades: 100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D, Below 60% = F.

                                    c.  Late Submission Policy: Each 24 Hours Late, 10% of grade will be deducted.

d.  Electronic Submission:  Must be in the following format or they will not be                      accepted: Lastname_Firstname_Proj#**_Draft

e.  2nd Submission Policy:  Argumentative Essay, Research Essay, and Research                                  Paper Final Drafts may be resubmitted (with corrections) ONCE for a better                  grade.  Note: 100% will not be achieved with a resubmission. 2nd Submissions                need to be titled as such:

            —Title Page= Project #2 Final Draft, 2nd Submission

            —Electronic Submission: “Heard_Michael_Proj#2FD_2ndSub”

 

2. Attendance:                        In order to improve student learning as well as to achieve compliance with federal

                                    financial aid policies, Western has a mandatory attendance policy for all 100-level

                                    courses.

                                                You will be given an excused absence when acting as an official representative of

                                    the university, provided you give prior written verification from the faculty/staff

                                    supervisor of the event. 

                                                All other absences will be deemed unexcused.  The maximum number of                                                            unexcused absences allowed for this class before the midterm report, October 15th  is

                                    ONE.  Thus, when you have TWO unexcused absences you will be reported to the

                                    Registrar’s Office, who will automatically withdraw you from this class.  The Financial

                                    Aid Office will reduce financial aid as appropriate.

 

                                    IN-CLASS CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE/ASSIGNMENTS CAN NOT BE MADE UP IF ABSENT FROM THAT CLASS!!!

 

 

3. Academic                Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors.  Violations of academic honesty           

    Honesty Policy       include any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for another’s work, falsifying              

    and Due Process:   documents or academic records, or any other fraudulent activity.  Violations of academic                                               honesty may result in a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or                                                   expulsion from the University.  When a student’s grade has been affected, violations of                                       academic honesty will be reported to the Provost or designated representative on the                                         Academic Honesty Violation Report forms.

 

                                    Please see the 2007-2008 Student Handbook and Calendar on page 21 for specific                                          activities identified as violations of this policy and the student due process                                                                       procedure. This handbook is also available online at                                                                                          http://www.missouriwestern.edu/handbook/index.pdf.

 

4.  Disabled                If you are disabled, whether the disability is apparent or not, and concerned that your     

Students:               disability may interfere with your completion of course requirements above, please notify me during the first week of classes so that we might discuss appropriate alternatives.

 

 

 

ENGLISH 108 Spring 2008 Semester Schedule:

 

August:

 

26th(1):  •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Distribute and review syllabus, course outline, and other materials.

•2.        Assign peer groups. In Class Assignment: Give One Sentence Definitions for 9 Steps of Res.

•3.        Work through Chapter 1 in class:          "Understanding the Research Pro."        (pp. 3-8).

•4.        Work through Chapter 2 in class:          “Deciding on a Topic”               (pp. 9-16)

                                                                       

            •5.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 3: "Moving From Topic To Hypothesis” (pp. 21-27).

•6.        Assignment:   Choose an argumentative topic (will be using topic for AE, R.Pro #1, & RE).

 

September:

 

2nd(2):    •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Discuss Chapter 3 (Side Discussion: Thesis vs. Argumentative Statement)

            •2.        Break into peer groups:

                                    a.         In-Class Assignment: Questions and Exercises 28-29

                                    b.         Share research topics.

                                    c.         Construct an “argumentative statement” that focuses your individual topic.  Share.

            •3.        Discuss and Prepare in Groups Personal Argumentative Essay criteria.

            •4.        ASSIGNMENT:        ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ROUGH DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS

            •5.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 4, "Developing A Research Strategy” (pp. 37-51).

 

9th (3):   •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Break into peer groups:

                                    a.         Work through each person’s Personal Argumentative Essay Rough Draft.

                                    b.         Check for clerical and grammatical errors.

c.         Check for logical errors of argumentation.

            •2.        Discuss Chapter 4.

            •3.        In-Class Assignment: Criteria T.B.A.

           

            •4.        ASSIGNMENT: ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY R.D. EMAILED BY: 09-12-08, MIDNIGHT

            •5.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 5:  “Finding Books” (pp.53-63).

            •6.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 6   “Finding Periodicals” (pp.65-69).

            •7.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 7:  “Finding Internet Sources” (81-88).

 

16th(4): •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Personal Argumentative Essay Rough Drafts returned.

            •2.        Discuss general problems with Personal Argumentative Essay Rough Drafts.

            •3.        Discuss Research Prospectus #1 criteria.

            •4.        Discuss Chapter 5, 6, and 7.

            •5.        In-Class Assignment:   Common Problems Search and Create Research Plan

                       

            •6.        ASSIGNMENT:        A.E. FINAL DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

            •7.        ASSIGNMENT:        R. PRO. #1 ROUGH DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

            •8.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 8 “Finding Other Kinds of Sources” (pp. 95-103).

•9.        Assignment:   Read Chapter 9 “Developing a Working Bibliography” (pp. 113-121).

 

 

23rd (5): •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Collect Personal Argumentative Essay Final Draft and Original Rough Draft.

            •2.        Discuss Chapter 8 and 9.

            •3.        Break into peer groups:

                                    Research Prospectus #1 Rough Draft:

a.         Work through each person’s Research Prospectus #1 Rough Draft.

                                                b.         Check for clerical and grammatical errors.

c.         Check for logical errors of argumentation.

•4.        Internet Appropriateness Discussion.

 

            •5.        ASSIGNMENT:        R.  PRO. #1 FINAL DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

•6.        Assignment:  Read Chapter 12 “Paraphrasing, Summarizing…” (pp. 148-151 ONLY!).

•7.        Assignment:  Read Chapter 18 “Using the MLA Parenthetical System (240-243 ONLY!)

 

30th:     NO CLASS

 

October:

 

7th(6):    •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Return and discuss over-all problems with Personal Argumentative Essay.

            •2.        Collect Research Prospectus #1 Final Draft and Original Rough Draft.

            •3.        Discuss Chapters 12 and 18.

            •4.        Discuss Research Essay criteria.

            •5.        In-Class Assignment: Review for Midterm Test

           

            •6.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH ESSAY R. DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

 

 

14th(7): •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Return and discuss over-all problems with Research Prospectus #1.

            •2.        Peer group:       Research Essay Rough Draft revision as in previous Project.

                •3.        MIDTERM TEST (THIS IS A TIMED FINAL: 2Hours, 7-9pm, Taken In Lab)

           

            •4.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH ESSAY FINAL DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.     

           

21st (8): •1.        Collect Research Essay Final Draft and Original Rough Draft

            •2.        Midterm Common Problems

            •3.        Discuss Research Prospectus #2 criteria.

            •4.        In class discussion: MWSU Writer’s Workshop #1

           

•5.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH PROSPECTUS #2 R.D. DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

 

28th(9) : •i.         Opening Media

            •1.        In class discussion: TBA

            •2.        Peer group:       Research Prospectus #2 Rough Draft revision as in previous projects.

            •3.        In class discussion: MWSU Writer’s Workshop #2

 

            •4.        Assignment:  Bring one news bite (newspaper, magazine, TV, etc.) that relates to your

topic.  This will be presented verbally (no need to write it down). 

            •5.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH PROSPECTUS #2 F.D. DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

 

 

 

November:

 

4th (10) :7:30 Late Start

•i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Return and discuss over-all problems with Research Essay.

            •2.        Collect Research Prospectus #2 Final Draft and Original Rough Draft.

            •3.        Discuss News Bite Assignment/Media’s Affect on Research

            •4.        In class Assignment: Media’s Affect on Research

            •5.        Discuss Research Paper criteria.

           

            •6.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH PAPER R.D. DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

 

Come See Little Shop of Horror: November 6th-9th

 

11th(11):•i.         Opening Media

            •1.        Return and discuss over-all problems with Research Prospectus #2.

•2.        PG#1:    Research Paper Rough Draft revision as in previous projects (mechanics).

            •3.        In class Action Research assignment: Your Topic and Media Crunch

           

            •4.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH PAPER R.D. EMAILED BY: 11-14-08, MIDNIGHT

           

18th(12):•1.        Return and discuss over-all problems with Research Paper R.D.

•2.        PG#2:    Research Paper Rough Draft revision as in previous projects (style).

            •3.        In Class Discussion: TBA

           

•4.        ASSIGNMENT:        RESEARCH PAPER FINAL DRAFT DUE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.

           

 

26th:     No Class.  HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING BREAK!!!

 

December:

 

2nd (13): •1.       Collect Research Paper Final Draft and Original Rough Draft.

•2.        Discussion of Final, Extra time to be spent, as class deems important, on group study!

            •3.        Assignment:   Complete Final, Due on December 9th.  You must bring it yourself!!!!

 

9th (14):  •1.        Return graded Research Paper.

•2.  COLLECTION OF Final Exam—Attendance Required.