English 108 Syllabus
College Writing and Research
Instructor: Steve Bennett
Office: English Department
in Eder Hall
Phone: 271-4310
Office hours: Before and
after class, by appointment
Email:
sbennett@missouriwestern.edu
REQUIRED BOOKS AND
MATERIALS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
For a detailed description of the General Studies requirements for English 108, see the Departmental Website: www. missouriwestern.edu/EFLJ/Programs/General Studies/English 108, where you can find the university’s Course Description, List of Objectives, the Competencies expected for completion of English 108.
This course obviously picks up where your English 104 class ended, and it places the same emphasis on writing. However, the major focus is now on research. While performing research is very important in this class, the writing done from that research is the basis for your grade.
In this class, you will gain further expertise and confidence in college writing along with strong skills in critical thinking. You will learn about research for college and the necessary documentation when you weave your research into your writing.
Remember, Western provides access to word-processing labs, the Internet, and other sources. Use them. Western also has the Center For Academic Support, where you can receive free help on your papers.
ASSIGNMENTS
We will be writing every week in class. This will be a part of your grade. These assignments will work toward improving your writing and preparing you for the papers. In addition, you will write four papers – two smaller research papers and two bigger research assignments.
GRADING
I follow the standard system in which 90 to 100 percent is an A, 80 to 89 is a B, 70-79 is a C, 60-69 is a D, and below 59 is an F.
Grades are
determined from the following list:
In-class
writing (throughout the semester) – 150 points
Essays
one and two – 100 points each
Research
papers – 150 points each
Final –
50 points
ATTENDANCE POLICY
In order to improve student learning and to achieve compliance with federal financial aid policies, Western has a mandatory attendance policy for all 100-level courses. You are expected to attend class. During a semester, one full week of classes is considered the maximum. That would be one class because we only meet once a week.
A student
will be given an excused absence when acting as an official representative of
the university, provided the student gives prior written verification from the
faculty/staff supervisor of the event; however, there are no other
excused absences, exceptions or “makeups” for this
attendance requirement.
If you are late or miss an entire class session, take responsibility for finding out all material covered and/or assignments given during your absence. If you are unsure of the required work, talk to me after class or shoot me an email. Part of my job is to be helpful.
LATE WORK
You cannot make up any in-class writing that is done when you miss a class. You are responsible for finding out what was covered when you were gone. You must turn in the major papers at the beginning of class. If you cannot be here, you need to get the paper to me in some way.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
POLICY AND DUE PROCESS
Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of academic honesty include any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for another’s work, falsifying 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 2006-07 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.
DISABILITIES AND
SPECIAL NEEDS
Any student who has a special need or disability that may affect his or her performance in this class should contact the MWSU Special Needs Coordinator for assistance. Also, let me know right away so that appropriate arrangements can be made to make sure your needs are met as quickly and completely as possible.
CIVILITY AND
COOPERATION
Missouri Western requires all students to help us maintain good conditions for teaching and learning. All students will treat their classmates and teachers with civility and respect, both inside and outside the classroom. Students who violate this policy may, among other penalties, be excluded from online discussions. You should review your MWSU student handbook for further information.
CLASS
AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
August 27 – Introduction to class, syllabus, and in-class writing
September 3 – Preface and intro of book, choosing a topic to research
10 – Chapter 1, bring draft of first research paper
17 – First research paper due, chapter 2
24 – Chapter 3, bring first draft of 2nd research paper
October 1 – Chapter 4, bring second draft of 2nd research paper
8 – Second research paper due, chapter 5
15 – Chapter 6
22 – Chapter 7, bring first draft of family history paper
29 – Chapter 8, bring second draft of family history paper
November 5 – Family history research paper due, chapter 9
12 – Chapter 10, bring draft of multi-genre paper
19 – The three readings, bring draft of multi-genre paper
26 – No class, Thanksgiving vacation
December 3 – Multi-genre research paper due.
10 - Final