Writing 101-027: An Introduction to Academic Writing, 3 credit hours
Fall 2014
Dr. Mary E. Martin
Office—218 Bancroft E-mail: martinme@winthrop.edu
Office phone: 323-4554
Web address: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/martinme
Office Hours: MW 2:30-4:30 PM; F 1:00-2:00 PM, and by appointment
Class Meetings:
TR 3:30-4:45 PM, Owens 110
KEEP THIS ALL SEMESTER!
Course Description:
Writing 101 is an introduction to academic discourse. We will explore the writing process, and will engage in three different kinds of writing assignments: expressive, informative, and persuasive. Reading assignments and class discussions will lead, directly or indirectly, to writing assignments; and while some papers will grow out of personal experience or general observation, the majority of writing assignments will be direct or indirect responses to reading assignments. Writing assignments will progress from personal experience to more objective, analytical writing which incorporates paraphrase and quoted material, and ending in argumentative writing. You will learn how to summarize, to paraphrase, and how to handle direct quotations within an essay. We will address many questions, such as:
· How do I begin the writing process? And what is the “writing process”?
· What role does my audience play in my writing?
· How can I be an effective reader of other students’ writing?
· What role does or will writing play in my life?
See a complete listing of course goals for the Department of English and links to NCATE and NCTE standards at http://www.winthrop.edu/english/goals.htm.
Students must earn at least a “C-” in Writing 101 to receive credit for the course. You may not enroll on GNED/HMXP 102 until you have earned at least a “C-” in Writing 101. To pass Writing 101, you must turn in all writing assignments, be able to correctly document borrowed material according to MLA guidelines, and take the final exam. I must keep all graded assignments, so please make a copy for your own files.
Texts/Required Supplies:
1. Rules for Writers, Seventh Edition, Winthrop University Edition.
2. Reading Critically, Writing Well, Axelrod and Cooper, Tenth Edition.
3. A good, current dictionary.
4. Two folders with pockets, any color.
Web Resources
The English Department Home Page: http://www.winthrop.edu/english.
The Writing Center Web Page: www.winthrop.edu/wcenter.
Additional information for many English courses: http://www.winthrop.edu/english/core.htm.
Two other important sites: The Correct Use of Borrowed Information: http://www.winthrop.edu/cas/english/default.aspx?id=21084
Grading Rubric for Papers: http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/cas/english/rubric.pdf
Course Goals:
1. To use writing, the critical reading of mature prose texts, and research as means of general cognitive development, as activities which foster intellectual growth in an academic environment.
2. To encourage students to see writing as a learning tool that is important in all contexts and is not confined to the writing classroom.
3. To teach students to plan, organize, and develop persuasive essays by using introspection, general observation, deliberation, course reading, and research beyond classroom texts.
4. To make students aware of their individual voices and how those voices can be adapted to fit different audiences and rhetorical situations.
5. To encourage students to view writing as a process by using several prewriting, organizing, drafting, revising, and editing strategies.
6. To stress the importance of clear communication by teaching students to revise effectively through the complete rethinking, restructuring, and rewriting of essays.
7. To encourage independent thinking.
8. To teach students to evaluate, document, and incorporate source material accurately and appropriately, according to “The Correct Use of Borrowed Information.”
GNED Goals: This course meets GNED Goal One: "To communicate clearly and effectively in standard English" and Goal Three: "To use critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a variety of research methods." It also provides students with opportunities to meet potentially Goal Four: "To recognize and appreciate human diversity (both past and present) as well as the diversity of ideas, institutions, philosophies, moral codes, and ethical principles" as well as Goal Seven: "To examine values, attitudes, beliefs, and habits which define the nature and quality of life." Writing 101 appears in the GNED program as part of the "Writing and Critical Thinking" skill area.
This course participates in the Global Learning Initiative. The global learning component of this course is as follows: A discussion based on the topic of how different cutlures treat borrowed information..
Learning Outcomes: Student Learning Outcomes for Writing 101 include the following:
1. Students will analyze and evaluate nonfiction prose texts both for their ideas and their rhetorical choices through the use of critical reading strategies.
2. Students will plan, organize, and develop persuasive, logical, and well-supported essays by using strategies such as introspection, general observation, and deliberation of source material.
3. Students will recognize and use prewriting, organizing, drafting, and revising strategies.
Grades:
Your semester grade will depend for the most part on the quality and quantity of writing and research you complete. However, your participation in workshops and class discussions will also contribute. Grades will be assigned according to the following “A” to “F” system: 94-100=A; 91-93+A-; 88-90=B+; 84-7=B; 81-83=B-; 78-80=C+;74-77=C; 71-73=C-; 68-70=D+; 64-67=D; 61-63=D-; 0-60=F.
I will grade essay assignments according to the Department of English rubric found at http://winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/cas/english/rubric.pdf .
Please print out a copy of this guideline for frequent reference.
Paper 1 (personal experience) 15%
Paper 2 (analyzing photographs from various cultures) 15%
Paper 3 (reflection with research paper) 20%
Paper 4 (Researched Position Paper) 30%
Final Exam 10%
Class participation and quizzes 10%
Class Requirements:
All assignments must be completed in order to receive credit for the class. You will be responsible for five writing assignments, which includes the final exam. Revisions will be required of certain essays. And remember, you must also be able to correctly document sources according to MLA guidelines in order to receive credit for the class. I post assignments on my website. Always print a copy of assignments so you can be sure to follow requirements.
Prepare all out of class assignments, unless otherwise directed, according to the MLA style demonstrated in the Rules for Writers ( Winthrop University Edition). You must use a typewriter, word processor, or computer with clear, legible print or ink. Papers must be double-spaced with a one inch margin on all four sides. Refer to page 527 in the Rules for Writers for a template for the first page; no extra cover sheet is necessary. Your final draft of a paper may be submitted in a folder with pockets, along with previous drafts and brainstorming. And don’t forget, students who visit the Writing Center regularly will experience the benefits of more accomplished drafts.
All out of class assignments must be submitted to turnitin.com. You will receive your class ID and enrollment password with the first paper assignment. I cannot grade a paper that hasn't been submitted to turnitin.
Assignments are expected at the beginning of class on the due date, with all drafts and other related assignments in a folder. Any assignments turned in after the start of class will be considered late and will incur a penalty of one lowered letter grade. Late papers will be penalized one letter grade for each class day late. If you are having difficulty completing your assignment, you must see or talk to me before the assignment is due. I do not accept assignments through email. You must turn in hard copies.
Be an active member of class. This is a collaborative class; we will be working on drafts together, sharing in group exercises, and completing other work designed to help you become a better writer. Not participating will hurt your grade. If you are shy, you’ll need t overcome it. Ask and answer well-considered questions during class. Above all, do the reading and keep up the
workload.
Class structure is based on having a good conversation. As a result, I value my students' involvement in class discussion and development. I do not outline and do not present on power point. I will note important concepts and ideas on the board, but this class's success depends on your contributions as much as mine. I will ask you to contribute your ideas regularly during the course, and many of our day-today activities will be dependent on your involvement. This means that you will need to come to class prepared--prepared means having done whatever work is assigned and being ready to contribute to what is going on in class that day. Don't underestimate the importance of your role in this course and in making this an important learning experience not only for you but for all of us.
Graded papers take time to get graded! I like to write comments and to give feedback. It takes time, though, to do that. I will return work as quickly as I can--1 to 2 weeks for major assignments usually. Also, please know that I never intend to sound sarcastic in a comment. If my comments are unclear, please ask. I'll be happy to clarify. Our rubric sets high standards (note a "C" means that you have done what you were asked to do). I want to help you reach those standards by developing your writing potential.
Syllabus Change Policy: The policy statement posted on my class web page is the most up-to-date one and will be the one to resolve any questions or issues.
Final Examination: The final examination for this class is scheduled for Friday, December 12, at 3:00 PM. Winthrop University policy requires that all classes meet during their scheduled final examination period. Winthrop University policy specifies that personal conflicts such as travel plans and work schedules do not warrant a change in examination time. You are responsible for checking the time of your final examination and for making arrangements to be there.
Attendance:
Attendance is very important; excessive absences will hurt your grade. This is a collaborative class and not just a lecture course. We will develop the learning community together. You may not receive an “A” or “B” for the course if you miss over three classes. If you miss over four classes, you will not pass the class. Being late to class three times equals one absence. THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES. If you are sleeping during class or put your head down on the desk, you will be counted absent. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers while class is in session. Do not text message. All cell phones should be removed from sight. If you persist in using your cell phone during class, you will receive an absence for that day.
Student Code of Conduct: As noted in the Student Conduct Code: "Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals." The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the "Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy" in the online Student Handbook (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf).
Plagiarism:
In this class, an essay that presents the ideas and writing of someone else as if they were the writer’s own will receive an “F,” and the student will fail the course. Also, the drafts and other preparations for your essay should reflect the content of that essay. I will not grade a paper that has no history, no preparations or drafts turned in with the assignment. The University Policy on Plagiarism is explained at http://www.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/Judicial/judcode.htm. under section V, “Academic Misconduct.”
Students with Disabilities:
Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please the Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell the Coordinator so that he or she is aware of your accommodations well before the first {test/paper/assignment}.