ENGLISH 101-01: FALL 2001

Instructor: Litasha Dennis

Office: McIver 137 Office Phone: 334-5867 Office Hours: MW: 10-11:30 a.m.

litashadennis@msn.com

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Seeing and Writing by Donald and Christine McQuade

Writing Matters: A Guide to English 101

Ship Fever by Andrea Barrett

OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS:

An English language dictionary

Loose-leaf paper for in class writing/work

A notebook for these writings/works

A folder or binder to serve as the portfolio

COURSE DESCRIPTION

English 101 is a course designed to introduce students to various styles and types of writing with the intent that they will develop their own processes and broaden their writing abilities. This course will also focus on the connection between reading/observing and writing. It is believed that if students can become better, more critical and analytical readers and observers, then they will become better, more critical and analytical writers.

COURSE GOALS

  1. To use writing, reading and research as a means of general cognitive development 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 essays based on introspection, general observation, deliberation, research, and the critical reading of mature prose 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 though the complete rethinking, restructuring, and rewriting of essays.
  7. To encourage independent thinking.
  8. To emphasize the importance of student interaction which promotes the idea of learning and understanding as a community.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS


4 formal essays (One can be taken from Ship Fever)

In class writing/journal entries

Writing portfolio (20 pages of revised writing)

Group activities, one of which involves teaching a prepared lesson for one class meeting

Conferences

 

In this course, group workshops will be a part of the process of writing the formal essays. On designated workshop days when a portion of the paper is due, i.e. notes, outlines, rough drafts, etc., your final grade will reflect your lack of work if you show up with nothing, and you may possibly be denied entrance to the class. Workshops are designed to give students the opportunity to discuss ideas, give feedback, and receive feedback. It is not free time to chat about personal lives.

You will have the opportunity to revise your papers. Peer workshopping is also a part of revision. Group members will assist each other with revision strategies. Revision does not simply mean "brushing up" the paper. Some type of rethinking is expected. For example, on a revision, a student may change the organizational structure of the paper.

All papers written outside of class should be typewritten, either on a typewriter or a computer. Make use of campus labs, and follow MLA format for all specifications. Papers should be double spaced with one-inch margins all around using size 12 font. Using an unusually large font size or type, or trying to increase the margins or spacing is unacceptable as well as unprofessional. These papers should also have minimal grammatical and/or mechanical mistakes.

LATE PAPER POLICY: Late papers will not be accepted. Papers are due by the end of class time. If you choose to put an assignment in my box because of an inability to attend class, it needs to be put there either before or during the allotted time of the class- not after. In the event of a real emergency, one with verifiable documentation, arrangements may be possible. For example, computer or printer problems in the lab or at home are not excuses.

PLAGIARISM POLICY: Plagiarism will not be tolerated nor accepted. If you use the words, ideas, etc. of someone else, then you must give him credit. If there are questions concerning documentation, then you should either consult a handbook or ask me. Any paper with plagiarism will receive a "0."

ATTENDANCE POLICY: This class will follow a set policy; absence from more than 25% of the course will result in failure. For a class meeting 3 times a week, this is roughly 3 periods- the 4th is failure. I will note that because this class will make use of workshops and participation is important, your presence is necessary and therefore should be taken seriously. I will take attendance daily. If you are not here when I get to your name, you are absent. If you come in afterwards, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to let me know after class that you were present. You should be mindful that excessive tardiness WILL NOT work in your favor. Finally, an absence will not excuse you from your work. It is YOUR responsibility to get notes from a classmate or to turn in any assignment that may be due. There is NO DISTINCTION between an excused or unexcused absence.

PORTFOLIOS: You should keep all writing that is done as a part of this class, including all drafts, since the portfolio method will be used to assess your final grades. At mid-term and at the end of the semester, these portfolios will be collected to formally evaluate your progress in the class. The portfolio will contain writing that you have chosen to revise and include as samples of your work. At the final collection, it should include a minimum of 20 pages of polished, revised writing. More specific details will be given about the portfolios as the time draws closer to turning them in.

WRITING CENTER: The writing center is a resource that is free and available to all students of the university. Writing center consultants are available to look at and respond to all writing, regardless of the stage of the writing process. They are there to assist in your development as a writer. They are not there to proofread and edit your papers. It is located in 101 McIver. Feel free to drop by or make an appointment.

ALL FRESHMAN READ: Each year the university decides on a theme that is to be focused on, as much as possible, by all departments. The theme for the 2001-2002 academic year is The Sciences. The English department selects a work in accordance with this theme to be read by all 101 students in preparation for the authors arrival to speak on his or her work. Attendance at this function is mandatory or you will lose points toward your final grade. The date is set for October 25, 2001. Please record this date on your calendars.

If at any point you should have comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to either call or come by my office.