Breaking Boundaries Through Exploration  

Instructor: Ms. Emily Clark Office: 01G Petty Science
Office Hours: MW 10 - 11:30 and by appointment
E-Mail: eclarkl@triad.rr.com

We all think, read, and write in order to communicate. However, how we do these things changes dramatically when we learn and is a life process. In order to do these things well, which essentially helps us accomplish all kinds of things (getting a job, watching the news, writing letters), we must think of reading and writing not just in the context of Shakespeare, but as part of everyday experiences.

This course will begin with basic writing principles and progress toward more complex discussions and writings about what we observe around us and our society. By writing about these things now, you will become better writers who are more prepared to write about Shakespeare, Biology, Economics, etc.

Students will learn through intensive reading and writing:
1. To produce and interpret argumentative writing that synthesizes and assimilates their own views and views of others (sources)
2. To support a well developed thesis with evidence through argument
3. To use appropriate research materials
4. To revise writing using criticism of others
5. To analyze their own and others intellectual discourse
6. To understand the importance of scholastic honesty and ethics of communication
7. To use images and literature as a springboard for exploration

Barrett, Andrea. Ship Fever. New York: Norton, 1996.
Cisneros, Sandra. Woman Hollering Creek. New York: Vintage, 1991.
McQuade, Donald and Christine McQuade. Seeing and Writing. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000.
Writing Matters: A Guide To English 101.
Required Materials: 3 bradded folders, 1 small 3 ring binder

Late Papers:

No late papers will be accepted unless discussed beforehand with me. Any papers turned in late without my consent will not be read and will not receive any credit.

If you choose to turn in any documents to my office when I am not present, i.e. to my office mates or under my door, you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. I cannot guarantee that I will receive the document unless it is placed in my hands. It is your responsibility to make sure I receive any documents and absolutely no grade changes will be based on missing assignments turned in in this manner. I discourage anyone from handing in papers in this manner unless it is absolutely unavoidable.  

All students are expected to attend class. I will take roll every day. 3 absences will be permitted without effecting your grade. After your third absence, I will deduct 10 points from your final grade for every additional absence. After 7 absences I reserve the right to take further, more serious action. The only exceptions made will be for documented deaths, hospitalization, or university sanctioned events. If you will be participating in a university event you must discuss it with me at least one week prior to your absence in order to avoid damaging your grade.

I will not tolerate tardiness due to the excessive disruption it causes for both myself and the class. I expect you to arrive on time. If you come in after I take roll, it is your responsibility to inform me after class of your attendance. Please prepare for any difficulties ahead of time (parking, eating, etc).

By definition, deliberate plagiarism includes using others' words or ideas directly without any acknowledgment. Accidental plagiarism occurs when others' words are not properly documented or not documented consistently within a document. Any apparent scholastic dishonesty will be promptly reported to the proper authorities and result in a grade of "F" for the course. Any document that does not appear to be deliberate plagiarism but fails to include appropriate documentation will result in a grade of "0."

"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities." If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation, please contact me as soon as possible.  

.Disruptive Behavior:

Any disruptive behavior which interferes with teaching is absolutely and strictly prohibited. All students are expected to act in an appropriate, adult manner.

All 3 formal essays, unless otherwise specified, must be typed on bond paper in 12 pt font with 1 inch margins using MLA format.

We will be doing extensive group work as a way to explore others' ideas and get feedback on your own. This provides a smaller, more individual oriented classroom. Please remain on task at all times and realize that this work is as integral to succeeding in this class as the writing you will complete.

You will be required to write 3 formal essays based on prompts provided by me and related to the issues we will be discussing. Each essay should be 3 - 4 pages. The first essay will be a descriptive essay about your home. The second essay will be a narrative of something personal that happened to you concerning gender. The third will be an essay based on gathering and analyzing social artifacts. 

These activities will represent you as a writer and give you an opportunity to consider your development as a writer both at the midterm and at the end of the course. You will select and revise the essays we will write, along with free writing, in class writing, homework, and a final reflection essay. These will be combined in the brad folder and turned in at both the midterm and end of the semester. These assignments will culminate in your final grade (including absences) so you should save all writing from this class

Midterm Portfolio:

** All final drafts must be typed

The midterm portfolio MUST contain:

1. Introductory Letter to your instructor, dated and signed

2. A fully revised draft of one paper

3. All previous drafts for the revised paper

4. 3 revised class writes  

**All Final drafts must be typed

The final portfolio MUST contain:

1. 3-4 page Final Reflection essay

2. 2 fully revised, polished essays

3. All previous drafts for revised papers

4. 6 revised class writes

Unlike most courses, your work will not be assigned a letter grade except on your Midterm and Final Portfolios. These projects, along with any applicable absences, will compile your grade for this course. The projects will be evaluated and a letter, along with your course grade, will discuss your work, progress, and participation. This system allows us to concentrate more on actual learning, discovery, and growth as writers rather than on individual evaluation. I will comment heavily on each assignment, so you will get an abundance of feedback from me as well as your peers to help your writing process and the end product, which is your portfolio. We will also conference three times during the semester to discuss your portfolio work and the course. Please feel free to come by my office hours if you have any questions about your grade at any point in the semester.

Before each conference it is your responsibility to prepare questions or issues for your appointment. These conferences are for your benefit and I expect you to arrive on time and take advantage of the time constructively. Arriving unprepared for a conference wastes both our time and will effect your grade adversely.

Conference attendance is mandatory. Failing to meet a conference results in an absence. Please refer to the section on conferencing in Writing Matters before attending the first conference.

In addition to conferences, I invite and encourage you to come to my office hours often. I am always happy to took at drafts, offer suggestions, or help you with research.

The Writing Center is located in 101 McIver (334-3125 for appt.) and is a wonderful place to get feedback outside of our class or as a resource when you cannot locate me. They are staffed by English graduate students who are experts at the writing process. They do not edit or proofread, but help you help yourself just as I would. They are also incredibly helpful, nice, and very patient.