"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."

Purpose: The purpose of the English 101 is to help you become a better writer and thinker through a more confident and skillful use of language. Dedication in this course will reward you for the rest of your academic career and beyond. Assignments will include readings from several texts, formal and informal writing, and group work; the primary basis for your final grade in English 101 will be a 20-page portfolio of your work that you will revise and compile throughout the semester. Other factors determining your grade are attendance, class participation and contribution to group work.

This course involves exercises, readings and instruction designed to provide you with a variety of skills and strategies for writing and reading in your college courses and everyday life. We will explore the stages of the writing process, from prewriting to revision, touching upon types of styles and technique. You will learn methods for interpreting and evaluating arguments, elements of their construction, and effective means of communicating your own thoughts and beliefs while challenging you to appreciate the perspective of others. Simply put, the best way to improve your writing is through the act of writing; thus, this class is writing intensive. You will learn to write in a wide range of styles, each adapted to the desired effect of the final draft. You will learn that all writing is on some level persuasive, and this course will provide you with tools in the art of persuasion.

Grading: Though you may be unaccustomed to a system that assigns letter grades infrequently, this method of evaluation has proven most effective in cultivating good writing and fostering regular improvement over the length of the semester. Letter grades will only be assigned to the midterm and final portfolio, though you will receive comments from me on formal assignments and credit toward your final grade for work completed on time and in the proper format. See page 99 of Writing Matters for an overview of the qualities of good writing. Additionally, I am accessible at any point during the semester to discuss your development as a writer and your progress in the course.

Dreams and Inward Journeys, Marjorie and Jon Ford

Ship Fever, Andrea Barrett

The Little Brown Handbook (packaged with Dreams and Inward Journeys)

3-ring loose-leaf notebook for portfolio

3-ring loose-leaf notebook for journal and in-class writing assignments

4 revised essays

Writing Notebook (for journals and in-class assignments)

Group activities/presentations

Conferences

Portfolio (20+ pages of polished writing)

Other Materials: Occasionally you may be required to read selections provided in class or placed on e-reserve through the librarys web page. I will provide more information on these materials as necessary.

Writing Notebook: You will need a loose-leaf notebook for journal entries and in-class writing. Because you may decide to revise some of this work for inclusion in your portfolio, it is important to save everything you write for this class. These notebooks will not be formally graded but may be collected from time to time for evaluation.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Your participation is vital to the success of the class as a whole and your performance as an individual; each absence beyond two will lower your final grade by 1/3 of a letter grade, and six or more absences will result in a failing grade. In addition, you are expected to arrive on time, fully prepared to engage in writing exercises and class discussions. Three late arrivals to class will be treated as one full absence. Please discuss any problems affecting your attendance with me as soon as they arise.

Plagiarism: The attempt to submit even a small portion of someone elses work as your own is plagiarism. Intentional plagiarism is cause for automatic failure of the course and will be reported to the Academic Integrity office. See page 102 of Writing Matters for more information on plagiarism; if you still have questions, see me before completing the assignment. When in doubt, cite your sources.

Special Assistance: UNCG provides assistance to students who require unique learning needs. Please speak to me if you need additional support or accommodations due to a disability or medical condition.

The Writing Center: The Writing Center, located in McIver 101, is a free and valuable resource that students can take advantage of throughout their academic career at UNCG. You may set up an appointment by calling 334-3125 or drop in for a session between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm Monday-Thursday and between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on Fridays.

• All papers are due at the beginning of the class for which they are assigned. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• It is important to create a classroom environment that encourages learning and respect for diverse voices and opinions. Behavior that distracts others or is disrespectful is unacceptable. Cell phones and pagers should be turned off during class time.
• Unless otherwise noted, papers should be typed and double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font or an equivalent.

Finally, please feel free to stop by McIver 137 during my office hours or make an appointment if at any time you have concerns or questions, would like to discuss your writing, or simply want to chat. I look forward to working with each of you in making this a productive and enjoyable semester.

This schedule is designed to give you a general overview of readings, writing assignments and dates essays are due. It may be adjusted occasionally. Unless otherwise noted, all readings below are from Dreams and Inward Journeys.

8/21 Introduction to the course

8/23 Reading: Writing Matters, p. 5-25

Journal Entry Due: letter to me on your writing experience

In-class diagnostic

Week 2 (CONFERENCES HELD THIS WEEK)

8/28 Reading: "Hills Like White Elephants," p. 325-30

Writing Matters, p. 26-36

8/30 Reading: Ship Fever, "The Littoral Zone"

9/6 Reading: "The Symbolic Language of Dreams," p. 37-44

9/11 First Draft of Paper One Due

9/13 Reading: Portfolio of Creation Myths, p. 198-202

9/18 Reading: The English Pupil, Ship Fever

9/20 First Draft of Paper Two Due

9/25 Reading: "Muller Bros. Moving & Storage," p. 155-160

9/27 Reading: "The Importance of Dreams," p. 189-197

10/2 Reading: Four Versions of Cinderella, p. 208-220

10/4 First Draft of Paper Three Due in Conferences

FALL BREAK NO CLASS OCTOBER 9

Week 8

10/11 Reading: Ralph Waldo Emerson essay (handout)

10/16 Reading: "Ship Fever," Ship Fever

10/18 Reading: Finish "Ship Fever"

10/23 First Draft of Paper Four Due

10/25 ANDREA BARRETT VISITS

10/30 Reading: Two Versions of Pygmalion, p. 304-307

11/1 Reading: "The Library Card," p. 74-78

11/6 Reading: "The Angel of the Candy Counter," p. 128-133

11/8 First Draft of Paper Five Due

11/13 Reading: "The Book of Sand," p. 96-99

11/15 Reading: "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World," p. 179-183

11/20 Reading: "Hunger," p. 279-284

11/27 Reading: "The Tell-Tale Heart," p. 253-257

11/29 Final Conferences

12/4 Reading: "The Yellow Wallpaper," p. 258-271

12/6 FINAL PORTFOLIOS DUE BY NOON IN MY OFFICE NO LATE PORTFOLIOS WILL BE ACCEPTED