William A. Johnson, Instructor
Office Hours: TR 12:00-1:00
Mailbox: 133 McIver
Office: 334K McIver
wajohnso@uncg.edu
Fall 2004
MWF • 1:00-1:50 • McIver 140
“You owe reality nothing and the truth about your feelings everything.”
-- Richard Hugo’s The Triggering Town
Welcome to English 101. English Composition is a course designed to help you become a better writer through your understanding of rhetoric. Although this is a required course, most students who take 101 realize by the end its importance and how valuable the gift of time devoted to your writing is. You will write. And rewrite. And rewrite. You will get feedback from me and from your peers as you shape your writing into your final portfolio (20 pages of polished writing).
This is a course where you will need to be an active participant. It is my goal to hear from each of you during each class period as we discuss ideas about writing and our readings. You will frequently work in small groups and may occasionally present to the class in groups or individually.
Learning Goals
Writing and evaluating arguments
Communicating clearly and effectively
Evaluating and using relevant information
Understanding aims and methods of intellectual discourse
Evaluating different viewpoints
Required Materials (always bring text to class, failure to do so will result
in ½ an absence)
Books:
Just War: A Wadsworth Casebook in Argument
Other:
Articles on E-Reserve
Attendance: ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. You are allowed TWO absences during the semester—NO EXCEPTIONS. If you miss three days you will lose 2 points from your final total; if you miss four days you will lose 4 points; five days, 6 points; if you miss six or more days you will automatically fail the course.
If you are late to class or leave early from class, it counts as ½ an
absence.
Absences include illness, sporting events, car accidents, acts of nature, etc.
In other words, an absence is an absence. I do not need a note form the health
center or police department, as it will make absolutely no difference.
If you are absent on the day of a conference, a quiz, a paper is due, a workshop, etc. you not only receive two absences, you also get a zero for the missed assignment.
If you do not miss a class (and are on time each day) you will receive seven extra points toward your final grade.
Academic Misconduct: Using someone else’s ideas or words as your own on any assignment is plagiarism. It is a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy as defined in the student handbook (pg. 213) or at www.uncg.edu/saf/studiscp/Honor.html and will be treated as such. If you are concerned about inadvertently violating this policy, please see me before completing the assignment. For further clarification read pg. 102 in Writing Matters.
Classroom Etiquette: Respect for others is expected. Any behavior that distracts (eating, talking while others are talking, etc.) or is disrespectful (personal attacks, etc.) is unacceptable. Students may be asked to leave the classroom if they choose to act in such a way. Cell phones and pagers should be turned off during class time. You can be reached during class at the department phone number (334-5311) in case of an emergency.
Grading and Late Work: The grading in the course may be different from what you’re accustomed to; grades will only be given on the final portfolio instead of on individual assignments. You will still receive credit for all work completed on time which will count towards your final grade. Rather than letter grades on each assignment you will receive comments that will lead you in your revision. You will receive a midterm evaluation so that you may measure your progress in the class. Late work is not accepted.
25% Attendance/Participation
25% Weekly Writings/Drafts on Time
50% Final Portfolio
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability that could affect your performance in this course or for which you need accommodation, please contact me and/or the office of Disability Services at 334-5440.
Writing Center: The Writing Center is located in 101 McIver. It is open Monday-Thursday 9:00-8:00 and Friday 9:00-3:00. You may make an appointment by calling 334-3125. The Writing Center is very valuable resource for your writing in this class and for your other classes. Two of your papers must be reviewed/critiqued by the Writing Center.
Policy on Written Work: Use the following format for all drafts of essays: Double-space, 1” top and bottom margins, 1.25 left and right, and a 12 pt. “times” font.
Assignments failing to use the specified spacing, font, or margins will not be accepted.
It is your responsibility to bring the required number of copies of each assignment to class. Failure to bring in the required number of copies will result in your receiving a zero for the assignment.
ENG 101-95: Attendance Waiver
Attendance: ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. You are allowed TWO absences during the
semester—NO EXCEPTIONS. If you miss three days you will lose 2 points
from your final total; if you miss four days you will lose 4 points; five days,
6 points; if you miss six or more days you will automatically fail the course.
If you are late to class or leave early from class, it counts as ½ an
absence.
Absence include illness, sporting events, car accidents, acts of nature,
etc. In other words, an absence is an absence. I do not need a note form
the health center or police department, as it will make absolutely no difference.
If you are absent on the day of a conference, a quiz, a paper is due, a workshop, etc. you not only receive two absences, you also get a zero for the missed assignment.
If you do not miss a class (and are on time each day) you will receive seven extra points toward your final grade.
I understand and agree to abide by the ENG 101-95 attendance policy.
Name: _________________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________