Class Description: The aim of this course is to help you become better readers,
writers, and thinkers—yes, thinkers. You will learn to perform these
skills more critically and more deeply, which will help you in other courses
as well as in “real” life. The goal of this course is also to
broaden your world, so approach both the subject matter and the course format
with an open mind. My goal is that you will become more confident in your
ability to write for a variety of purposes and that you will discover how
writing matters to your thinking.
Student Learning Goals include:
1. Communicate effectively and clearly through speaking and writing
2. Interpret and evaluate argumentative discourse
3. Construct cogent, logical and critical arguments
4. Communicate those arguments clearly, coherently and effectively
5. Locate, synthesize, and evaluate relevant information
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the aims and methods of intellectual discourse
Course Materials:
REQUIRED TEXTS:
•
Writing Matters, UNCG Composition Department
•
Scenes of Writing and Little Brown Handbook Bundle
•
M-A-C-N-O-L-I-A By A. Van Jordan
•
**There will be additional readings posted on e-reserve or handed out in class.
Please be prepared for some additional expense for printing.
REQUIRED ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:
•
A Writer’s Notebook –A 3 ring binder w/ loose leaf paper and 5
sections.
•
Two Folders
•
Paper and Pen in class everyday
•
The ability to print either in your dorm room or a card with funds for the
computer lab.
OTHER:
•
Online access (available in library or any computer lab on campus)
•
Email Address – This is the best way to communicate with me outside of
class.
•
Blackboard Account – (http://blackboard.uncg.edu)-
o YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO CHECK BLACKBOARD REGULARLY.
Classroom Community and Courtesy
This class will be a writing and learning community. You will be responsible
for evaluating and delivering constructive criticism to your fellow classmates
as well as discussing “risky” topics. While learning about certain
subjects, it is inevitable for us to get uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it
is not appropriate for us to be disrespectful. Although students should view
the classroom as a safe place to express ideas, any behavior that is discriminatory
or otherwise isolating to other students will not be tolerated. We will tackle
all issues as learning issues. We will not threaten, belittle, intimidate,
blame, or mock anyone. If you do, you may be withdrawn from class. We have
a responsibility to one another to create a healthy learning environment
that does not promote hostility or discrimination. We must maintain a mutual
respect and behave in such a way that does not disrupt our community.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
1. Formal Papers: You will write at least 3 formal papers, each about 3-5 typed
pages. You will receive assignment sheets on each of these essays, with specific
instructions. Late papers will not be accepted. If you fail to turn in a paper,
your grade will suffer. All papers MUST be TYPED, DOUBLE-SPACED, 1” MARGINS
ON ALL SIDES, and in 12-POINT TIMES NEW ROMAN or ARIAL FONT. Some essays will
require a cover letter. ALL will require multiple drafts.
2. Writer’s Notebook: This is a loose-leaf BINDER for your in-class writings,
journals and responses, brainstorming, drafts, etc. Your notebook will need
to have 5 ORGANIZED SECTIONS: Free Writes, Journals, Drafts and Essays, MacNolia,
Class Notes/Handouts. Since everything you write in this class is a potential
piece for your portfolio, keep all the informal writing you do both in and
out of class.
I will check these at least twice during the semester. This will be a significant
part of your final grade.
3. Journals: You will write in your journal 2 times week. Once a week I will give you a prompt to respond to and once a week you are required to respond to a reading from the week or a discussion we have in class. You must write each week for 15-20 minutes on each assignment. I will collect these in a separate folder about every 2 weeks. You may handwrite or type.
4. In-Class Writing Leadership: Each class member will take a turn as the in-class writing leader. You will present your topic for the class in pairs. Students will bring in a topic for the class to write about for the first 15 minutes of class. The leader’s responsibilities for the day include: 1) bringing in a topic 2) sharing it with the class 3) keeping time, and finally, 4) leading a brief discussion of what the class wrote. Bring in whatever you want for topics: poems, news items, photographs, songs, brief video clips…whatever! (If you will need special audio-visual equipment, let me know ahead of time so we can be ready). You shouldn’t come to class empty handed. Just find something that catches your attention and you think others might be interested in, too. You will be required to hand in a typed reflection the class period after your Writing Leader Presentation.
5. Class Participation/Group Work/Workshop Participation: To participate in my class means: 1) to answer and ask questions; 2) to volunteer to read; 3) to bring in supporting material that relates to the lesson; 4) to be an active member of your group; and 5) to share your ideas with the class. Speak up and tell us what you are thinking. Just remember to be respectful of your classmates’ opinions. Throughout the semester, you will work in groups since this is one of the best ways to learn from each other. Each person will be expected to contribute equally. Before each formal paper is due we will devote class time to reading each other’s drafts and providing helpful advice. Do not miss these workshop days and do not show up without a draft. If you fail to produce a draft on the due date, your grade will SUFFER.
6. Portfolios: At midterm you will submit a reflection letter of your worksofar. At the end of the semester you will submit a writing portfolio for evaluation. Your portfolio will include some final versions of your essays, drafts of these essays in progress, and excerpts from informal writings, as well as a reflective introductory letter. More specific information on the portfolios will be given later in the semester. But KEEP EVERYTHING!
7. Conferences: You will
meet with me for one on one conferences AT LEAST two times during the semester.
More details will be provided. Please feel
free,
however, to see me anytime during the semester if you feel you need some
advice or assistance with course work.
A missed conference equals an absence. Bring your drafts, works in progress,
questions, etc.
8. Attendance: In this type of class, attendance is crucial. There are no
excused absences.
You are allowed FOUR absences. More than four absences will hurt your grade
and after seven you will fail the class. Additionally, tardiness is rude and
disruptive. Being more than 10 minutes late to class twice will count as an
absence and 25 minutes or more = an absence. Finally, if you miss class it
is your responsibility to contact me or a classmate to find out what you have
missed. An absence is not an excuse for being unprepared for the next class.
I reserve to right to alter to this policy in special circumstances. If you
have an emergency, please speak to me on an individual basis.
Please turn of all phones, pagers, etc. No text messaging or use of laptops during class time.
Grades/ Late/Missed Work:
The grading in this course may be different from what you're accustomed to.
It may be difficult to adjust to at first but there aren’t really grades
in this class. Grades will only be given at midterm & on the final project
instead of on individual assignments. At midterm you will hand-in a midterm
reflection letter and I will respond with a grade-so-far. At the end of the
term you will hand in a final portfolio, which will receive a letter grade.
If at anytime you are unsure of how you are doing in the class, let me know.
I want to stress that it is not the final product that matters as much to
your portfolio grade but that you devote yourself to true revisions of your
texts. Your final grade will be determined as follows:
•
40% Writer’s Notebook
•
20% Participation (includes, but is not limited to attendance, class/group
discussion/activities/writings, individual/group presentations)
•
40% Final portfolio (approx. 20 polished pages of writing)
You will get credit for all work completed on time which will count towards your final grade. In lieu of letter grades on each assignment, you will get comments that will lead you in your revision. Late work is unacceptable. If you are absent you need to get your work to me AHEAD of time, not when you return to class.
Disability Clause: 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.
Plagiarism: 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 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. This is a serious offence that could result in failing the course or expulsion from the college. Read the Plagiarism Statement in Writing Matters.
Writing Center Info: This resource is available for all students who want to get feedback on drafts in progress. It is not designed as a proofreading service; however, they will teach you to develop ideas, organize, edit, compose and proofread your own paper. In other words, they will help you help yourself. Every time you visit, the Writing Center will send me a note saying you've been there (a great way to let me know you've been really trying). The Writing Center is located in 101 McIver and is open M-Th 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., F 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday evenings, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Call 334-3125 for an appt. or just drop in!
TENTATIVE Important Dates:
Fri., August 19th – Last day to adjust schedule (add/drop) Thurs., 10/13 – Begin
Discussion and Presentations of MacNolia (have book completed or at least ½)
Mon., September 6th – School Closed - Labor Day Wed., 10/19 – Author
Van Jordan visits 3:30 EUC Cone Ballroom
Tues., 9/13 – Essay #1 Due Thurs., 11/17 – Essay #3 Due
Sun., Oct. 2nd – Midterm Reflection Emailed to me by 5 PM. Thurs., Nov.
24th - Holiday – No Class
Tues., 10/ 4- Essay #2 Due Tues, Nov. 29th and Thurs. Dec. 1st
No Class – Conferences
Thurs., 10/6 – No Class
Instructor Away at Conference Fri., Dec. 2nd– FINAL PORTFOLIOS DUE between
10:00 and 2:00 in my office
Fri., Oct. 7th - Last day to drop w/o academic penalty Thurs., Dec. 8th – Portfolios
returned in my office between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Tues., 10/11 – No Class Fall Break
WHAT THE TEACHER WANTS
Due to prior educational experiences, many students believe the best way to
succeed in a class is to figure out what the teacher wants. I am here to tell
you that this class is not a game that you need to “figure out.” The
way to succeed is to THINK for yourself, WRITE often and about everything,
and to READ – Read EVERYTHING. I want you to determine what you need
to take from this class because I am not here to waste your time and I certainly
don’t feel this class is merely a requirement you just need to “get
through.” I think it is important that you learn early to take responsibility
for your own education –
If you’re not convinced, well then here, here’s what the teacher
wants:
? You to be involved in the course. She wants you to be engaged and excited
about what you’re learning.
? You to save EVERYTHING – every scribble on every scrap of paper.
? You to revise and revise and revise and revise….
? You to make a real attempt to work collaboratively, to learn WITH and FROM other students. She wants you to make friends.
? You to realize that reading it very important to your learning to write. She wants you to be an involved reader. She wants you to recognize that you all have diverse reading preferences. She wants you to recognize that she can’t please “all of the students all the time,” so she wants you to spend some time thinking about, discussing what we should be reading.
? You to give her space and the opportunity to challenge your thinking. She wants you to challenge and change the thinking of others, including her own thinking. She wants to learn from you.
? You to come to see writing and reading as a sometimes painful but often pleasurable, rewarding, fulfilling, “fun” activity.
? You to make connections between, to integrate what you already know (or think you know) with what you’re learning.
? You to learn about your writing process so that you will be better prepared to write for all of your future assignments when you leave her class.
There. That’s what the Teacher wants!