English 101, section 9

English Composition 1

MWF 12:00-12:50

Eberhart 355

http://blackboard.uncg.edu

 

Instructor stuff:

Adam Tarleton

Office: 137-F McIver

aptarlet@uncg.edu

Office hours: 11-12 MWF or by appointment

 

The course:

According to the Undergraduate Bulletin, “Students read and write in varied forms, styles, and lengths. Goals include developing ideas and revising writing, experimenting with aims and approaches in producing writing, and understanding appeals to various audiences.”

 

Essentially, English 101 should teach you to think and write on the college level. Writing, after all is not just a means to record thoughts, but a way of thinking in itself. We will read and write and write and revise and write. And write some more. At the end of the semester you should feel confident in your ability to write in a variety of modes for a variety of purposes and audiences. You should discover how writing can matter—must matter—in your life in and outside the university.

 

Officially, the learning goals for English 101 include:

            Writing and evaluating arguments

            Communicating clearly and effectively

            Evaluating and using relevant information

            Understanding aims and methods of intellectual discourse

            Evaluating different viewpoints

 

The necessities:

Texts, available from the university bookstore:

Life Studies: An Analytical Reader, Ed. David Cavitch

Writing Matters

A Writer’s Reference, Diana Hacker

White Noise, Don DeLillo

 

Materials, available from Wal-Mart or any other superstore:

            Three-ring binder

            Looseleaf paper

            Writing utensils

 

Methods and policies:

Attendance:

The bulk of your work this semester will come in the form of short writing assignments and group discussions. You can’t make up this kind of work. Therefore, consistent attendance and participation is absolutely crucial to your success. More than three absences (a week of class) will adversely affect your grade; ten or more absences will result in a failing grade. Please talk with me in advance if you’re concerned about missing a class or a deadline.

 

Assignments:

Four longer essays (3-5 pages each)

Double-entry journal/Dialectical notebook

In-class writing

Online discussion (via Blackboard)

Group discussions and presentations (both formal and informal)

At least three conferences with me

Mid-term and final portfolios

 

Ways to stay on my good side:

TURN CELL PHONES OFF OR LEAVE THEM AT HOME!!!

Show up on time—more than ten minutes late will count as an absence. Similarly, if I am ever more than ten minutes late, you may leave.

Respect other students, the texts, class discussions, and your own work.

 

Grades:

50% attendance, participation, and short assignments

50% final portfolio

 

The Writing Center:

The Writing Center, located in 101 McIver, is an excellent resource to assist in all stages of your writing process—in this class or any you may take at UNCG. The Writing Center is open Monday-Thursday 9-8 and Friday 9-3. For more information, see Writing Matters pp. 28-31 or visit the website:

http://www.uncg.edu/eng/writingcenter

 

Academic Integrity Policy:

As in any other class, the university’s Academic Integrity Policy is in effect on all assignments. If you are ever uncertain about what constitutes cheating/plagiarism, ask me or consult the student handbook or Undergraduate Bulletin.