Freshman
English
Course Description:
Freshman English is a course
designed to teach effective writing at the college level. You will learn
composition and organization skills that will enable you to write better
and more confidently. Effective writing is a process that requires thought
and practice beyond the classroom. For successful achievement in this course,
you must actively participate in your own instruction.
Course Objectives:
- To become better and more
confident writers.
- To develop greater control
of the writing process (invention, drafting, revision, & proofing).
- To learn critical thinking,
analysis, and argumentation skills.
- To work productively in
peer revision groups.
- To develop a better understanding
of the conventions of standard American English (spelling, punctuation, grammar,
capitalization, etc.).
Required Texts & Supplies:
Barkley, Lawrence, Rise B. Axelrod, and Charles R.
Cooper, eds. Sticks and Stones. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2004.
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference.
5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003.
3.5" diskette (bring to class on lab days)
Notebook with folder
Requirements/Grading:
- Major Essays (60%)
- Assignments / Presentations
/ Peer Review /In-class Exercises and Discussion (30%)
- Final Exam (10%)
100% - 93% =
A
77% - 73% = C
92% - 90% = A-
72% - 70% = C-
89% - 88% =
B+
69% - 68% = D+
87% - 83% = B
67% - 63% = D
82% - 80% = B-
62% - 60% = D-
79% - 78% = C+
Below 60% = F
Attendance:
After reviewing the course requirements,
you will notice that active attendance and participation are vital to a successful
experience in Freshman English. I will be taking attendance. If
you miss class, you also miss the opportunity to submit in-class homework for
that class period.
When returning to class after an absence, it is the student’s responsibility
to find out what content was missed. I won't be tracking you down.
Please talk to another student in the class to find out what information was
missed. If you are still confused, please
ask me for help catching-up.
Late Papers:
Situations sometimes arise when
you are unable to turn in your out-of-class papers on time. This is not good.
Your paper is lowered one letter grade for every day it is late (unless an
acceptable excuse is provided). You should notify me that your paper will
be late as soon as possible.
All Assignments:
All assignments should be typed
and double-spaced. All final drafts for essays must be printed on a laser
quality printer. And, of course, all assignments must be handed in on time.
I don't accept late assignments. Please see my late paper policy above.
Academic Dishonesty Policy:
Individuals are expected to show
honesty in meeting their academic obligations. Examples of violating conduct
include cheating on assignments or examinations and plagiarizing. Probable
sanction: course sanctions, probation, suspension, or expulsion. Students
must provide evidence of significant invention and revision if requested
to do so.
Special Learning Needs:
Every attempt will be made to accommodate
qualified students with disabilities. If you are a student with a documented
disability, please see me as early in the term as possible to discuss necessary
accommodations.
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