English 102

Spring 2000

First-year composition

Required Texts:

Hacker, Diana.  A Pocket Style Manual. 2^nd ed.  Boston:  Bedford Books, 1997.

Prineas, Sarah, Lori Church, and Adrian Wurr, eds.  A Student�s Guide to First-Year Composition.  Edina:  Burgess Publishing, 1999.

A good college dictionary such as the American Heritage, Random House, or Webster's.

Other required materials

• Access to Microsoft Word

• Several regular floppy discs formatted for PC computers

• A sturdy compact folder to be used for turning in portfolios- this should be a two-pocket folder- do not use a three ring binder.

• Copies of your work as needed for class and group discussion

• A u.arizona.edu e-mail account

Overview of the Course:

     The purpose of this course is to improve your ability to write in a clear and effective manner for the purpose of communication.  This skill will be crucial in your success as a student at the University of Arizona, no matter what your eventual field of study.  This course will further develop many of the skills which you began to utilize in English 101/7: analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and expression.  In English 102 you will write about texts.  We will read essays, articles, short stories, and a novel, and look at the way the ideas from these works are presented.  We will examine what motivated the authors to write their works, and how the social, historical, and political context in which they were written influenced them.

     You will write three major papers for this course as well as making a presentation on one of the major papers.  Other writing assignments will include several major in-class essays, including an initial writing evaluation, a mid-term exam, a final in-class writing evaluation, and a final exam.  In addition, you are required to keep a journal.

Evaluation:

     To successfully complete this course you must turn in all assignments on time, come to class prepared to discuss the assigned materials, attend class and conferences, and participate in the in-class workshops and on-line discussions.  If you do not submit all the major assignments and complete the exams it is highly unlikely you will receive a passing grade.  When the final draft of papers are turned in they must be accompanied by all of the following materials in a two-pocket folder:

• Final and rough drafts on disc

• Final draft on paper (please turn in 2 copies-one will be returned & the other kept for my records)

• Rough draft(s) (on paper)

• Associated journal entries

• Peer review feedback

• Copies of research materials (in particular, sections of work quoted

Late papers will be lowered one letter grade for each day of the week (Monday - Sunday) that they are late.  Evaluation of your essay will consider content, organization, expression, mechanics, development of ideas, and maturity of thought.  Essays are due at the beginning of the class period- essays brought in at the end of the class period will be considered late.

Writing Assignments:

Under this system the attainment of an "A" grade requires at least 900 points; a "B" requires 800; a "C" 700; and a "D" requires at least 600 points.  The University of Arizona does not give "+" or "-" final grades.

Questions Regarding Grades:

     It is natural that students will have questions regarding their grades on the essays over the course of the semester.  I am always happy to discuss your grade with you, but I have several requirements regarding such discussions:

1.      You must wait at least one class period before such a discussion.

2.      You must have read all of my comments thoroughly.

3.      You must be ready to ask me intelligent questions regarding your paper and the grade for that paper (comments such as "But I really worked hard" are not strong arguments).

Essay Format:

     All essays must utilize the MLA manuscript format and be documented according to the MLA style, which will be discussed further in class and is discussed in Hacker's manual.  All essays must be typed and double-spaced (12-point type, 1-inch margins).  The use of a separate title page, in following with MLA format, is optional.  Do not skip additional lines between paragraphs and remember to number your pages.  Finally, please staple your paper before turning it in.  Remember- you must keep copies of each draft and the final draft on disc, as you must turn in these on disc as well.  So, when you start on a second draft give it a different name so that it is not copied over (e.g. "The merits of education, draft one"; "The merits of education, draft two").

Course Policies:

     Attendance:  In order to be successful in this class regular attendance is absolutely essential.  The class discussion of the readings, the in-class writings, and the writing workshops will all aid in the writing of your essays and in your own development as a writer.  The English Department policy requires me to drop you from this class if you miss more than two classes over the course of the semester (or 3 if you are in a MWF class).  You are also required to attend the two conferences that take place out of class.  A missed class counts as an absence.  I take attendance (via an attendance sheet) at the start of every class.  If you miss the start of class it is your responsibility to sign the sheet before you leave.  In the event that you do miss a class it is essential that you contact me (ahead of time if possible) as you are responsible for any missed work.  

     Tardiness:  While it is acceptable to be occasionally late, habitual tardiness (as determined by the instructor) or cases of extreme tardiness (more than 30 minutes late) will result in an absence.

     Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism: The Code of Academic Integrity, which is available through the Office of the Dean of Students, must be followed by all students at the University of Arizona.  Please read the section in the Student's Guide on this topic (pp. 119-121).

     Classroom Interaction: The Student Code of Conduct, which is issued by the Dean of Students, is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.  This means, among other things, that your should always: come to class prepared, cooperate with your classmates in small-group activities; cooperate with me by coming to class prepared to ask questions, both in-class and during conferences; and by using all the components of this course to expand your skills and abilities in writing.

The Writing Center:

     The Writing Center provides help for ANY students who wish it.  This is not simply a place to go if you feel you are a poor writer, although it would be very helpful for these students too.  The Center is a great place for students to get one-on-one help with your paper- use it!  The Writing Center is located at 1031 N. Mountain and may be reached by phone at 621-3182. 

Syllabus Notes:

     The readings that are assigned have several purposes: First, they will expose you to sides of important issues that are common sources of debate and social controversy in the United States.  Second, they will help you to get ideas for subjects you may wish to write about in this class.  Third, they will provide topics for you to write about in your journal.