| Dr. Janice R. Walker Department of Writing and Linguistics Georgia Southern University P. O. Box 8026 Statesboro, GA 30460 |
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Instructor Contact Information
This course focuses on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, including an introduction to a variety of research skills. Students will learn to:
- focus on a purpose.
- use conventions of format and structure appropriate to various situations.
- understand a writing assignment as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing appropriate sources.
- use a variety of technologies in the writing process.
- develop flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proof-reading.
- demonstrate competent use of syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
ENGL 1101 is a course in writing, not grammar. Those with serious grammatical or mechanical problems may have difficulty meeting the course goals and are advised to take steps such as reviewing a good handbook or enrolling in WRIT 1120, Grammar and Punctuation Review. Consultants in the University Writing Center in Room 1119 in the Forest Drive Building can offer a wide range of valuable assistance with writing projects. Free tutoring is also available in the Academic Success Center's Tutoring Program (see their Web site at http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/tutorial/index.html for more information).
Required Textbooks
Required Texts:
- Wysocki, Anne Frances, and Dennis A. Lynch. Compose, Design, Advocate: A Rhetoric for Integrating Written, Visual, and Oral Communication. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. ISBN-10: 0321117786 | ISBN-13: 9780321117786
- Any good college dictionary.
- A good handbook of grammar and usage, such as The Longman Handbook or the Harbrace Handbook.
- A style guide such as The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
(MLA), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (APA), the Columbia
Guide to Online Style (COS), or other style guide appropriate for
your major (check with the reference librarians to locate a suitable style
manual).
Honesty
All members of the academic community recognize the necessity of being honest with themselves and with others. The integrity of the educational experience is diminished by cheating in class, plagiarizing, lying, and employing other methods of deceit or dishonesty. (See Student Conduct Code for definitions of Academic Dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarizing.) The need for honest relations among all members of the community is essential. Students will be held responsible for academic integrity and honesty in all work done in this course. The instructor retains the right to set the minimum academic penalty for dishonesty in the course.
Class Listserv
All
students will join, read, and contribute to the class listserv.
You are required to make 10 postings during the semester as stipulated
in the schedule of assignments. You also
need to read each other's postings; you will not get credit if you
merely repeat information others have already posted. You may
choose to post more than once per week, either responding to other
students' posts, asking questions regarding assignments, readings, or
class discussions, or discussing topics of interest to the general
student population. Spamming, use of inappropriate language, or
posting of inappropriate materials will not be tolerated. It is your listserv, and as such it is up to you (the students) to police it.
Postings should be substantive
(that is, they should actually have something to say) and should be
approximately 250 words in length, consider good format for email, and
reflect an awareness of the rhetorical situation of which they are a
part.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. My attendance policy is firm: no excuses are allowed. However, missed assignments may be made up. It is the student's responsibility to find out any assignments or information missed as a result of tardiness or absence. Please make arrangements with another student early in the semester to ensure that, should you need to be absent, you will still have access to this information. Late assignments will automatically be lowered one full letter grade, or 10% (again, no excuses; save your creativity for your essays).
Grades
Distribution of final grade:
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For information on assessment of writing, see the Department of Writing and Linguistics overview on Writing Assessment..
Writing Center
Don't forget that the University Writing Center, located in in the Forest Drive Building, Room 1119, is one of your most important resources as a student at Georgia Southern University. The consultants in the center will give you one-on-one help with any paper you're working on for any class on campus, including this one. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the feedback and advice they can give you. Call 871-1413 for an appointment, or feel free to just drop in.
Regents' Test
Students enrolled in ENGL 1101 have automatically been scheduled to take the Regents' Test at a time that fits their class schedules. You MUST attempt the Regent's Test in order to be eligible to enroll in ENGL 1102 (even if you do not pass it). Please check WINGS for your test date. For more information on the Regents' Exam, see http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/writling/?cat=FirstYearWriting&id=Regents.
Assignments
The schedule of assignments is a tentative one and is provided for planning purposes only. Students are expected to check the schedule frequently for changes, and to complete all assigned readings and coursework as shown by the dates listed. Additional information on assignments may be added to this site and/or discussed in class. It is the student's responsibility to find out any assignments or information missed as a result of tardiness or absence. (See also Attendance policy above).