Spring 2014 1
WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Fairbanks Campus
School of Languages and Literature
English 1301
Wayland Baptist University Mission Statement: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students
in an academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for professional
success, and service to God and humankind.
Course Name: ENGL 1301 Composition and Rhetoric
Term and Year: Spring 2014
Full Name of Instructor: Alyson Johns-Robinson
Contact Information:
Phone: 907-385-1084
E-mail: alyson.johns-robinson@wayland.wbu.edu
Office hours are by appointment. My policy is to be available for my students. If you need to meet
with me before class, after class, or at another location such as the Wayland office, I am able to do
so. Please feel free to call me between 9:30 am (after my first cup of coffee) and 10:30 pm. I do not
check my e-mail regularly. If you have question, please call or text me.
Class Meeting Time and Location:
Location: Feb. 24-May 17th
Wednesday: 6:00 pm (18:00 hours)-10:00 pm (22:00 hours).
Catalog Description: Principles of clear, correct, effective expository writing, with illustrative readings
and frequent essays and conferences are an essential part of 1301
Prerequisite: None
Required Textbook and Resources:
Required:
One colored pen
Microsoft Word/Computer Access: For the most part, Open Office does not always load into
Blackboard and Note does not format, please use Word.
Class Texts:
Reinking, James A., and von der Osten, Robert. Strategies for Successful Writing 10th edition
ISBN: 9780205883110
Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference, 7th Edition + Writing in the Disciplines ISBN: 9780312601430
Optional Materials: Notecards
The instructor will provide any other optional materials.
Course Outcome Competencies: Upon the conclusion of this course, students actively engaged in
learning will be able to:
1. Apply standard rules and conventions of the English language to written expressions.
2. Summarize the steps and components of the writing process.
3. Compose academic, nonfiction essays or responses in at least four different rhetorical modes or
style.
4. Demonstrate basic college-level research skills.
5. Employ active reading strategies.
The more the student puts into the course, the higher his or her outcome competencies will be.
Spring 2014 2
Attendance Requirements: As stated in the Wayland Catalog, students enrolled at one of the
University’s external campuses should make every effort to attend all class meetings. All absences must
be explained to the instructor, who will then determine whether the omitted work may be made up. When
a student reaches that number of absences considered by the instructor to be excessive, three, the
instructor will so advise the student and file an unsatisfactory progress report with the campus executive
director. Any student who misses 25 percent or more of the regularly scheduled class meetings may
receive a grade of F in the course. Additional attendance policies for each course, as defined by the
instructor in the course syllabus, are considered a part of the University’s attendance policy.
Any student, who does not miss any class, except for documented TDY, will receive a 15 point bonus on
his or her final grade.
The instructor encourages students to establish a “study buddy” so that if a student does miss class, the
student does not get behind.
Life happens and if there are any extenuating circumstances, please speak to the instructor (please
remember that communication is your responsibility and explaining issues after the fact prevents any
assistance). Homework assignments, especially Blackboard assignments, are expected to be turned in
regardless of absence.
Disability Statement: “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the
policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational
program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator
of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 2913765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for accommodations.”
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria:
Grading will be done on a points scale:
900-1000 A or 90-100%
800-900 B or 80-90%
700-800 C or 70-80%
600-700 D or 60-70%
Below 600 F or below 60%
Grading Rubric
Class: Individual/
Team Participation:
100 points
Written assignments:
275 total points
Journal
150 total points
Midterm/Quizzes
100 points
Exercises
150 total points
Final Project/ Research paper: 225 total points
Final Research breakdown:
Rough Draft/outline-50 points
Content and Communication-35
Works Cited-40 points
Grammar/Editing Guide-30 points
Paragraph and Format-30 points
Revision and ISEA elements-40 points
*Late assignments will receive a 10% point deduction per day on the assignment grade. Late
assignments a week late will not be accepted with the exception of a documented military TDY or
exercise. If there are extenuating circumstances, please speak to me. My ESP is broken.
** The more a student devotes to his or her learning, the more the student learns and is able to apply his
or her knowledge to the world at large and his or her academic career.
Spring 2014 3
Class/Team Participation
1301 is a workshop-based writing course. Students are expected to engage weekly in groups-teams for
editing, brainstorming, discussion, homework, analysis, logistics, and writing rough drafts. Therefore,
students must be prepared to bring their work with them to class. Students are expected to act in a
professional manner when editing. Individual participation is defined as contributing to class discussion,
asking questions, debating ethically and professionally with your peers and the instructor, completing
bookwork, and bringing rough drafts and outlines to class. Rough Drafts for essays are not accepted as
students lose the value of peer-review.
Extra Credit: There is no out-of-class extra credit. Some group work is counted as extra credit and
cannot be made up. If a student finds a Blackboard error, that student will earn +.25 points on his or her
final grade.
Writing Assignments:
The only way to learn to write is to write. Students will be learning the process of writing and various
writing skills that they will use throughout their academic career. Each assignment will build upon the
other. Students will be writing in class and at home. Students will be writing 5 papers of varying lengths,
starting with shorter papers and ending with a full research paper. Papers will typed, 11 size Times New
Roman font, double spaced, one-inch margins and MLA style. The instructor will provide more
information during the first night of class. Papers have minimum lengths, those lengths mean to the
bottom of the minimum paper requirement.
Reading Assignments:
Reading assignments are paramount to the writing process. One cannot learn to write without reading and
one cannot learn to write without writing. Students are expected to read the assigned work before class as
indicated on syllabus and engage in active reading (which will be taught). Reading assignments are
usually limited to 20 pages. Students should be prepared to discuss styles, argue positions, critique and
analyze readings. The instructor believes that all opinions, views and literary analysis are valid and
important to the class and each student deserves the right to be treated with dignity and respect
regardless of differing opinions. Whilst engaging in class discussion, students are expected to respect
differing views and opinion of classmates.
Research Paper:
A 8-12 page research paper will be due at the end of the semester. Topics must be approved. The
instructor will be walking students through the research process and does not expect students to enter
1301 with a grasp on research or research techniques. The instructor will explain the research process in
detail and provide further information during class.
Tests, Quizzes and In-Class Work
There will be a midterm, however, there will be NO FINAL EXAM. The Research Paper will act in
lieu of a final. At times, there will be unannounced quizzes . Quizzes cannot be made up. Quizzes
provide an assessment of whom is reading the assignments, studying and who is not. The instructor will
provide more details regarding papers on the first night of class. Students will be doing in-class work and
should be prepared by bringing their book to class each night.
Journal Entries
Students will be responding in Journal entries weekly in class regardless of them being listed in the
Tentative Homework Assignments. They are submit via Blackboard in the Weekly Assignments. Journal
entries cannot be made up.
Spring 2014 4
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. Students will be expected to sign a form regarding plagiarism. A
student who engages in plagiarism will be automatically given an F for the course.
Literary Writing
Papers written in any English class are written as if they were to be submitted to a literary academic
journal. The instructor will provide more information on the expectations of literary writing. Therefore,
directions for each essay assignment are provided so that the student can achieve the goal of literary
writing.
Professor/Student Meetings and Communication and Philosophy:
If a student needs to speak to the instructor, the instructor is available. Please note: student/instructor
meetings and discussions are confidential. Because of the hours of class, many times students need to
meet before class or after. Please respect the confidentiality of your fellow students. If you cannot meet
either before class or after, I am available by phone from 9:30 am (after my coffee) until around 10:30
pm. Please feel free to call at home. I usually arrive an hour before class and can meet with any student
during that time and am willing to stay after class.
Self-Initiation:
Students must expect some individual initiation in their own learning process. The professor is available
to guide you, provide lectures, and walk you through the course. Students should expect to engage is
some outside research if needed as research is a part of academic writing. The Professor will assist
students with any difficulties; however, students are the main motivator in their learning process.
Technology
The instructor will be using technology on a weekly basis.
Do not bring your laptop to class. If you do happen to bring your laptop, please leave it OFF.
Turn off your cell phone and do not text your friends during class or you will be asked to leave.
Please keep your cell phone off the desk/table, do not pull it out during class, or leave it in your lap.
*If there are extenuating circumstances please speak to the instructor before or after class.
Tentative Homework Schedule:
The syllabus is subject to change at times and at the Professor’s discretion. Reading assignments are usually
limited to 20 pages per week. Students can expect a 2 week turn-around between submission and receiving
graded papers.
Week 1 Goals: Feb. 26
Lecture: Introduction, Syllabus, Active Reading and note taking, the mechanics of writing, Building a
Thesis, Outline Basics
Bring the following to class:
 Text books, paper, and coloured pen (these items should always be brought to class). (Some
students may not have their books during the first week of class, please seek out a “study buddy”
if you do not have your text yet).
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:
 Read Charles Bazerman. A Relationship between Reading and Writing: The Conversational
Model. pgs. 656-661 (Found in Blackboard under Journal Articles)
 Answer the following in complete sentences and explain in 4-5 complete sentences: What words
were you unfamiliar with? What were the definitions? Why is reading important to writing? Why
did the author write the article? To what issues does the author refer?
 Spring Board for Journal Entry
 Find a picture in a magazine and bring it to class.
Spring 2014 5
Week 2 Goals: March 5
Lecture: Sentence structure and mechanics, thesis statements and essay building, “Parrot Sketch
Included” Create outline/mind-map or five-questions mapping for Description paper based on picture.
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:
 Write Description Paper (450-500 words).Correct MLA format is worth 3 points. Submit to
SafeAssign by March 11th, 11:59 pm or 23:59 pm
 Write Journal Entry: Possible topic, Why do you read or not read?
 Read, Maring, Gerald. The Impact of Reading. (in Blackboard under Journal Articles)
 Answer the questions on page 449 of the article in 3-5 sentences when applicable.
Week 3 Goals: March 12
LIBRARY TOUR MEET AT NOEL WINN LIBRARY IN FAIRBANKS MANDATORY
In-Class work: 100-113. Lecture: Introduction to Works Cited and Research and Cause and Effect.
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:.
 Create Cause and Effect outline or mind map and Cause and Effect Rough Draft (760-1000)
Submit via SafeAssign by Marc 25th , 23:59 or 11:59 pm .
 Begin Works Cited
 Read pgs. 100-top of 103, 109-112 and answer evens on pg. 112
 Write Journal
Spring Break March 17-21. No homework is assigned during the break; however, late assignments
run into the break.
Week 4 Goals: March 26 Bring Laptop to Class
Nuts-n-Bolts of a Research Paper and analyzing data. Submit Cause and Effect Outline and Rough Draft
to SafeAssign and bring Cause and Effect Rough Draft (3-4 pgs.) to class. Bring in magazine article on an
ethical issue i.e. death penalty, welfare reform, obesity, HFCS, animal testing etc….
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:
 Read Scanlon, Patrick. Student Plagiarism On-line: How do We React? Pgs. 161-165. Found in
Journal Articles in Blackboard.
 Follow directions in SafeAssign and summarize the article in 250 words, at least 5 sentences per
question. What is your understanding of plagiarism? What are some ways students can prevent
plagiarism? Why are Universities so concerned with plagiarism? Should High Schools be?
 Finish Work Cited quiz submit to SafeAssign April 1st . 23:59 or 11:59 pm .
 Submit Cause and Effect paper to SafeAssign by April 1st , 23:59 or 11:59 pm.
 Write Journal
Week 5:April 2 Midterm review
Lecture. Lecture: Ethical Definition Paper Introductory. (Please note: a picture will be shown during this
lecture. Anyone who is sensitive may step out of the room. Everyone has the right to be offended or
sensitive to certain subjects without penalty and treated with respect to their sensitivity).
Homework Assigned at End of Class
 Write Ethical Definition Rough Draft and outline (1000-1250 words, you should have at least 875
words finished). Submit RD to SafeAssign by April 9th 23:59 or 11:59 pm and bring a Hard
Copy to class.
 Study for midterm (midterm review)
 Write Journal Entry
 Read pgs. 267-273. Answer questions 1-5 pg. 273 (Write at least 5-6 sentences per question)
 Begin research for Research Paper (self-initiated)
Week 6 Goals: April 9 Midterm
Lecture: Research topic with class. Submit Ethical Definition Rough Draft and
Homework Assigned at End of Class
Spring 2014 6
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Turn in Ethical Definition Paper (1000-1250 words) by April 15th to SafeAssign by 23:59 hrs.
Read pgs. 210-218 Answer Discussion questions (1-5) pg. 220.
Write Journal
Begin Annotated Bibliography for Research paper (submit to SafeAssign by April 23rd 11:59 or
23:59)
Week 7 Goals: April 16 (April 23rd will open early because of the work expectaations)
Lecture:: Argument Paper Introductory, Annotated Bibliography, Abstract, PIE, Watch Dr. King’s “I
Have A Dream” found in Blackboard under “Reading Assignments.” Have 2 JSTOR articles from your
Research paper to class ready to use.
Homework Assigned at End of Class:
 Text: Read “I Have a Dream” pg. 586.
 Pg. 589 Answer 1, 3, 4, 6, 7. Answer in full sentences and explain
 Write Argument Paper Rough Draft and outline (1250-1750 words) Submit to SafeAssign AND
Writing Center by April 22th 11:59 or 23:59
 Write Journal
 Finish Annotated Bibliography
 Begin outline and preliminary writing for your Research paper (self-initiated)
 Submit Research paper rough draft to Writing Center by April 19th
Week 8: April 23
Research Paper Workshop, Mixing the Writing Strategies. Bring Argument Paper rough draft to class for
editing. Movie: I have a dream. Group project.
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:
 Turn in Argument Paper Final Draft to SafeAssign (1250-1750 words) April 29th 23:59 hours.
 Read “Social Bodies: Tightening the Bonds of Beauty,” pg 609-611,
 Answer pg. 611, 1, 2,4,6,7. Answer in complete sentences and explain
 Read pgs. 132-135. Answer questions on pg. 135 # 1-10
 Write Journal
 Write Research Paper Outline and Thesis Statement and first draft of Research paper (you should
have at least 1750 words). Submit to SafeAssign by April 29th 11:58 or 2359.
Week 9: April 30
Lecture: Putting the final changes on your Research paper. Bring draft of your Research Paper and
Writing Center Editing Results to class-you should have at least 1750 words (7 pages) by now. PeerReview of Research paper. Introduction to literary analysis and taking Research one-step further.
MOVIE: Finding Forester (attendance mandatory)
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:
 Write Journal
 Finding Forester summary questions. If you missed the movie you cannot submit the assignment.
 Finish Research paper Rough Draft and submit to SafeAssign May 29th, 23:59 Bring 2 Hard
Copies to Class for second editing session and your Writing Center copy corrections. If a
student fails to bring 2 copies to class for the peer-review editing session. and submit his or her
paper to SafeAssign the student will receive a 0 on his or her Rough Draft. Your Rough Draft
should be 90% completed.
Week 10 May 7
Lecture: Research Paper Workshop Bring 2 copies of Finished Research Paper Rough Draft to class!
Homework Assigned at the End of Class:
 Finish Final Research Paper and submit to SafeAssign May 11th . NO LATE Papers are
accepted without a documented military TDY or exercise.
 Write Journal
 Write Research review entry
Spring 2014 7
Week 11 May 14 (Tentatative: Research papers returned)
 “So, I made it through 1301, now what?” (The application of 1301 in other classes and
introduction to Literature).
 Short paper presentations: What was your topic, why did you choose your topic, what was your
thesis, what new research did you find, did the research change or challenge your original thesis
and premise, what were your conclusions. (Grade will go under Writing Assignments and
Participation).