ENG 102 I: Freshman Composition
Spring 2012
3 semester hours
TR 8:00-9:15
Jennings 305
www.mc.edu/faculty/ADCarter
Mrs. April Carter
Jennings 311
601.925.3215
ADCarter@mc.edu
Course Catalog Description:
The study of more complex problems of rhetoric with emphasis on written and oral research
reports. Students enrolled in English 102 must also concurrently register for the Writing
Proficiency Examination (ENG 099).
Prerequisite:
Successful Completion of ENG 101
Course Rationale:
The purpose of English 102/Freshman Composition is to enable you to improve your research,
writing, oral communication, and critical thinking skills. Students will learn to find and
effectively use relevant, timely source material; read critically for central ideas and salient
information; and summarize, paraphrase, quote, respond to, and integrate source material into
their own essays. Students will also learn to use correct MLA (Modern Language Association)
documentation. The course will help prepare students to write and conduct research across the
disciplines as they continue their college course work.
Course Methods:
This course involves in- and out-of-class writing exercises, readings from course texts,
instruction and practice in library use and research skills, and the composition of multiple major
writing assignments requiring the integration of researched material. Course methods may
include discussions, lectures, group activities, conferences, quizzes, and exams. Students should
be comfortable with basic computer skills, including major search engines and email
communication with attachments.
Course Objectives:
Students will
1. learn to read critically and analytically
2. learn to access library resources, including print and electronic media
3. learn to evaluate print and electronic sources based on objective criteria
4. learn to integrate source material into their own with their own analyses and conclusions
5. learn and practice proper documentation and attribution and understand the ethical
dimensions of using source material
6. develop interpersonal skills that facilitate group work
7. improve written and oral communication skills
Course Text and Supplies:
 Spatt, Brenda. Writing From Sources 8th ed. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2011.
 A three-ring binder.
 An MC username and password for computer-facilitated activities.
Assignments and Evaluation:
The following major assignments will be required during the semester (dates are subject to
change). Note that the submission of major assignments follows the MC English Department’s
late work policy, attached. Unit plans will be provided for each major assignment during the
semester.
5%
10%
15%
15%
10%
25%
15%
5%
Evaluating Websites Essay (1/31)
Summary and Response Essay (2/16)
Analysis and Synthesis Essay (3/22)
Annotated Bibliography (4/5)
Oral Research Presentation (4/5)
Researched Essay (4/21)
Participation Assignments
Final Exam: Process Essay (Sat., 4/28)
Grading Scale:
90-100=A,
80-89=B,
70-79=C,
60-69=D,
59 and below=F
Undergraduate Grading System:
For final semester grades, the English Department adheres to the University’s Undergraduate
Grading System as described in the current catalog. According to that system:
 A is reserved for work which is definitely superior in quality.
 B is given for work which is consistently good and which manifests sufficient interest,
effort, or originality to lift it above average work.
 C is given for average work and shows that basic requirements in class assignments have
been met.
 D earns credit but is below the standard required for graduation.
 F indicates failure and naturally carries no credit.
Writing Center Tutoring:
The MC Writing Center offers sessions by appointment and on a walk-in basis. Students can also
sign up for standing, weekly appointments with a specific tutor. Forms to schedule weekly
appointments are available from your professor or in the Writing Center (Jennings 304).
Attendance: The English Department adheres to Mississippi College’s attendance policy as
outlined in the current Undergraduate Catalog:
Class attendance is an essential part of university education, and students are expected to attend regularly
and punctually all classes and laboratories for which they are registered. Cumulative absences may result in
a lowered grade or loss of credit for the course. Tardiness is also subject to penalty, as is any failure to
complete required class work on time. Although some specific requirements may vary according to the
nature and structure of the course, the following guidelines summarize university policy:
1. Class attendance is required, and accurate records are kept.
2. Students must not accumulate excessive absences.
A student receives a grade of F in a course immediately upon accumulating the following number of
absences, whether excused or unexcused:
12 in semester classes meeting 3 times per week
8 in semester classes meeting 2 times per week
4 in semester classes meeting 1 time per week
4 per session in the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
6 in summer day classes
For lesser numbers of absences, the student should expect a lowered grade
in the course, with the maximum penalty of one letter grade for each week
of absences (in a semester) or the equivalent.
Absence Appeal. If a student misses more than the number of class periods
specified in university policy and believes that there are reasonable
explanations for the absences, he/she may appeal the absences to the dean
of the school in which the course is being taught. Students may obtain a
Student Absence Appeal Form from the office of the appropriate dean.
Academic Integrity Statement: The English Department adheres to Mississippi College’s
academic integrity policy as outlined in the current Undergraduate Catalog:
Mississippi College students are expected to be scrupulously honest. Dishonesty, such as
cheating or plagiarism, or furnishing false information, including forgery, alteration or
misuse of University documents, records or identification, will be regarded as a serious
offense subject to severe penalty, including, but not limited to, loss of credit and possible
dismissal. See the current Mississippi College Student Handbook or University Policy
2.19 for specific information regarding penalties associated with dishonest behavior at
Mississippi College.
Late Papers Policy: The English Department has established the following policy for late work
submitted in core English courses:
Grades for papers as assigned on syllabus will be reduced according to the following
schedule:
 after time due and up to 24 hours late: one letter grade;
 after 24 hours and up to 48 hours late: two letter grades;
 after 48 hours and up to 72 hours late: three letter grades;
 after 72 hours, any paper turned in will be given an “F.”
Failure to turn in an assignment will result in a grade of zero on that assignment.
Students with Disabilities: Services for Students with Disabilities: In order for a student to
receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, he
or she must contact Student Counseling Services (SCS). SCS will assist with information
regarding the appropriate policy and procedure for disability accommodations before each
semester or upon immediate recognition of the disability. Student Counseling Services is located
in Alumni Hall Room #4 or you may contact them by phone at 601-925-7790. The Program
Coordinator, Holly Reeves, can be reached via email at hreeves@mc.edu and the Director of
Student Counseling Services, Morgan Bryant, at Mbryant@mc.edu.
Preparation, Participation, and Attendance FAQ
In English 102, you are expected to be prepared for and engaged in all class activities. The following FAQs
should help you understand your professor’s expectations.
How do PREPARATION and PARTICIPATION affect my course grade?
“Participation Assignments,” which concretely show your preparation and engagement, are spread throughout
the semester. In addition, I reserve the right to raise by up to two points the final course grade of a student
who consistently demonstrates outstanding preparation and participation. Similarly, I reserve the right to
lower by up to two points the final course grade of a student whose preparation and participation in class are
consistently inadequate.
What happens if I am absent when an assignment is due?
To receive normal credit, you must turn in any assignment before the class period of your absence. You may
give it to the Secretary in Jennings 301, bring it to your professor’s office, or email it to your professor before
the class period you are absent. Note that late work never receives full credit.
How does ATTENDANCE affect my course grade?
Attendance is also crucial and expected in English 102. According to University policy, your final course
grade can be lowered by one letter grade for each week of absences you accumulate. In this two-day-per-week
course, your professor can lower your final course grade by half a letter grade for each absence unless you
complete appropriate make-up work as described below.
How do I “make-up” an absence, so I don’t lose points?
To make up an absence, follow these steps:
1) First, be sure to turn in ahead of time any assignments that are due.
2) Second, find out what you missed in class. (Check the current unit plan and talk with a classmate.)
3) Be fully prepared for the next class period, including completing any assignments that were
announced or activities conducted during the class you missed. You are responsible for everything
you missed during class.
If my absence is “excused,” do I still need to “make up” what I missed?
YES. To avoid penalty, you must make up what you missed regardless of the reason for the absence.
Do I need to notify my professor ahead of time if I will be absent?
NO. Instead, use the unit plans and your classmates to keep up with what was covered in class and what you
need to do in order to be prepared for the next class.
Do I need to notify my professor of the reason for my absence?
NO. If you have an official MC obligation, your professor will be notified by your group or team’s sponsor.
For both an MC obligation and a personal reason, you are responsible for the material covered in class and for
work due at the next class meeting.