College Writing ENG 1083-3
School of Arts and Humanities
Instructor: Anderson M. Rearick III, PhD.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Spring 2015: Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays
Credit: 3 Hours / MO 205 (Jennie K. Moore Building)
Sec. 03: Time: 12:50– 1:50 pm:
Contact Info:
Dr. Rearick's Office: Dr. Rearick's Office: RH 138 - I (Within School of Arts and Humanities Suit in Regents Hall 138) Office
Hours: MWF: 9:10-10:10 and Tues – Thurs 2:10-3:10 or by appointment1
Office (740) 392-6868 [740-397-9000] Ext. 3508
Home (740) 392-3738-- Please no calls after 9:00
Email: anderson.rearick@mvnu.edu
College Writing (ENG1083) focuses on the process and practice of composition and includes some attention to formatting,
modes of writing, grammar, and persuasion. Students will develop critical writing, reading, and thinking skills. Emphasis is given
to the research essay, including argumentation, documentation styles, and research techniques. MLA and APA documentation
styles will be taught, but students will need to master only the one most likely associated with their majors. Students must have
an ACT Writing subtest score of 19 or higher to take College Writing. The course should be taken during the first year of a
student’s enrollment at MVNU. Three (3) credit hours are given.
Course Objectives:
Students who reach the objectives of College Writing

Will be able to write brief and extended essays that are focused, organized, coherent, logical, developed, and wellresearched

Will have developed technical skills in the areas of formatting, grammar, writing process, and style

Will be able to critically engage and discuss readings from a number of disciplines, reflecting on their own
perspectives on important issues, contemporary events, key texts, and relevant ideas

Will have learned research techniques and skills that will guide them in all courses

Will demonstrate critical and analytical skills in writing arguments
Specific Course Goals: Students who reach class goals will be able to

Adapt their writing to various modes from personal reflections to persuasive, researched arguments

Make connections between writing and thinking

Use standard edited American English in their academic writing

Use prewriting techniques to aid in the writing process

Learn how to define arguments

Understand the principles of arguments

Recognize and apply claims to make arguments

Apply terminology specific to argument and research writing

Use electronic Moodle environment for discussion and to manage documents

Narrow a topic adequately for a research paper

Research using library resources

Take notes necessary to write a research paper

Follow appropriate and logical steps in writing a research paper

Organize information for an effective argument paper

Write clearly and coherently

Correctly summarize, paraphrase, and directly quote material

Demonstrate critical and analytical skills in writing arguments

Create complete and accurate in-text citations and works cited or references pages in appropriate styles
Required Texts:
Wysocki, Anne Frances, and Dennis A. Lynch. The Little DK Handbook. Columbus: Pearson, 2012. ISBN 978-0-205-82373-4.
Plan to keep this handbook for the duration of your college education.
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. Concise 6th ed. Columbus:
Pearson, 2012. ISBN 978-0-205-17156-9.
Seamans Arthur F. Writing for Growth. San Diego: Point Loma Nazarene College Press, 1980.
(Free PDF download available in Moodle and in hard-copy format at the bookstore)
Readings online as assigned by professor
1
Be aware that appointments will become tighter towards the end of the semester during personal reviews with Research.
1
Grading Scale (+’s and -‘s will be given)
C+ = 79-77
C = 76-73
C- = 72-70
D+ = 69-67
D = 66-63
F = 62 and below
A = 100-93
A- = 92-90
B+ = 89-87
B = 86-83
B- = 82-80
Evaluation: Each student will produce six essay packages made up of a first draft and revision. There will be six quizzes
throughout the semester, a mid-term and a final. Students will maintain an on-going journal in which in-class writing exercises,
notes and reading responses will be placed. Also evaluated are students' attendance and participation.







Essays / Editing
Class Participation
Online Participation
Journals
Tests
Mid-term
Final
50%
10% (Attendance and engagement)
10% (Threaded Discussions Turnitin Exercises and Online Assignments )
10%
10%
5%
5%
100%
Essays: Five (5) essays will be handed in this semester. They will range from three to eight pages and will be weighed
accordingly. Each essay will reflect a process. Thus, when a student finishes an assignment, it will actually be a packet which
will include a first paragraph looked over by the instructor, a rough draft—edited by a peer—along with any other evaluations—
and a final copy. The essays will be done in either MLA or APA style according to the student’s proclaimed major and or
preference if the major does not demand such a choice. Research will play a minor role initially but will increase. All work will
be typed unless assigned as an “in-class” activity. All essays begin with prewriting, followed by rough drafts and revisions.
Students may expect their essays to be read and discussed by a small group at the rough draft and proofreading stages. Every
essay will be graded using a standard rubric.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exploratory [Zuihitsu] 5-15%
Narrative [Satori] (5-15%)
Definition (5-15%) *
Analysis (visual) (5-15%) *
Argument (proposal or position) – must be final essay/must be 5-7 pages (20-30%) *
10/26/13
09/27/13
10/11/13
11/08/13
12/06/13
* Indicated a requirement of an outside source cited in either MLA or APA. The percentages here add up to the total that
becomes the 45% listed above in the first part of the “evaluation” section.
Editing: In spite of what they may think of their editing abilities, most students have much to bring to help their classmates (or as
they will be called from now on “their peers”) make a stronger essay. The Little DK Handbook, page (196-197), offers good
guidelines to this activity. This will be achieved with a peer editing sheet and comments on the actual text.
Late Work: Daily assignments may not be made up or turned in late. Major assignments will be dropped 20% each calendar day,
beginning with the time your class starts (about half a grade). While music- and sports-related absences are excused, the work due
at those class times is still due at those class times. If you know you are going to be absent or late, please make prior arrangements
to turn in your work. Makeup exams will be given in cases of illness or emergency.
Class Participation: This grade will be based on attendance, class conversation, threaded discussions, extra peer work and ways
a student may find to improve this class’ online offerings.
Moodle: MVNU’s class platform is called Moodle. It will have an online syllabus along with links to sites
and documents you may download. It is also where you will find the portals to enter “Turnitin.”
2
Turnitin MVNU uses the anti-plagiarism software called "Turnitin." This will require you to submit an electric
version of certain assignments (both papers and some lead-in work) to be evaluated by the program. This
system constantly scans the internet for essays and data. Also I grade your Turnitin assignments. The only hard
copies I will see are your final assignments. MVNU takes plagiarism very seriously, sometimes even to the point of failing the
student who has handed in another's work.
Threaded Discussions: On Moodle you will find cues for online, threaded discussions. You are required to make one entry every
two weeks of about 150 words per entry. You may either post from the actual instructor’s cue or from a peer’s response. Make
four responses those from the professor and three from a peer. Doing more than the 7 required earns extra credit. Doing the
exact amount expected earns the student a B+ (89.4) to earn an A in this category the writer must do more. This is explained
more fully in the next section “Journals.”
Journals: The journals will be maintained in “Black Marble Cover Composition Books.” No
spirals three ring bounders, or folders please. These will be collected and reviewed at different
parts of the semester, possible without warning. Bring to EVERY class. If the writer maintains the
journal so that the number of entries match those assigned in class he or she will be awarded a 89.4
[B+]. To archive a higher grade more writing must be included in the journal. The topics of those
entries are for the writer’s choice. One entry more will probably only earn a 90-91 [A-]. Three or
more will possibly be an A. However absolute formulas cannot be given since some entries will be
far more involved than others. Also because of the flexible nature of class sessions an exact
number of entries cannot be given at this time. However, writing in one’s journal three times a
week will certainly assure a student of an A. This approach applies to the threaded discussions as
well.
Quizzes: There will be six quizzes during the semester, three before the midterm and three after made up of true and false,
multiple-choice, and matching. They will be based on the readings, vocabulary and class discussion. They will be taken on
MVNU’s Moodle system.
Midterm and Final: The midterm and final will draw heavily from the quizzes: The midterm will be on Friday, Mar. 13th. The
final, meanwhile is scheduled for Friday May 15 starting at 7:50 to 9:40 am.
About Laptops: Laptop computers are a great tool, but like all technology there is always the
potential for abuse. Many of my peers have banned laptops from the classroom entirely to
avoid the back-row, Facebook, twitter, email cyber-surfers. I would prefer not to do this.
Therefore laptops will be allowed but only in the front row and users of laptops must be willing
to respond to a clap-checks periodically. (I will demonstrate) Those who cannot stay on task
will have to leave these remarkable tools in their rooms. Bring extension cords if you need
them.
Plagiarism: MVNU expects each student to avoid plagiarism in doing all assignments. Students
who cheat or represent other people’s work as their own will automatically fail that assignment
(homework, essay or exam) without recourse for makeup. Students who do this more than once
will automatically fail the class. All incidents of plagiarism will be documented and forwarded to the office of the vice president
for academic affairs.
Plagiarism is taken very seriously on this campus. All cases will be handled according to MVNU policy. For more, see
http://www.mvnu.edu/catalog/academic.pdf (pgs. 48-50)
http://www.mvnu.edu/students/handbook/handbook.pdf (pgs. 56-59)
Disability Needs: Students who qualify for and desire accommodations in this course due to a disability, as defined by the
American s with Disabilities Act of 1990, must follow the Disability Service Policies and Procedures as put forth by the office of
Academic Support. The guidelines can be accessed in electronic form at the following web address:
http://www.mvnu.edu/academics/services/dservices.html; they also exist in a hard copy at the Academic Support office. Also
on staff there are English tutors to aid in composition difficulties. The Extension for Academic Support is 4280.
On a personal note, I am disabled because of eyesight; my son is disabled by breathing complications and mild Asperger's, my
daughter has ADHD as also does my wife. Thus, I am especially sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by otherwise
qualified students who may be struggling with physical challenges. I "toughed" it out when I was at ENC, but the world has
changed for the better, and there are many resources available to you I wish I had had, resources I in fact presently use in my
office—such as a close-circuit TV attached to the screen of my computer as well as speaking programs which allow text to be
read to me and talking books. Pursue these things and see me if you have any such needs.
Inclement Weather Policy: If Knox County or the county in which you live is in a Level 2 weather emergency, use your best
judgment in deciding if you can safely come to campus. In these circumstances, all quizzes, tests, and homework will be allowed
to be made up in a timely fashion. Check email and the Moodle class site before you depart home if you live off-campus. In any
case, let the professor know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
3
Please be aware that the schedule given below may change according to the discretion of the instructor. Classes are fluid,
organic things, and each has its own personality.







Mon. Feb. 2, (Spring classes begin)
Fri. Mar. 13, (Midterm Exam)
Mon. through Fri. Mar 16 -20 (Spring Break)
Wed. Fri. April. 3-6 (Easter Break)
Mon. May 11, 2015 (Last Day of Class).
Tues- Fri May 12 – 15 Exam Week
Friday May 15 -- Final Exam is scheduled from 7:50 to 9:40 AM
Note: All readings and assignments are due on the day for which they are listed. Exercises associated with readings are not
required unless they are specifically assigned. The professor reserves the right to modify this schedule. Here are the titles with
the abbreviations as they appear on the syllabus:



Writing Arguments (WA)
Writing for Growth by Seamans (WFG)
The Little DK Handbook (DK)
Week One: Feb. 2-6
Mon., Feb. 2 First Day of Class
Introduction





“Did You Know” Video Prompt for Journal
Syllabus Explained
Moodle Explained
Introduce “Risk and Readers”
Tadbits PowerPoint
Wed. Feb. 4
Read WFG

“Introduction” and “Writing at a Liberal Arts College” pp. 1-8

“An Approach to Writing” pp. 9-12

Elbow Video
Fri. Feb. 6
Submit response to “Risk and Readers” into Turnitin gateway within our Moodle site.
Read WFG

“Expressive Writing” pp. 13-18

“Theme Strategy: ‘The Zuihitsu Theme” pp.25-28

Model Theme “The Summer Teaching Disaster” pp. 29-40
Week Two: Feb. 9-13
Mon, Feb. 9
Read WFG

“An Approach to Writing” pp. 9-12

“Expressive Writing” pp. 13-18
Read WFG
 “Showing God‘s Light to My Blind Son” (Another Zuihitsu Model) pp. 64-75
4
Wed. Feb. 11

Look over CS Lewis’ A Grief Observed (link in Moodle)
http://nzr.mvnu.edu/faculty/trearick/english/rearick/readings/works/history/autobiography/a_grief.htm
Read WA

Part I - Overview of Argument "Argument an Introduction" pp. 1-12
Fri. Feb. 13
Read WA
 Part 2 - Argument as Inquiry "Argument an Introduction" pp. 13-26
Peter Elbow Video On Writing [PowerPoint Review]

Quiz 1 – Located in Moodle: Quiz Gateway will remain open through Mon. Feb. 16
Week Three: Feb. 16-20
Mon. Feb. 16
Read WA
 Chapter 2 - Argument as Inquiry "Summary Writing as a Way to of Reading" pp. 26-34.
Read WFG

“Theme Strategy: ‘The Satori Theme’” pp.33-38 (A Moment of Enlightenment)

“The Den of Lions” pp. 39-40
Wed. Feb. 18
Read WFG

Read WA

“History Made Me a Lit Major” pp 60-63
Chapter 6 “Use Narratives” and “Choose Words” for Pathos. (from Moving Your Audience” full chapter
covered later) pp. 91-92.
Fri. Feb. 20
Read WA
 Chapter 2 - Argument as Inquiry "Writing Assignment which includes “Should the US Grant Legal Status to
Undocumented Immigrant Workers?” pp. 34-41.

Copies Exchanged and 1st paragraphs for Satori handed in on Turnitin on Moodle.
Review DK
 Once You’ve Finished a Draft pg. 78
Online Grammar Quiz Web Activity Due – Send email to me
http://www.cengage.com/devenglish/discipline_content/grammarquizzes.html
Week Four: Feb. 23-27
Mon. Feb. 23
Read WFG
 Referential Writing pp. 43-44
Read WA
 Chapter 11 – Definition and Resemblance Arguments pp. 177-182.
 Satori Theme Copies Returned and Reviewed.
Review DK
 Receiving Feedback to a Draft pg. 79
 Responding to the Writing of Your Peers pg. 80
5
Wed. Feb. 25
Read WFG
 “Definition Theme” pp. 50-51
 Model Definition Theme “Christian Assurance” pp. 51-52
Fri. Feb. 27
Read WFG
 “Everyday Heroes” (Model Definition Theme) pp. 76-77
Read WA
 Chapter 11 – Definition Arguments—Criteria Match, Keys of Definition (Part IV)

pp. 182.-188
Final Copy of Satori Due – Remember to submit into Turnitin within Moodle
Week Five: March 2-6
Mon. Mar. 2
Read WA
 Chapter 11 – Definition Arguments Approach 2 Create your own Extended Definition, Types of
Resemblance Arguments, Arguments by Analogy pp. 188-194

Handout and explain “Find Your Discipline” Assignment
Wed. Mar. 4
Read WA
 Chapter 11 – Definition Arguments, Arguments by Precedent right through to “Is Milk a Health Food?” pp.
194-201
Fri. Mar. 6
Review DK
 Quoting Others’ Words pgs. 102-103
Read WA
 Chapter 3 The Core of Argument (Part II) pp. 43-49
 Copies Exchanged and 1st paragraphs for Definition handed in on Moodle Turnitin.
What is Your Citation Method?
 Turn in “Find Your Discipline” Assignment
(Review “FBI Memories” found online or in Writing for Growth)
(Satori themes returned)
 Quiz 2
Week Six: Mar. 9-13
Mon. Mar. 9
 Copies of Definition Theme Returned and explained.
 Turn in “Find Your Discipline” Assignment
Introduction of the Visual Analysis Theme
Read WA
 Chapter 3 The Core of Argument (Part II) pp. 50-54
 Chapter 9 Analyzing Visual Arguments (Understanding the Design Elements in Visual Arguments) pp. 139143
Wed. Mar. 11
Read WA

143-151 “The Compositional Feature of Photographs and Drawings”
6
Fri. Mar. 13
Read WA

151-157 “The Genres of Visual Arguments”
 Final Copy of Definition Theme Due– Remember to submit into Turnitin within Moodle
 Midterm Exam (Completed in Class)
Hand-in Journals (Will be Graded and Returned)
Week Seven: Mar. 16-20 Spring Break
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week Eight: Mar. 23-27
Mon. Mar. 23
Read WA

158-165 “Using Information Graphics In Arguments”
Review DK
 Summarizing and Paraphrasing pgs. 104-105
Wed. Mar. 25
Read WA

158-165 “Using Information Graphics In Arguments”

Copies Exchanged and 1st paragraph for Zuihitsu paper handed in on Turnitin
Fri. Mar. 27
(Definition theme returned)
Week Nine: Mar. 30-Apr. 3
Mon. Mar. 30
Read WA
 Chapter 4 The Logical Structure of Arguments (Part II) pp. 55-62
MLA Lecture
Review DK
o
MLA Documentation. 114-115
Wed. Apr. 1

Copies of Zuihitsu Theme Returned and explained (after this exercise part of the class will be excused)
Read WA
 Chapter 4 The Logical Structure of Arguments (Part II) pp. 63-68
APA Lecture
Review DK
o
APA Documentation. 157
Note: Just a reminder that quiz three is scheduled for a week from this Friday
Fri. Apr. 3 Good Friday
Sun. Apr. 5 Easter “He is Risen!”
Week Ten: Apr. 6-10
Mon. Apr. 6 No Class (Road to Emmaus -- Travel Day)
Wed. Apr. 8
Read WA
 Chapter 5 Using Evidence Effectively (Part II) pp. 69-74
 Review "Summary Writing as a Way to of Reading" pp. 26-34.
Review DK
 A Process for Academic Composing pg. 1-10
Fri. Apr. 10
Read WA
 Chapter 5 The Logical Structure of Arguments (Part II) pp. 74-80
Review DK
 Part 2: Finding Ideas pgs. 12-26
 Copies of Visual Analysis Theme Returned and explained.
7

Quiz 3
Week Eleven: Apr. 13-17
Mon. Apr. 13
Read WA
 Chapter 5 Using Evidence Effectively (Part II) pp. 81-86
 Copies Exchanged and 1st paragraphs for Visual Analysis handed in on Turnitin
Wed. Apr. 15
Read WA
 Chapter 6 Moving Your Audience (Part II) pp. 87-95 (review some pages)
(Return Zuihitsu Theme—come to class to pick up paper if you want it right away)

Conferences

Conferences
Fri. Apr. 17

Final Copy of Visual Analysis Theme Due– Remember to also submit into Turnitin within Moodle
Week Twelve: Apr. 20- 24
Mon. Apr. 20
 Conferences
Wed. Apr. 22
Introduction to Argument Theme – this is the BIG one.
Read WA
 Chapter 6 Moving Your Audience (Part II) pp. 85-98
Fri. Apr. 24
Read WA
 Chapter 7 Responding to Objections and Alternative Views (Part II) pp. 99-103
Read WA
 Chapter 7 Responding to Objections and Alternative Views (Part II) pp. 103-108
Week Thirteen: Apr. 27-May 1
Mon. Apr. 27
Read WA
 Chapter 7 Responding to Objections and Alternative Views (Part II) pp. 108-112
 Submit Subject Topic into Turnitin
Wed. Apr. 29
Read WA
 Chapter 7 Responding to Objections and Alternative Views (Part II) pp. 112-118
Fri. May 1
 Submit Annotated Works Cited List into Turnitin
Read WA
 Chapter 10 Introduction to Types of Claims (Part IV) pp. 167-176
 Copies Exchanged and 1st paragraph for Argument paper handed in on Turnitin
Week Fourteen May 4-8
Mon. May 4
Read WA
 Chapter 11 Definition and Resemblance Arguments (Part IV) pp. 177-181
 Copies of Argumentative Theme Returned and explained.
Wed. May 6

Review of expectations for Argumentative paper and extra conferences
8

Hand in Journals
Fri. May 8
 Quiz 4
Week Fifteen May 11-15 (Last Full Week)
Mon. May 11
Class Review for Final
Final Copy of Argument Due
FINAL is on Friday May 15 from &:5- to 9:40 AM
Have a Glorious Summer!
9