SYLLABUS AND COURSE CALENDAR --ENGLISH COMPOSITION II
SPRING 2011 – UWG
Sections/Days/Times/Classrooms:
1102-LCR (CRN 12423): MW 3:30-4:45, TLC 1111
1102-104 (CRN 12730): TR 11:00-12:15 TLC 1112
1102-116 (CRN 12773): TR 2:00-3:15, TLC 1111
Instructor: Melanie Jordan, Ph.D.
Office: TLC 2221
Office Phone: 678-839-4156
Office Hours: M (11:15am-3:15pm, W (12:15pm-3:15pm), and by appt.
Writing Center: Tuesdays, 3:30pm-6:30
email: melaniej@westga.edu
website: http://www.westga.edu/~melaniej
The Ripple Effect: Transforming Personal to Public
The loose theme for ENGL 1102 this semester is that of shaping or molding personal interest
into art. How can we go further and dig deeper into a personal interest yet package our passions
and findings for others? We’ll look at the ways fiction, poetry, and nonfiction can approach these
crucial means of research, inquiry, re-mediation and communication. How do rhetorical
considerations of audience challenge and inform the transformation of experience into
expression?
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Catalogue Description: The course serves as a continuation of English 1101 and as an
introduction to more sophisticated study of argument and textual analysis, focusing on the
composition of increasingly complex analytical essays about written and visual texts. Students
must demonstrate advanced competency in critical analysis and interpretation of texts.
Learning Outcomes:
http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/FirstYearWriting/ENGL1101and1102/English1102CourseDesc
ription.htm
COURSE MATERIALS, ASSIGNMENTS, AND GRADING
Assessment and Assignments—English Dept. Guidelines:
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5000 words of graded writing
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No fewer than 3 out-of-class essay assignments that make use of revising opportunities
At least two essays must incorporate secondary research
A minimum of 1 in-class essay that must last 60 minutes and count for 15% of the overall
course grade.
The in-class essay may be given during the final exam period.
Required Texts and Materials: You will need repeated access to your own copies of these
materials for the appropriate class meetings as well as for the duration of the semester. If you
order materials for the course, make absolutely sure that they will arrive well before we discuss
them in class. Do not “sell your books back” before the final exam.
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Maimon, Elaine P., Janice H. Peritz, and Kathleen Blake Yancey. A Writer's Resource: A
Handbook for Writing and Research. Third Edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2010. (ISBN:
978-0-07-736358-1)
Alvarez, Julia. In the Time of the Butterflies. Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books of Chapel
Hill, 2010. Print.
Hipchen, Emily and Brandy Robinson, eds. Questions for Discussion and Writing.
Boston; McGraw-Hill, 2010. (*packaged with Alvarez books*)
Pinsky, Robert and Maggie Dietz, eds. An Invitation to Poetry. New York: Norton, 2004.
Print.
Required materials for all sections:
 a journal devoted exclusively to this class
 a flash drive or some other portable electronic storage (*Note -- all students are
responsible for producing and retaining copies of their own graded and ungraded work.)
 reliable access to a word processing program, preferably Microsoft Word
 reliable internet access
 reliable printer access
 Email: Students must check myUWG accounts regularly and clean inboxes so that they
can receive messages.
 CourseDen: Check CourseDen regularly for announcements, assignments, etc.
Assignments:
 Journal
(50 pts.)
 Quizzes
(70 pts.)
 Essay #1
(200 pts.)
 Essay #2
(200 pts.)
 Essay #3
(200 pts.)
 Essay #4
(200 pts.)
______________________________________________________________________________
Total Possible Points: 920 pts.
Assignment Percentages:
 Journal (5%)
 Quizzes (8%)
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Essays (87%)
Grading:
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You must earn a letter grade of “C” (70%) or better in order to exit ENGL 1102.
Failure to meet this grade requirement means that the course will not be credited
toward graduation.
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The average of the major essays must be a “C” (70% or better) in order to pass this
course with a “C”.
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Intentional or unintentional violation of the academic dishonesty policy will result in
a 0 for that specific assignment; the student who submitted the assignment may also
receive an "F" for the course at my discretion. Instances of academic dishonesty
will be reported to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Essay Grading: See the following English Department link for in-class and out-of-class essay
grading rubrics:
http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/FirstYearWriting/index.htm).
The rubrics are also included with your Writer’s Resource handbook. You may convert written
numerical grades to letter grades and vice versa (for out-of-class essays and final averages) using
the following scale. Remember that UWG final averages do not include plus or minus
designations.
Out-of-Class Essay Grading Scale:
A+ =98%, A = 95%, A- =92%
B+ =88%, B =85%, B- =82%
C+ =78%, C =75%, C- =72%
D+ =68%, D =65%, D- =62%
F= 50%
In-class essay scale: 4=95%; 4/3=92%; 3/4=88%; 3=85%; 3/2=82%; 2/3=78%; 2=75%;
2/1=72%; 1/2=68%; 1=65%; 1/0=62%; 0=50%
In-Progress Averages: Since individual assignment percentages have been provided at the
beginning of the semester, and since graded assignments will be returned to you, it is your
responsibility to keep track of your average during the semester. This class is run on a “total
points” system, so you can figure your grade at any time by dividing the sum of your earned
points by the total possible points at that moment in the semester. Then simply convert to a
percentage.
Grade Queries: After final grades have been posted, if you feel I have made a clerical or
mathematical error, I will be happy to check the math again. However, requests to re-consider
final grades based on effort or eligibility (for scholarships, extracurricular activities, etc.) will
not be honored. Likewise, requests to assign or grade work after the final exam will not be
considered.
All final grades will be posted on Banweb following the final exam period. No grades will
be distributed via phone or email.
Journals: Each student will keep a journal this semester. That journal should be brought to every
class meeting. Journals may be collected and evaluated during any class period. The journal
should be a complete record of the course – one should be able to recreate the class from
the journal. This journal should contain, at minimum, the following:
1.) class notes – on discussion, instruction, etc. These notes will be taken during
class.
2.) reading notes – these are each student’s notes on each reading assignment. These
notes will be taken before the class period during which we discuss assigned
reading. They indicate individual interaction with the reading material. These
notes should contain a range of considerations about the reading, including
surface-level observations as well as deeper, more thoughtful observations and
questions. Useful drawings, research, vocabulary look-ups, etc. are welcome and
expected.
3.) homework – these assignments will be announced in class; these are assignments
each student must complete outside of class time. They may include practice
writing, analysis or summary of reading, discussion questions, written
observations and evaluations, etc. They may pertain to our specific readings or to
general writing principles.
Journals will be assigned a grade which assesses whether the journal contains all of the required
assignments and notes up to that point, and also assesses the depth and thoroughness of those
assignments. See the posted journal assessment sheet for more information.
Quizzes: Quizzes cover assigned reading and class content –lecture notes, things on the board,
major concepts, etc. They will occur generally at the beginning of class, and they will be tenpoint assignments.
Workshop and Drafts: You will be required to write and post drafts of essays for the
entire class. We will spend a good deal of class time discussing these drafts, and the Writing
Process will be emphasized. Each student will write his or her rough draft and post it on
CourseDen by the specified deadline. That rough draft must include
1.) a working thesis with an arguable, analytical claim, preferable one that delves
into the significance of visible textual phenomenon
2.) a specific set of evidence (quotes, page numbers, etc.) to prove that claim, not just
“example to prove my point,” or something similar. The evidence and how it proves
the thesis must be apparent in the draft.
3.) at least three fully developed, cohesive paragraphs with topic sentences. These
topic sentences should be assertions. These paragraphs should follow the MEAL plan
(posted to my website). The paragraphs should contain ample evidence, analysis, and
links to the thesis. Lack of development in paragraphs may result in no credit for the
draft.
Draft Credit: To receive credit, the draft must include the above, if not more. If the draft is
incomplete or undeveloped (i.e. sparse or substituting repetition for development), it
receives no credit, and the resulting final essay receives a maximum of 78%. If the draft is
posted late, it receives no credit.
Essays: All essays for this class will be analytical, text-based arguments. They should conform
to UWG English Department rubric guidelines and to MLA formatting guidelines.
In-Class Essay: This essay will be written around midterm. You will have one hour and fifteen
minutes to construct a short analytical essay.
WORK SUBMISSION POLICIES
Paper Format and Work Guidelines
 All out-of-class essays require evidence of drafting and revision. Out-of-class essays
without corresponding workshop drafts cannot receive higher than a 78 (C+). They
may score lower, but they may not earn higher than a C+ as they do not show evidence of
a good faith effort to engage in a Writing Process.
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All final essays should be submitted in hard copy as well as on CourseDen. Submit
essays electronically, then bring the printed copy to the next class period. Include
copies of all drafts as well as a printed copy of the out-of-class grading rubric
(available on my website).
Failure to include the rubric will result in an ungraded essay.
Essays that do not appear on CourseDen by the specified due date will lose ten
points per class period.
All essays and documentation should be in MLA format (Writer’s Resource, tab 6).
All assignments referring to any text require correct documentation.
Out-of-class essays should be approximately 1200 typed words.
The in-class essay should be approximately 500 words.
Any work incorrectly formatted or unprofessionally presented may be refused.
Late Work: Daily work will never be accepted late. Daily work includes drafts, journals,
homework, and quizzes (see note below).
Makeup Quizzes: Makeup quizzes will only be administered in extreme cases and at my
discretion. Any makeup quizzes will be administered during my office hours no later than 72
hours after the original quiz was administered, and makeup quizzes will be all-essay format
without the aid of the journal (closed-note).
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Essays #1 and #2 may be handed in late, with stipulations. Essay #3, because of time
constraints, may not be handed in late. Essays #1 and #2 submitted late receive a 10-pt.
deduction per class period. Essays #1 and #2 submitted more than a calendar week after
the original due date will receive a 0. Essay #3 must be submitted on its scheduled due
date by the scheduled time specified. Any Essay #3 handed in late will receive a 0.
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A missed in-class essay may be made up at my discretion; legitimate proof (of illness,
accident, etc.) for the original absence must be provided within 24 hours of the absence,
and that essay must be made up before a calendar week has expired.
Extra Credit and Previous Work Policy:
No extra credit will be offered for this course.
Work completed for a previous course will not be accepted in this course.
Revision Policy: Take opportunities to revise before final essay drafts are due. Because we
spend so much time working on drafts, and because you have resources (The Writing Center,
office-hour consultations, your own out-of-class work on revisions, etc.) available to you, no
student should ever find himself or herself empty-handed on the day an essay is due.
Each student has the option of revising Essay #1.
The revision process:
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The student receives my comments on his/her graded essay.
The student should then carefully and objectively study my comments as well as posted
workshop comments on the original draft. Using my comments, the comments of the
class, and A Writer’s Resource, the student should attempt by him or herself to
substantially improve the draft. The final revision should include 25%-50% new or
radically developed material. Its evolution should be obvious, but it should not be an
entirely “new” essay. The topic will remain the same – the analysis and
demonstration of writing fluency should be radically improved. Option: If desired,
the student should schedule an office-hours consultation to discuss intended revisions and
useful changes. *Note – in my experience, students who utilize this opportunity do better
on revisions.
The student, after revising the graded draft, should schedule an appointment in the
Writing Center (see information on my website and on this syllabus regarding Writing
Center policies). Prepare to take the old, graded version and my comments (for
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reference), but make sure you have a new version you’ve worked on yourself to actually
discuss with the tutor.
The student should attend the scheduled meeting with his/her tutor and discuss the
changes already made in accordance to my comments. At this point, you are trying to
improve the essay substantially, not just change surface-level errors. Have the tutor sign
the revision you’ve worked on and/or fill out a Writing Center verification slip.
Finally, meet with me during Revision Conferences and bring:
the old, graded version with my comments/rubric
the version you took to the Writing Center
the final version you want me to grade; this new version should have all new material,
corrections, and developments highlighted; this revision should clearly contain evidence that my
comments on the previous version have been responded to, and new developments, transitions,
examples, explanations, etc. Remember that 25%-50% of the essay should be new or
substantially developed.
During this meeting, a student should be prepared to describe to show exactly what he/she
changed and provide a verbal explanation for the changes. If desired, he/she may bring a
prepared statement about these changes. No revision will be accepted or graded without
this face-to-face meeting and presentation of changes.
Plagiarism & Academic Honesty: The Department of English and Philosophy defines
plagiarism as taking personal credit for the words and ideas of others as they are presented in
electronic, print, and verbal sources. The Department expects that students will accurately credit
sources in all assignments. An equally dishonest practice is fabricating sources or facts; it is
another form of misrepresenting the truth. Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course. (See also
Excessive Collaboration)
The University policies for handling Academic Dishonesty are found in the following
documents:
The Faculty Handbook, sections 207 and 208.0401
http://www.westga.edu/~vpaa/handrev/ (Item 207 in the left-hand navigation bar)
Student Uncatalog: "Rights and Responsibilities"; Appendix J.
(http://www.westga.edu/assets/docs/studentHandbook2007.pdf)
http://www.westga.edu/handbook
The Student Handbook also addresses plagiarism and academic dishonesty under “Honor Code,”
Appendix A and Appendix E (“Procedure for Appeals of Grade Determination and Academic
Dishonesty). A Writer’s Resource likewise contains accepted definitions and regulations
relevant to avoiding plagiarism – see Chapter 23 and Tab 6 for more information.
Excessive Collaboration: By the end of the term in both ENGL 1101 and 1102, students should
demonstrate the ability to produce independent writing (writing without collaborative assistance
of peers, writing tutors, or professionals in the field) that shows an acceptable level of
competence. Although classroom activities and out-of-class assignments may highlight
collaborative learning and collaborative research, excessive collaboration (collaboration that
results in the loss of a student's voice/style and original claims to course related work) is
considered another form of academic dishonesty and therefore will not be permitted.
Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course. Any individual assignment that exhibits
evidence of plagiarism, intentional or unintentional, will earn a grade of 0. Furthermore, if
plagiarism is substantiated, the result may be an F in the course; that instance of
plagiarism will be reported to the Office of the Vice president for Academic Affairs.
Acceptable Secondary/Research Sources: College-level sources are a must. Do not rely on
sources such as wiki/Wikipedia pages, dictionaries, or overly general reference sources. The kind
of writing you are engaging in is much more specific and focused; as a result, your sources
should be specific and credible according to collegiate guidelines stated in A Writer’s Resource.
While general sources like Wikipedia may provide excellent beginning places for research, they
cannot stand without further expansion into credible collegiate sources. Assignments that do not
conform to this requirement may be refused or receive an instant D as they will not fit
assignment criteria. I strongly recommend Ingram Library’s GALILEO and other electronic
sources.
Additional Research Support:
Library Instruction Sessions: Students enrolled in 1000-2000 level courses, inexperienced
researchers, and students needing refresher classes in basic research are strongly encouraged to
sign up for the basic library instruction sessions and online research sessions. Please see the links
below for further information and scheduling:
Online Research: http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/
Basic Library Instruction: http://www.westga.edu/~library/nav/stuinstruct.shtml
DISABILITY PLEDGE
I pledge to do my best to work with the University to provide all students with equal access to
my classes and materials, regardless of special needs, temporary or permanent disability, special
needs related to pregnancy, etc. If you have any special learning needs, particularly (but not
limited to) needs defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and require specific
accommodations, please do not hesitate to make these known to me, either yourself or through
Disability Services in 272 Parker Hall at 678-839-6428. Students with documented special needs
may expect accommodation in relation to classroom accessibility, modification of testing, special
test administration, etc. This is not only my personal commitment: it is your right, and it is the
law. For more information, contact Disability Services.
ATTENDANCE
First Day Attendance: Students who are enrolled in my course sections prior to the first class
meeting may be administratively withdrawn if they do not attend that first class meeting; if a
student attempts to make arrangements prior to that first class meeting, he or she will not be
dropped, but the absence counts as an absence.
Attendance Requirements: Students will be administratively withdrawn from class based on
the following attendance policy. For classes that meet three times a week, a student is allowed
four absences. Upon the fifth absence, the student will be withdrawn. For classes that meet
twice a week, a student is allowed three absences. Upon the fourth absence, the student will
be withdrawn. Be aware that no distinction exists between excused and unexcused
absences. If the withdrawal occurs prior to the withdrawal date (2 March), the student will
receive a grade of W. If the withdrawal occurs after the withdrawal date, the student will
receive a grade of WF.
Attendance Sheets: Attendance sheets will circulate; failure to sign an attendance sheet may
result in a recorded absence. It is your responsibility to be in class and to sign the attendance
sheet.
Missed Class Time: Please be aware that you solely are responsible for any material you miss
during any absence. There is no way to “make up” for class discussion or workshop. Each class
meeting is a unique experience. Consult classmates for any missed notes, assignments, materials
or announcements, including assignment due dates.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Students will be dismissed from any class meeting at which they exhibit behavior that disrupts
the learning environment of others. Such behavior includes—but is not limited to—arriving late
for class, allowing cell phones to ring, speaking disrespectfully to the instructor and/or to other
students, checking email or surfing the web, sleeping, and using personal audio or video devices.
Each dismissal of this kind will count as an absence and will be applied toward the attendance
requirements policy above.
WRITING CENTER INFORMATION
Role of the Writing Center: The role of the Writing Center is to offer consultation in which
tutors question, respond to, offer choices, and encourage revision in student essays. Tutors do
not evaluate or prescribe solutions to problematic areas to student essays, and tutors are
specifically trained to avoid appropriating the student's work. For more information, visit the
Writing Center online at http://www.westga.edu/~writing.
University Writing Center
Location: TLC 1201
Phone: 678-839-6513
Email: Writing@westga.edu
Website: www.westga.edu/~writing
The University Writing Center works with students and other members of the UWG
community to improve writing skills.
What We Do:
Discuss ideas, read drafts, and work through revisions of essays; we do not
proofread
Regents’ Test Preparation (both the reading and essay sections)
MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian, and other citation formats
Policies:
Please make appointments in advance. We accept walk-ins, but we cannot
guarantee that a tutor will be available.
If you cannot keep your appointment, you must call or email us 24 hours in
advance to cancel. If you do not notify us 24 hours in advance, you will be
counted as a No Show.
Please arrive at your appointment on time. If you are 10 minutes late or more,
you will be counted as a No Show and will not be able to have your appointment.
If you have 3 No Shows in one semester, you will not be able to have any
more appointments for that semester.
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00am-7:00pm
Thursday, 10:00am -3:00pm
Friday 10:00am-12:00pm
OTHER CLASS POLICIES
Department Paperless Policy: As of Fall 2006, the English Department implemented a
"paperless" policy in its classrooms. Therefore, all materials (handouts, assignment sheets,
notes, etc.) will be made available online if possible. Students may print these necessary course
documents, including the syllabus, on their home computers or in the computer labs for
individual use.
Office-Hour Consultation, Including Email Consultation: Feel free to make appointments
with me or to come by my posted office hours with questions. If you make an appointment,
please be courteous and notify me of any cancellation, preferably 12-24 hours beforehand.
I welcome emailed questions, but please ask directed questions, especially if they pertain to
essays or writing concerns. Email works best if the question is specific (Examples: “Is my thesis
arguable?” “Does the evidence in the third paragraph match its topic sentence?” “Is my internal
citation in the fourth paragraph correct?”). If the question requires a good deal of discussion, it’s
probably best to meet with me face-to-face during office hours. The official email
communication method will be through campus e-mail (MyUWG). I will not respond to emails
from other sources.
When you attend office-hours consultations in reference to your writing, please prepare a sheet
of specific questions so that our discussion is tailored to your writing needs. If your questions
apply to a draft you are working on, please bring that draft and any texts that might be useful,
including your handbook.
Communication Policy: MyUWG and WebCT serve as the only legitimate modes of university
correspondence. The official communication method for this class will be through campus email (MyUWG). You are responsible for checking and maintaining your MyUWG account to
facilitate communication.
Participation: This class asks you to engage in a critical mode of thinking that leads you to
question and uncover your own thoughts about the texts. You may not “agree” with the texts; the
course does not require agreement or approval; it does require your intellectual and professional
interaction. Focus on critical, analytical thinking about the texts. There is no way to “make up”
for missed class discussion. Be in class, be prepared, and be active. Particular emphasis will be
placed on class periods in which we work on the drafting process.
SEVERE WEATHER GUIDELINES
The University of West Georgia is committed to the personal safety of its students, faculty, and
staff in the event of severe weather. University policy regarding severe weather and emergency
closings is posted at http://www.westga.edu/police/index_2277.php and official announcements
about class and/or examination cancellations will be made only by the President and/or the
Department of Public Relations. Although it is not possible to develop policy to address every
weather-related emergency, these guidelines are intended to provide some general direction
about such situations.
For immediate severe weather situations, especially when classes are in session, faculty, staff and
students are advised to follow the emergency procedures identified below:
1. Direct occupants to remain in the building and to seek shelter immediately on the lowest level
of the building in interior rooms (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors,
and outside walls.
2. Instruct occupants to not leave the building.
3. Evacuate all offices, rooms or hallways with windows and glass or with exterior walls.
4. Provide assistance to persons with disabilities.
5. Accompany occupants to the nearest designated shelter area in the building.
6. Comply with departmental severe weather policies/procedures.
7. Wait for an “all clear” signal” before resuming activity.
8. Occupants will: a) proceed to the nearest designated shelter area in the building by the closest
route; b) move quickly but in an orderly manner so that all will arrive safely; c) will not attempt
to vacate the premises, drive or seek shelter in cars; d) take a seat in the shelter area; e) remain
cooperative with those in charge; and f) wait for an “all clear” signal before resuming activity.
In the event that classes are cancelled or disrupted for less than one calendar week, each
professor, at his or her discretion, will make adjustments as needed to cover material missed
during those cancelled sessions. This may or may not involve the use of rescheduled or online
classes. If the closures exceed a single calendar week, students should contact the Chair of the
Department of English and Philosophy at 678-839-6512 or the professor of the class for updated
information regarding changes to the schedule in the Department. It is the intention of the
Department of English and Philosophy to handle every concern seriously and as effectively as
possible.
DISABILITY PLEDGE
I pledge to do my best to work with the University to provide all students with equal access to
my classes and materials, regardless of special needs, temporary or permanent disability, special
needs related to pregnancy, etc. If you have any special learning needs, particularly (but not
limited to) needs defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and require specific
accommodations, please do not hesitate to make these known to me, either yourself or through
Disability Services in 272 Parker Hall at (770) 839-6428. Students with documented special
needs may expect accommodation in relation to classroom accessibility, modification of testing,
special test administration, etc. This is not only my personal commitment: it is your right, and it
is the law! For more information, please contact Disability Services at the State University of
West Georgia.
LAST NOTE
Though I do my best to adhere to the schedule of readings and assignments, circumstances may
dictate changes to that schedule. I reserve the right to create necessary changes. In the event that
changes become necessary, I would announce them, and students would then be responsible for
these schedule changes.