Hughes ENGL 1102 Syllabus
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English Composition 2 Course Syllabus
Fall 2011
3 credit hours
Georgia State University
ENGL 1102–050; CRN 82275
TR 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Classroom South 426
ENGL 1102-115; CRN 80364
TR 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Kell Hall 288
Instructor: Mrs. Sara Hughes
Office: GCB 950
Office Hours: TR 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., and by appointment
Office Phone: (404) 413-5819
E-mail address: shughes11@gsu.edu
Required Texts and Supplies
 Lunsford, Andrea A. The Everyday Writer. 4th ed. Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2009.
 CompClass account at www.yourcompclass.com (free access with purchase of textbook)
 30 Days: The Complete Series. Dir. Morgan Spurlock. FX. 2005-2008. DVD. (You are
not required to purchase this, though it is available for instant watch through Netflix.)
 A folder or 3 ring binder (with pockets) filled with loose-leaf paper for in class writing,
note-taking, group work, and essay drafts
CompClass Group
I will post copies of the assignment sheets as well as the syllabus here. You are required to join
this group. You will post your 100-word dailies on our class discussion board.
Course Description
This course is designed to help you develop college-level writing skills beyond the levels of
proficiency required by English 1101, as well as encourage the development of your critical
thinking and analytical abilities. Together we will work toward achieving the learning outcomes
laid out by the Department of English faculty, and by the end of the semester you should be able
to articulately express your ideas and opinions through the written language. In this class you
will be introduced to a variety of research methods, and you will be required to do research
outside of class and present that information to the class. Remember: this is a writing class.
Writing is a process and it is different for every person. It is my job to help you become a better
writer – to take you from where you are to a higher level. A passing grade for this course is C.
In addition, this course is a 30 Days-themed 1102 course, so it differs from all of the other
1102 courses offered this semester at GSU. The primary text for this class will be the
television show 30 Days, and we will watch several episodes in class and discuss the inherent
arguments in each of the episodes. You will be expected to complete a 30 Days project of your
own; this project will be an experiment that lasts for 30 days and which asks you to step outside
of your comfort zone and then write about that experience. This will not be an easy task. Your
success in this class will be directly affected by your commitment to such a project.
Hughes ENGL 1102 Syllabus
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Learning Outcomes (as outlined by GSU Department of English Faculty)
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
 Analyze, evaluate, document, and draw inferences from various sources
 Identify, select, and analyze appropriate research methods, research questions, and
evidence for a specific rhetorical situation
 Use argumentative strategies and genres in order to engage various audiences
 Integrate others’ ideas with their own
 Use grammatical, stylistic, and mechanical formats and conventions appropriate to
rhetorical situations and audience constraints
 Produce well-reasoned argumentative essays demonstrating rhetorical engagement
 Reflect on what contributed to their writing process and evaluate their own work
Course Requirements
 This semester, you will write two major essays with regard to your 30 Days experiment:
o The first will be an exploratory paper that compares who you were before you
attempted the 30 Days experiment and who you are after completing the
experiment.
o The second essay will be a research-based argumentative essay that explores a
broader perspective of your 30 Days topic.
o The final drafts of these essays will be typed, double-spaced in Times New
Roman, 12-point font.
 30 Days journal/ CompClass dailies (with 10 short entries – about 100 words each)
 Annotated Bibliography of 5 scholarly sources (which you will use in your research
paper and presentation)
 Oral Presentation about some aspect of your 30 Days project
 Regular attendance and participation, in-class assignments, 2 conferences with me
Revisions
Because writing is a process, you should revise all of the writing that you do for the class. Some
of the writing you do for your assignments will be in class, though I will not see all of the
revision process that you go through with each essay. The rough drafts of your exploratory essay
and your research paper may receive feedback from me before final drafts are due. Only the
final drafts of assignments will be graded.
Quizzes
From time to time I will quiz you over your reading assignments. Sometimes these quizzes will
be open-book, so it’s a good idea to bring your texts to class every day. If you are absent on a
day that we take a quiz, you will not be allowed to make it up.
Evaluation – How your grade breaks down:
20% Research-based Argumentative Essay
20% Exploratory Essay on 30 Days experiment
20% 30 Days journal/ CompClass dailies
15% Quizzes and Daily work
15% Annotated Bibliography
10 % Oral Presentation
ENGL 1102 30 Days Syllabus
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A note on Assessment:
 A/A+: A grade of A or A+ will be awarded for work which far exceeds the minimum
expectations of the 30 Days project, not only by doing all that is asked, but by
demonstrating superior skill, depth of thought, thoroughness, initiative, independence and
creativity. By definition, it is unlikely that many students should be able to earn this
grade, as it denotes exceptional students.
 B/B+: grades in the B/B+ range are very good grades. They indicate above average work,
evidenced not only by meeting the basic course objectives but also by showing some
initiative in pursuing lines of inquiry and some creativity in overall project and writing
assignments.
 C/C+/B-: Grades in the C/C+/B- range indicate that the basic objectives of the course
have been achieved, and that the student has demonstrated satisfactory mastery of the
material for the course. The minimum expectations of the instructor are met. This is a
perfectly respectable grade, for which no apology is necessary.
 D: a D is assigned to work that is below average competency for college students. The
student receiving a grade of D has not exerted a level of effort or expertise that is
expected of the average college student. This work is often incorrect or minimally
thought out.
 F: an F is assigned to a failing effort. This sort of work does not meet the minimum
expectations of the assignment, demonstrates a serious lack of command over course
material and a significant absence of effort on the part of the student.
Incomplete Grade Policy
In order to receive an Incomplete (I), a student must inform the instructor, either in person or in
writing, of his or her inability (non-academic reasons) to complete the requirements of the
course. Incompletes will be assigned at the instructor’s discretion, and the terms for removal of
the “I” are dictated by the instructor. A grade of Incomplete will only be considered for students
who are:
1. Passing the course with a C or better
2. Present a legitimate, non-academic reason to the instructor
3. Have only one major assignment left to finish
Class Participation
Though a percentage of your grade is not specifically allotted to class participation, your
participation is expected and essential to class discussion and small group work. Your success in
this class in entirely dependent on your class participation. In other words, your failure to
design and execute an approved 30 Days project, as well as your failure to speak up in class
will result in a failing grade for the class.
While you may at first feel reluctant or unsure about speaking in front of others, doing so is vital
to your success at Georgia State University and in the world beyond. Public discourse is
inescapable; learning to do it well is a real accomplishment. You will be encouraged to share
your thoughts with the rest of us on a regular basis, and I will do all I can to make you feel
comfortable and confident in doing so.
ENGL 1102 30 Days Syllabus
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Attendance Policy
Since this is a discussion-intensive course, attendance is essential for a successful semester. You
are allowed to miss three classes for personal reasons, and any class meetings that are missed
past the limit will result in a 5-point deduction from your final grade. This does not mean that
you have three free “skip days”—these absences should be used only in cases of illness or
emergency. If you skip class three times and then miss another day because you are actually ill
or in the hospital, you will still lose points off your final grade. Under special circumstances
(hospitalization, death in immediate family) I may allow you to miss more than three class
periods without penalty, though that is up to my discretion. Also, don’t be late! Two tardies
equals one absence. You will be considered tardy if you walk in after I have taken roll.
Conferences
All students are required to schedule 2 student/ teacher conferences with me during the
semester. The first conference will be a brief conference over your project proposals. During
this initial conference, I will either approve your project or require you to rethink your project.
The second conference will be a conference over one of your major paper assignments. During
the second conference, we will discuss one of the paper assignments with regard to planning and
organizing the essay or revision strategies for drafts. In addition, any classroom concerns may
be addressed during this time. Failure to show up for a scheduled conference counts as an
absence for the class.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Disclaimer
As a student at Georgia State University, you are required to abide by the Student Code of
Conduct. Plagiarism is a serious violation of GSU’s Policy on Academic Honesty. To avoid
being charged with an Honor Code violation, you must never use information or ideas that are
not your own without acknowledging your source. The Plagiarism Policy for GSU may be found
in the introduction to the Everyday Writer manual (p. GSU 4-5). Please read this policy very
carefully. There is also extensive information about plagiarism in CompClass. If you have any
questions about the difference between willful plagiarism and inadvertent plagiarism or GSU’s
Plagiarism Policy, please speak to me before turning in any assignments. If I find that you have
willfully plagiarized an assignment, you will automatically receive a zero for the assignment.
Depending on the severity of the plagiarism, penalties may include a failing grade in the course.
Late Work Policy
All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date listed on your Schedule of Readings
and Assignments. I will not accept late work for full credit without advance permission, except
under extreme mitigating conditions or circumstances beyond your control, such as a sudden
death in the family, extreme illness or injury, etc. If you know you are going to be absent on the
date that an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to turn the work in early or send it to class
with a friend.
Late work will be docked ten points for each class day past the due date. After three class
periods past the original due date, a grade of 0 will be entered in the grade book, and the
work will no longer be accepted.
ENGL 1102 30 Days Syllabus
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Emailed Work Policy
Please do not submit work electronically unless I directly ask you to.
Respect for Fellow Classmates
While I understand the importance of technology in your lives, I ask that you do not bring
laptops to class, as they have the potential to serve as a distraction to both me and your fellow
classmates. Also, out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell
phones must be silenced before entering the classroom.
In addition, please do not bring meals into the classroom. Drinks and candy bars are fine, but
food requiring utensils or preparation is very distracting.
GSU works to foster a community of mutual respect in the learning environment. You are
expected to treat everyone in the class with the courtesy and respect you would like to experience
yourself even, or perhaps especially, when you find yourselves in disagreement.
The Writing Studio:
While I am always willing to meet with you to give you advice and feedback on your writing, the
Writing Studio (located in room 976 in the General Classroom Building) provides additional,
individualized help to all GSU students, with no additional fees. Though visiting the writing
studio is not required for this class, it is a valuable resource for students, and I recommend that
you use it. The writing studio schedules 25 minute appointments on the hour and half-hour, but
walk-ins are also welcome.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability that may affect your performance in this class, or if you require special
accommodations to perform successfully in this class, please tell me by the end of the first week
of class. Please identify the disability and the necessary accommodation in writing. If you do
NOT consult with me about any disability and you do NOT seek accommodation, your failure to
do so will result in a waiver of any claim of disability and request for accommodation on your
part.
Portfolio (English Majors Only)
GSU requires an exit portfolio of all students graduating with a degree in English. For this
portfolio, you will include a set of writing samples (1 – 2 papers from each course) to show your
development as a writer. Therefore, for each English course you take, you should carefully
evaluate and assess all the papers you write and see which are good candidates for your portfolio.
Online Evaluation of Instructor
Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Georgia
State. Upon completing the course, please take time to fill out the online course evaluation.
ENGL 1102 30 Days Syllabus
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Course Reading and Writing Schedule (As the instructor, I reserve the right to change this
schedule if necessary)
Note: The reading is due on the day it is listed. You are responsible for the material covered in
the reading assignment before you come to class that day.
** EW = The Everyday Writer (all of the readings can be found online as well)
AUG T, 23 Introduction to Course—Go over Course Syllabus, fill out information cards
Discussion of 30 Days project
R, 25 Introduction to Academic Argument and Critical Thinking
Reading Assignment: The Everyday Writer “The Composition Program at
Georgia State University” (p. GSU-1-7), EW Ch. 11“Critical Reading” (p. 105 –
112), and Mary Oliver’s “The Summer Day” (handout)
T, 30 30 Days: Minimum Wage
Reading Assignment: Sandra Cisneros’s “The House on Mango Street” and
“Mango Says Goodbye Sometimes” (handout)
SEPT R, 1
30 Days: 30 Days in a Wheelchair
Reading Assignment: William Stafford’s “Vocation” (handout)
T, 6
30 Days: Muslims and America
Reading Assignment: EW Ch. 12 “Analyzing Arguments” (p. 113-125)
R, 8
30 Days: Life on an Indian Reservation
Reading Assignment: Walt Whitman’s “When I Heard the Learned Astronomer”
(handout) and Judson Mitcham’s “Praise” (handout)
T, 13 Reading Assignment: EW Ch.13: “Constructing Arguments” (p. 126 – 146)
Review of Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos, pathos
R, 15 30 Days: Off the Grid
T, 20 30 Days: Jail
R, 22 30 Days: Animal Rights
Discuss Exploratory Essay Assignment
T, 27 Conferences over project proposals (no class)
R, 29 Conferences over project proposals (no class)
First CompClass Daily Due: Your project and the 3 rules you will be following
**Saturday, October 1: Our 30 Days Experiments BEGIN! For the next 30 days we will be
executing our 30 Days projects!
ENGL 1102 30 Days Syllabus
OCT T, 4
R, 6
7
Reading Assignment: EW Ch. 15 “Doing Research” (p. 154- 167)
Discuss Annotated Bibliography assignment
2nd CompClass Daily Due
(Some of your dailies will be reflective/ journal-type entries, documenting
your individual experiences, conflicts, etc., while others will be responses to your
classmates’ experiences. I’ll give you the topics before they are due)
Library Scavenger Hunt (but we’ll meet in the classroom)
3rd CompClass Daily Due
Mid point of the semester – last day to withdraw is Oct. 7
T, 11 Reading Assignment: EW Ch. 16, “Evaluating Sources and Taking Notes” (p.168
– 185)
Discuss Final Research Paper Assignment
Using The Everyday Writer to format a Works Cited page
4th CompClass Daily Due
R, 13 Library Research Day: (we’ll meet in the classroom to go over the annotated bib
worksheet, then move to the library so that you may conduct research for your
Annotated Bibliography. I will be available to answer questions. Use this time in
the library wisely.
5th CompClass Daily Due
T, 18 6th CompClass Daily Due
Discuss Oral Presentation Assignment
Begin drafting Exploratory Essay in class
R, 20 30 Days: class choice
7th CompClass Daily Due
Annotated Bibliography due
T, 25 8th CompClass Daily Due
No Class - Conferences over Exploratory Essay Assignment
R, 27 9th CompClass Daily Due
No Class - Conferences over Exploratory Essay Assignment
***Sunday, October 30 – Our 30 Days are over!
NOV T, 1
R, 3
In-class writing – turning vague sentences into concrete sentences
Final CompClass Daily Due
Final Draft of Exploratory Essay Due
In-class discussion: What have we learned? Where do we go from here?
ENGL 1102 30 Days Syllabus
T, 8
Reading Assignment: EW ch. 17 “Integrating Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism”
(p. 185 – 192)
Lecture: Signal Phrases, integrating quotes, How to Avoid Plagiarism!
Review proper citation and MLA format for research papers
R, 10 Oral Presentations
T, 15 Oral Presentations
R, 17 Oral Presentations
T-R, 22-24
DEC
THANKSGIVING BREAK
T, 29
Conferences over Research Papers (bring rough draft of paper to conference)
R, 1
Conferences over Research Papers (bring rough draft of paper to conference)
*** FINAL RESEARCH PAPER DUE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 BY 3:00 p.m.
NO FINAL EXAM FOR THIS CLASS. HAVE A SAFE AND RELAXING WINTER
BREAK!
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