COURSE: EN 130 Rhetoric &
Composition
NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS: 3
PREREQUISITE: Placement
Fall 2015
3 Credit Hours
Dual Credit – Lafayette County C-1 High School
Eric King
kinge@huskers.k12.mo.us
(660) 584-3661
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to college writing and the basic forms of the essay. EN 130 teaches students to
read and think critically, to write logical, well-developed academic essays, and to write in a
variety of rhetorical situations. Students draft and revise essays that are collected in a portfolio.
EN 130 students also compose a researched argumentative essay according to MLA guidelines.
C or higher required. Fall. Spring.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES—COURSE
To write through a process of prewriting, drafting, and revising
To gain mastery over the essay form
To write critical analyses according to rhetorical principles of argument
To increase skill in reading critically
To increase familiarity with the library and its resources
To incorporate source material in their writing and report on their findings
To write an argumentative research paper with documentation following MLA format
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES—GENERAL EDUCATION
1. Demonstrate effective communication skills
2. Exercise inquiry, critical, and creative skills
3. Access and critically use various information sources
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES—DESE
To write through a process of prewriting, drafting, and revising P.I. (Performance Indicators):
essays, journals, and peer activities (E-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4) (M-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
2.1, 2.4, 4.3, 4.4) (S-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4)
To gain mastery over the essay form P.I.: assigned readings, essays, and journals (E-SSC 1.1,
2.2, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4) (M-SSC 1.2, 2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) (S-SSC 1.2, 2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3,
3.7, 4.1, 4.2)
To write critical analyses according to rhetorical principles of argument P.I.: essays, journals,
and research paper (E-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 3.4, 3.7, 4.2) (M-SSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.7, 4.4) (S-SSC
1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.8, 4.9)
To increase skill in reading critically P.I.: class discussion, and journals (E-SSC 1.1, 2.4, 3.1,
3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.5) (M-SSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9) (SSSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.8, 4.9)
To increase familiarity with the library and its resources P.I.: library exercise, essays, research
paper (E-SSC 3.4, 3.5, 3.7) (M-SSC 3.2, 3.7) (S-SSC 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.8)
To incorporate source material in their writing and report on their findings P.I.: research paper
(E-SSC 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4) (M-SSC 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7) (S-SSC 3.2, 3.3,
3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.8)
To write an argumentative research paper with documentation following MLA format
P.I.: research paper (E-SSC 3.4, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2) (M-SSC 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.2,
4.3, 4.4, 4.7) (S-SSC 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9)
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Research Presentation: Each student will create and deliver a presentation on a controversial
matter of public concern, as well as a possible solution. The presentation must utilize at
minimum ten sources. A minimum of three sources must be from books or peer-reviewed
journals, and two may be from other credible sources (Internet, multimedia, etc.). Further details
will be given closer to the end of the semester.
Essays: Students will compose three essays of varying word length on a topic based on the inclass readings. Each essay must use at minimum four proper secondary sources, properly cited
in MLA format. Each essay will be peer critiqued and revised. Rough drafts and peer critiques
are worth 10% of the essay grade; make arrangements with the instructor if you will be absent.
Short Writings: Occasionally, students will be given a prompt over which to write a short
(approx. two pages) essay response. These writings will be done outside of class, and will be
stored in the student’s portfolio.
Portfolio: Students will keep a working portfolio of all writings done for the course. All writing
assignments (essays, journals, etc.) will be kept in a folder. At the end of the semester, a number
of works to be determined by the instructor will be submitted, along with a personal reflection of
growth as a writer during the semester.
Examinations: Students will have periodic quizzes – both announced and unannounced –
throughout the semester. Students should keep up on reading at all times. Additionally, students
will have four vocabulary quizzes throughout the semester.
Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance is required. Absences must be documented in
order to be excused. The instructor reserves the right to lower a student’s course grade by a full
letter grade (10%) if more than two unexcused absences are recorded. Students missing more
than six periods unexcused (three weeks of class!) will not pass the course. Also, a student who
comes unprepared for class – not having done the reading or journal assignment, etc. – will be
counted as absent for that class period. Scores for assignments during that period will be
reduced by 50%.
Participation means always paying attention, sharing your best thoughts with the group, not
carrying on private conversations, not using cell phones/electronic devices, and not doing other
homework or assignments during class time.
There may be other assignments not listed on this syllabus, which will be assigned at the
teacher’s discretion.
REQUIRED TEXT/S
Cohen, Samuel, ed. 50 Essays. Fourth Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013.
Fulwiler, Toby and Alan R. Hayakawa. Pocket Reference for Writers. Second Edition. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.
GRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Grades are computed on a 100-point scale (i.e. 90-100 = A, 80-100 = B, etc.). Scores will be
rounded to the nearest whole number (i.e. 79.5 = B). Late work will not be accepted. If you
have an extenuating circumstance, please discuss it with the instructor.
The grade breakdown is as follows:
Research presentation: 15%
Essays: 40% (10% each)
Homework, journals, “other”: 15%
Portfolio: 10%
Examinations: 10%
Attendance/Participation: 10%
Additionally, all three major essays, the research presentation, and the portfolio MUST be
submitted in order to pass the course. If these assignments are not submitted, you will not earn a
passing grade. (This also includes any mandatory revisions of these assignments at the
instructor’s discretion.)
TENTATIVE DUE DATES
ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT INSTRUCTOR’S DISCRETION
(GOLD)
September 4 – Essay #1 Rough Draft
September 11, 3:00 PM – Essay #1 Final Draft
September 17 – Vocab Quiz #1
October 1 - Essay #2 Rough Draft
October 8, 3:00 PM – Essay #2 Final Draft
October 13 – Vocab Quiz #2
November 5 – Essay #3 Rough Draft
November 9 – Vocab Quiz #3
November 13, 3:00 PM – Essay #3 Final Draft
December 2 – Vocab Quiz #4
December 4, 8, 10, 14 – Research presentations
December 11, 3:00 PM – Portfolio Due
(BLUE)
September 3 – Essay #1 Rough Draft
September 11, 3:00 PM – Essay #1 Final Draft
September 18 – Vocab Quiz #1
October 2 - Essay #2 Rough Draft
October 8, 3:00 PM – Essay #2 Final Draft
October 14 – Vocab Quiz #2
November 6 – Essay #3 Rough Draft
November 10 – Vocab Quiz #3
November 13, 3:00 PM – Essay #3 Final Draft (Gold Day; Due by 3:00 PM)
December 3 – Vocab Quiz #4
December 7, 9, 11, 15 – Research presentations
December 11, 3:00 PM – Portfolio Due
FINAL EXAM
N/A
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION POLICY
1) Writing assignments are due at the beginning of class on the days indicated. Please check
the due dates.
2) All writing submitted for a grade/portfolio must be typed using 12-point legible font
(Times New Roman or Arial preferred), double spaced, and with one-inch margins.
3) MLA formatting must be followed at all times. (Refer to Pocket Reference for Writers or
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for assistance.)
4) Late writing assignments will be penalized 10% for each day late. After a week late, they
will not be accepted for credit. (They still will be accepted to fulfill the submission
requirement discussed in “grading policies” above.) If you have an extenuating
circumstance, please discuss it with the instructor.
CELL PHONE USE POLICY
In one word: don’t. Students should be participating actively in class, and cell phones and other
electronic devices are distractions in the classroom environment. Please turn them off, keep
them put away, and be respectful of others in the class. Students that do not follow this policy
may forfeit their participation/attendance credit for the class period in question, and may be
asked to leave class.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
It shall be the responsibility of every student enrolled at Missouri Valley College to support the academic
integrity of the institution. This applies to personal honesty in all aspects of collegiate work, all student
records, and all contacts with faculty and staff. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
It shall also be the responsibility of every student enrolled at Missouri Valley College to be respectful of
the right of other students, staff, and instructors to ensure a safe, peaceful atmosphere conducive to the
educational goals of an institution of higher learning. Rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Student actions that do not adhere to the MVC Student Code of Conduct will be addressed according to
College policies regarding academic dishonesty and disruptive behavior. Students who exhibit dishonest,
disruptive, or disrespectful behavior risk suspension or expulsion from the institution.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic integrity is expected and required of all students. Students and faculty are responsible
and accountable for personally upholding that integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated, and
students found guilty of cheating in any way will be disciplined according to the Academic
Dishonesty Policy in the MVC College Catalog. The following penalties may be applied:
1. Reprimand.
2. Requirement that the student repeats and re-submits the same or alternate assignment. In
such cases, the grade or mark awarded will be reduced or limited at the discretion of the
faculty member.
3. Completion of the Plagiarism Tutorial found at the student’s Moodle site. (Must be
completed if this is the student’s first plagiarism offense)
4. A mark of "0" will be given for the assignment with no opportunity to resubmit. This
may result in failure of the course.
5. A failing (F) grade will be awarded in the course.
6. Automatic failing (F) grades in all courses in which the student is registered, and no fees
will be refunded for that semester. This penalty will only be imposed by the student's
program division chair or the Chief Academic Officer.
7. Expulsion from Missouri Valley College, permanently recorded on the student's record.
This penalty will result in automatic failing (F) grades in all courses in which the student
is registered, and no fees will be refunded for that semester.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is expected and required at each class meeting.
ADA STATEMENT
The College seeks to comply fully with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The ADA Coordinator works with the programs to
assist the faculty in understanding and implementing accommodations.
Students with disabilities should have documentation of their disability sent to the campus ADA
coordinator, Debbie Coleman, Baity Hall, Room 206, office 7, 660-831-4170 or
colemand@moval.edu , and set up an appointment as soon as they arrive on campus. Students
enrolled in online courses should email the ADA coordinator. Failure to do so could delay
accommodations. After proper documentation, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate
students’ needs. If you have any questions about how to initiate this process, please contact your
instructor.