English 101-77: Composition I
Fall 2010
Greg Shemkovitz
gpshemko@uncg.edu
Office hours: MW 12-1:30pm, by appointment.
MWF 10-10:50
SULV 217
Office: McIver 328
Course Description
English Composition is designed to prepare for thinking and writing critically. Throughout the
semester you will be asked to analyze written text as a way to better understand the way an
argument is constructed; through your own writing, you will become more adept at creating an
argument and communicating the tenets of your support. Much of the course is devoted to the
process of writing, both inception and revision. All formal assignments will be submitted as
drafts to be critiqued by your peers. Drafts will undergo multiple revisions before the final
portfolio; the composition classroom is about continued improvement; writing is not a skill that
can be learned in one semester, but we become better writers through the continued practice of
reading, writing, critiquing, and revising.
Required Texts/Materials
Graff, Gerald. They Say / I Say. WW Norton & Co, 2009. ISBN 9780393933611
Lydia, Laurie, ed. Techne Rhetorike.
Readings on Blackboard (PDF Format & Internet links)
Student Learning Goals
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Interpret and evaluate written and/or oral arguments
2. Locate and evaluate relevant information
3. Construct and communicate cogent arguments
4. Adapt modes of communication to the audience and/or purpose
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty, trust,
fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating, plagiarism,
misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic dishonesty. If knowledge is
to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty.
Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the fundamental activity of this academic
institution and shall not be tolerated” (from UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy). To ensure that
you understand the university’s policy on academic integrity, review the guidelines and list of
violations at <http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu>. I expect you to abide by the Academic
Integrity Policy.
Attendance Policy
Students are allowed three (excused or unexcused) absences without a grade penalty. For every
absence beyond those allowed, students will be penalized one-half letter grade. Students who
miss more than six classes will fail the course. I will keep attendance records.
Evaluation/Assessment
Participation/Discussion
Peer Review
Papers
Portfolio
20%
20%
20%
40%
Guidelines for each assignment will be available on Blackboard.
Papers will have the following:
Stapled (if hard copy is required)
Titled
Double spaced
One inch ruled margins
Size 12 Times New Roman
Your name, course #, assignment, and date in upper left hand corner of 1st page
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see me about accommodations
as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit from such accommodations, you must first
register with the Office of Disability Services on campus before such accommodations can be
made. The office is located on the second floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite
215, and the office is open 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. Telephone: 334-5440; e-mail:
ods@uncg.edu.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is located in 3211 of the MHRA building. They can help you at any stage of
the writing process, from prewriting to polishing. Please schedule an appointment with them at
any point during the semester if you need outside help with your writing. For more information
visit www.uncg.edu/eng/writingcenter/.
Each visit to the Writing Center will be counted as half a point extra credit added to your final
grade.
Classroom Responsibilities
As a member of this class, you will be responsible for the following:
1. Attendance. In addition to the above statement on attendance, tardiness is not tolerated. If
you are late twice in one week, that will count as an absence. If you are late beyond 10
minutes for one class, you will receive an absence for that class period.
2. Preparation. The success of our class depends on your being prepared for peer review
sessions, in-class exercises, and discussions. You are expected to be attentive to your
classmates, to contribute to group discussions, and to participate in writing exercises. All
of your writing assignments, including descriptive outlines, are due on the dates listed
below. Because our schedule calls for continual exchange and peer review, I will not
accept late papers. Even if it is a lousy paper, turn it in; you will have the chance to revise
it. Readings should be completed by the date they are listed on the syllabus.
3. Peer review. The feedback that you provide to your peers is an essential component of
the course, both in helping to create a community of writers and in helping to develop
your ability to review and revise your own work.
4. Portfolio of writings. This will include your best work.
5. Conferences. Each student is responsible for meeting with me at least once during the
semester. Failure to attend a conference is considered an absence from class.
6. Formatting. You are asked to follow the MLA format for papers as well as citing sources.
The Writing Center and library have helpful links for information about MLA style. The
UNCG datebook also has a brief overview of MLA style in the back as a quick reference.
Techne Rhetorike has a longer explanation of MLA style in the Supplementals.
http://www.uncg.edu/eng/writingcenter/citations.html
http://library.uncg.edu/depts/ref/qil/styles.asp
7. Cell phone use is NOT permitted during class.
SCHEDULE OF READINGS / ASSIGNMENTS
Reading assignments are due on class day.
(Subject to revision.)
August
M 23
W 25
F 27
Intro to class
Graff, pp. 17-47
Graff, pp. 51-73, get essay assignment
M 30
September
W1
F3
Bring one copy of Essay to class AND email one copy to me, peer review
M6
W8
F 10
Labor Day – No Class
Read “A Worm in the Apple” on Blackboard (Bb)
Reasoning/Arguments
M 13
W 15
F 17
Reasons Essay first draft due on Bb, one copy in class
Reasons Essay, second draft due on Bb
Read “House and Home” on Bb, Nestorian Order, subordinated of reasoning
M 20
W 22
F 24
Nestorian Order first draft due on Bb, one copy to class
Nestorian Order second draft on Bb, abstract/concrete
Read “Wrestling…Sprawl” on Bb
M 27
W 29
October
F1
Argument Summary due on Bb, introduce Strawman form
Strawman first draft due on Bb, one copy in class, peer review
Final draft of Essay due, Graff, pp. 74-97
Graff, pp. 101-132, Essay formats, thesis (proposition), intros/conclusions
Strawman final draft on Bb, Read “Turf War” on Bb
M4
W6
F8
Argument Summary on Bb, introduce concession
Concession first draft due on Bb, one copy to class
Concession second draft due, one copy to class
M 11
W 13
F 15
Fall Break – No Class
Concession final draft due on Bb
Talk about portfolio
M 18
W 20
F 22
Conference
Conference
Conference
M 25
W 27
F 29
Bring a copy of your favorite essay you wrote in class
Rethinking conclusions
Community in America
November
M1
W3
F5
Discuss Zeitoun
Discuss Zeitoun
Research, Scholarly conversations
M8
W 10
F 12
Bring possible topics of interest, each with two thesis statements
Finding sources
Research essay structuring
M 15
W 17
F 19
Conference
Conference
Conference
M 22
W 24
F 26
First draft of Zeitoun essay, one copy in class
Thanksgiving Break – No Class
Thanksgiving Break – No Class
M 29
December
W1
F3
Second draft of Zeitoun Essay one copy in class
M6
Final Portfolios due on Bb by 11:59pm
Final draft Zeitoun essay due on Bb
Second portfolio essay to class, Letters
Final Exam Day
Wed, December 8, Noon