The University of Central Oklahoma
Course Information and Syllabus
English Composition 1113
CRNs: 26172 in Liberal Arts (LA), room 232
at 11:00 TR
26173 in LA 217
at 12:30 TR
Instructor: Jeannine Bettis, English Department
Office: LA 221-I, Phone 974-5518;
E-mail address: jbettis@uco.edu
College of Liberal Arts
Office Hours: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MWF
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. MTWRF
and by appointment
Spring
2015
Policies and Syllabus
English 1113 – Spring 2015
J. Bettis, Instructor
Class Catalog Description:This course provides instruction in college-level
writing, covering grammatical skills, rhetorical issues, and cognitive abilities necessary to
produce effective academic prose. The primary purpose of first-year English is to
produce writers of competent expository prose by providing an environment which acts
as an initiation into the academic world. Prerequisites: None.
Course Overview
English 1113 is the first of two required courses all aspects of composition skills at
the University of Central Oklahoma. Its purpose is to prepare its students to meet the
academic and professional expectations which they will face in the future. Proficiency in
writing, reading, grammar usage, and mechanics in English will be furthered in the
course of the semester. Beyond these basic subjects of study, the course provides training
in critical thinking and reading, and the use of acceptable logic in these.
Editing for professional and academic purposes is an essential skill, and so grammar will
be studied in its structure and usage with attention to aspects of the language that present
greatest challenges to American students. This entails the study of common grammar
errors, punctuation use, and effective sentence styles. Exercises, quizzes, and major
examinations will allow the student to measure progress throughout the term. Also,
grammar usage will be examined in compositions, with discussion and correction of the
writing.
Composition methods, types, and templates are studied in this course, and varied writing
assignments will be explained, planned, and executed; effective techniques for all parts of
the composition will be inculcated. Summaries, personal essays, and reviews of writing
will be done in the first half of the term; and business correspondence will also be
considered and practiced. Advanced composition will be studied in the latter half of the
term (including problem/solution, argumentation, and formal critique writing). The focus
will be on using these skills to formulate solutions to community or university issues,
stressing creativity and knowledge. Reading will include fiction and nonfiction, for
mastery of annotation and understanding of broad perspective, with two composition
reviews attendant upon completion at midterm and at the final exam.
Extensive practice in evaluation of experience and texts will be undertaken also through
assignments in portfolio format, a college journal (see course files for instructions). The
portfolio grade will be added to points acquired in examinations, quizzes, homework,
group work, and exercises. All grades will be have point values, with the final grade the
percentage of points gained over points possible. Good luck!
Course Policies
English 1113
Spring 2015
J. Bettis, Instructor
PLEASE NOTE:
Academic Affairs Syllabus Attachment: Academic Year
2014-2015
A Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker,
Nancy Sommers · Bedford/St. Martin's · Paperback · 304 pages · ISBN 0312542542
Textbooks: Handbook:
See reading list for your choice of two books, one each 8 weeks.
Materials: Two pocket notebooks (explanation given in class);
a notebook of the student's choice for note-taking.
Students will write out of class, and are required
to keep personal copies of all major assignments;
therefore, it might be wise to buy a couple of
flash drives.
Course Objectives: Discipline knowledge, global competency,
learning, wellness, and problem-solution objectives also
detailed below.(See “Transformative Learning Outcomes” below
for detailed discussion of these outcomes.)
A.
Students will practice analysis of the writing
situation, purpose, and audience for varied types of
composition (discipline knowledge)
B.
Students will master reliable techniques for
introductions, topic paragraphs (i.e., topics and
developmental strategies), and conclusions of papers
of various sorts. (discipline knowledge)
C.
Students will practice methods of planning, shaping
(i.e., organizing), drafting, revising, editing, and
proofreading (discipline knowledge, problem solving)
D.
Editing will be taught for professional purposes; it
entails the study of punctuation as well as
prescriptive grammar (knowledge and problem solving).
E.
Locally oriented argumentation and service learning
instruction and experience will be gained (global
competency, problem solving, service learning)
F.
Critical thinking and logic will be studied and
fallacy avoidance inculcated (knowledge and problem
solving for maximum service to community and world).
Course Requirements
The following are requirements for satisfactory grade
in Composition 1113 in this class. Some items are not on the
class syllabus because they are of a continuous nature.
Please note: ALL ITEMS BELOW ARE REQUIRED.
1.
Completion of the essays and tests listed on the class
syllabus, journal portfolio, and in-class assignments.
2.
Folders must be submitted by the end of the semester containing the following materials:
(a). all compositions written and graded during
the semester; and
(b). corrected compositions as assigned in class.
3.
Students will
end of term.
demonstration
and retaining
4.
Satisfactory class attendance is required. Absences
exceeding four will be harmful to the student's mastery
of the subject. Discussion with instructor is required
should such absences occur. Absences exceeding 25% of
class periods will result in a failing grade.
be required to hand in class notes at
These will receive points based on their
of a college-level commitment to recording
material presented in class.
-----------------------------Composition Requirements
(Forms)
The following specifications apply to out-of-class
compositions.
*
*
*
*
*
*
The paper must be typed and double-spaced.
Font size should be 12-point Times Roman or Arial.
Use one-inch borders at margins.
No cover page is needed for these compositions.
Title should be centered, and correct capitalization
used.
Further instruction will be provided in class.
In-class compositions will follow the same format, with the
ruled margins to guide the student; these papers will be
single-spaced, however. In all papers, use 5-space (one-inch)
paragraph indentations.
Further instructions will be given in class.
Essay and Other Examinations
Some compositions may be written in class; quizzes and
examinations over composition techniques, grammar, and punctuation will be taken in class also. Please note policies:
While it is rare for students to cheat on exams, students are
required to avoid the appearance of cheating. Therefore,
1.
2.
3.
4.
Desks are to face the front of the classroom.
Students are not to look at others' persons or desks
during the exam.
Outlines and/or other materials permitted during the
exam will be examined by the instructor prior to the
testing.
Students may not wear caps, hats, or sunglasses while
testing.
Of the four major examinations, the midterm and the final will
have the greatest impact on students' grades.
-----------------------------Grades: 800 POINTS TOTAL in Formal Assignments + 100 in pop
tests, homework, and in-class flex assignments. FINAL POINT
TOTALS WILL BE GIVEN DURING THE FINAL WEEK OF CLASSES.
Compositions will be allotted grades on a letter system from
A through F; to allow quantification, points are assigned to
each letter grade. For quantitative purposes:
A equals 98 points; an A- is 92; B+ is 88; B is 85; B- is
82; C+ is 78; C is 75; C- is 72; D+ is 68; D is 65; D- is
62. If the paper receives an F grade, a number will be
given on that paper which may be from zero to 61 points.
At the end of the term, points are totaled and added to the
total points achieved during the term. This figure is divided
by the total points possible to determine the student’s final
grade.
Compositions:
Portfolio: 100 points (journal, 14 pages)
Formal Compositions: 400 points (2-4 pages)
Review Exam, Week Five: 50 points (objective)
Midterm: 100 points (objective/brief essay)
Final: 150 points (objective/essay)
Total Points:
800 (+ up to 100 flex points)
Examination grades will show points earned over points
possible (e.g., 125/130). Flex points will be earned in
assignments including quizzes, homework, group work, and extra
credit opportunities. All points received will be totaled at
the end of the term, and divided by points possible.
Technology Policies:
1. Cell phones should be turned off and put up prior to class.
2. Laptops will not be used in class except as instructed, in
order to hone note-taking skills and focus on the
environment, teacher, and fellow students.
Late Work, Incompletes, and Absences
1.
One late paper and/or examination will be allowed without
penalty to the grade if the student has a signed excuse.
If the paper or exam was done by fellow students in class,
the late student will be required to make up the assignment under proctoring, at a time within one week
under conditions similar to those in class.
2.
Grades of "Incomplete" may be given IF:
(a). The student has experienced a valid
emergency which has made completion
impossible, and this is documented;
(b). No more than two assignments and/or two
weeks of class have been missed;
(c). The instructor is advised in a timely manner.
3.
Attendance is required. Students who must miss one class
meeting need not advise the instructor, but are strongly
advised to obtain class notes from a classmate. Students
missing more than four class meetings are required to meet
with the instructor after making an appointment.
Absences over 25% will result in a failing grade.
Plagiarism
All writing assignments for this course must be entirely the
student's own work. If it is not, the student is guilty of
plagiarism, which is not tolerated at U.C.O. Plagiarism consists of:
1.
Copying the words of another writer without the use
of quotation marks and documentation.
2.
Using the ideas of another writer without crediting
that writer and documenting the source of the information.
3.
Incorrectly copying or inadequately paraphrasing.
Quotes must be not only credited, but also exact; no
alterations should be made to the text cited. Also,
paraphrasing must be different from the original in
sentence structure, phrasing, and style; changing of
of only some words is unacceptable.
Turnitin.com Plagiarism Syllabus Statement: UCO subscribes to the Turnitin.com
plagiarism prevention service. Students agree that by taking this course, all required
assignments may be subject to submission for textual similarity for the detection of
plagiarism. All submitted assignments will be included as source documents in the
Turnitin.com restricted access reference database for the purpose of
detecting plagiarism of such assignments. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject
the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com website. Turnitin.com is
just one of various plagiarism prevention tools and methods which may be utilized by
your faculty instructor during the terms of the semesters. In the UCO Student
Handbook, there is a process for contesting any plagiarism allegations against you.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING OUTCOMES – FROM UCO ADMINISTRATION AND
THIS COURSE’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAME
Transformative learning is a holistic process that places students at the center of their own active
and reflective learning experiences. All students at the University of Central Oklahoma will have
transformative learning experiences in six core areas: discipline knowledge; leadership; research;
creative and scholarly activities; service learning and civic engagement; global and cultural
competencies; and health and wellness.
This course supports the following tenets of transformative learning:

Discipline Knowledge—students explore, discuss, and practice the techniques,
conventions, and processes that produce college-level writing. This course will
enhance students’ abilities in every aspect of these factors in excellence in writing.

Global and Cultural Competency—students read and write analytically about global
and cultural issues and direct writing to divers audiences. Writing and reading from
current materials on a socially aware curriculum will allow this goal to be met.

Problem Solving (Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities)—students analyze
complex texts, produce creative and scholarly papers and presentations, conduct
limited and focused research, and document sources. Portfolio and argumentation
papers will utilize both primary and secondary research skills.

Service Learning and Civic Engagement—in service learning sections, students
write about a significant service learning experience; in other sections, students learn
how the public use of language has the potential to affect an audience and to effect a
change in their communities. Service learning and community problem-solving are
essential parts of the latter half of the semester, and encouraged throughout.

Health and Wellness—students read about, write about, and discuss those
intellectual, emotional, and spiritual issues that give human existence vitality and
meaning. The course emphasizes the use of our communication skills and
understanding to achieve these aims.
Syllabus: English 1113
J. Bettis, Instructor
Spring 2015
Please note: This syllabus is not a substitute for class attendance. If the student
must miss class, he or she is encouraged to contact a classmate or the instructor
for notes and other information regarding class activities. Assignments below will
be supplemented as needed with further exercises. Also, quizzes will be given
without announcement (“pop tests”); and in-class points or extra-credit may be
earned through means discussed only in class. (See “Grading” section above.)
Week One: January 12 – 16
Course introduction and first-day activities
Discussion of syllabus and policies
Discussion of narrative writing and of first essay assignment
Beginning of grammar review
Assignments: Begin journal
Select book from list and begin reading.
Field work for essay one, narrative
Week Two: January 19 – 23
Discussion of progress on essays and journals
Grammar work: Parts of speech and sentence structures preparatory to
analysis of sentences; basic vocabulary of editing
Assignments: Finish essays, due first session, week three.
Review lecture notes and master vocabulary introduced
Portfolio journal and reading; see D2L Contents.
Week Three: January 26 – 30
Submit narrative essays, first session this week (3 pgs., 100 points)
Discussion of sentence structures most common in English
Grammar: Practice with sentence analysis
Assignments: Complete sentence analysis practices as given in class
Work on journal and reading as selected
Syllabus, p. 2
Week Four: February 2 – 6
Return and discussion of marked compositions
Grammar/editing: Practice with sentence structures; prepare for a basic quiz
in week five; specific day will be given in class.
Assignments:
Practice sheets online; print, answer, and bring as assigned
Planning of business letter assignment; outlines next week
Journal (continued also in following weeks as indicated)
Week Five: Feb. 9 – 13
Plans and outlines for business letters will be discussed
and rough drafts assigned, due in one week
Review test over grammar to this point (objective, 50 points)
Editing: Continuation of analysis; beginning prescriptive grammar ASAP
Assignments:
Rough draft business letters
Continuing assignments (journal and reading)
Week Six: Feb. 16 – 20
Business letter rough drafts will be examined in class this week.
Assignments: Prepare final drafts of business letters to turn in next week.
Special catch-up week for portfolios; DO catch up!!!
Do grammar practices as assigned.
Week Seven: Feb. 23 – 27
Business letters are due this week; specific day will be announced prior.
( One page, 100 points)
Discussion of composition process and parts
Assignments: Be sure that portfolios are up to date.
Syllabus, p. 3
Week Eight: March 2 – 6
MIDTERM EXAMS, NEXT WEEK: Midterm examinations
are comprehesive, over readings, grammar, and composition to this
point. Questions are objective, with an essay component following.
Assignments:
Study for midterm exam
Week Nine: March 9 – 13
Midterms will be given Tues. (objective, brief essay, 100 points)
A list of readings for critiques will be provided from which
students will select a reading for formal critique.
Study of critical thinking, with special attention to logical fallacies
and their avoidance begins next.
Assignments: Consideration of argumentation topic selection and plan.
Week Ten: March 16 – 20 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES
Week Eleven: March 23 – 27
Discussion and work on argumentation compositions
Discussion of logical fallacies
Assignments:
Primary research and subsequent drafting of
argumentation essay
Please NOTE: All topics are to be local in nature, regarding issues at
UCO, or in the community of Edmond; work places may be included, if
desired.
Syllabus, p. 4
Week Twelve: March 30 – April 3
Practices will be completed in critical thinking and logic. Then planning
submission of essays will be discussed in detail.
Assignments: Work on argumentation essays; outline is to be attached
to the back of final drafts submitted next week.
Week Thirteen: April 6 – 10
Submission of essays this week as assigned (3 pgs., 100 points)
Problem/Solution essays will be discussed; critical thinking unit concluded.
Week Fourteen: April 13 – 17
Work on planning and shaping of analytical compositions
Punctuation study
Assignments: Work on problem/solution composition
Week Fifteen: April 20 – 24
Punctuation study and practices in class
Assignment: Review punctuation and other materials preparatory to the
final exam
Work on problem-solving compositions (again, local topics
and primary research only).
Week Sixteen: April 27 – May 1
Argumentation or problem/solution compositions are due.
Thursday
(2 ½ pgs. min., 100 points)
Preparation for comprehensive final exam will be undertaken in class.
Examinations will be objective, with an essay component review of the second
semester book assignment (2+ written pages).
FINALEXAMDATES
Final Examination Week: May 4 – May 8, 2015
11:00 TR class’ final exam is Thursday, May 7, at 11:00 a.m. (150 points)
12:30 TR class’ final exam is Tues., May 5, at 1:00 p.m. (150 points)
Please note that final exam times may differ from regular class times.
Also, students with three or more finals in one day may be provided an
alternative time.
Please notify your instructor if you need accommodation due to a schedule with
three finals in the same day.