Freshman Composition I
ENGL 1301.004
Fall 2013
Tuesday - Thursday
9:30 am – 10:45 am
Instructor: Mrs. Maureen F. Page
Office: MB 4127
Email: page_m@utpb.edu
Office Phone: 552-2294
Office Hours: TBA
Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can
determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend
it for you.
- Carl Sandburg, poet (1878 – 1967)
Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
Course Description:
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising,
and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the
relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection
between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all
fields of knowledge. A good (working) command of Standard Written English is expected of all
students enrolling in Composition I.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course students will:
1. Understand and demonstrate the use of the writing process by producing at least 20 pages
of writing using prewriting (invention), organization, drafting, revision (editing), and
proofreading.
2. Demonstrate the skills of an effective college writer who is able to think critically and
produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Along with that comes the ability to discover a topic, develop and organize that topic, and
phrase it effectively for a particular audience.
3. Understand and appropriately apply modes of expression (i.e. description, exposition,
narrative, argument, and self-expression) in written communication, specifically where
that applies to basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and the development
of exposition and argument.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of style and voice in writing, including the use of choices
in sentence structure, word choice, and punctuation, not only for correctness, but also for
rhetorical effect.
5. Develop the ability to research and write a documented essay.
6. Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective
thinking, and responding.
7. Gain confidence and familiarity with writing and potentially view it as a rewarding
activity in school and in life.
8. Develop personal values for ethical behavior specifically as that applies to the
understanding and avoidance of plagiarism as it applies to the scope of this class.
9. Develop a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social
aspects of life in order to establish broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in
relationship to the larger society and world in which he or she lives, and to understand the
responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diverse world.
Prerequisites
 the ability to write standard edited English prose, including control of sentence
boundaries and mechanical conventions in writing
 the ability to write balanced and unified paragraphs
 the ability to read, comprehend, and respond to complex readings
 college-level vocabulary and reading skills
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Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
Text and other materials:
Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers - edited by Troyka & Hesse, 10th ed.
A good college dictionary (Webster’s is very good) and Get a stapler!!
Grades:
Grades are distributed as follows:
Weekly journal entries (15):
Paper 1 (2-3 pages)
Paper 2 (4-6 pages)
Paper 3 (5-7 pages)
Paper 4 (5-7 pages)
Paper 5 (2-4 pages)
Tests
Attendance
Weekly exercises
15%
5%
10%
20%
20%
5%
10%
5%
10%
100%
Total percent of all paper grades = 60%
Late papers will not be accepted.
Class Activities:
You will spend some time writing, some time in peer editing, and some time in individual
conferences with your instructor. Each student will be scheduled for two individual conferences
outside the class. You will also be expected to participate in discussions of reading assignments
(this will count as part of your grade). Occasionally I will lecture in order to introduce subjects
or to discuss problems shared by most of the class.
Acceptable Student Behavior:
Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the
ability of other students to learn from the instructional program (Code of Student Life).
Unacceptable or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students engaging in unacceptable
behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom. Inappropriate behavior may result in
disciplinary action or referral to the University’s Behavioral Intervention Team. This prohibition
applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, discussion groups, field
trips, etc.
Decorum:
Language, which demeans people based on race, gender, sexual preference, ethnicity, or age,
will not be tolerated in this class. Please note that you may be asked to leave the classroom if
you become disruptive. Please turn off your cell phones while in class. If you must receive and
accept a call, tell me before class. If you do not, and you accept a call, you will be asked to leave
and will get a 0% for that day’s activity grade. If we are in the Computer Lab – no food is
allowed.
Disability:
Any student who feels that he or she may require assistance for any type of physical or learning
disability should consult with me as soon as possible. To request academic accommodations for
a disability contact Ms. Letitia Madrid, Director of the PASS Office in the Mesa Building Room
1160, 432-552-2631, or email madrid_l@utpb.edu . Students are required to provide
documentation of disability to PASS Office prior to receiving accommodations.
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Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
Journals:
As I have already stated, this course is writing intensive. Be prepared to write your fingers to
the bone, starting with the weekly Journal entry. There will be a total of 15 journal entries, one
for each week of the semester (including Thanksgiving week). There will be specific topics
assigned, but you are expected to make them personal. I will not grade on spelling, grammar, or
punctuation (Yes, you read that correctly; however, I may call attention to some glaring errors,
but this will not affect your grade.) The grade for your journals will be based on content and
your ability to demonstrate the development of ideas. Your journal will submitted online in our
Blackboard class web page, and will be considered as a whole when I assess your grade for the
semester. I am looking for overall improvement throughout the semester. I will look at your
journals each week only to check to see if you have done the assignment.
University Success Center – Writing Tutors:
It will be a requirement that all of your papers will be taken to the University Success Center –
Writing Tutors (only) between the time you get your first draft back from me and you hand in
your final draft. The Success Ctr. is a free resource for UTPB students. At the Success Ctr., a
trained writing consultant will work individually with you on anything you are writing (in or out
of class) at any point in the writing process from brainstorming to final editing. Appointments
are recommended, but not required. For more information or to make an appointment call 5522302, email at OWL@utpb.edu, or stop by (2nd Floor Mesa Bldg.).
Attendance:
This course will require a dedicated effort. It is in your own best interest, therefore, to be present
at every class. English Dept. policy for Freshman Composition is as follows: 3 unexcused
absences are grounds for an F for the course, or if a student misses more than 25% of the total
number of classes (even with excused absences) the grade is an automatic F. I have no recourse
but to give an F to anyone who misses more than 25% of the regularly scheduled classes, even if
you present me with documentation for the absences (and this means everything must be
documented: Dr.’s appointments, funerals, sports events, jail, whatever – I must see
documentation!). In addition, 10 minutes late in arriving for a class and in leaving 10 minutes
early for a class is a tardy (unless you have spoken to me before hand). Three tardies equal one
absence. Now, on the reverse of that coin is the concept that if you come to class prepared, have
your assignments done on time, and participate in class discussions, your grade will show it
favorably. Let me make it clear, your attendance IS an important part of your overall grade!
Academic Dishonesty:
We will discuss proper citation techniques throughout the semester, so you will have no excuse
for failing to acknowledge sources. Flagrant plagiarism or collusion will result in an automatic
grade of zero. This means citing all sources by giving a full MLA citation for each source.
Additionally, part of your grade on papers will depend on your ability to cite sources properly.
Two offenses of flagrant plagiarism or collusion will result in an automatic grade of “F” in the
course and may result in other disciplinary action as well. All cases of academic dishonesty are
reported to the Dean of Students, Dean Sewell. Please see the UTPB Web
[http://ss.utpb.edu/dean-of-students/scholastic-dishonesty/ ] for information about academic
dishonesty.
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Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
Class Schedule: A more detailed schedule will be discussed week-by-week, along with
specific reading and writing assignments. (Check the calendar in our Blackboard (Bb)
component.) You are responsible for knowing about any and all changes to this or any other
schedule for this semester.
Week 1
Welcome – [Intro Paper] Syllabus & Class Policies – Bb info
Week 2
Paul & Elder Intro / Elements
Week 3
[Labor Day]
Week 4
SEEI
Week 5
Thunderheart
Week 6
Modes / Writing Introductions & Conclusions
Week 7
SEEI
Week 8
Point Break
Week 9
Paraphrasing & Summarization
[P3 – draft]
Week 10
Using Quotes (Embedded & Block)
[P3 - final]
Week 11
Works Cited & Documentation
Week 12
Library workshop
Week 13
Conferences
[Thanksgiving Holiday]
Week 14
Conferences
[P4 – final]
Week 15
Group Projects
Week 16
Finals [Exit Paper]
Final
TBA
Writing Process / Tools of Prewriting
[P1 – final]
Thesis / Organization
Writing Body Paragraphs
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[P1 - draft]
[P2 – draft P&E]
[P2 – final]
[P4 - draft]
[P5 - final]
Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
Grading Criteria
A – an “A” essay is not merely engaging – it is convincing. The “A” essay is also marked by
stylistic finesse: the title and opening paragraph are engaging; the transitions are artful; the
phrasing is tight, fresh, and highly specific; the sentence structure is varied; the tone enhanced
the purpose of the paper. Finally, the “A” essay, because of its careful organization and
development, imparts a feeling of wholeness and unusual clarity.
B – a “B” essay delivers substantial information – that is, substantial in both quantity and interest
value. Its specific points are logically ordered, well-developed, and unified around a clear
organizing principle that is apparent early in the paper. The opening paragraph draws the reader
in; the closing paragraph is both conclusive and thematically related to the opening. The
transitions between paragraphs are for the most part smooth; the sentence structure is pleasingly
varied. The mark of “B” writing is that it engages and entertains its reader.
C – a “C” essay is an average essay. It serves to convey an idea to the reader; it demonstrates
knowledge of the subject it treats; mechanical errors are few and do not jeopardize the sense of
the essay. However, the reader will be aware of improvements that could have been made. For
instance, several paragraphs may not be fully developed; the opening paragraph may not draw
the reader in; the concluding paragraph may offer only a perfunctory wrap-up; the organization
may not be well suited to the topic; the sentences may follow a few predictable patters; the
diction may not always be precise and effective. Thus, while “C” writing will serve its writer in
most academic and life situations there is room for improvement. A “C” in our writing courses
is our way of expressing confidence that the writer who earns it is able to function at the college
level.
D – a “D” essay is appropriate to the assignment but does not successfully fill one or more to the
next level of expectations regarding student writing. It does not communicate an idea, treat a
subject or demonstrate mastery of written language and conventions well enough to be
considered adequate. It may in some manner be incoherent, so that the reader must guess at the
meanings of sentences or whole paragraphs; the reader may be unable to see how the thoughts of
the writer are connected from paragraph to paragraph. Language may be used incorrectly,
grammar may be so consistently poor that it detracts from a reader’s attention to the material the
essay covers; the whole idea may be improperly or hastily examined and poorly conveyed.
Nevertheless, the reader will find that his/her struggle to understand the essay is in some measure
rewarded by the exposition of a subject that the writer has earnestly engaged. No essay the
shows a lack of mastery over the mechanical rules of written English can earn more than a “D.”
F – we require that all work be done by the person asking to receive credit for it, that the work
done suits the assignment given, and that the writing be an act of communication. Any failure in
regards to the first or second requirements, no matter how good in other respects, must be graded
“F.” An essay that does not manage to communicate the thinking of its author, does not treat a
subject adequately, or does not demonstrate command of standard written English will also earn
an “F.”
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Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
University Success Center Hours
[hours subject to change – will announce update @ start of semester]
Monday – Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9 am – 8 pm
9 am – 5 pm
10 am – 3 pm
Closed
PASS Office Hours
MB 1160
Monday – Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 5 pm
10 am – 5 pm
Closed
Library Hours
Monday – Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8 am – 11:45 pm
8 am – 5:45 pm
10 am – 5:45 pm
4 pm – 11:45 pm
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Freshman Composition I
Fall 2013
English 1301.004
T/Th 9:30-10:45 am
I have read the Syllabus for this Fall 2013 course: Mrs. Page’s ENGL 1301.004.
I understand the contents of this syllabus.
Name: (Print) _________________________________________________
Name: (Sign) _________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________
Local phone: _____________________________________ [prefer cell phone]
Campus Email: ____________________________________@utpb.edu
[your last name, underscore, first initial, the last 3 digits of your Student ID@utpb.edu
example: Fred Smith = smith_f789@utpb.edu]
Personal Email: ____________________________________________
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