ENGLISH 1010-044
EXPOSITORY WRITING
Theme: Who Am I?
Articulating My Place in the World
Instructor:
Day & Time:
Class Location:
Office:
Office Hours:
Office Phone:
E-Mail:
Ms. Keri Mayes
Tue. & Thur. 8:00-9:25 a.m.
Jones Hall 134
AMG 305
Tue. & Thur. 9:45 -11:15 a.m.
(and by appointment)
904-8262
kerimayes@gmail.com
REQUIRED TEXTS
 MHR: The McGraw-Hill Reader: Issues Across the Disciplines, 8th edition, by G. H. Muller
 HHH: Hodges’ Harbrace Handbook, 15th edition, by Webb, Miller, and Horner
 SFC: Surviving Freshman Composition, 2nd edition, by Smith and Smith
 Any digital material presented over e-mail or WebCT is the equivalent of a required text.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
 Spiral-bound notebook or journal of your choice (due Tuesday, January 24, 2006)
 Access to the internet (WebCT) and word processing software (MS Word only)
 E-mail address that you check regularly
 Floppy disks, stapler, & college dictionary
COURSE OBJECTIVES
English 1010 is the first course in your two-semester freshman English writing sequence. We will
focus on the process of writing as well as the actual texts that you will produce, which means that you
will not only be graded on the written assignments themselves but also on the process you use in order
to complete those assignments. In addition, we will focus on what makes an effective college-level paper
and will spend time looking at strategies to improve your writing on the following levels: content,
organization, word choice, grammar, and mechanics. For more information regarding course guidelines
and objectives, consult the English Department's website at: <http://www.mtsu.edu/~english2>.
CLASS GOALS
This class will involve extensive reading and writing both in and out of the classroom in order to
develop critical thinking skills that will be essential in this class as well as in every aspect of your life.
The class theme centers on you, specifically who you are, what constitutes your individual identity, as
well as how and where you fit in the larger world. Also, the class is web-supported, meaning that all
assignments, handouts, and grades will be posted on WebCT, thereby enabling you to have immediate
access to class materials and information. Please drop the class if you do not like this theme or do not
have ready access to or interest in using WebCT.
CLASS ACTIVITIES
 WebCT –You are responsible for checking WebCT daily and printing assignments, handouts,
class announcements, and any other materials I post.
 Reading – You will read chapters from MHR and SFC (both dealing with strategies for writing
and reading), sections from HHH on matters of rhetoric and style, and other readings that I
post on WebCT.
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Journal – You are responsible for purchasing a spiral-bound notebook or journal, which you
should bring to every class. We will spend the beginning of every class period writing in these
journals. All entries MUST be in your journal when I take it up in order to receive full credit.
In-Class Writing – This may include formal and informal writing, quizzes, group work, oral
presentations, and any other activities I deem necessary.
Writing Workshops – Through brainstorming, prewriting, revision, and editing workshops,
you will learn the importance of each stage of the writing process and how they all work
together to create effective writing. You will receive feedback on your writing from your peers.
We will discuss the specific requirements for these workshops in class. You should bring the
HHH to every revision and editing workshop. Missing a workshop will reduce your final
essay grade.
Essays – Per English Department guidelines, you will write four formal essays of four full
pages (1000-1200 words per essay). In addition, you will write at least two in-class response
papers of two full pages (500-750 words per paper). Together, essays and response papers
constitute 75% of your final grade. I will return your essays at least one full class period before
the next essay is due.
PAPER GUIDELINES
 All papers are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. However, you have ONE
opportunity to turn in one paper up to one class period late without a grade penalty. Any
other late papers will not be accepted, and you will receive a ZERO. This exception does
not apply to the final essay, which you must turn in on the due date, or you will receive a zero.
The final essay will be returned during or prior to final exam time.
 Paper Format - All papers must be typed in Microsoft Word, double-spaced, stapled, and both
turned in by hand and e-mailed to me in WebCT. In addition, all papers should use 12-point
Times New Roman font and have a 1” margin at the top, bottom, and on both sides. NOTE:
The default settings for MS Word are 1.25” for the left and right margins—you will need to
reset the margins to 1”. All papers will have a title, page numbers, and the appropriate
assignment block in the top left-hand corner of the first page. (See HHH 634-35 for further
explanation and example.) Not following these guidelines will reduce your final essay
grade.
CLASS GUIDELINES
 Attendance – In order for you to be successful in this class, you need to be here! In my class,
absences are neither excused nor unexcused. Simply put, you are allowed four absences for
whatever reason without being penalized. After the fourth absence, FIVE points will be
deducted from your final grade for each absence exceeding the four absence minimum
allowed in this class. This includes student conferences; if you miss a conference, you will be
marked absent. The only exception to this rule is for absences related to university-sanctioned
activities (university athletics, conferences, speech trips, livestock judging, etc.). If you foresee
that this may apply to you, you are responsible for notifying me by the second week of class.
 If you know you will miss class, you must turn in any work on or before the due date to receive
credit, but you will not receive any credit for in-class work. Also, it is your responsibility to find
out what you miss and obtain copies of any handouts, assignments, or exercises on WebCT.
Tardiness will not be tolerated. Arriving late indicates a lack of respect for your
classmates and me. Three late arrivals (1-15 minutes) equal one absence, if you
are more than 15 minutes late, you will be marked absent.

Cell Phones – Please turn off your cell phones BEFORE coming into class. It is rude and

disrespectful to your classmates and me if your cell phone is ringing or beeping during class.
Two cell phone rings or any cell phone activity (making a call, playing games, text messaging,
etc.) equals one absence.
Inclimate Weather – Do not assume that class is cancelled because of weather conditions. You
should check the class announcements on WebCT as well as the MTSU homepage for
university closing information.
GRADES
In order to pass this course and earn three credit hours, your course average must be a C- (at least a 70)
or better. To be eligible, you must 1) complete and turn in all assignments, 2) meet writing assignment
deadlines, and 3) meet all requirements for the course as stated in the syllabus. Your course grade will
be determined as a ratio of total points earned divided by total points available (see below). Your final
grade must exceed the .5 mark in order for me to round up.
Essay 1
Essay 2
Essay 3
Essay 4
Response Papers
100 points (10%)
100 points (10%)
150 points (15%)
200 points (20%)
200 points (20%)
Journal
Class Participation (Homework, class work,
quizzes, text responses, presentations)
50 points (5%)
200 points (20%)
1000 TOTAL POINTS (100%)
Grading Scale: 100-90=A / 89-87=B+ / 86-83=B / 82-80=B– / 79-77=C+ / 76-73=C / 7270=C– /
Below 70 = F or Possible N
Students who fulfill all course requirements but fail to achieve the grade of C- or better and who are
attempting the course for the first time will receive a course grade of N, which gives them another
opportunity to pass the course without lowering their GPAs. Final grades will be reported as A, B+,
B, B-, C+, C, C-, F, or N. Although I may use the grade of “D” in grading papers and assignments,
no one receiving an overall “D” grade will pass the class.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Be sure to visit the English Department’s website at <http://www.mtsu.edu/~english2> for more
information on MTSU’s policies on civility in the classroom, academic dishonesty, disabled services, and
absences/tardies. Also available are the English Department’s standards, goals, writing requirements,
and grading procedures for English 1010.
COURSE POLICIES
Late Work – All assigned work is due on or before the due date listed in the schedule. However, I
will give you one and ONLY one opportunity to turn in one essay (but not Essay 4) up to one class
period late without a grade penalty. After that, I will NOT accept any other late work. This does not
include homework or in-class work, which you cannot turn in late.
Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities – If you have a disability that may
require assistance or accommodation, please provide a letter from the Office of Disabled Students. You
may contact them at 898-2783 with any questions about accommodations.
Plagiarism – The most flagrant instances of plagiarism are 1) submitting work that is copied from
another student’s writing, 2) having someone dictate what should be written, and 3) using printed or
Internet sources without documentation. If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating in my class using
one of these methods or any other method, you will receive a ZERO for the assignment and your
activities will be reported to the Dean of Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action. YOU MUST SIGN
THE ORIGINAL PLAGIARISM STATEMENT FOUND ON PAGE 11 OF SURVIVING
FRESHMEN COMPOSITION by January 26, 2006. Students failing to do this will not receive
credit for any work done in this class.
University Writing Center – The University Writing Center (UWC) is located in Peck Hall 325
(phone 904-8237, email uwcenter@mtsu.edu) and on the web at www.mtsu.edu/~uwcenter for students to
receive valuable one-on-one assistance with their writing.
*Note: You can receive three points extra credit per visit (maximum 6 points) on each essay for
attending the UWC; however, you must write a brief narrative paragraph describing your experience
(i.e. with whom you worked, what you discussed, what you learned, how your writing changed or did
not change due to the session). I will accept your paragraph only on the day the essay is due.
Scholarships and Student Loans – You are responsible for being familiar with and adhering to the
terms and conditions of whatever means of financial support from which you benefit. In no instance can
I be held responsible for any neglect of your duties. You may find scholarship information at
<http://scholarships.web.mtsu.edu/telsinitialeligibility.htm>.
This syllabus is a contract between you (the student) and me (the instructor). By staying in this
class, you agree to follow all of the guidelines given above and to be responsible for your own
actions.
***The attached schedule is subject to modification at the instructor’s discretion.***
WEEK
DATE
1
17-Jan.

19-Jan.
2
24-Jan.
HAVE READ FOR CLASS
SFC 6-22
SFC 31-35, 37-46, 187-9
MHR 20-41
26-Jan.

 30-Jan.
MHR 166-7 & 170-82
3
31-Jan.
SFC 47-56, HHH (TBA)
2-Feb.
SFC 57-64, MHR 62-72
7-Feb.
MHR 73-83
4
5
Draft Essay 1
Revised Essay 1
9-Feb.
MHR 96-101, HHH (TBA)
1 pg. Text Response
14-Feb.
MHR 219-22, 223-6, 228-32
1 pg. Text Response
Draft Essay 2
Draft Essay 2
21-Feb.
Revised Essay 2
23-Feb.
7
28-Feb.

6-Mar.
Last day to drop with a “W”
8 
7-Mar.
9-Mar.
Spring Break-No Class
Spring Break-No Class
9
14-Mar.
SFC 155-8
10
21-Mar.
23-Mar.
11
28-Mar.
T.V. articles posted on
WebCT
MHR 503-4, 505-7,
HHH (TBA)
SFC 125-32, UWC handouts
Respond to idea on
SFC 157
Draft Essay 3
Revised Essay 3
MHR 304-8, 309-13,
HHH (TBA)
1 pg. Text Response
MHR 358-73
1 pg. Text Response
30-Mar.
12
4-Apr.
6-Apr.
13
Draft Essay 4
Draft Essay 4
11-Apr.
Revised Essay 4
13-Apr.
14
18-Apr.
15

20-Apr.
25-Apr.
27-Apr.
4-May
DUE
Journal
Grammar Presentation #1,
REV WKSP
Discussion of Argumentation,
Quiz, ED WKSP
Discuss Writing Arguments,
Quiz, In-Class Writing
Discussion of readings, group
work, Grammar Presentation #2
Discuss readings & Gender
Roles Essay 2, BR/PW WKSP
Student Conferences
REV WKSP (In Peck Hall 326)
REV/ED WKSP
Discuss In-Class Education
Response, BR WKSP,
Grammar Presentation #3
Education Response, Discuss
T.V. Essay 3
MHR 104-5, 108-17,
HHH (TBA)
2-Mar.
16-Mar.
CLASS ACTIVITY
Discussion of syllabus &
diagnostic, scavenger hunt
Quiz, In-Class Diagnostic
Quiz, Discussion of readings,
group presentations, & WebCT
Discuss Family Roles Essay 1,
BR/PW WKSP
Pg. 11 Plagiarism
Statement
Last day to drop w/o a grade
16-Feb.
6
HAVE WRITTEN
Revised Essay
I am gone to a conference.
Out of class BR/PW WKSP
I am gone to a conference.
Out of class REV WKSP
Grammar Presentation #4
REV/ED WKSP
MLA Workshop
Grammar Presentation #5,
Discuss In-Class American
Dream Response, BR WKSP
American Dream Response
Discuss Work Essay 4, BR/PW
WKSP
Student Conferences
REV WKSP
REV/ED WKSP
Discuss essay revision option &
readings, group work
REV/ED WKSP
Class Evaluation & Discussion
Study Day – No Class
Final Exam 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Return papers
Bring 2 copies &
e-mail in WebCT
Bring 2 copies &
e-mail in WebCT
Essay 1
Text Response
Text Response
E-mail to peers &
me in WebCT
Bring 2 copies &
e-mail in WebCT
Essay 2
In-Class Response
E-mail work to me
in WebCT
E-mail to peers &
me in WebCT
Bring 2 copies &
e-mail in WebCT
Essay 3
Text Response
In-Class Response
Text Response
Bring 2 copies &
e-mail in WebCT
Bring 2 copies &
e-mail in WebCT
Essay 4
Bring 2 copies
Revised Essay