TROY UNIVERSITY
COURSE SYLLABUS
ENG 1101 –GDAB- “Composition and Modern English”
5:45 – 10:15 PM, Wednesdays
TERM II, 2012
First Class begins Wednesday, October 15, 2012, promptly at 5:45 p.m.
Students: Please put course title in the subject line of any emails sent. NOTE:
For course syllabus posted prior to the beginning of the term, the instructor
reserves the right to make minor change prior to or during the term. The instructor will
notify students, via email or Blackboard announcement, when changes are made in the
requirements and/or grading of the course.
INSTRUCTOR EDUCATION:
Doctor of Education – Boston University
Education Specialist – Georgia Southern College
Master of Education – Georgia Southern College
Bachelor of Arts – Oglethorpe University
LATE REGISTRATION: Students who register during the first week of the term, during
late registration, will already be one week behind. Students who fall into this category
are expected to catch up with all of Week #1 and Week #2's work by the end of Week #2.
No exceptions, since two weeks constitutes a significant percentage of the term's
lessons. Also note that late registration may mean you do not receive your book in time to
make up the work you missed in Week #1. Not having your book on the first day of class
is not an excuse for late work after the deadlines in the Schedule.
ELECTRONIC OFFICE HOURS: I am available by email at anytime as I check email
several times a day and night. I can meet with you in the chat room in Blackboard if you
let me know what time is convenience for you. You can also post questions that might be
of interest to other students in the chat room, and I will answer them on a daily basis.
For immediate attention, problems, clarification of assignments, or personal matters – you
should contact me by phone during the hours stated. I can be reached by phone 6:00 am
– 10:00 pm. either at home or at the office. The office phone can be used 6:00 am
through 4:00 pm and anytime after 4:00 pm – my home phone should be used. During
the week-ends you can use email anytime – or my home phone.
Example:
Troy instructors are required to respond to student messages within 24 to 48 hours.
PREREQUISITES:
ENG1100.* (see Director of Admissions for exceptions)
ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES: The student must possess the knowledge and skills of a
high school graduate and the capability to perform on a college level. Knowledge of
writing skills, such as grammar, punctuation, mechanics, spelling, and sentence and
paragraph structure is assumed. Students should also have strong reading skills and the
ability to synthesize literature in order to write about it. Students who feel they do not
possess the needed skills should work through the tutorial listed in the “Useful Websites”
section of this syllabus. Students are expected to have access to a computer with internet
capabilities and to have an understanding of the workings of both the computer, required
software, and the educational system (Blackboard) through which the course is taught.
STUDENT EXPECTATION STATEMENT: The student is expected to participate in the
course by regular class attendance, via email exchanges (or other communication) with
the instructor, by reading the assigned readings, submitting comments to the discussion
forums, submitting assignments, and completing exams in a timely fashion. Students
are expected to check their emails daily and the announcements at least every 48 hours.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Preparatory English writing skills is a study of advanced
sentence structure, word usage, and effective paragraph writing. Note: This course is for
institutional credit only and cannot substitute fo4r any general studies requirement, and
cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. Requires minimum of “C” to exit.
PURPOSE (COURSE OBJECTIVES): This course [subject to change] will…






Provide students with a better understanding and depth of the writing process
from the development of the subject through final revisions.
Create expanded opportunities for students to develop and use structure in writing,
incorporating logical and coherent generalizations and details within each writing
assignment.
Demonstrate a firm understanding of basic reference and documentation skills,
focusing on quotations and paraphrasing.
Develop strong analytical and critical reading skills.
Successfully produce at least six extended compositions or equivalent
assignments.
Employ grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and sentence and paragraph structure
that are in alignment with American English.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of all of the requirements in this
course, each student should be able to:
1. Write grammatically correct, standard English sentences which
a. Demonstrate characteristics of consistency and completeness
b. Avoid unnecessary shifts in tense, mood, voice, point of view, tone, and
diction
c. Avoid wordiness and demonstrate clarify in writing
d. Exhibit variety in sentence type and length
2. Write well developed paragraphs which
a. Contain a clearly stated topic sentence
b. Demonstrate coherence and a logical organization
c. Ends with an appropriate concluding statement
3. Produce paragraphs of different kinds with few grammatical errors. Writing
assignments will be posted on a weekly basis.
4. All assignment times are based on Eastern time and should be respected
by students in all other time zones.
5. The final exam is an essay.
6. ALL LATE ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE END OF
THE TERM.
7. Students must request incompletes from the instructor. The only way
that a student may receive an incomplete for the course is if he or she has
completed at least 50% of the work required. It is up to the instructor’s
discretion to determine if a student it eligible to for an incomplete.
8. Assignments MUST be in a student’s own words. Students are able to use
outside resources; however, paragraphs//essays should not be “loaded” with
outside quotes. This class is about a student’s writing abilities, opinions, and
expressions. Using too many outside quotes does not allow the instructor to
observe those traits. Students should limit the use of outside resources to
approximately 10% of the assignment.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:
Two Textbooks: 1. “Student’s Book of College English” by Harvey S. Wiener,”
Custom Edition, by Learning Solutions Publishers (Pearson, ISBN 13: 978-1-256-412678), New York, NY, 2012.
Students should have their text the first week of class. Not having your book will not be
an acceptable excuse for late work. Students who add this course late should refer to the
“Late Registration” section for further guidance.
ADDITIONAL READING: - 2. “Writer’s Reference with Exercises” by Diana Hacker.
ISBN: 13: 978-0-312-60147-8. Pearson, 2011.
RESEARCH COMPONENT: See Below
THREE USEFUL WEBSITES FOR THIS COURSE:
http://www.mycomplab.com
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01
See External Panel in Blackboard for additional websites
COURSES AT TROY UNIVERSITY: All courses at Troy University utilize Blackboard
Learning Management System. In every course, students should read all information
presented in the Blackboard course site and should periodically check for updates—at
least every 48 hours.
SITE MAP FOR YOUR BLACKBOARD COURSE SITE: To obtain a site map to enable
the student to navigate through the Blackboard course site, please go to the Blackboard
course site and click on the “Site Map” button found on the left side of the computer
screen.
TROY EMAIL: All Students Effective July 1, 2005, all students were required to obtain
and use the TROY email address that is automatically assigned to them as TROY
students. All official correspondence (including bills, statements, emails from instructors
and grades, etc.) will be sent ONLY to the troy.edu (@troy.edu) address.
 All students are responsible for ensuring that the correct email address is
listed in Blackboard by the beginning of Week #1. Email is the only way the
instructor can, at least initially, communicate with you. It is your responsibility to
make sure a valid email address is provided. Failure on your part to do so can
result in your missing important information that could affect your grade.

Your troy.edu email address is the same as your Web Express user ID following by
@troy.edu. Students are responsible for the information that is sent to their TROY
account. You can get to your email account by logging onto the course and clicking
“email link.”
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: [Subject to change, at the Professor’s discretion.]
Upon Enrollment: Read announcements, make sure email address is correct, and
complete first discussion board posting concerning:





Discussion Board: Complete all postings and respond to peer buddies’ postings
Definition and Question assignments: Complete all assignments to the best of your
ability
Required Paragraphs & Essays: Meet all requirements listed for each.
Research: Make sure all research is properly documented.
Assignments must be submitted in Microsoft Word – double-spaced.
STUDENT/FACULTY INTERACTION: [Subject to change; Professor’s discretion.]
Communication is important – especially with Video Teletraining and Distance Learning.
The Instructor and Students will interact and communicate in various ways:
Interaction will take place in class, via email, Telephone, Discussion Board
Forums, Comments on Written Assignments, Group Work, exams, fax, and Office
Visits (if needed or possible).
The student will participate in this course by following the guidelines of this
syllabus and any additional information provided by the instructor, the Brunswick
Site at Troy University, or Troy University itself.
 The student is expected to remain in regular contact with the instructor and class
through class attendance, via email or other communications means, by
participating in class discussions, the discussion forums, submitting assignments
and taking exams, all in a timely fashion.
TROY requires instructors to respond to students’ e-mail within 24 hours M-Th,
and 48 hours Fri-Sun.
As instructor, I will communicate on the Blackboard.com Announcement page
and/ or via e-mail.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: This class is a traditional English class and attendance is
required at all classes. Participation in class is part of the requirements for this class, so
classes should only be missed in case of illness or an emergency.
More than one absence [excused or unexcused] will result in your grade dropping a full
letter grade for each absence. If you miss one class, you have missed 11% of the class; if
you miss two classes, you have missed 22% of the class; if you miss three classes, you
have missed 33% of the class, etc. More than one absence will automatically lower your
grade. Your grade will drop a full letter grade for every absence after the first absence.
Arriving after 5:50 p.m. three times will lower your grade. Every additional three times
results in a further lowering of your grade. You are expected to arrive promptly by 5:45
p.m. AND remain in class until the class is dismissed. There is a penalty loss of points if
you leave class early.
MAKE-UP WORK POLICY: Turning in assignments late will lower your grade. There are
no make-ups. No exceptions. No late work accepted. Missing any part of this schedule
may prevent completion of the course. If you foresee difficulty of any type (i.e., an illness,
employment change, etc.) which may prevent completion of this course, notify the
instructor as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in failure for an assignment
and/or failure of the course. See “Attendance,” above.
As with these assignments (if applicable), you must use 12-point type and turn the
assignment in on-time if you expect to receive full credit. There are no make-up
opportunities and there are no exceptions.
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY: Missing any part of the Course Schedule may prevent
completion of the course. If circumstances will prevent the student from completing the
course by the end of the term, the student should complete a request for an incomplete
grade.
Note: A grade of incomplete or “INC” is not automatically assigned to students, but
rather must be requested by the student by submitting a Petition for and Work to Remove
an Incomplete Grade Form. Requests for an incomplete grade must be made on or before
the date of the final assignment or test of the term. A grade of “INC” does not replace an
“F” and will not be awarded for excessive absences. An “INC” will only be awarded to
student presenting a valid case for the inability to complete coursework by the conclusion
of the term. It is ultimately the instructor’s decision to grant or deny a request
for an incomplete grade, subject to the policy rules below.
++Policy/Rules for granting an Incomplete (INC):
An incomplete cannot be issued without a request from the student.
To qualify for an incomplete, the student must:
a. have completed over 50% of the course material and have a documented
reason for requesting the incomplete. (50% means all assignments/exams up
to and including the mid-term point, test, and/or assignments.)
b. be passing the course at the time of their request.
If both of the above criteria are not met an incomplete cannot be granted.
An INC is not a substitute for an F. If a student has earned an “F” by not
submitting all the work or by receiving an overall F average, then the F
stands.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: This is an in-class course. It is not an online course nor
is it a “correspondence course” in which students may work at their own pace. Each
week there will be assignments, class discussion and/or exams and writing
assignments with due dates. Refer to the schedule at the end of this syllabus for more
information. All course work is subject to change, at the Professor’s discretion.
METHOD OF EVALUATION: [Subject to change, at the Professor’s discretion.]
Weekly Assignments =
Writing Assignments =
Final Research Report
Mid Term and Final Exam =
Total Points
25 point values (totaling 1 00 points)
100 points each (6 papers) 600 points)
200 points
100 points
1,000
Grades will be calculated according to total points earned divided total points possible.
ASSIGNMENT OF GRADES: All grades will be posted in the student grade book in
Blackboard and will be assigned according to the following or similar scale:
A
90 – 100%
B
80 – 89%
C
70 – 79%
D
60 – 69%
F
59% and below
Postings:
Grades will be posted in Blackboard and given out with your papers.
FA:
“FA” indicates the student failed due to attendance. This grade will be given
to any student who disappears from the course for three or more weeks. See
the Attendance section of this syllabus for additional information.
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS: [Subject to change, at the Professor’s discretion.]
Assignments should be submitted in Microsoft Word/Doublespaced.


There seven assignments listed in the course schedule: Please note the due dates
on them. Your responses must be typed, using 12pt. font, double-spaced, in
MS-Word format. Failure to comply will result in point deductions. The
assignments must be turned into the Assignments Section by mid-night of the due
date (note: Blackboard and I operate on central US time).
Include your names on the assignments and submit the assignment to the digital
drop box.. Points will be deducted for failure to follow the format requirements. No
e-mail attachments will be accepted, due to the risk of viruses.
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE & INSTRUCTIONS: A short Grammar Exam will be given
at the beginning of the semester. This exam will only be open for a limited amount of
time. This exam will only allow you to take it one time. (Subject to change at the
Instructor’s discretion..
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
Students must have:
A TROY e-mail account that you can access on a regular basis (see "TROY email"
above)
E-mail software capable of sending and receiving attached files.
Access to the Internet with a 56.9 kb modem or better.
A personal computer capable of running Netscape Navigator 7.0 or above, Internet
Explorer 6.0 or above, or current versions of Firefox or Mozilla. Students who use older
browser versions will have compatibility problems with Blackboard.
Microsoft WORD software. (I cannot grade anything I cannot open! This means
NO MS-Works, NO Wordpad, NO Wordperfect)
Virus protection software, installed and active, to prevent the spread of viruses via
the Internet and email. It should be continually updated!
Internet Access: (At the Instructor’s discretion.)
This is an in-class course. Some assignments will be given in the classroom
setting, others through Blackboard. Students must have access to a working computer
and access to the internet. Students can use the TROY computer lab, a public library,
etc., to insure they have access.
“Not having a computer” or “computer crashes” are not acceptable excuses for late
work.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION: If you experience technical problems, you
should contact the Blackboard Online Support Center. You can do this in two ways. First
if you can log onto the course simply look at the tabs at the top of the page. You will see
one entitled, “Tech Support.” If you click on this tab, you will see the information below.
You can click on the “Blackboard Support Center” link and receive assistance. If you
cannot log onto the course, simply contact the center by calling toll free the number listed
below. Assistance is available 24 hours a day/7 days per week.
Blackboard Online Support Center for Troy University provides Customer Care
Technicians who are available to support you 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Call 1888-383-6206 for live assistance
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your coursework or with features
in Blackboard that are generating errors, please click the link below.
Blackboard Support Center:
http://supportcenteronline.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=67
NON-HARASSMENT, HOSTILE WORK/CLASS ENVIRONMENT: Troy University
expects students to treat fellow students, their instructors, other TROY faculty, and staff
as adults and with respect. No form of “hostile environment” or “harassment” will be
tolerated by any student or employee.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA): Troy University supports Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which
insures that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic
programs. Physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not
discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate
documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills
and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable
accommodations. Further information, including appropriate contact information, can be
found at the following link: http://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy2003.htm.
HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM: The awarding of a university degree attests that an
individual has demonstrated mastery of a significant body of knowledge and skills of
substantive value to society. Any type of dishonesty in securing those credentials
therefore invites serious sanctions, up to and including suspension and expulsion (see
Standard of Conduct in each TROY Catalog). Do not copy anybody’s work or you will
receive a Zero for the grade. Do your own work. Do not look on your neighbor’s paper
when you are taking a text/exam, or you will receive a Zero for the grade. Examples of
dishonesty include actual or attempted cheating, plagiarism*, or knowingly furnishing
false information to any university employee. Do not attempt to turn in anybody’s work
except your own.
*Plagiarism is defined as submitting anything for credit in one course that has already
been submitted for credit in another course, or copying any part of someone else’s
intellectual work – their ideas and/or words – published or unpublished, including that of
other students, and portraying it as one’s own. Proper quoting, using strict APA
formatting, is required, as described by the instructor. All students are required to read
the material presented at: http://troy.troy.edu/writingcenter/research.html
Students must properly cite any quoted material. No term paper, business plan,
term project, case analysis, or assignment may have no more than 20% of its
content quoted from another source. Students who need assistance in learning to
paraphrase should ask the instructor for guidance and consult the links at the
Troy Writing Center.

This university employs plagiarism-detection software, through which all
written student assignments are processed for comparison with material published
in traditional sources (books, journals, magazines), on the internet (to include
essays for sale), and papers turned in by students in the same and other classes
in this and all previous terms. The penalty for plagiarism may range from zero
credit on the assignment, to zero in the course, to expulsion from the university
with appropriate notation in the student’s permanent file.
LIBRARY SUPPORT:
The Libraries of Troy University provide access to materials and services that support the
academic programs. The address of the Library Web site is https://library.troy.edu
This site provides access to the resources of all Campus and Regional Libraries, as well
as to resources such as the Library’s Catalog and Databases. Additionally, the Library
can also be accessed by choosing the “Library” link from the University’s home page,
www.troy.edu, or through the eLibrary tab within Blackboard.
FACULTY EVALUATION:
In the eighth week of each term, students will be notified of the requirement to fill out a
course evaluation form. These evaluations are completely anonymous and are on-line.
Further information will be posted in the Announcements section in Blackboard.
How to be successful: In order to be successful, you should be organized and well
motivated. You should make sure you log in to our course on Blackboard several times
each week. Check all “announcements” that have been posted. Start early in the week
to complete the weekly assignment. You should also go to the Discussion Board early in
the week and view the topic and question/s for the group discussion exercise. Make
your “initial” posting and participate in the discussion. Begin reviewing for the exams
early in the term. Do not wait until the last minute and “cram” for these exams. You
should review the material frequently, so you will be prepared to take the exams.
Brunswick Site: The Brunswick Site of Troy University is here to serve you and assist
with any questions, problems or concerns you may have. For assistance go to
http://brunswick.troy.edu or send an email to brunswick@troy.edu. Please do not
hesitate to contact the Brunswick Site staff if you need administrative assistance for any
reason.
ENG1101 College English
Syllabus for Term II, 2012
Wednesday Class with Dr. Ronald Binkney, Professor
NOTE: Do not make or answer a cell phone call in class.
Behavior that suggests that class is not important is unacceptable.
Bring a dictionary with you to class [and use it].
All students are expected to be in the classroom by 5:45 p.m. (or points will
be deducted from your grade.)
Dates
Assignments/Activities
Week 1
Welcome; Introductions
Syllabus Reviewed; Course Expectations
Textbooks Examined; Question Period
Writing Activities
In-class Assignments
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
Check Homework for next week
October 17
Week 2
October 24
Week 3
October 31
Week 4
November 7
Week 5
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 1 (“Critical Reading,” pp. 433) and Chapter 2 (“Active Writing,” pp. 34-49).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Check Homework for next week
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 3 (“Finding and Supporting
a Thesis,” pp. 50-71) and Chapter 4 (“Planning a Paper:
Outlining,” pp. 72-93).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Check Homework for next week
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 5 (“Writing Your Paper: An
Overview,” pp. 94-113) and Chapter 6 (“Revising, Editing and
Proofreading Your Paper,” pp. 114-123).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Check Homework for next week
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 7 (“Description,” pp. 126-
November
14
145) and Chapter 8 (“Narration,” pp. 146-173).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Mid-term Exam
Check Homework for next week
Week 6
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
November
28
Holiday
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 9 (“Example,” pp. 174-202)
and Chapter 10 (“Process,” pp. 203-229).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Check Homework for next week
Week 7
November
28
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 11 (“Comparison and
Contrast,” pp. 230-263) and Chapter 12 (“Classification and
Division,” pp. 264-286).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Check Homework for next week
Research Paper: First Draft Due
Week 8
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade Work
December 5
Come prepared to discuss Chapter 13 (“Cause and Effect,” pp.
287-311) and Chapter 14 (“Definition,” pp. 312-337).
Handouts and Take-home Assignments
In-class Assignments
Check Homework for next week
Discuss Final Exam for Week 9
Week 9
Examine/Review Home Assignment Activities/Grade
Final Exam
December
12
Research Paper Due
Closing Activities