COURSE: EN 130 Rhetoric & Composition
NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS: 3
PREREQUISITE: Placement
Semester and year Fall 2017
InstructorEric King
E-mail
Phone(660) 584-3661
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to college writing and the basic forms of the essay. EN 130 teaches students to read and think critically, to write logical, well-developed academic essays, and to write in a variety of rhetorical situations. Students draft and revise essays that are collected in a portfolio. EN 130 students also compose a researched argumentative essay according to MLA guidelines. C or higher required. Fall. Spring.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES—COURSE
1. To write through a process of prewriting, drafting, and revising
2. To gain mastery over the essay form
3. To write critical analyses according to rhetorical principles of argument
4. To increase skill in reading critically
5. To increase familiarity with the library and its resources
6. To incorporate source material in their writing and report on their findings
7. To write an argumentative research paper with documentation following MLA format
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES—GENERAL EDUCATION
1. Demonstrate effective communication skills
2. Implement effective information literacy skills
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES—DESE
To write through a process of prewriting, drafting, and revising P.I. (Performance Indicators): essays, journals, and peer activities (E-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4) (M-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 4.3, 4.4) (S-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4)
To gain mastery over the essay form P.I.: assigned readings, essays, and journals (E-SSC 1.1, 2.2, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4) (M-SSC 1.2, 2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) (S-SSC 1.2, 2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2)
To write critical analyses according to rhetorical principles of argument P.I.: essays, journals, and research paper (E-SSC 1.1, 1.2, 3.4, 3.7, 4.2) (M-SSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.7, 4.4) (S-SSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.8, 4.9)
To increase skill in reading critically P.I.: class discussion, and journals (E-SSC 1.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.5) (M-SSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9) (S-SSC 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.8, 4.9)
To increase familiarity with the library and its resources P.I.: library exercise, essays, research paper (E-SSC 3.4, 3.5, 3.7) (M-SSC 3.2, 3.7) (S-SSC 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.8)
To incorporate source material in their writing and report on their findings P.I.: research paper (E-SSC 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4) (M-SSC 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7) (S-SSC 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.8)
To write an argumentative research paper with documentation following MLA format
P.I.: research paper (E-SSC 3.4, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2) (M-SSC 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7) (S-SSC 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9)
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
COURSE
To write through a process of prewriting, drafting, and revising
To gain mastery over the essay form
To write critical analyses according to rhetorical principles of argument
To increase skill in reading critically
To increase familiarity with the library and its resources
To incorporate source material in their writing and report on their findings
To write an argumentative research paper with documentation following MLA format
GENERAL EDUCATION
Demonstrate effective communication skills
Implement effective information literacy skills
OTHER INFORMATION*
*A "C" or better is required to pass this course.
REQUIRED TEXT/S
Cohen, Samuel, ed. 50 Essays. Fourth Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013.
OPTIONAL COURSE MATERIALS
N/A
GRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
This course requires a minimum of two hours of out-of-class work for every one hour of direct faculty instruction.
The departmental paper rubric will be used to grade the major writing assignments.
GRADING:
90-99/A Research Presentation: 15%
80-89/B Essays: 40%
70-79/C Homework, journals, “other”: 15%
60-69/D Portfolio: 10%
0-59/F Examinations: 10%
Attendance / Participation: 10%
(Final course grades may be rounded if the grade is .5% or less from the grade above)
Research Presentation: Each student will create and deliver a presentation on a controversial matter of public concern, as well as a possible solution. The presentation must utilize at minimum ten proper secondary sources. A minimum of three sources must be from books or peer-reviewed journals, and the rest must be from other credible sources (Internet, multimedia, etc.). Further details will be given closer to the end of the semester.
Essays: Students will compose three essays of varying word length on a topic based on the in-class readings. Each essay must use at minimum four proper secondary sources, properly cited in MLA format. Each essay will be peer critiqued and revised. Rough drafts and peer critiques are worth 10% of the essay grade; make arrangements with the instructor if you will be absent.
Short Writings: Occasionally, students will be given a prompt over which to write a short (approx. two pages) essay response. These writings will be done outside of class, and will be stored in the student’s portfolio.
Portfolio: Students will keep a working portfolio of all writings done for the course. All writing assignments (essays, journals, etc.) will be kept in a folder. At the end of the semester, a number of works to be determined by the instructor will be submitted, along with a personal reflection of growth as a writer during the semester.
Examinations: Students will have periodic quizzes – both announced and unannounced – throughout the semester. Students should keep up on reading at all times. Additionally, students will have four vocabulary quizzes throughout the semester.
Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance is required. Absences must be documented in order to be excused. The instructor reserves the right to lower a student’s course grade by a full letter grade (10%) if more than two unexcused absences are recorded. Students missing more than six periods unexcused (three weeks of class!) will not pass the course. Also, a student who comes unprepared for class – not having done the reading or journal assignment, etc. – will be counted as absent for that class period. Scores for assignments during that period will be reduced by up to 50% at the instructor’s discretion.
Participation means always paying attention, sharing your best thoughts with the group, not carrying on private conversations, not using cell phones/electronic devices, and not doing other homework or assignments during class time.
There may be other assignments not listed on this syllabus, which will be assigned at the teacher’s discretion.
Additionally, all major essays, the research presentation, and the portfolio MUST be submitted in order to pass the course. If these assignments are not submitted, you will not earn a passing grade. (This also includes any mandatory revisions of these assignments at the instructor’s discretion.)
Late Work Policy: In general, late work will not be accepted. (There are exceptions, which will be detailed on the applicable assignments.) Due dates for major assignments are announced in advance, and are expected to be submitted on time. If you have an extenuating circumstance, please discuss it with the instructor. Extracurricular activities do not count as an extenuating circumstance; make sure assignments are submitted in advance if you know you will be gone.
TENTATIVE DUE DATES
ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT INSTRUCTOR’S DISCRETION
September 7 – Essay #1 Rough Draft
September 14, 3:00 PM – Essay #1 Final Draft
September 15 – Vocab Quiz #1
October 6 – Vocab Quiz #2
October 11 - Essay #2 Rough Draft
October 18, 3:00 PM – Essay #2 Final Draft (NOTE: This is a BLUE DAY)
November 3 – Vocab Quiz #3
November 14 – Essay #3 Rough Draft
November 20, 3:00 PM – Essay #3 Final Draft
December 1 – Vocab Quiz #4
December 5, 7, 11, 13, 15 – Research presentations
December 8, 3:00 PM – Portfolio Due
FINAL EXAM
N/A; the research presentation will count as the final grade
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION POLICY
1)Writing assignments are due at the beginning of class on the days indicated. Please check the due dates.
2)All writing submitted for a grade/portfolio must be typed using 12-point legible font (Times New Roman or Arial preferred), double spaced, and with one-inch margins.
3)MLA formatting must be followed at all times. (Refer to Pocket Reference for Writers or owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for assistance.)
4)Late writing assignments will be penalized 10% for each day late. After a week late, they will not be accepted for credit. (They still will be accepted to fulfill the submission requirement discussed in “grading policies” above.) If you have an extenuating circumstance, please discuss it with the instructor.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is expected and required at each class meeting. Please refer to “Attendance and Participation” above.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
It shall be the responsibility of every student enrolled at Missouri Valley College to support the academic integrity of the institution. This applies to personal honesty in all aspects of collegiate work, all student records, and all contacts with faculty and staff. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
It shall also be the responsibility of every student enrolled at Missouri Valley College to be respectful of the right of other students, staff, and instructors to ensure a safe, peaceful atmosphere conducive to the educational goals of an institution of higher learning. Rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Student actions that do not adhere to the MVC Student Code of Conduct will be addressed according to College policies regarding academic dishonesty and disruptive behavior. Students who exhibit dishonest, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior risk suspension or expulsion from the institution.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic integrity is expected and required of all students. Students and faculty are responsible and accountable for personally upholding that integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated, and students found guilty of cheating in any way will be disciplined according to the Academic Dishonesty Policy in the MVC College Catalog. The following penalties may be applied:
1.Reprimand.
2.Requirement that the student repeats and re-submits the same or alternate assignment. In such cases, the grade or mark awarded will be reduced or limited at the discretion of the faculty member.
3.Completion of the Plagiarism Tutorial found at the student’s Moodle site. (Must be completed if this is the student’s first plagiarism offense)
4.A mark of "0" will be given for the assignment with no opportunity to resubmit. This may result in failure of the course.
5.A failing (F) grade will be awarded in the course.
6.Automatic failing (F) grades in all courses in which the student is registered, and no fees will be refunded for that semester. This penalty will only be imposed by the student's program division chair or the Chief Academic Officer.
7.Expulsion from Missouri Valley College, permanently recorded on the student's record. This penalty will result in automatic failing (F) grades in all courses in which the student is registered, and no fees will be refunded for that semester.
ADA STATEMENT
The College seeks to comply fully with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The ADA Coordinator works with the programs to assist the faculty in understanding and implementing accommodations.
Students with disabilities should have documentation of their disability sent to the campus ADA coordinator, Debbie Coleman, 660-831-4170 or , and set up an appointment as soon as they arrive on campus. Students enrolled in online courses should email the ADA coordinator. Failure to do so could delay accommodations. After proper documentation, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate students’ needs. If you have any questions about how to initiate this process, please contact your instructor.