Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fall 2009
Course Objectives: By the end of ENG 109, you should be able to effectively
engage academia and culture through research and language. You should be able
to understand and integrate a variety of multi-modal approaches to knowledge,
enabling you to successfully read texts, conduct effective research, and write
essays in college. You should be able to identify and analyze important information
and ideas in source material and discuss your reactions to or opinions about what
you have read, and demonstrate effective argumentation/persuasion and critical
thinking skills. Ultimately this class is here to help you develop an
awareness of the available means to help you in future courses with your
writing and thinking.
Composing Skills: By the end of the first year, composition students should be
able to:
Rhetorical Knowledge: By the end of the first year, composition students should
understand:
Methods:
Critical Reading: One of the best ways to develop writing is to critically read
texts from peers, professionals, and scholars. This is why we will be reading
profusely in this class, but rather than focusing merely on content, we will be
focusing on how texts are constructed rhetorically. As you learn to observe
constructive techniques in others writing, you will be able to tranfer those into
your own writing. Consequently, you will be reading professional texts to
practice evaluative skills and observe strategies for writing in various contexts.
In addition, you will be reading peer papers, making observations,
interpretations, and evaluations, generating insights on peer papers
highlighting strengths and weaknesses and possibilities for change (comments
which will be specific, measurable, and actionable). You will also be learning to
approach writing problems from multiple directions through the use of peer
evaluations, writer’s memos, and blogs.
Thoughtful Writing: In this class, you will be required to write clearly and
persuasively in various rhetorical contexts. This will require you to develop an
order and logic in the presentation of the essay that is appropriate to different
rhetorical modes in American acadmic writing, including argumentation,
analysis, and an essay test mode. You will also need to revise consistently to
develop ideas and achieve the quality expected of completed writing. Not only
does this mean following the standards of written English, but also being able to
shape content in new ways throughout the semester.
Self-Reflection: All good writers and scholars must continuely reflect on their
own work. You will be doing this continuely with blogs, writer’s reflections, self-
evaluations, and dialogues with your peers and myself. Being able to self-reflect
will help bring knowledge into direct application through conscious thought.
Required Textbooks/Materials:
-College Composition at Miami, Vol. 60. Oxford: Miami University Department of English,
2007.
-Writing and Place: Critical Spaces for Composing. 5th Ed. Oxford: Miami University
Department of English, 2007.
Optional:
-Lunsford, Andrea. The Everyday Writer. 3rd Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005.
Assignments:
This course is comprised of six major projects, all which must be completed to pass the course. Our
goal will be to explore your own experience of American culture through observation, research, and
dialogue. Each sequence will draw us further into this process.
Drafting Process:
As we will explore in the first sequence, writing is a process not an event. Though
everyone’s process will vary, the framework of each of the sequences will be as
follows. Part of your evaluation for this course will how well you engage and reflect
on this process, not just the end product:
Particpation:
Please note that course work has an effect on the grade, but the bulk of your grade
will be given at the end of the semester with the portfolio. Our over-arching
practical goal is that you will be able to produce at least C quality work for ENG
112 (though we will obviously be working to get above this minimium). We will be
talking about our writing in conferences, journals, peer-critiques, and evaluative
comments, providing you with many ideas and opportunities for significant
revision. You are encouraged to continue working on your papers and are welcome
to make an appointment with me at any time. The writing center is also available.
Please keep all work pertaining to your paper and writing process, no matter how
insignificant. You will be required to talk about and demonstrate your writing
process with each assignment.
Percentage Points out of 1000
A+ 98-1000 1000-980
A 94-97 970-940
A- 90-93 930-900
B+ 89-87 890-870
B 86-84 860-840
B- 83-80 830-800
C+ 79-77 790-770
C 76-74 760-740
C- 73-70 730-700
D+ 69-67 690-670
D 66-64 660-640
D- 63-60 630-600
F 59-0 590-0
An A will mean that all the basic requirements have been accomplished in an excellent way, including
blog, class attendence, and drafts. This will also mean that you have demonstrated excellent
reading and writing skills in the sequences and portfolio, contributing in a unique and original
way to the class.
A B will mean that you have met most of the basic requirements in an excellent way, including journals,
class attendence, and drafts. This will also mean that you have demonstrated excellent reading
and writing skills in the sequences and portfolios.
A C will mean that you have met most of the basic requirements in a sufficient way. This will also mean
that you have demonstrated adequate reading and writing skills in the sequences and portfolio.
A D will mean that you have not met several of the basic requirements in a sufficient way, but you have
demonstrated some adequate reading and writing skills that you will need to develop further in
future classes.
An F will mean that there are several gaps in the gradebook, and you have not demonstrated any
adequate skills. You will likely need to take this class over to succeed in future courses.
Miscellaneous:
Students are responsible for all information within the course materials and class meetings.
Assignments must be completed as scheduled in spite of absences/ cancellations. Have at least two
classmates you can contact in the case of absence. Assignments will also be posted on Blackboard.
No late projects, assignments or quizzes will be accepted without prior consent of the instructor.
If you can not attend class on the due date, here are some options:
• Hand it in the class before.
• Email it to me as a Word attachment before class.
• Deliver it to my mailbox in the English department before class. Have the
secretary date it.
Final projects are due at the beginning of class and must include all parts to receive a grade.
Excused abscences for relgious holidays or sports events must be approved two weeks in advance.
Missing 25% of class can result in an automatic withdrawal from the course or an F.
All assignments must have all required parts as described by the
assignment sheet. I will not read incomplete assignments.
ADA Statement:
Miami University seeks to provide effective services and accommodations for qualified individuals with
documented disabilities. If you will require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your
instructor immediately. Look for evacuation procedures posted in your classrooms. You can also get
additional information and support from the Office of Learning Disabilities Services (513-529-8741) or
The Office of Disability Resources (513- 529-1541).
Writing Center:
A new Howe Writing Center has opened on the first floor of the King Library. The new writing center
will provide an excellent place for you to receive one-on-one help with your writing, and I would
strongly encourage you to take your paper drafts to the writing center at various stages in the writing
process. Every writer needs a reader; this is an invaluable resource for all levels of writing. For specific
information about the Howe, or to schedule an appointment, visit their website:
http://www.units.muohio.edu/writingcenter/.
Counseling:
Adjusting to college life, while exciting and fun, can also be very challenging at times. If you feel
yourself struggling or you would just like someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Miami’s
Student Counseling Service offers each student six free sessions. Seeking help when you need it is a sign
of personal strength. The Student Counseling Service is located in the Health Services Center and
provides a range of counseling services. For more information, call 513-529-4634.
Dropping/Withdrawing:
Dropping and withdrawing from a course are separate formal administrative procedures—merely
ceasing to attend class is not the same as dropping or withdrawing from a course. Before choosing either
option, a student should meet with his/her instructor and advisor. For more information, see the Student
Handbook section on "Registration Procedures"
(http://www.miami.muohio.edu/documents_and_policies/handbook/academic_regul
ations/acadre
gspii.cfm)