UWRT 1104: Writing & Inquiry in Academic Contexts II

Instructor: Mia Eaker Office:

Cameron (CARC) 159 Office
Hours: T 2:00-3:00PM
Meeting Options: 1) During Office Hours 2) During Optional Studio
Time 3) Google Hangout

Email: mteaker@uncc.edu

Quicklinks Syllabus Guide

Required Materials 2
UWRT 1104 Plus Studio Course Description 2
Studio (Online Component) 2
UWRT Key Concepts 3
Blog 3
Google Drive Folder 3
Textbook for Our Class 4
Attendance Policy 4
Exam Day 5
UNCC Withdrawal Policy 5
Texting/Cell Phones/Laptops 6
Grading & Feedback 6
Email 7
FYW’s Program Statement on Diversity 7
Disabilities Statement 7
Plagiarism 8
Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather 8
Pocket Survival Guide for Success in Our Class 9-10
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A WEEBLY OR WIX website design account (FREE).

We will create this in class together.
A FOLDER IN YOUR UNCC GOOGLE DRIVE
LABELED UWRT 1104 AND SHARED WITH ME. This
is where you will keep notes, daily work, and parts of
your studio work.
ACCESS TO A PRINTER or money on your 49er card
for printing in case it is needed for workshops.
*ACCESS TO A LAPTOP, TABLET, IPAD* during class
time (Laptops are available for checkout from the
Library).

UWRT 1102 Course Description

How are we going to
do this?

To explore these questions,

we will complete in-class
activities, an explorative
blog, workshops, a digital
essay, and a Writing
Portfolio to flesh out these
areas. First, we will conduct
preliminary research and
hone in on a specific area of
interest. Next, we will collate
research and push research
forward by asking questions
and critically exploring
sources. Then, we will
present research and final
conclusions in a digital
Studio essay. This work created,
Your online studio is worth 1 of the 4 credit hours. Your participation with this part of managed, and presented on
the course is also 15% of your grade. Directions and due dates for studio work will be your Weebly or Wix site,
on your calendar and under the Studio link on the course homepage. Work in the aka your Writing Portfolio.
studio will correspond with and support assignments and concepts we are covering in The Writing Portfolio will be
a presentation, reflection,
class. Studio work will often ask you to complete activities in your Google Folder
and explanation of your
and/or add compose a blog entry. process, choices,
knowledge, and growth
Individual Studio activities will not receive a grade. It is meant to be a place to have regarding your writing and
some freedom to comment, question, and brainstorm. It is a practice space. Instead research this semester.
of individual activity grades, you will receive a cumulative participation grade for your
Studio work and reflects submission timeliness, completeness, accuracy regarding
directions and goals, and the level of engagement and thoroughness.

While this work is meant to be completed on your own, our classroom is booked from 12-2pm after each class
session. During this time, you may stay and use this optional time to work on studio work or other class
assignments.
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Key Concepts

The following represent values and goals for this course; each represents common collegiate
values regarding what good writers are expected to be knowledge about and be able to do with
their work. In your final portfolio, these are the concepts I will be looking to see that you
actively worked on and display throughout your work.
rhetorical knowledge
critical reading
composing processes
knowledge of conventions
critical reflection

Blog
later without documentation for missing a class, nor will a list of prompts be given out at

Your blog will be kept on your website as is essentially where you will keep
o
WARNING!!! Prompts for class prep are disabled after class and will not be given out

everything for class that is not a draft of a major assignment. It should track your
e
progress and your thinking through the entire semester through reading s
responses, reflections, notes, etc. th
is
The primary purposes of keeping your blog will be: m
v To prep you class discussion so that you have thought out your responsese
ahead of time, recorded questions, etc. a
v To push your thinking beyond class prep (plan, ask questions, reflect, n
brainstorm, think critically about course concepts) I
v To respond critically to your research c
the semester. Entries must be completed on schedule.

v To track your thinking regarding your research and writerly skills a

n
v To think about clarity for a broader audience while also having room to be
less formal and have a little more freedom with your work. c
h
o
o

Google Drive Folder

Your folder should be organized with dates and titles so that they can be differentiated.
o Date & title your work so that you can find them later
o You may write everything in a single document or create multiple.
✓ Length: No set length unless specified in prompt. Usually a solid range would be
few developed paragraphs. You should be bringing together many different lenses
when responding. This means directly quoting from readings and sources,
connecting to personal experience or observation, and including your own opinions
and questions to flesh out responses.
✓ Submitting: Your blog will explore research, readings, and studio work. Due dates will be
gone over in class.
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Textbook for Our Class

Unlike some of your previous experiences, our class will

not have a significant amount of required reading.
Readings are carefully selected will be available in digital
format on our Canvas page. There will also be
presentations available on Canvas and gone over in class
that will help to explain course concepts.

However, just because we will not have “class sanctioned”

readings, does not mean that you will not read or
gather source material. “Reading” over the course of this
semester will consist primarily of your own making; in
other words, most of your course reading material
(scholarly articles, academic blogs, interviews, news
articles, documentaries, TED talks, news radio programs)
will be compiled by you as the student- researcher.
Essentially, you will be creating your own interactive
“textbook” for our course based on your specific area of
interest that will be housed on your website.

Attendance Policy

ALLOWED 2 ABSENCES WITHOUT PENALTY

➢ Each absence after 2 = 10 points deducted from your total final grade.
➢ 3 arrivals or early departures in any combo = 1 absence.
➢ You must be in class 75 MINUTES to be counted present.
➢ I reserve the right to count you absent if you are not “mentally” present – asleep, not participating in
activities, doing work for another class, spending significant periods of time on the computer or phone
➢ Allowed 2 religious observance days per academic year; must fill out appropriate form YOU are responsible for
all missed work-- consult Canvas.
➢ An absence can only be excused by 1) being in contact with me about the absence and signing a
contract that will require 2) documentation being submitted to the Dean of Student Office and 3) work
made up for that day that will be discussed and decided at my discretion.
 5

Exam Day

The exam day is a designated meeting time for the course. However, this class time is replaced
by a meeting with me to discuss your final portfolio submission. This is still mandatory class time
and must be attended.

If you have a conflict, arrangements must be made with me prior to final exam week so as to
not procure an absence at the end of the semester that may affect your grade.

DATES FOR FINAL EXAMS WILL BE POSTED ON CANVAS. HOWEVER, YOU WILL
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SCHEDULING YOUR OWN PORTFOLIO MEETING.

UNCC Withdrawal Policy

As of Fall 2015 There is a limit of 16 credits of "W" allowed for all undergraduate
students. This action must be taken by Tuesday, July 11 at 11:59PM.
If you withdraw from a course, it will show on your transcript with a grade of "W" but will
not count towards your GPA.
After that deadline, exceptions may be requested, but only in cases where extenuating
circumstances such as serious illness can be demonstrated.
Unsatisfactory academic performance itself is not an extenuating circumstance. Students
should be cautious about the impact of withdrawing from one or more courses on time-to-
degree, financial aid eligibility, and cost to the student.

Texting/Cell Phones/Laptops

Part of adequate class participation is being completely

engaged with the class throughout the entire time period.
I do not permit any type of cell phone usage, texting, or
inappropriate surfing on the Internet when you are given
time in class to work. I reserve the right to ask you to
leave class and be counted absent for the day
should I catch you texting, working on other
materials, or socializing on your computers during
class time. If you have extenuating circumstances that
require you to have access to your cell phone, please
Sources: Meme Generator

see me as soon as possible. Please be respectful of all

the time I give you to work in class, and use it wisely to
get help on your assignments as needed.
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Grading & Feedback

Research shows that final grades in portfolio courses are higher than traditionally-graded courses
because portfolios (a) allow students to showcase a variety of their work and (b) allow teachers to
grade holistically, based on a student's semester-long engagement and growth. Moreover, the digital
space offers ample digital composing choices so that you can present your work in purposeful ways.

This is a portfolio course. I will not assign grades to individual major assignments during the drafting
stages of the semester. Rather, you will receive 1) participation grades to track completion and
engagement and 2) feedback from your peers and from me—and you will engage in various reflective
and analytical activities—to help you take control of your writing and to improve it throughout the
course. These efforts will be assessed in the final portfolio.

You will receive a midterm grade that will serve as a “heads-up” about how you’re doing in the course. Your
grade is not based on the quality of individual assignments alone, but rather the extent to which you show
that you have--
✓ worked on your writing
✓ taken risks and made writerly choices
✓ engaged with course content YOU MUST
✓ participated in the writing & research process along the way COMPLETE ALL
✓ displayed knowledge of student learning outcome MAJOR
COMPONENTS TO
ASSESSMENT GROUPINGS Weight PASS THE COURSE.

Class Participation –
In-Class Discussion & Groups, Preparedness for Class, Class 15% Failure to submit
Prep Blog Entries, Attitude
even one of the
Process Participation – following
Preparedness, Engagement, Quality and/or Improvement, and
Attitude during in and out-of-class brainstorming workshops. components will
15%
This applies to blog entries related to research and your inquiry. result in an
AUTOMATIC
Studio Participation – FAILING GRADE FOR
Timeliness, Completeness, Accuracy Regarding Goals &
Directions, and Thoroughness & Engagement with any work in
15%
THE COURSE—
your Google Folder or in your Blog attached to studio prompts
completed on your own.
Blog, Digital Essay,
Final Portfolio --
55% Final Portfolio Essay
About Page, Blog, Digital, Reflective Components – Grade
derived primarily from final drafts revisions, evidence of (part of the
engagement with the 5 writerly skills in individual reflective frame).
assignments & the site as a whole, use of writerly vocabulary
& knowledge of course content in reflective work.

COURSE TOTAL 100%

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Email Consider also
using Chat in
Please feel free to email me with any questions you have about Canvas. This is a
our class work, reading, or assignments. Keep in mind:
great option
Email is a genre, meaning there are appropriate ways to when you can’t
address, ask questions, etc. Email is not a text message, so make it to office
please do not write an email as such. hours or have a
I generally check & respond my email 2-3 times on a
weekday between the hoursof 10:00 AM and 4:00PM question or
I check email once overthe weekend. problem that
needs a quick
response.

FYW’s Program Statement on Diversity

The University Writing Program strives to create an academic

climate that respects people of varied cultural backgrounds
and life experiences. As a community of scholars and
teachers who study language, literature, and writing, we are
committed to nurturing intellectual and aesthetic diversity. In all
our activities, we invite participation by diverse groups,
including, but not limited to, those who define themselves in
the following terms: race and ethnicity; gender; political
orientation; sexual orientation; special
l i
p
art health needs; age; religion; country of origin; and socio-
S
e
economic status. Finally, by fostering multiple perspectives
e
p in our coursework, we can help our students prepare to
participate in our increasingly diverse society, as well as in
the global community.

Disabilities Statement

Students who have a disability or condition, which may impair their ability to complete
assignments or otherwise satisfy course criteria should meet with me to identify, discuss
and document any feasible instructional modifications or accommodations. Please inform
me as soon as possible after a disability or condition is diagnosed, whichever occurs
earliest. For information and auxiliary assistance, contact the Disabilities Resources
Center.

PHONE: 704.687.0040
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Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a
• Cheating. Intentionally using or attempting to use
SERIOUS issue,
unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or
and should not be other devices in any academic exercise. This definition
taken lightly. includes unauthorized communication of information
during an academic exercise.
• Fabrication and Falsification. Intentional and
Should you have
unauthorized alteration or invention of any information
questions about or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification isa
plagiarism or matter of altering information, while fabrication is a
citing sources, see matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use
me or visit the in any academic exercise.
• Multiple Submission. The submission of substantial
Writing Resources
portions of the same academic work (including oral
Center in reports) for credit more than once without authorization.
Cameron 149. • Plagiarism. Intentionally or knowingly presenting the
work of another as one's own (i.e., without proper
acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to
the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the
Intentional ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge.
plagiarism (NOTE: For more information regarding plagiarism, see
constitutes PLAGIARISM Appendix at http://legal.uncc.edu/policies/
ps-105.html#APP.)
automatic failure • Abuse of Academic Materials. Intentionally or
of this class & knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible
possibly being library or other academic resource material.
reported to • Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. Intentionally or
Student Affairs. knowingly helping or attempting to help another to
This is your commit an act of academic dishonesty.
education; be
responsible.

Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather

In the event that the university or myself needs to cancel class due to weather or other
unforeseen circumstance, you will STILL have work to complete. More specifically:

• You will receive an email from me with instructions

• Check our Course Calendar to chart the appropriate changes
• Work will be updated Canvas for you to complete
• Be mindful of the time constraints for the work, and turn in your work on time and
complete
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Quick Guide for Success in Our Class

With regards to the work of the course I expect you to:

✓ Come to class. You ARE expected to be in class each day…on time. While 2 absences are
permitted these are not “free passes.” They are for emergencies and should be used
responsibly and documented when possible. You should be in communication with me
and your classmates when you are not in class. You are responsible for anything you
miss.
✓ Be engaged in the classroom material/ & discussions. This means that you are not
simplyphysically present, but you are mentally and intellectually present as well. You
MUST be actively involved in classroom activities through participation in class
discussions, group discussions, exercises, and writing activities.
✓ Be accountable for your work, actions, and ideas regarding your fulfillment of and adherence
to class expectations, requirements, policies. It is your responsibility to make sure that you
are on task and clear about course work and that you are maximizing your classroom
experience.
✓ Ask for help. If there is anything that you do not understand or are unclear about, please talk
tome. I want you to feel confident in your project and your writing, but I cannot know that unless
you tell me. Part of your responsibility as a student is to use the help that is available to you.
✓ Be respectful to each other and to me. We are all different; we come from diverse
background and have different experiences and opinions that make us who we are. These
differences should be celebrated and looked at as an opportunity for learning and
understanding.
✓ Engage with your writing. Writing that lacks passion is obvious. It's clear to the reader when
you wrote something and did not engage with it. Your level of engagement is also evident
in your drafting stages and in the way you interact with your peers' writing during workshops.

With regards to late work I:

✓ Accept late drafts for partial credit toward the corresponding participation grade up to
ONE WEEK after the due date.
✓ May offer extensions for drafts in circumstances where students correspond with me
prior to the due date to make arrangements. These situations will be handled on an
individual basis.
✓ Daybook work will only be accepted late under extenuating circumstances and with
timely correspondence with me.
✓ Conferences and Guided Workshops count as class sessions and due dates. If you
are absent and do not submit work at your sessions, then it is late.
✓ Reserve the right to require some sort of documentation (i.e. doctor's notes, a
memorial bulletin, etc.) for my record.
✓ Hold all of my students to the same standard throughout my classes, thus the need for a
more rigorous process to justify late work.
I give ample time in class to work/workshop various projects, so I expect you:
✓ To stay off of social media and coursework for other classes.
✓ To ask me questions, raise concerns, and/or get assistance from me concerning our course
work.
✓ To not wait until the last minute to ask questions, get help etc.
 10

With regards to Conferences and Workshops:

✓ You are required to share your writing (in various stages), and you will both receive and provide
feedback for revision with your peers.
✓ If you are unable to attend a workshop, it is your responsibility to make up that step either
by making arrangements with a classmate to get feedback outside of class or by visiting the
Writing Resources Center and obtaining proof to submit to me.
✓ Conferences and Guided Workshops are MANDATORY and should be scheduled the
week before they begin.
✓ If you are unable to attend conferences outside of class time, you are responsible for making
early arrangements with me for a class time slot or an alternative.
✓ You are responsible for scheduling your appointment and recording date, time, and
location.

The Writing Resources Center: You'll be able to work one-on-one with a tutor to
discuss your writing. They will not proofread/edit you work, but they will work with
you on any concerns you have. A tutor can help you at any stage of the drafting
process, even if it is brainstorming or conducting research. l encourage you take
advantage ofthis service because it is free.

NEED HELP? I am available via email, office hours, and appointments if necessary, so
waiting until the last minute to get help, ask questions, or raise concerns is bad practice.
Consider the syllabus and Canvas...
• A contract for the standards of behavior and coursework expectations
• Are here to protect both you and me concerning the acceptable working and learning
conditions for this class
• Are resources to help you know what is going on; "I didn't know" is never an excuse.
• Your first resource when for questions about content, due dates, expectations, etc.
With regards to your email and Canvas:
I will be sending you updates, reminders, comments, and other course information via
email and Canvas; therefore, you need to check both often.
• Should I need to modify the course syllabus or due dates, I will update you via
email, Canvas, and our “Calendar”
• You are responsible for keeping up with these changes when I make announcements in
class.
• Should Canvas become unavailable from some sort of system-wide error, you will still be
required to complete your work through alternate methods which I will explain via email.