Rebecca Conklin

conkli97@msu.edu
Bessey 274
(517) 355-2400

WRA-101
WRITING FOR INQUIRY
FALL
2017

COURSE DESCRIPTION
WRA-101 is an introductory non-fiction writing course
that utilizes the practices of invention, arrangement, revision,
style, and delivery in order to support a successful transition
to writing, reading, and researching in higher education.

LEARNING GOALS
INQUIRY: a recursive process of posing following and answering questions
DISCOVERY: making new knowledge through the inquiry process
COMMUNICATION: purposeful engagement of authors through inquiry and discovery

MAJOR PROJECTS OTHER COURSEWORK

PROJECT 1: Learning Narrative (10%) WEEKLY WRITING (15%)

PROJECT 2: Cultural Object (10%) PARTICIPATION (20%)
PROJECT 3: Remix (15%)
PROJECT 4: Disciplinary Literacies (15%)
PROJECT 5: Reflective Learning Narrative (15%)

Course Website Office Hours

wra101conklin.weebly.com 274 Bessey
or Google Classroom M: 10-12 W 10-12
Or by appointment
 Rebecca Conklin
conkli97@msu.edu
Bessey 274
(517) 355-2400

WRA-101
WRITING FOR INQUIRY
FALL
2017

DATES AND DEADLINES

WEEKLY WRITING

Every Wednesday you will have two pages of in class writing and two pages of open-
ended outside writing due. I will give you more detailed guidelines about this writing
soon, but generally it will ask you to reflect on current events of your choosing and to
narrate and make sense of events in your life. For now, please be aware that these are
due every Wednesday in addition to your other projects and deadlines.

THE 5 MAJOR PROJECT DEADLINES

PROJECT 1 PROJECT 2 PROJECT 3 PROJECT 4 PROJECT 5

9.6 Proposal 9.22 Proposal 10.13 Proposal 11.3 Proposal 12.1 Draft 1
9.8 Draft 1 9.29 Draft 1 10.20 Draft 1 11.10 Draft 1 12.8 Draft 2
9.15 Draft 2 10.9 Draft 2 10.30 Draft 2 11.17 Draft 2 12.11 Reflection (Final)
9.22 Reflection 10.13 Reflection 11.3 Reflection 11.22 Reflection

Course Website Office Hours

wra101conklin.weebly.com 274 Bessey
or Google Classroom M: 10-12 W 10-12
Or by appointment
 Rebecca Conklin
conkli97@msu.edu
Bessey 274
(517) 355-2400

WRA-101
WRITING FOR INQUIRY
FALL
2017

CLASSROOM POLICIES

ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION

Attendance is critically important to understand the course materials and what you
should be thinking about for each of the major projects. As such, it is worth (in the form
of participation) 20% of your overall course score. Each day will be worth points based
on what we are doing, and those points will accumulate to your overall participation
score. If something is going on in your life that is preventing you from attending class,
please reach out.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

You are responsible for communication sent to you via D2L, Google Classroom, or
email. Please respond to electronic communication within 24 hours; I will do the
same.
LATE WORK
Late work incur a 5-point deduction per class day late. If you need an extension on an
assignment, please email me at least 24 hours before the deadline to inquire about an
extension. I cannot make guarantees about additional time, but I will do whatever I
can to understand and accommodate your situation.

Course Website Office Hours

wra101conklin.weebly.com 274 Bessey
or Google Classroom M: 10-12 W 10-12
Or by appointment
 Rebecca Conklin
conkli97@msu.edu
Bessey 274
(517) 355-2400

WRA-101
WRITING FOR INQUIRY
FALL
2017

CLASSROOM POLICIES
CELL PHONES and OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Please don't use them in class other than for clearly stated instructional and learning
purposes. Put it down. Take a breath. You'll be okay. That said, if you're waiting on an
important call about a family, work, or other situation please let me know ahead of class
and I will accommodate. Unauthorized device use in class will negatively impact your
participation score.

PLAGIARISM and ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Given the experiential basis of the writing we will be doing, I'm not too concerned
about plagiarism. But, I recognize that "If there's a will, there's a way." So please be
advised of the university's policy on academic dishonesty. Confirmed academic
dishonesty will incur grade penalties, based upon the severity of the situation.

MANDATORY REPORTING

As an instructor at MSU, I am required by law to report any instances of domestic or

partner violence or sexual assault/harassment that is reported to me. Please be aware
of this, and know that I can help you seek out confidential resources should you need
them.

Course Website Office Hours

wra101conklin.weebly.com 274 Bessey
or Google Classroom M: 10-12 W 10-12
Or by appointment
 Rebecca Conklin
conkli97@msu.edu
Bessey 274
(517) 355-2400

WRA-101
WRITING FOR INQUIRY
FALL
2017

INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCES
RESOURCE CENTER FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
MSU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in
educational programs, activities, and services. Students with disabilities requiring
accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements must
first register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. For more
information, visit RSCPD's website at: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/

WRITING CENTER

Because writing is such an important part learning in higher education, MSU provides
free Writing Center support to all students. Because the Writing Center gets busy,
plan ahead and schedule your session well before assignments are due. To learn
more, visit the MSU Writing Centers website at: http://writing.msu.edu

COUNSELING SERVICES
The transition to college and adult life is a challenging time, and it helps to know there
are people you can speak with confidentially and who can provide support. If you
think you'd like to access counseling resources, chat with me, shoot me an email, or
check out their website at: http://www.couns.msu.edu/

Course Website Office Hours

wra101conklin.weebly.com 274 Bessey
or Google Classroom M: 10-12 W 10-12
Or by appointment
 Rebecca Conklin
conkli97@msu.edu
Bessey 274
(517) 355-2400

WRA-101
WRITING FOR INQUIRY
FALL
2017

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Write, a lot.
Come to class.
Participate.
Ask questions.
Make a friend.
Be a friend.
Think slowly; think deeply.
Try something new; take risks.
Believe in yourself.
Get a planner (and use it).
Meet with me regularly.

Trust the process.

Course Website Office Hours

wra101conklin.weebly.com 274 Bessey
or Google Classroom M: 10-12 W 10-12
Or by appointment