ENGLISH 1551 Dr.

Lee Fall 2011 1

ENGLISH 1551 : WRITING 2

CRN 41528; T/Th 9:30 10:45 AM
Tuesday: DeBartolo Hall B45 Thursday: DeBartolo Hall 262

Instructor Information
Dr. Karen K. Lee Office: DeBartolo 236 Office hours, Fall 2011: Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 PM; Wednesdays 10:00 AM-Noon; Thursdays 1:30-3:30 PM; and by appointment email: kklee@ysu.edu (best way to reach me) office phone: _________________________

Opus the Penguin by Berkeley Breathed

Course Description
Practice in writing with emphasis on the process of investigation: exploration of topics, formulation of tentative theses, collection of data from suitable primary and secondary sources, and clear and appropriate presentation of the results of these inquiries. Students divide their time between regular classrooms and computer classrooms, where they have the opportunity to perform research on the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: ENGL 1550 or Composition Placement Test results. Grading is ABC/NC. 3 s.h. Writing 2 is a general-education requirement.

Course focus
Building upon the critical reading, thinking, and writing skills learned in Writing 1 (English 1550), students in Writing 2 work to refine their ability to construct credible, authoritative, and appropriately-documented arguments.

Students in Writing 2 will:

Read and critically analyze texts, especially texts containing arguments, focusing on the rhetorical strategies authors use to advance their claims. Critique their own and their peers writing using various evaluation strategies. Write primarily nonfiction, argumentative essays built upon writing-process materials such as drafts, peer reviews, and instructor comments. Use computer labs and other online resources as tools for cultivating their writing.

Placement
Placement into Writing 2 is based upon successful completion of Writing 1 (English 1550).

Fee
YSU requires students to pay a technology and materials fee in Writing 2. This fee is used to maintain and replace equipment, software, and supplies.

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Course Theme
This section of 1551 will be focused on Youngstown and the Northeast Ohio area. Course readings, research, and projects will be about Youngstown; for course projects, students will come up with research questions and topics that have to do with the area.

Projects and Course Work

1. Literature Review This assignment asks you to become familiar with the scholarly and popular sources surrounding your topic of interest. (20% of final grade) 2. Primary Research Project This assignment asks you to collect original data to answer a research question about the greater Youngstown area. (20% of final grade) 3. Researched Argument This assignment asks you to write a research-based argument built upon your previous two projects. (20% of final grade) 4. Multimedia Composition / Revision This builds on the Researched Argument; you will revise your argument and compose a multimedia version of it. (20% of final grade) 5. Homework, Quizzes, and In-Class Activities In addition to the major writing projects above, there will be unannounced quizzes on course readings, homework assignments, and in-class activities to complete throughout the semester. These cannot be made up, so attendance is crucial (please see the section on attendance in this document for more details). (20% of final grade)

Grading and Grade Scale

Assignment descriptions of the major projects for this course (items 1-4 above) will include evaluation criteria. For projects and course work, the grade scale will be as follows: 90100%, A; 8089%, B; 7079%, C; 6069% D; and lower than 60%, F. Final grades for Writing 2 are A, B, C, and NC (No Credit), so final grades lower than 70 will be NC. See the Grades section on page 4 for more information. Cheating on projects and exams, plagiarism, falsifying reports/records, and unauthorized collaboration, access, or modifying of computer programs are considered serious breaches of academic conduct. Plagiarism includes copying information from written sources and cutting and pasting from web sites without quoting the material, even if some of the words are changed. Plagiarized papers or homework assignments will result in an F on the assignment and may result in an F in the course,and a report to the university discipline officer.

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To pass the course, you must (1) complete and submit each of the four major projects on time (2) engage in in-class, online, and other class activities on a regular basis, and (3) meet the attendance requirements as described below.

Attendance
For the course to be a success, everyones participation is necessary; therefore, attendance is an important component for the class. Unavoidable events occasionally prevent you from attending class--for example, illness, car trouble, or other emergency. Therefore, absences are not labeled "excused" or "unexcused," but they are strictly limited. For each class absence over four, 0.15 points on the 4.0 scale will be deducted. More than six absences will in all likelihood result in a failing grade for the course. You are responsible for obtaining all information about missed class meetings from a classmate and for submitting any due projects on time. If you are late to class or leave class early, it counts as half an absence. Excused absences may be granted for religious holidays or university-sponsored events, provided you make a written request to me no less than two weeks in advance and that you complete any required work before the due date.

Participation
Participation includes active and constructive involvement in face-to-face and virtual class discussions and being prepared for class by doing the assigned reading and writing assignments. Participation also includes active and constructive involvement in peer groups, peer review sessions, turning in projects to group members for feedback, giving effective feedback on projects, and learning to work diplomatically with others to achieve common goals.

Professionalism
Our classroom is safe learning space. As such, it is imperative that all students in class behave in a professional and respectful manner to their peers and instructor. Cell phones, iPods, IPads, Kindles, etc. are not permitted in class, so please turn off all electronic devices before entering our classroom. While we are in the computer lab, computers must be used only for class purposes. Students who violate this policy will have points deducted from their In-Class Activities grade, and may be asked to leave the class for the day.

Late Work
Late work is not accepted. If you are going to be absent on a project due date, please make arrangements to turn it in early. If a serious and unavoidable problem arises, such as hospitalization or a death in the family, you should contact me either via email or in person prior to the deadline to determine whether or not an extension for the work may be granted.

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YSU Syllabus Requirements

Per YSU/YSU-OEA Agreement, Article 25.3, all syllabi must include a grading policy and an attendance policy. These policies are described in this document on pages 2 and 3.

Texts
The required handbook is EasyWriter 4th Edition with MLA/APA Updates: A Pocket Reference by Andrea A. Lunsford. ISBN: 0-312-65031-0 Other assigned readings for this section will be available digitally, either online or in PDF. For you to be successful in this course it is vital for you to complete these readings when they are assigned. If you dont have a reliable Internet connection at home, then make arrangements to do assigned readings when you are at school or at your favorite WiFi spot.

Engagement in the Learning Process

Engagement in the learning process is a key goal of a college education for all students. Students are expected to engage in their education by completing in- and out-of class assignments, participating in in-class discussions, and being prepared for and actively involved in peer-editing processes. Students in Writing 2 are expected to: Read text selections assigned by the instructor. Draft and revise several writing assignments that culminate in a final researched argument. The total number of words will be at least 5,000 words. Students will plan and carry out a research project that includes determining what support they need and from where they might get it, using various kinds of credible sources, and composing a final project that incorporates varied, academically credible sources. Follow the schedule and policies in the instructors syllabus regarding preparation, attendance, classroom participation, and assignment deadlines.

Information Literacy
Information literacy is essential. In Writing 1, students were introduced to Maag Library and shown how to use readings in their essays. Now, to enhance students information literacy and facility with research in various formats, they will use Maag Library, electronic sources made available through OhioLink, and other credible websites in projects, culminating in a final researched argument.

Computer Lab Classrooms

Because Writing 2 is held in a computer lab for approximately one half of its weekly meeting time, students have the opportunity to become good at using computer and Internet capabilities to help them write and research. Students requiring additional assistance may be referred to the Center for Student Progress (CSP) / Disability Services office (330-941-1372). At minimum, students are expected to learn to use research from MaagNet, OhioLink, and credible Internet websites in their writing.

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Grades

Transfer credit: Students wishing to receive transfer credit for a college Final grades for Writing 2 are A, B, C, and NC (No Credit): Students who earn a composition course taken elsewhere must have that course evaluated by the grade of A or B have fulfilled course Composition Program Director(s) before assignments at an outstanding or higher taking any of YSUs composition courses. than average level; a C indicates satisfactory performance in the course.

Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty

A final average of less than C will earn a grade of NC for the course. An NC does not affect the overall GPA, but it does appear on the students transcript, and the student must repeat Writing 2. It may be retaken only once without the approval of the dean. Students are responsible for being aware of their grades in Writing 2 when they register for their next semesters classes. YSU Policy on Incomplete grades: The instructor may assign a grade of Incomplete (I) only if the following conditions are met: the student has requested the Incomplete ahead of time; all course work prior to this request has been satisfactorily completed; the Instructor agrees that an I is warranted. YSU policy states that students have at maximum one semester to complete an Incomplete; instructors are permitted to require that the work be completed in a shorter amount of time. If no formal grade change occurs within one semester, the I automatically reverts to an NC. Audit Policy: Students who register to audit a composition course should consult the instructor about minimum requirements.

All assignments completed in Writing 2 must be the product of the students own thought and inquiry. Plagiarism means presenting words, ideas, or information found in works written by others as if they were your own. Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, all forms of cheating, as well as receiving inappropriate assistance from others in completing an assignment. Instructors are responsible for teaching students about plagiarism and for distinguishing between intentional plagiarism and unintentional errors of citation. However, students are responsible for any actions that might constitute plagiarism. The penalty for plagiarism ranges from failing the assignment to getting an NC in the course. For more information, see the YSU Student Code, particularly Articles I and IX, at http://www.ysu.edu/thecode.pdf.

Academic Support Resources The Writing Center

Students may seek one-on-one or group assistance at the Writing Center by calling (330) 941-3055 or visiting ysu.mywconline.com to make an appointment with a Writing Center Consultant. The Writing Center has hours Monday through Friday whenever classes are in session. Sunday hours are available in fall and spring semesters. Find Writing Center locations at http://web.ysu.edu/writingcenter/.

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Americans with Disabilities Act

Anyone requiring special adaptations or accommodations should inform the instructor as soon as possible. In accordance with University procedures, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the Office of Disability Services (phone: 330-941-1372) in the Center for Student Progress at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Office of Disability Services.

Center for Student Progress

The Marion G. Resch Center for Student Progress is a resource on Campus established to help students successfully complete their university experience. Please phone (330) 941-3538 or visit the Center for assistance in tutoring or for individualized assistance with social and academic success. The main Center is located in Kilcawley West below the bookstore

You Can Change Youngstown mural by Lamar Makle and Hanibol Minor. Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) licensed photo by Flickr user marcmoss