Syllabus - Fall 2010

Course Description
Technical Requirements
Required Materials
Required Texts
Grades

Participation, The Discussion Board, and Peer-Editing
Course Outline
Workload
Extra Credit
Pace
Other Expectations
The Writing Center
My Office Hours

Course Description

The purpose of English 112 (Critical Reading and Writing) is to prepare you for the different types of reading and writing that will be expected of you during your college years. As such, you will be learning about reading and thinking critically, analyzing sources, writing effectively and persuasively, and researching topics which interest you. Because you will be communicating with others for the rest of your life (not just in college), these activities are designed to help you learn to think and write more clearly and objectively.

In order to pass the class you must abide by the guidelines in the Syllabus and Policies.

Prerequisites

All students must receive a passing grade in Eng. 111 and must have take then Writing Placement Test (WPX). This test is part of freshman orientation. Transfer students must take the WPX, even if they have transfer credit for Eng. 111. The only time you don't need to take the WPX is when you have Eng. 112 credit and are taking the class over to improve your grade.

Students who have not taken the WPX by the end of the second week will dropped from this class. You can take the test online via Blackboard. To take the test, contact:

Academic Advising and Career Center
University of Michigan-Flint
285 University Pavilion
Flint, MI 48502-1950
Phone
: (810) 762-3085
Toll free - Michigan: (800) 942-5636
Email: advisors@list.flint.umich.edu
Instant messenger: umfadvising

I strongly suggest all students take Blackboard Orientation before taking an on-line class. Students who are not familiar with Blackboard may have trouble keeping up with the class. If you need a refresher, you have access to an on-line Blackboard Manual (just click Tools on the class main page). The online Student Help Guides are even better.

Corequisite

Depending on their WPX some students may be required to take 1 or 2 credits of Eng. 109 (Writing Workshop) in addition to Eng. 112. Students who have placed in Eng. 109 must complete 109 to get credit for Eng. 112. Refer to page 1 of the Survival Kit for details.

Students who want more practice can enroll in Eng. 109 even if they place out of it -- and I encourage it if you are interested. Not only will it help you become a better writer, it's fun!


Technical Requirements

Make sure your hardware and software meet the Technical Requirements for online classes. If your hardware and software do not meet these requirements you may have trouble accessing the class or keeping up with the work. I also recommend a high-speed Internet connection (i.e., not dial up). Lack of hardware, software, or Internet access is not an acceptable excuse for missing deadlines or otherwise not keeping up with the class work. If your computer crashes or your Internet connection fails, make other arrangements immediately! That may mean borrowing a computer or going to a campus computer lab. The locations and hours for campus computer labs are included in the Technical Requirements.

You also need the latest version of Microsoft Office. Students can purchase Microsoft Office from the University at a huge discount. For details refer to the Information Technology Services software sales.

If you don't want to buy MS Office for a ridiculously low price (or if Software Sales no longer has it in stock), you can download a similar program called Open Office. It's free and completely compatible with Office. Versions are available for all operation systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.).

Important Technical Notes

AOL is incompatible with Blackboard, UMF’s library, etc. If you use AOL, you must minimize it and open a different web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)!

The Mac browser Safari in incompatible with some Blackboard features that we'll be using a lot (like the Discussion Board). If you are using a Mac, use the Firefox browser instead of Safari. If you don't have Firefox you can download it (free) at Mozilla. They have versions for all operations systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.)

A dial-up Internet connection is painfully slow when using Blackboard and you will quickly become frustrated (especially if you are also using AOL). NOTE: A slow dial-up connection is not an acceptable excuse for missing deadlines or otherwise not keeping up with the class work. I strongly recommend making other arrangements (such as going to a campus computer lab) instead of using dial-up service. That may mean borrowing a computer or going to a campus computer lab. The locations and hours for campus computer labs are included in the Technical Requirements.


Required Materials

A student computer account (includes UMID number, e-mail address, passwords, etc.)

An M-Card (student ID, library card, copy card, and Rec Center card -- all in one card)

Blackboard Orientation

At least two places to back up your important files (flash drives, hard drive at home, etc.). You also have storage space on the university server that you can access from anywhere; refer to p. 43 of the Survival Kit for details. Always have at least two back-up copies of your work! Lost files, crashed/stolen computers are not an acceptable excuse for missing deadlines.

Required Texts

Books may be purchased at the campus bookstore or online at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com. Use the ISBN numbers listed below to be sure you have the correct edition of each book.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The First-Year Writing Program: A Survival Kit. 14th ed. (purchase hard copy at the campus bookstore or download as free pdf file on English Department web site). (NOTE: you will need Acrobat Reader to open the file. You can download it free at Adobe).

Kirszner, Laurie G. & Stephen R. Mandell. The Brief Wadsworth Handbook. 6th ed. (ISBN 0-495-79752-9). Make sure you get this version which includes the 2009 MLA update.

Ruggiero, Vincent Ryan. Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking. 8th ed. (ISBN 0073535699)

Grades

English 112 is an ABC>N course. That means students must receive at least a C to pass; a C- or lower = N (no grade, which is the same as failing the class). Students who earn an N will need to take the class over to earn a passing grade. Participation is very important. Students can do passing work and still receive an N if they do not participate. Students who receive an N must take the class over, so it imperative that you do all the work and participate every week. Refer to p. 5 of the Survival Kit for details.

Class grades are based on several major papers and various short assignments. Participation is mandatory and failure to participate can lead to a failing grade, even if students completes all the assignments. For details, refer to Grading Policies.

Participation, The Discussion Board, and Peer-Editing

Eng. 111 and Eng. 112 have a strict department-wide attendance policy (refer to p. 14-16 of the Survival Kit for details). For an online class that means actively participating in the weekly the Discussion Board (DB) and peer-editing.

The Discussion Board

The DB points are 30% of the class grade. Students earn these points by participating in the weekly discussions; there will be two or three each week. Students can earn three points per discussion. To do so they need to:

1. Post a 50-word post (in response to the week's assigned readings) by 11:55 p.m. Wed.
2. Post a 25-word post (in response to another student's post) by 11:55 p.m. Fri.
3. Posts after that week’s deadline (11:55 p.m. Sun.) don’t count.

Students lose points if:
* They miss either deadline (-1 point)
* A post is not the required length (-1 point)
* They post only once per discussion (-2 points)
* They don't post at all in a discussion (-3 points)

Students may not earn points (or extra credit) for "optional" discussions.

Refer to DB Policy for details.

The DB points show up in Blackboard gradebook as "Discussion Participation" and students can view them any time.

Peer-editing

Peer-editing means working in groups to peer-edit other’s papers. You will do this for each of the major papers. You get credit for posting a draft for your groupmates to edit. You also get credit for each paper you peer-edit. Like the Discussion Board, peer-editing is required. I do not accept papers which have not been peer-edited by your classmates. Refer to Paper Policies (in the Policies section) for details.

Peer-editing and quizzes make up 10% of the class grade. The show up in Blackboard gradebook as "Quiz" and students can view their scores any time.

Course Outline

This class is offered in 14 units. We will do one unit each week, but you will be able to access all the units (except for quizzes) at any time.

Students will have a major paper due approximately every three weeks. There will be weekly deadlines for readings, discussion, etc.

Unit 1
Introduction to the course
Introduce Paper 1

Unit 2
The Writing Process
Peer-Editing (PE)

Unit 3
Beginning Research (introduce Paper 3)
Word Processing (read all how-to files!)
PE Paper 1

Unit 4
Critical Thinking
Paper 1 Due

Unit 5
Argumentation (introduce Paper 2)
Evidence
Journals vs. Magazines
Citing Library Databases


Unit 6
MLA Documentation Part 1
Paper 3 Topic and Tentative Thesis Due

Unit 7
Research Paper Part 1 (Paper 3 in more detail)
PE Paper 2

Unit 8
Applying Critical Thinking: Evaluating Web Sites
Citing Web Sources
Paper 2 due

Unit 9
Applying Critical Thinking: Urban Legends

Unit 10
MLA Documentation Part 2
Paper 3 Draft Annotated Bibliography Due and Detailed Outline Due

Unit 11
Research Paper Part 2
Research problems and questions

PE Paper 3

Unit 12
Paper 3 Due
Thanksgiving

Unit 13
Paper 4 Due

Unit 14
Discuss Research Paper Presentations (Paper 4)
Wrap up course
Evaluations

Workload

I want to warn you in advance: this class is a lot of work! You will do the same amount of reading, writing, and research as my on-campus version of this class. In fact, whether you take it online or in the classroom, this will probably be one of the most demanding classes you take at UMF (especially if you are a freshman or have never had to work on several writing projects at the same time). Composition classes are always intense because they involve a lot of reading, writing, and research.

Some people think online classes are easier or less work than regular classes, but that is not true. Online classes are even more work because the student is responsible for completing the work by the deadlines and using Blackboard effectively on his or her own. Most professors will not be sympathetic if you aren't comfortable with Blackboard and computers; they are essential elements of any online class.

Time Management

How much time per week should you devote to this class? Since it's a 3-credit class, plan on spending at least three hours a week "in class" (online in the class, participating). For each credit hour, plan on at least two hours outside of class for reading, writing, and research (3 x 2 = 6 hours). That's a total of at least 9 hours a week for this class.

I do not recommend taking this class if you work a lot of overtime, plan on getting married this semester, or plan on having a child this semester. Students in these situations in the past have always failed this class because they can't keep up with the work.


Extra Credit

I do not allow extra credit or make-up work of any kind. This is college, not high school, and I expect you to do your best on every assignment and submit it on time.

I do allow rewrites the four main papers. You may rewrite any papers that were turned in on time. Refer to the Paper Policies.


Pace

Another warning: the pace will be very fast.  Because of this, I expect you to be proficient with Blackboard. If you have not taken an on-line class before or if you have not taken the Blackboard Orientation, you may have trouble keeping up, and we don't have time to wait for you. Let me be clear:

Being unfamiliar with your computer, campus e-mail, or Blackboard is not an acceptable excuse for missing important e-mail, deadlines, etc. so make sure you understand how to use them!

Likewise, computer problems and/or lack of computer or Internet access
is not an acceptable excuse for missing important e-mail, deadlines, etc., so if you have computer or Internet trouble make alternate arrangements, even if it means going to a campus computer lab.


Other Expectations

These are the things I expect you to do if you are serious about passing this class.

1. Log on often to check for Announcements and updates.

2. Check your UMF e-mail daily, especially after a deadline in case there is a problem with your paper and I need to reach you. I will send out class changes or cancellations, reminders, announcements, etc., via e-mail so check it often. This is the only e-mail address the University or Blackboard recognizes, so it will be my primary means of contacting you.

NOTE: You can not forward your University e-mail to another account, so you must check your UMF e-mail.
Bouncing e-mail due to a full inbox is not a an acceptable excuse for not receiving e-mail from me regarding the class.


3. Read all the assigned readings in the order listed. Each week's lessons and assignments will build on previous knowledge, so I will assume you have read, understood, remembered, and applied all the readings! Likewise, if you have questions, ask; otherwise I will assume you don't have any questions.

4. Check off work you have completed by clicking the "Mark Reviewed" button. This feature will help you keep track of what you have already finished and what you still need to do. By clicking it you are also acknowledging that you have read and understood the material.

NOTE: If you don't click the "Mark Reviewed" button I will assume you have not completed the assignments as I keep track of your progress.

5. Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date.You can get free anti-virus software and updates while you are a U of M student. Just go to the U of M Virus Busters site and log in with your Ann Arbor/Kerberos password.

6. Be respectful to other students; no profanities or rude comments will be tolerated.

7. Complete all work (readings, quizzes, etc.) by the deadlines.


8. Make sure papers meet the assignment requirements and are turned in on time.

9. Keep track of your own participation, assignments, deadlines, etc. This is up to the student, not the instructor!


The Writing Center


I encourage all students to take their papers to the Marian E. Wright Writing Center (559 French Hall) for tutoring. The tutors there are trained to help you with your individual writing needs. They will also help you make sure your paper meets the assignment requirements. The Writing Center is free and open five days a week for your convenience. Call 810-766-6602 or stop by to make an appointment.

NOTES:

It has been my experience that the students who do best on their papers are those who take advantage of the Writing Center's services. Don't wait until the day before your paper is due—make your appointment several days in advance (especially at the end of the semester when they are very busy) so you have time to revise your paper.


My Office Hours

I will be available online and in my office during my office hours; feel free to call, e-mail, or stop by. This is time when you can get individual help, ask questions, or just talk privately. If you have any questions about the class, requirements, your work, etc., just ask!

If you work or have class during my office hours, I'd be glad to make an appointment to meet with you at your convenience.