Syllabus
ENGLISH 101: Section 5 — Introduction to Academic Writing
Overview:
TIME: 1:25-2:15 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday
LOCATION: Room 212, Thomas Hall
instructor: Rick Brown
office hours: 2:30-3:30 p.m. — Room 103, Thomas Hall
contact: BrownR6@Lopers.UNK.edu — Office Phone: 308.865.8294
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite: ENG 100A or English ACT score of 17 or above, or department permission.
Course Description:
ENGLISH 101: A study of the art of composition with special emphasis on the writing process and academic genres. Students study methods of invention and arrangement, develop basic research knowledge, and hone their stylistic and grammatical skills as appropriate to varying audiences and contexts.
General Studies Objectives:
General Studies: Elements of the general studies program helps students acquire knowledge and abilities to understand the world, make connections across disciplines, and contribute to the solution of contemporary problems. General education should develop skills needed for later academic and professional work (such as communication and math), foster abilities that transcend disciplines (like critical thinking), and help students understand different disciplines and their unique approaches to asking and answering life’s questions.
PURPOSE: Broadly educated individuals can view things holistically. They are valued in society because they have become skillful in analyzing competing methodologies and schools of thought as a way to find solutions to real world problems. A liberal arts education gives learners the opportunity to view the world from multiple perspectives.
UNK LOPER GENERAL STUDIES, 1-4: These courses help students develop core academic skills in collecting and using information, communications in speech and writing, and quantitative reasoning. English 101 meets the requirements for LOPER 2 (Writing Skills).
LOPER 2 (Writing Skills) Learning Outcomes:
a. The ability to discern a writer’s argument or purpose
b. Can evaluate and use sources appropriately and responsibly
c. Uses context-appropriate conventions in writing
d. Communicates in a manner appropriate to audience and context
UNK LOPER GENERAL STUDIES 5-8: These courses help students acquire broad knowledge in a variety of disciplines across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
UNK LOPER GENERAL STUDIES 9-11: These courses instill dispositions that prepare students to lead responsible and productive lives in a democratic, multicultural society.
Classroom conduct:
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: I support an inclusive learning environment where diversity and individual differences are understood, respected, and appreciated. I expect each of us to occasionally disagree with each other. The expression of differing opinions allows us to grow as thinkers and as humans, but all in-class and online discussions must remain respectful. I will not tolerate expressions or actions that disrespect a person’s or group’s race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, gender, gender identity/expression, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability. I expect you to treat your classmates, instructor, and guests with respect (see: UNK Statements & Policies: UNK Policy for Inclusive Excellence).
PHONE USE: I encourage students to put down their phones and interact with each other before the start of class. The typical college student spends four hours on social media each day. Surely you can spare some of that time to interact in-person and get to know each other. Please limit your phone use once class begins.
Course Requirements:
TEXTBOOKS: We will be working from one textbook and three additional reference books. All of these books can be found online for under $20 each.
1.) Textbook: Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide, Brief Edition – 13th Edition, by Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell, 2015, published by Bedford/St. Martin’s. We will use this book as our primary textbook. You can purchase this book (USED!) for less than $10 online. There is no need to buy the latest version which retails for about $120. Be sure to look for the 13th edition.
2.) REFERENCE BOOK: The Infographic Guide to Grammar, by Jara Kern, 2020, published by Adams Media. This reference book features chapters on parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation and other aspects of English, available online for about $16.
3.) REFERENCE BOOK: Essentials of English – Sixth Edition, by Vincent F. Hopper, Cedric Gale, Ronald C. Foote, Benjamin W. Griffith, 2000, published by Barron’s. You can find this treasure online for about $5. It features in-depth information about the structure of writing.
4.) REFERENCE BOOK: Get a Grip on Your Grammar: 250 Writing and Editing Reminders for the Curious or Confused, by Kris Spisak, 2017, published by MIF Books. This hardback book features word comparisons that many writers often stumble over. Online prices are in the range of $5, excluding shipping.
ATTENDANCE: This in-person class requires your attendance. I will strive to make it worth your time to attend class, but I need you to show up prepared for class with a charged laptop (or other writing device), writing instruments, textbooks and completed assignments. Please plan ahead. While I plan to put information on Canvas, that is not a substitute for attending class. NOTE: Students who miss more than six of the 44 classes this semester will have their final grades lowered by a full letter. An A will be reduced to a B for students who miss more than six class meetings, etc. (see; Grading Policy: Points).
ASSIGNMENTS AND DUE DATES: This class will include five major long-form writing assignments (some of them based on research and others less structured) and numerous shorter assignments, all with enforced due dates. Late work will be accepted, but with a loss of points (see; Grading Policy: Points) and possibly less feedback from me. To get the most from this class, please keep up with the assigned due dates.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Using AI to complete your assignments prevents learning. All assignments will be screened using TurnItIn, a program that detects computer generated writing. Assignments flagged by this software will not be accepted (see: UNK Statements & Policies: Academic Honesty Policy).
Journaling: Each class will begin with an opportunity to free-write in a journal for about seven minutes. This activity serves as a bridge from the world outside of the classroom to a world of words and ideas within our class. Please start a new entry on a new, right-facing page each day. Be sure to write something (or draw, doodle, or submit a quote) each day. I will use your entry as proof of your attendance. I may share unattributed quotes from your journals with the class. I look forward to reading and commenting on your daily entries.
WRITING CENTER: A visit with a Writing Center tutor at the Loper Success Hub is a requirement of this class (and worth 30 points). The student tutors can help you with many aspects of your assignments. You will need to make an appointment in advance to see a tutor. Call 308-865-8728 or email the staff at successhub@unk.edu to schedule a visit. You can also visit in person (second floor of the Calvin T. Ryan Library) to make arrangements for assistance.
Grading Policy:
POINTS: In order to give you meaningful feedback, I will use a system of points to keep you informed of your progress in English 101. A total of 1000 points is required to receive an A, 900 to receive a B, 800 to receive a C, etc. Attending class is worth 5 points. Participating during class discussions can also earn an additional 5 points. Most low stakes writing assignments are worth 30 points. Research papers are generally worth 100 points. With attendance, participation, writing assignments, extra credit projects and other activities, a total of 1400 points can be earned. With a goal of earning 1000 points, students can determine where and how to invest the most energy into these assignments. More details will be available on Canvas and during class. NOTE: Missing more than six classes will result in lowering your grade a full letter. This will also be explained during class.
Available Resources
CANVAS: Most assignments will be explained on Canvas. Students are expected to regularly check the website for assignments, announcements and other details. This is your responsibility. Some content for the class will only be available on Canvas. I will make announcements in class regarding those situations.
CALVIN T. RYAN LIBRARY: While the library contains a vast amount of resources, please remember to avoid waiting until the last minute to use the library for your research, even online. Plan ahead. The library employs staff members who are available to help you with many facets of your academic career. A visit to the Writing Center, located on the second floor of the building at the Loper Success Center, is one requirement of this class and worth 30 points. The staff at the Writing Center can offer valuable insights to your writing assignments. Advance registration is required to work with a tutor so remember to plan ahead (see: Course Requirements: Writing Center).
UNK Counseling: Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance. Problems with relationships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also contribute to decreased academic performance. UNK Counseling provides mental health services to support the academic success of students. Counseling Services, a part of the Student Health & Counseling Department, provides a full range of short-term professional mental health services. Services include confidential personal counseling, group counseling, substance use counseling, crisis intervention, outreach programming, and consultation to help you manage personal challenges that may threaten your well-being. It is not our intention to know the details of what might be bothering you, but simply to let you know we are concerned and that help is available. Getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do, for both yourself and for those who care about you. You can contact UNK Counseling at 308-865-8248, visit the website or stop by in person Room 114 of the Memorial Student Affairs Building for more information.
Rick Brown