English 1213: Principles of English Composition II
Policy Statement
Course & Section Number: 1213.078
Location: Felger Hall (FH) Room #319
Meeting Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 1:30-2:20 p.m.
Instructor: Niigonwedom (Mr. J. Sinclair)
email: niigonwedom@yahoo.com, niigonwedom@ou.edu
Office Hours: MWF 2:45 – 3:45 p.m., or by appointment
Class webpage: http://students.ou.edu/S/James.M.Sinclair-1/
Required texts: Writing Arguments, Sixth Edition
A dictionary, thesaurus (Oxford or American)
Recommended text: The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
Required Materials: - Access to a computer and word processing program
- A computer disk
- A binder for keeping handouts and paper
- four to six (4-6) hours per week outside of class for preparation, writing, editing, and meeting
Course Introduction
Welcome to the second stage of first year composition, or The Principles of English Composition II. This course will build on the skills you have obtained in the previous course, and will focus on argumentation and the Toulmin schema of formulating a comprehensive and clear argument paper. This course will advance your ability to express yourself and your ideas while introducing you to academic and scholarly research. Throughout this course I will help you learn to use techniques which will help you in your future college careers, regardless of which discipline you are in, as writing is essential in all of them. In this course you will be exposed to all stages of the writing process, including inventing, drafting, revising, and editing you own (and others) writing. It is the objective of the course to make you a more independent and proficient writer, while preparing you for the writing tasks you will face during and after your undergraduate studies.
Grading Criteria
Although I use this scale for the final grades, I do use the 12 point scale (A+, A, A-, B+, etc.) for individual writing assignments.
A = 90-100 Grade Points 4.0
B = 80-89 Grade Points 3.0
C = 70-79 Grade Points 2.0
D = 60-69 Grade Points 1.0
F = 59 and below Grade Points 0.0
Outline of Assignments and Dates
Writing is the most important singular feature of this course. Therefore, students should be aware and prepared to focus primarily on their own progress as a writer. Improvement and progress throughout the term is also taken into account during the tabulation of the final grade.
There are five (5) writing assignments, which will include cumulative tasks performed each class, and culminate in an original paper being submitted for each. Students can track their progress on the Blackboard program throughout the term or speak to me personally. The assignment breakdown is as follows:
The Toulmin Schema: Microtheme Writing Assignment #1 10% Weeks 1-4
The Toulmin Schema: Microtheme Writing Assignment #2 10% Weeks 4-6
Argument Paper #1 20% Weeks 7-9
Argument Paper #2 20% Weeks 10-12
Argument Paper #3 20% Weeks 13-16
Preparedness for Class (homework, quizzes) 10% throughout
Participation 10% throughout
Syllabi
Students will receive a new syllabus as each new unit begins. It is the students’ responsibility to check this syllabus for due dates and ensure that they are prepared for each class. This includes readings, quizzes, papers due, etc.
Revision & Rewriting
Students who receive a ‘B’ or lower on any assignment may substantially revise the assignment and submit it for re-grading once within seven days of receiving the initial grade from me. Students should also take into account that the new grade could be higher or lower depending on the changes that are made. The new grade will reflect the grade for the assignment.
Late Policy
Lateness is not tolerated, either for class or in the submission of assignments. As in life, penalties will incur. Students who submit a paper late will drop 10% (or one letter grade), with no exceptions, unless receiving permission from me. In extenuating circumstances arrangements can be made with me, but this is done on a case-by-case basis and must be made at least one week before the due date. In this scenario, the student must write a request for an extension from me, and both the student and I must sign it with a new due date indicated.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious offence and can cause you to (depending on the circumstances) fail the paper, fail the class, be placed on probation, or be expelled from the university. Plagiarism means presenting someone else’s ideas or writing (published or unpublished) as you own. This involves “cutting and pasting”, direct quotation without citation, and misquoting. There are four different kinds, all prohibited by the Academic Misconduct Code available at: http://www.ou.edu/provost/integrity/. Students are required to familiarize themselves with this policy. Student will also receive the departmental policy statement, which we will go over in the first class.
The Class Rule
Students are expected to show respect for each individual in this classroom, and therefore this is the only rule that must be followed. At times, our discussions will be frank and heated, including topics you may not feel comfortable with. Therefore it is essential that everyone feel comfortable in our community, regardless of their political views, religious identification, gender, sexual identity, race, or social grouping. Discussion at all levels in our classroom will seek to empathize and promote that all of us are different, and in recognizing and embracing these differences we are a stronger society. Unfortunately, this rule is non-negotiable, and if broken, will severely impair a student’s ability to succeed in this course. If any behavior becomes a problem, students will be required to meet with me outside of class to discuss their further participation in the course.
Respect for others, however, is only one part of this rule. Respecting yourself and your education is also essential for success in this class. Therefore, students are expected to prepare adequately, having completed all assignments and readings assigned, at the required due dates. Respect for yourself also assumes that you cannot perform in class without the appropriate materials.
Sexual Harassment Policy
The University of Oklahoma adheres strictly to a sexual harassment policy and it is recommended that students familiarize themselves with this, but an excerpt is printed here from the student and faculty handbook:
“Sexual harassment shall be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the following context:
1. when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic standing, or
2. when submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual, or
3. when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.”
Sexual harassment should not, and will not, be tolerated.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes throughout the term. English Departmental policy states that a student’s final grade will be lowered by one letter at the fourth unexcused absence, and two letters at the seventh unexcused absence. A student who has ten or more unexcused absences fails the course. If you are less than fifteen (15) minutes late for class, you will receive a ‘late’. Two (2) ‘lates’ equal one (1) unexcused absence. If you are more than fifteen (15) minutes late to class or if you leave early, you receive an unexcused absence. Our in-class work is a primary key to your success in 1213, so don’t get in the bad habit of missing class.
Excused absences are only to be given in consultation between instructor and student and must be requested (at least) one (1) week in advance and in writing. Students must also provide documentation when required.
Withdrawal Dates
English 1213 is a required course. Students are not allowed to drop or switch sections without just cause. The last day to drop without paying fees is January 31, 2005, and the final date to drop with an official withdrawal is February 25, 2005. After April 4, 2005 students will have to petition the dean in order to withdraw. All academic dates can be found on the academic calendar at: www.ou.edu/admrec/spring2005.htm.
Accommodation Policy
If you are a student in this course who has a disability that may prevent you from fully demonstrating your abilities, you should contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations that will allow your full participation in the course.
Format of Assignments
All papers to be turned in for grading (excluding the Essay Exam Unit paper) must be typed, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 8½“ x 11” paper with 1” margins and double-spaced. This INCLUDES drafts. Follow MLA format for proper formatting and documentation of sources.
Final Exam Period – TBA
There is no final exam for this course, but there is a mandatory exam requirement during this time, and students must be present to pass the course. Unfortunately, no exceptions can be made for this time period.
Release Statement
This course policy statement is subject to change as the needs and circumstances of the course dictate. The class will be notified, however, of changes in advance.