Michael Gurnow
http://cstl-cla.semo.edu/gurnow
Office Hours and Contact Information
Gradebook and Grading Scale

Section 27 T/R 2:00-3:15 Grauel 313

Requisite:  EN099, TL110, or appropriate score on University Placement Test
Pre or co-requisite:  TL105 or appropriate score on University Placement Test

Required texts:  

• Reid, Stephen.  The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers.  8^th ed.  (Textbook Rental)
• Hacker, Diana.  A Pocket Style Manual.  5^th ed.  (University Bookstore)
• Stewart, George.  Earth Abides.  ISBN:  978-0-345-48713-1

Other required materials: 

• Campus-based email account
• External recording device to record and retain course data

Course description:  A focus up on the techniques of effective written expression

Objectives:  

• Learn to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view  
• Developing skill in expressing myself orally or in writing
• Gain factual knowledge
• Learn fundamental principles, generalizations, and theories  
• Developing a clearer understanding of, and commitment to, personal values

Grade assessment:  

Total possible:  1,000

Tentative Class Schedule

The instructor reserves the right to make alterations to the original list of assignments and deadlines.

Week 1
Aug. 25:  Meet in computer lab.  Introduction to course.
Aug. 27:  General questions concerning college.

Week 2
Sept. 1:  On Being a Professional Student.
Sept. 3:  Continue discussion.  

Week 3
Sept. 8:  Continue discussion.  General questions concerning college II.
Sept. 10:  “In the Basement of the Ivory Tower.”  “Is College Worth It?.”  “5 Ways a Big Paycheck Can Backfire.”  “Alumna Sues College Because She Hasn't Found a Job.” “Odd Job.” 

Week 4
Sept. 15:  Continue discussion.
Sept. 17:  Preliminary Writing Errors.  Hacker, 20-90.

Week 5
Sept. 22:  Continue discussion.
Sept. 24:  Continue discussion.

Week 6
Sept. 29:  Editing/Revision Symbols.  Hacker, 282 (last page of handbook).  MLA Paper Format Requirements.  Hacker, 148-154.  How to Write a Paper.  
Oct. 1:  Continue discussion.

Week 7
Oct. 6:  Reid, 51-99.  
Oct. 8:  Non-tactile and descriptive exercise.

Week 8
Oct. 13:  Selection of topics for Observation Essay. 
Oct. 15:  Fall Break.

Week 9
Oct. 20:  Continue discussion.
Oct. 22:  Discussion of peer review techniques and procedures.  Peer review of Observation Essay.

Week 10
Oct. 27:  Observation Essay due.  Reid, 509-599.
Oct. 29:  Grammar exercise.

Week 11
Nov. 3:  Continue discussion. 
Nov. 5: Continue discussion. 

Week 12
Nov. 10:  Continue discussion.  
Nov. 12:  Argumentative exercise over Capital Punishment. 

Week 13
Nov. 17:  Stewart, 3-65
Nov. 19:  Stewart, 66-120. 

Week 14
Nov. 24:  Stewart, 121-187.
Nov. 26:  Thanksgiving Break.

Week 15
Dec. 1:  Stewart, 188-235.
Dec. 3:  Stewart, 236-295. 

Week 16
Dec. 8:  Stewart, 296-345.
Dec. 10:  Thesis Proposal Due.  Discussion of Research Essay topics.

Finals Week
Section 27:  2:00 Tuesday, December 15.
Possible Comprehensive Final.
Research Essay due.
Bonus quiz.

Attendance and Participation:  Class participation comprises 20% of the student’s overall grade.  Participation is granted upon qualitative (as opposed to merely quantitative) oral contributions to the class.  Obviously, if a student is not in class, then he or she is unable to participate.  

Quizzes:  Periodic, unannounced quizzes over reading assignments account for 30% of the student’s overall grade.  Compensation for missed or omitted quizzes will not be granted based on the premise that a supplemental quiz (required in order to deter academic dishonesty and thereby would be divergent from that of the original) would not grant evaluative equivalency.

Writing Assignments:  Writing Assignments comprise 50% of the student’s overall grade.  Students must present their final paper to the instructor in person (another individual cannot do so nor can it merely be placed in the instructor's departmental mailbox), i.e. one must be present on the day of the Final, or a failing grade will be issued.

Truant Assignments:  No make-up or late work will be accepted.  To compensate for unforeseeable circumstances, students are advised to work ahead.  Any and all submissions are welcome prior to their deadline.

Civility:  Every student is obligated to assume responsibility for his or her actions; respect constituted authority, the right of one’s peers, and private and public property; as well as be truthful.  Violations will result in the offender’s removal from the classroom and the detraction of any points available for said class period atop disciplinary referral being filed with the University.

Electronic Devises:  As found within the Code of Student Conduct, Section of Safety and Environmental Health, Subsection 4, all electronic devices¾including cellular phones¾whose explicit purpose does not include obtaining data directly relating to course content, is strictly prohibited within the classroom.  Students in violation of this clause will be summarily dismissed from the class in which said encroachment occurs atop the detraction of any points available for said class period.  Multiple offenses will result in disciplinary referral being filed with the University.  As outlined within the University’s policy for Learning Enrichment Services and/or American Disability Acts compliance, students with special learning needs are exempt so long as they are accompanied by a letter¾which explicitly defines the duration and logistic necessity for such, and which, electronic devices¾from designated university agencies overseeing such requirements.

Academic Dishonesty (including Cheating and Plagiarism):  The Undergraduate Bulletin defines academic dishonesty as “ . . . those acts which would deceive, cheat, or defraud so as to promote one’s scholastic record . . . .”  As outlined by the Office of Judicial Affairs, “Violations of academic honesty represent a serious breach of discipline and may be considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.” 

Disabilities:  It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of any physical or learning disability he or she may have so that such may be addressed and aptly provided for.

Misc.:  The last day to drop a course is Oct. 30.  Incompletes are not granted in this course.