English 180: College Writing I Syllaweb
Western Illinois University

(Fall 2004)

I. Space & Time:

• Section 021: 11:00-12:15  T-Th   SI 319
• Section 032: 12:30-1:45    T-Th   SI 319

II. Purpose: Prepares students for writing at the college level through extensive writing and readings.  By the end of the semester you will able to analyze, organize, and research essays as will be expected of you for the duration of your college career. 

III. That Which You Need (materials): Coming to class unprepared is not an acceptable excuse for not doing the work.  Missed in-class work cannot be made up.

• Two 3.5-inch disks (always back up your work).
• One-inch three-ring binder (to collect all your writing).
• Folder with tabs (for process journals).
• Writing supplies (a.k.a. pens &/or pencils and paper).
• Paper clip and staple pool (fifty cents).
• Hacker, Diana.  A Pocket Style Manual, 4^th edition.
• Axelrod & Cooper.  Reading Critically, Writing Well: A Reader and Guide, 6^th edition.
• ECOM & Webmail account (UCSS--Stipes 126).

IV. Assignments: 100% total: 100-90% = A, 89- 80% =B, 79-70% = C, and 69% & below = U (if you do all the work--otherwise = F).

1. Papers (2): = 40%                                                       

a.       Narrative: 20%

§     1^st Draft = 10%

§      2^nd Revised Draft = 10%

b.       Research: 20%

§     1^st Draft = 1/3

§      Revisions = 1/3

§      2^nd Revised Draft = 1/3

2. Essays (4): = 35%

·        Reflection: 6%

·        Hypothesis: 10%

·        Case-Study: 7%

·        In-Class: 12%

3. Participation & Exercises: = 10%

4. Discussion Boards & Writing Practice: = 10%

5. Peer Editing & Process Journals: = 5%

6. Portfolio (2): (pass/ fail) = 0%

V. Muster:  

• Attendance Policy: You are allowed three absences whether you have a good reason or not.  Late charges will not be applied on any assignments during those first three.  After the three, each additional absence will lower your final class grade by ten percent (an entire letter grade), and all applicable late charges will apply.  Use your three wisely. 

• Tardiness: If a consistent pattern develops, I will issue some sort of directive to be followed by consequences.  In any case, I’d rather have you interrupt than miss something important.

VI. The Dark Side: Penalties for plagiarism are steep, including instant F for the assignment, F for the course, and/or expulsion from the school.  (Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will--Yoda.)

VII. Special Needs: In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation.  It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor’s attention, as he/she (he in my case) is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students.  Students who require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency.  Contact Disability Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services. 

*Warning!!  This syllaweb is liable to self-destruct and/or change at any time.  I will, of course, notify you of the changes.  Notify me of any self-destructions.

"My best advice is to write about what you love, and what scares you. If you do that, you're an honest writer, and your work will be worthwhile."
-Greg Bear