what is english 108?
English 108 is a class that will give you the opportunity to think and talk and write and research using all of the resources available to you: the library, the internet, technology, your classmates, and me. Because this is the accelerated version of the introductory composition course required of all Purdue students, this class will require you to do a significant amount of reading outside of class, as well as a variety of informal and formal writing assignments. Expectations are high, but so are results; this class will provide you with the opportunity to further develop your critical writing, reading, and thinking skills, skills that will be crucial to your success as a Purdue student and graduate.
Our primary focus of the course will be the consideration of the rhetorical nature of all writing. We'll examine the ways in which your position as writer, your audience, your message, and the rhetorical situation all work to shape your final compositions, and as a class, we'll develop strategies to negotiate these forces and write effectively for our different audiences.
course goals
When you've completed this course, you will have:
- developed an awareness of rhetorical principles in relation to academic writing
- analyzed, interpreted, and enacted the rhetorical strategies needed to make an effective argument
- honed your ability to make smart, rhetorical choices regarding grammar and style in your writing
- learned research techniques for academic writing
- completed four (4) writing projects, two of which include outside research
required text and materials
- English 108 coursepak (available at CopyMat in Chauncey Hill)
- Martha Kolln, Rhetorical Grammar: Grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects, 5th Ed. (available at University Bookstores and/or Follett's)
- Access to a computer with the following software: Microsoft Office XP, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a working Purdue University e-mail account.
All of the software is available on any ITaP computer on campus. The software is also available at Boiler Copy Maker in Purdue Memorial Union at a discounted price if you are interested in purchasing it, but it is not necessary that you do so.
course expectations and participation
You will be responsible for the following this semester:
ungraded in-class writing assignments
Throughout the semester, you'll complete informal, in-class writing assignments that will set the stage for that day's class discussion. Sometimes you'll turn these writings in, sometimes you won't; however, your successful completion of these assignments contribute to your overall class participation grade (see below).
course writing projects
You will complete four writing projects in this course, each of which present a different rhetorical situation for you to negotiate. Assignment guidelines will be discussed in more detail as the semester progresses, and at least two of the assignments will incorporate other visual or audio elements besides simply text. Creativity is welcome in this class, so if you have an idea for a project that bends the guidelines of the assignment, please see me to discuss your ideas further.
peer review workshops
You will be responsible for participating in in-class writing workshops where you will benefit from the constructive feedback of your fellow students. Attendance and participation in peer workshops is mandatory, and workshopped drafts of all projects must be turned in with your final projects. You must be in class and prepared when a workshop is scheduled; failure to participate in these workshops will result in a deduction of 20 points from your final participation grade for each workshop you miss.
class participation
In order to accomplish the course goals, you must come to each class prepared. This means coming to class on time, as well as completing your readings and outside assignments. Active and informed participation in class discussions and collaborative work is also crucial.
point distribution
| Assignments | Percentages | Points |
|---|---|---|
| My Turn/This I Believe | 10% | 100 |
| Rhetorical Listening | 15% | 150 |
| Heart of the Matter | 30% | 300 |
| Visual Argument Group Project | 35% | 350 |
| Participation | 10% | 100 |
grading scale
| Points Earned | Final Grade |
|---|---|
| 1000-900 | A |
| 899-800 | B |
| 799-700 | C |
| 699-600 | D |
| 599 and below | F |
paper requirements
Each paper that you turn in should be:
- Word-processed or typed
- Formatted following MLA guidelines. (see Purdue OWL for details). This includes double-spacing, 1-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font.
- Stapled or paper-clipped
late papers
Late papers will not be accepted. No exceptions.
paper revisions
If you are unhappy with the grade you earn on a specific paper, you are welcome to revise the project and turn it in to me at an agreed upon date. Before you revise, please make an appointment to meet with me outside of class to discuss your paper and possible revision strategies. If you intend to revise a project, you must let me know that within a week after your graded paper is returned to you.
attendance
Your attendance is expected and required. If you accumulate more than 3 absences, I will automatically lower your final participation grade by one letter grade. If you have six absences, I will lower your participation grade by two letter grades. If you miss more than six classes, you will fail the class.
In case of extended illness or an emergency, please contact your advisor and the Office of the Dean of Students to make necessary arrangements.
office hours
I look forward to discussing with you matters pertaining to the course, readings, and your writing. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail or phone, and I hope you will also take advantage of my office hours, which are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30-4:20 p.m. (or by appointment) in HEAV 303E.
plagiarism
Cheating: All written work submitted for a grade in this course must be the product of your own composition. Ideas generated due to reading and group discussion may provide the inspiration for your work, but should not be the sole ideas represented. With collaborative projects, of course, ideas should be representative of the group's work. Plagiarism is the act of presenting as your own work another individual's ideas, words, data, or research material. The concept applies equally to written, spoken, or electronic texts, published or unpublished. All ideas and quotations that you borrow from any source must be acknowledged: at a minimum, you should give the name of your author, the title of the text cited, and the page number(s) of the citation. The only exceptions to this requirement would involve what is familiar and commonly known (e.g., the fact that the earth is round). You should know that penalties for plagiarism are severe and can entail suspension from the University. Students are responsible for reading and understanding the University policy on Cheating and Plagiarism set forth in Purdue University's Academic Integrity: A Guide for Students.
classroom environment
I am committed to creating an classroom environment that raises questions, challenges our beliefs, and forces us to think critically; however, it is crucial that this is done in a respectful, tolerant manner. Insults, slurs, or attacks of any kind will not be allowed in my class. Any student who engages in this type of behavior in the classroom will be permanently removed from the class and may be subject to punishment given by Purdue University (see the Purdue University Student Code Of Conduct).