ENGL 101, Sections K and M Composition I Fall 2014

Professor Information
Professor

Dr. Cheryl Duffus, Associate Professor, Department of English

Language and Literature

Office Craig 206 B

Phone x4409
Email

cduffus@gardner-webb.edu
NOTE: All Gardner-Webb University students and faculty must use their
Gardner-Webb University email addresses for conducting academic
business.

Email
Availability Please note that you should expect at least a 24-hour window for a
response to an email or other electronic communication. During
university holidays and breaks, that window may be longer.
Office Hours: MW 10-12 and 1-2; TR 12-1; F 10-12

Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to narrative and expository writing, including
inventing, drafting, and revising. Classes will rely heavily on a workshop format. Grammar
and mechanics will be covered as needed, and selected readings will also be discussed.
Prerequisite
None. ENGL 101 is a prerequisite for ENGL 102.
ENGL 101 COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will:
1. Complete at least five assignments.
2. Write at least 5000 words.
3. Write at least one formal academic essay that engages a scholarly conversation.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of formal documentation.

ENGL 101 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Rhetorical Knowledge
By the end of English 101, students should
Focus on purpose
Respond appropriately to different audiences and rhetorical situations
Use conventions of format and structure appropriate to the rhetorical situation
Adopt appropriate voice, tone, and level of formality
Understand how genres shape reading and writing
Compose in various genres and modes
Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing
By the end of English 101, students should
Use writing and reading for inquiry, learning, thinking, and communicating
Understand a writing assignment as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating,
analyzing, and synthesizing appropriate primary and secondary sources
Integrate their own ideas with those of others
Understand the relationship among language, knowledge, and power
Processes
By the end of English 101, students should
Be aware that it usually takes multiple drafts to create and complete a successful text
Develop flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proof-reading
Understand writing as an open process that permits writers to use later invention and rethinking to revise their work
Understand the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes
Learn to critique their own and others works
Learn to balance the advantages of relying on others with the responsibility of doing their
part
Use a variety of technologies to address a range of audiences
Knowledge of Conventions
By the end of English 101, students should
Learn common formats for different kinds of texts
Develop knowledge of genre conventions ranging from structure and paragraphing to
tone and mechanics
Practice appropriate means of documentation
Control such surface features as syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Composing in Electronic Environments
By the end of first-year composition, students should
Use electronic environments for drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, and sharing texts
Locate, evaluate, organize, and use research material collected from electronic sources,
including scholarly library databases; other official databases (e.g., federal government
databases); and informal electronic networks and internet sources

Understand and exploit the differences in the rhetorical strategies and in the affordances
available for both print and electronic composing processes and texts
Information Literacy Objectives

English 101 promotes information literacy using the standards articulated in Information
Literacy Standards for Higher Education:
1. The information-literate student defines and articulates the need for
information.
2. The information-literate student accesses needed information effectively and
efficiently.
3. The information-literate student evaluates information and its sources critically
and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value
system.
4. The information-literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses
information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
5. The information-literate student understands many of the economic, legal, and
social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses
information ethically and legally.
Gardner-Webb University General Education Competencies
1. Students will develop skills in formulating well organized thoughts for the purpose
of effective communication.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze written, oral, or visual forms of
communication and create appropriate responses.
3. Students will compare and contrast intra- and intercultural realities to cultivate
attributes necessary for adapting to and functioning in a globalized world.
4. Students will develop skills in effective research using traditional and technologybased research methods.
Course Materials
Thead, RP, editor. Millennials Speak. Essays on the 21st Century. Publisher: R P
Thead (March 30, 2013) ISBN-10: 098596135X ISBN-13: 978-0985961350
Access to MLA documentation guidelines. Purdue Universitys OWL site is an
excellent resource.
Daybook and a writing utensil for in-class work.
Reliable access to a desktop, laptop, or similar electronic device for work done
outside of class.
A reliable method to transport electronic files to class

Technology Expectations
Blackboard, as available through WebbConnect.
Turnitin.com: Assignments completed outside of class will be submitted using
Turnitin.com, which is linked through Blackboard.
Regular check-ins with the courses site on Blackboard as well as GWU email.
A reliable method for accessing the Internet either on campus or elsewhere
A reliable method for backing up files.
Word processing software that will create documents to share with classmates and
to upload to Turnitin.com. Turnitin.com accepts Word documents as well as PDFs
and rtfs.
Students may choose a visual component for presentations such as Prezi or
PowerPoint. A visual component is not required, however.
Grades and Assignment Requirements
In this course, you will receive a numeric grade on all work. All grades will be inputted into
the Blackboard gradebook where an overall course average can be seen. Your numeric
grades should be compared to the chart below in order to determine the equivalent letter
grade. Please check your grades frequently.
Questions About Grades
Contact the professor ASAP, especially if you feel the professor has made a mistake or if you
are worried about your grade. Please note that grades cannot be adjusted or changed to
accommodate outside factors such as scholarship eligibility, etc.
Grading Timeline (Exceptions for Professor Emergencies)
In-class work is returned within two classes, usually by the next class, with written
comments.
Written work completed outside of class is returned within two weeks. Written as
well as voice comments are available on the Turnitin.com document. A rubric is also
provided, when appropriate.
Department Grading Scale (6-Point Scale)

In order to insure grading consistency, the English Department established the following
grading scale for all English courses. Please contact the Registrars Office if you have any
questions about the chromatic grading scale and how that will impact your GPA and other
academic requirements.
GPA
4.0
4.0
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.67
2.33
2.00
1.67
1.33
1.0
0.67
0

Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF

Numeric Grade
99-100
96-98
94-95
92-93
88-91
86-87
84-85
80-83
78-79
76-77
72-75
70-71
69>

Total Points: 1,200

Participation and Attendance

100 points, 8.3%

Writing Conferences (1 required)

25 points, 2%

Journals (10 estimated, 25 points each)

250 points, 20.8%

Infographic
First Drafts (5, 25 points each)

50 points, 4.1%
125 points, 10.4%

Peer Review Participation (5, 25 points each) 125 points, 10.4%

Second Drafts (4, 100 points each)

400 points, 33.3%

First Day Assessment Essay

25 points, 2%

Final Exam / Assessment

100 points, 8.3%

Assignments as public documents

All work in this class will be public. In other words, other people may be allowed to read it.
Please, be aware that student writing from this course could be used for
departmental program assessment. Some student portfolios will be examined by

members of the department for research purposes. Any writing samples that are
used will not be assessed to look at individual student performances, but to
determine the effectiveness of writing courses to revise them for future semesters.
Portfolios will not be reviewed until the end of the semester, after grades have been
submitted, and names will be removed from all student work.
Turnitin.com
It is the English departments policy to use Turnitin.com as one tool for encouraging
academic integrity. Assignments completed outside of class will be submitted through
Blackboard to Turnitin.com. There is no need for students to create separate Turnitin.com
accounts. You do not need to interact individually with Turnitin.com at all. Students do
need to be aware that via Blackboard, their papers will be submitted to Turnitin.com and
will be scanned and stored.
Course Policies and Penalties
Emergency Plans
In case of an on-campus emergency that requires evacuation of the building, please
assemble as quickly as possible at the following location to check in with your professor:
the walkway between Craig and the Lab Building.
Technological Difficulties
If you are having problems with Internet access in one location, such as your dorm room,
you will need a back-up plan such as going to another location (the Library or a Computer
Lab, etc.). You are also expected to back-up your work. Computer / Internet issues are not
an excuse for late work or missing work. If there is a campus technological problem,
emergency, or disaster, the instructor will make accommodations.
Absences
You are expected to attend every class meeting. University policy mandates that attending
fewer than 75% of class meetings will result in automatic failure, the @F grade. This 25%
includes absences due to University activities such as athletics or class trips as well as
absences due to personal illness or family situations. I post absences on the Blackboard
gradebook. You may check that at any time for your total number of absences.
Late work
Every late assignment will be docked 5% for every day it is late, including weekends,
holidays, and university breaks. No late work will be accepted more than one week after
the due date.
Exceptions: If you have a serious illness or traumatic emergency, you will not
receive a late penalty.
Academic Dishonesty
Using someone else's words or ideas without giving credit with documentation and
quotation marks when appropriate is plagiarism. Someone else includes work by people
you know, material posted or sold on-line, and material printed in books or periodicals.

You need to cite any information you use to help you, even if that information is found in
the textbook. Information you look up on line also needs to be cited, even if it seems like
common knowledge (if you had to look it up, its not common knowledge to you). If you
use information from another class, please acknowledge this as well.
Academic Dishonesty Penalty
It is the English Departments policy that a final grade of FX will be assigned any time a
student submits any draft of a major assignment of which a substantial portion has been
falsely represented as the students own. Minor assignments that are plagiarized will also
be prosecuted according to University Academic Dishonesty Policy. This policy includes
both final drafts and rough drafts submitted either to the instructor, to the Writing Center,
or to a peer. Resubmitting work you have done for another class without receiving prior
permission from the professor will be considered academic dishonesty and will receive the
same penalty.
The Final Exam
The final exam schedule is set by the Registrar and cannot be changed unless you have a
truly serious (and, generally, unexpected) emergency such as a death in the family, a
serious illness requiring hospitalization, or an obligation to be away on University business
(e.g., you are an athlete and have a scheduled game). DO NOT make personal travel
plans before or during the final exam date and time. Personal travel plans are not a
sufficient excuse for rescheduling the final exam unless you are traveling for some an
emergency or University event.
Class Cancellation
In the event that class must be cancelled, I will attempt to give you as much notice as
possible. I will notify you over email, if possible, I will post an announcement on
Blackboard, and our department administrative assistant will ALWAYS leave a note on the
classroom door. Please note that if class is cancelled due to instructor illness or emergency,
you might have less than 24 hour notice.
Participation and Classroom Conduct
All students are expected to participate in class discussion. All members of the class
are expected to be courteous and respectful to fellow class members as well as the
professor and any visitors to the classroom. A classroom is a welcoming and supportive
place for all students, faculty, and staff, and it is important to respect and to appreciate the
differences among us, including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability,
religion, or political affiliation. If anyone feels they have been discriminated against in this
classroom or on campus, please contact the professor.
In addition, the Classroom Conduct Policy from the Student Handbook states the
following: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which does not
distract from or disrupt the educational pursuits of others. Disrespectful, distracting, or
disruptive behavior will be mediated first by the professor. If a resolution cannot be found,
then the Vice President and Dean of Student Development will be asked to intervene.

Electronic Devices
We all need to self-regulate our use of electronic devices, especially smart phones, in a
classroom.
Voice calls cannot be made during class unless there is an emergency.
Texting: Students who constantly text during class send the message they are not
engaged or do not consider class to be important. Constant texting will affect
students participation grade.
Students may not use electronic devices for any reason during an exam.
Laptop or tablet use during class is not permitted unless the student obtains the
permission of the professor.
Food and Drinks
Do not consume food in class. Beverages are permitted.
Student Support
Course Support
The professor is available to meet or consult with any student as frequently as s/he would
like.
In Person: You are welcome to stop by during office hours. If these are not
convenient for you, the professor can set up an appointment.
Phone, Email, Blackboard.
Peer Contacts your fellow classmates. Exchange information with at least one
student.
Bb Discussion Forums will be provided for students to receive peer support with
this class as well as with other issues or questions
Please contact me ASAP if you are feeling lost or overwhelmed this semester, either in
general or in this class, so that we can work out a solution together.
Noel Program
If your learning or participation in this class might be affected in any way by a disability
recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you will need to do the
following:
(1) (1) Register with the Noel Program for Students with Disabilities, located in
Frank Nanney Hall. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. You are welcome to stop by in person, contact them over the phone at
(704) 406-4270, or email them at disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu.
Website: http://www.gardner-webb.edu/academics/disability-services/noelprogram/index
(2) Educate me about your disability so that I can work with you and the Noel
Program to arrange necessary accommodations.

It is important that you take both of these steps no later than the first week of the
semester.
GWU Writing Center, Tucker Student Center Room 237
The Writing Center is a resource for all students, regardless of major or level of study.
Writing Center consultants are fellow students who have a solid grasp of the English
language and writing who also enjoy assisting others. They will help you with developing
and revising your ideas as well as polishing your final draft. You can make an appointment
for a consultation in Webb Connect or walk in to see if there's an available appointment.
Visit gardner-webb.edu/writingcenter for important information like semester hours of
operation.
Learning Enrichment and Assistance Program
The Learning Enrichment and Assistance Program (LEAP) provides peer tutoring for
Gardner-Webb students. Peer tutors will work with students to refine study skills and
clarify course content. Our tutoring is offered on campus in the Tucker Student Center,
room 336, next to the Student Success Center. While we try to meet the needs of our
students, we do not have resources available to offer tutoring in every course/subject.
Should tutoring for certain course/subjects not be available, the student may contact the
LEAP program to determine if other campus resources are available. Students can make an
appointment with a peer tutor in WebbConnect by clicking on Academic Support and
Peer Tutoring Appointment Scheduler. Prior to requesting a tutor, LEAP recommends
that an interested student speak first with his/her professor about concerns in a particular
class; professors can provide insight into which areas need attention or which strategies
might be helpful in specific courses. Please contact LEAP by emailing leap@gardnerwebb.edu or visit our website at gardner-webb.edu/leap. Feel free to visit our office on the
third floor of the Tucker Student Center.
Technology Support
Technology Services is Gardner-Webb University's central technology resource.
Technology Services works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to
provide network security, academic and administrative computing support, email services,
software licensing and management, and technology training. The Technology Services
office is located on the first floor of the O. Max Gardner Hall and is open Monday - Friday,
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. http://www.gardnerwebb.edu/information/departments/technology-services/index
Emotional and Spiritual Support
1) Pastoral Care at Gardner-Webb University is a ministry that attends the needs of
the University family in times of joy and sorrow and provides resources for spiritual
health. The Office of Christian Life and Service has a Pastoral Care Team that meets
weekly to pray for specific needs on campus and to contact and minister to bereaved
students. They are also available to meet with you and pray with you individually. In
addition, this team facilitates weekly, campus-wide prayer meetings every Tuesday

at 7:15 p.m. before The Verge. . http://www.gardner-webb.edu/studentlife/christian-life-and-service/pastoral-care/index

2) The Gardner-Webb University Counseling Center provides academic, emotional,
social, and vocational support as well as mental health consultation to students,
faculty, and staff. A team of professionals trained in education and counseling help
University community members in developing constructive life plans, handling
crisis situations, and coping with day-to-day problems. Short-term individual, group,
and couples counseling sessions are available at no additional cost. The University
Counseling Center adheres to the American Counseling Associations code of ethics
and operates within a Christian perspective. All services provided are confidential
and no information will be given to others without the consent of the individual. The
University Counseling is located in the Tucker Student Center and is open for
appointments, Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For after-hours emergencies,
an on-call counselor can be reached by calling University Police at (704) 406-4000.
http://www.gardner-webb.edu/student-life/student-services/counselingservices/index

Academic Support
Please contact your academic advisor or Academic Advising if you are experiencing any
difficulties in accomplishing your academic goals, especially if a personal illness, family
situation, or financial difficulty is involved.
http://www.gardner-webb.edu/academics/academic-success-programs/advising/index
Module 1 Schedule and Due dates
Module 1: Defining Generations
Week 1
Thurs., August 21, Course Introduction and Assessment Essay
Week 2
Tues., August 26, Read before class: The New Greatest Generation, html file posted on
Bb
In-Class Activities: Writing Groups Assigned, In-Class Writing and Work
What Do We Want From This Class?
In Class Audio/Video (transcript and captioning provided): A Greatest Generation:

Linking Personality, Eras, Is It Okay to use the M-Word, and Millennials: We Suck
and Were Sorry
In-Class: Online Pew Quiz
Due by midnight, 8/26, Journal #1

Thurs., August 28, Group Work and Collaboration, Introduction to Infographics

In-Class Work: Creating your own generational criteria and work on Infographic
Due by midnight 8/28: group submits draft of criteria for infographic to Bb

Week 3
Tues., Sept. 2, Bring to class: Draft of Infographic.
In-class Work: Peer Review