RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

RHET 1311: Composition I - Syllabus

Fall 2022 – Laura Austin, Instructor (she/her/hers)
Room 210 in H. Tyndall Dickinson Hall
Section 15 Section 20
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
9:00 to 9:50 am 12:00 to 12:50 am

Office Hours:
Laura Austin, M.S. MWF 10:00am to 11:30am
lsaustin@ualr.edu or by appointment in
Stabler Hall 308

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Department of Rhetoric and Writing
3 Credit Hours – RHET 1311, sec. 15 or 20

Course Description
Prerequisite: A minimum ACT English score of 19, a minimum SAT I verbal score of
450, or a grade of C or higher in RHET 0310 or RHET 0321. Students will focus on
organizing and revising ideas and writing well organized, thoroughly developed
papers that achieve the writer’s purpose, meet the readers’ needs, and develop the
writer’s voice. Final course grades are A, B, C, or NC. Students must complete this
course with a grade of C or greater to take RHET 1312. Three credit hours.

Required Textbook
Roen, D., Rankins-Robertson, S., & Maid, B. (2022). The McGraw-Hill Guide: writing
for college, writing for life (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
ISBN-10: 1260798151 ISNB-13: 9781260798159

Contacting Your Instructor

Email: lsaustin@ualr.edu

You must use your UALR email address to contact me. I will not respond to other
email addresses. This is to protect your information under FERPA. I will answer
emails within 24 hours. I do not check email after 9:00 pm. Any emails sent after
9:00 pm will be answered the next day.

To practice professionalism, please address all emails to “Mrs. Austin” and sign off
with your full name and the meeting time of your class.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Course Objectives
The Department of Rhetoric and Writing has adapted the following objectives for
composition courses from the outcome statements of the Council for Writing
Program Administrators. Course objectives are also aligned with the UALR General
Education Core Curriculum (https://catalog.ualr.edu/) and Core Competencies
(https://ualr.edu/assessment/home/competencies/). By the end of the course,
students should be able to:
• Demonstrate basic rhetorical ability by completing texts for at least 3
different rhetorical situations, with each one written appropriately for that
context. (e.g., personal essay, literacy narrative, exploratory source-based
paper.)
• Demonstrate awareness of basic proofreading and editing skills by
completing finished drafts that follow appropriate conventions of grammar
punctuation, usage, and spelling.
• Revise and reflect on all major projects [at least 3] effectively, based on
instructor feedback, peer review, and self-assessment. (e.g., evidence of
improvement on global & local issues plus a substantial reflection essay.)
• Produce at least one final draft that effectively integrates electronic and print
sources into the writer’s own text and documents them effectively. (e.g.,
exploratory paper that uses primary and secondary sources located through
library databases to pose and answer a question.)
• Effectively use different software programs and applications to compose and
revise documents in different modes and mediums. (e.g., an e-portfolio site
or blog with working links that is eye-friendly, readable, and navigable.)
• Demonstrate awareness of multiple genres by producing at least one
effective text in a professional, public, and non-essay genre. (e.g., portfolio
contains a press release, an opinion-editorial essay, and a design for a
billboard ad or PSA.)

Our Big Questions

This semester, the work we invest in the writing process and in our major projects
will help us reflect on and consider these big questions:
• How are storytelling and academic communication related?
• How do we learn to compose for a real audience?
• What is literacy, and why does it matter?
• What does it mean to be an engaged reader?
• How do we share knowledge, and why does it matter?

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Course Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignments (15%)

Each week we will have a series of writing assignments worth 10 points total per
week. These will all revolve around real world writing problems. Most of this
work will be completed during our class time, but you will spend a little time
outside of class completing the assignment before turning it in.

Project 1: Personal Narrative (25%)

Create a slideshow detailing a Celebration that is important to you. This is a

way to show your fellow writers who you are and what you personally find
important. Experiment with different forms of “writing” by using words and
images to communicate your point of view.

Project 2: Issue Research Analysis (25%)

Find credible sources to help you enhance your understanding of an issue that is
important to you. Format the information into an annotated bibliography.
Include a reflection essay on your research process, how your views have
developed toward your issue throughout the process, and your thoughts on
future research into the topic.

Project 3: Researched Informative Essay (25%)

Using the research from your annotated bibliography as a launching point,

research and develop an informative essay providing your audience with the
facts about your chosen issue and the various perspectives people take toward
the issue. This is an informative essay only. You are not trying to persuade
your audience, only to inform them about all sides of the issue.

Final: Portfolio (10%)

Create a portfolio of the projects you have done throughout the semester along
with a reflection on your progress as a writer over the semester. I will provide
specific guidelines to help you identify challenges you faced during the
semester, hold yourself accountable for the choices you made, and consider how
you will transfer what you have learned this semester to other areas of your life.
Semester reflections will receive a pass/fail grade. To pass, you will need to
submit your reflection on time and meet all of the requirements outlined on the
assignment sheet.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Grading

Each assignment will have a rubric showing the specific breakdown of points
to be awarded. This table shows the weight given to each assignment in
your total grade for the course.

Weekly Writing Assignments 15%

Project 1: Personal Narrative 25%

Project 2: Research Analysis 25%

Project 3: Researched Informative Essay 25%

Final: Portfolio 10%

Grade Total: 100%

This table describes the grade ranges and criteria for each letter grade.

Grade Total Letter Grade & Description

90–100% A, “exemplary, far beyond requirements/expectations”

80–89% B, “exceeds requirements/expectations”

70–79% C, “meets requirements/expectations”

0–69% NC, “repeat of course needed”

Late Work
You get ONE late assignment (not the portfolio). You have up to one week to turn
in that late assignment. After that, I will not accept any late work.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic dishonesty cannot be condoned or tolerated in the university community.
Such behavior is considered a student conduct violation and if you are found
responsible of committing an academic offense on the campus, or in connection
with an institution-related or sponsored activity, or while representing the
university or academic department, you will be disciplined by the university. If you
are found responsible of committing academic offenses, including plagiarism and
using work for two classes without the instructor’s written permission, you will be
subject to receive a failing grade for the assignment. Repeated offenses may result
in a failing grade for the course. For further information about the UALR Academic
Integrity Policy, contact the Dean of Students at 501.569.3328,
deanofstudents@ualr.edu, or visit the office located in the Donaghey Student
Center, Room 215.

Technology Support
We will use various technologies to complete activities in this course. Computer
problems are not an excuse for late or incomplete work.
Your enrollment in this course indicates that you have access to a reliable computer
with Internet access, and you have a backup plan in case of computer failure.

For assistance with UALR Gmail and Google Apps contact the Help Desk at 501-
916-3011.

For assistance with Blackboard, call the STaR office at 501-569-8954

I recommend using either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your browser. If you
use Internet Explorer or Safari, you will more than likely have problems accessing
some of the elements of the course. If you have any questions about how to
download either of these browsers, go to Firefox or Chrome.

UALR email must be used to transmit correspondence. Personal computer failure is

frustrating; however, the late work policy will be implemented. We will be using
Google Docs for typing our essays. Be sure to create only one version (one Google
Document) of an essay so that I and your peer review partners may see the
progression of your essay over time. I and your peer review partner will be able to
go into your single Google Doc and see all comments and revision history at a
single glance.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Etiquette Policy

We are a learning community, so we must act like one in the classroom and
in online environments or meetings outside of class. Examples of disruptive
behavior and misconduct as outlined in the Statement of Student Behavior
are:
• Conduct inappropriate for an academic setting
• Disrespect for authority
• Lewd, indecent, and obscene behavior
• Pattern of arriving late or leaving early (do not leave until the
professor has dismissed class)
• Use of profanity
• Inappropriate use of electronic devices (texting, earbuds, etc.)
• Bringing children or guests to class without prior approval
• Verbal, written, or electronic threats
• Refusal to follow a directive
• Harassment of faculty, students, or staff
• Usage or possession of intoxicants and/or illegal substances
• Possession of firearms or other weapons
• Behavior deemed disruptive by the instructor

Faculty members have the right to eject any student from class who exhibits
or participates in behavior that inhibits student learning (The UALR Student
Handbook, Section VI).

Attendance
Regular attendance is both necessary and expected in order to successfully
complete this course. Therefore, you will be dropped from the course if you accrue
six or more absences. Also, three tardies equals one absence. A tardy is arriving
after roll-call. If you are tardy, be sure to tell me after class, so I can make the
appropriate record. Being dropped from the course will result in a W on record. The
only way you can be excused from an absence is for a university sponsored event.
However, you must provide me a copy of your excuse letter in advance, signed by
the appropriate parties. See UALR’s policy and deadline dates for dropping courses:
http://ualr.edu/records/drop-class/

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Public Nature of the Writing Classroom

Please consider all writing for this class to be "public.” Part of becoming an effective
writer is learning to appreciate the ideas and feedback of others; in this course, our
purpose is to come together as a writing community. Remember that all students
will be expected to share writing with others. Avoid writing about topics that you
wish to keep private or that you feel so strongly about that you are unwilling to
listen to the perspectives of others. Additionally, the feedback that is provided is
intended to help improve your writing; be open to suggestions about your writing.

Statement on Student Inclusion

The University supports the fair treatment of all individuals regardless of

race, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, sexual orientation,
or cultural differences. Please be respectful of all class participants at all
times. If there is anything I can do to create a more open and welcoming
class environment, please let me know. Our college’s Anti-racism statement
(https://ualr.edu/chasse/antiracism-statement/).

Title IX and Harassment

UA Little Rock is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes

the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free
from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, service in the uniformed
services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, age,
pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or genetic information. Such an
environment is necessary for a healthy learning, working, and living
atmosphere. Accordingly, all acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation,
and sexual misconduct as defined by this policy are prohibited. Learn more
about UA Little Rock’s Title IX policies: ualr.edu/policy/title-ix.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Students with Disabilities

Your success in this class is important to me, and it is the policy and practice
of UA Little Rock to create inclusive learning environments consistent with
federal and state law. If you have a documented disability (or need to have
a disability documented), and need an accommodation, please contact me
privately as soon as possible, so that we can discuss with the Disability
Resource Center (DRC) how to meet your specific needs and the
requirements of the course. The DRC offers resources and coordinates
reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Reasonable
accommodations are established through an interactive process among you,
your instructor(s) and the DRC. Thus, if you have a disability, please contact
me and/or the DRC, at 916-569-3143 (V/TTY) or 501-246-8296 (VP). For
more information, visit the DRC website: www.ualr.edu/disability.

UALR Online Accessibility Policy

It is the policy and practice of UALR to make all web information accessible to
students with disabilities. If you, as a student with a disability, have difficulty
accessing any part of the electronic course materials for this class, please notify me
immediately.

Health Services
Health Services - provides non-emergency medical care to all UALR students:
www.ualr.edu/health/.

Counseling Services - Free, confidential counseling is available for enrolled

students, including referrals. More information about the UALR Counseling
Center, including hours and how to sign up here:
https://ualr.edu/counseling/. Phone: 501.916.3185.

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

(CHASSE) student resources and UA Little Rock Care Team:
• Having trouble with class (or life!) and not sure where to find help? Start
your search at https://ualr.edu/chasse/student-resources/
• You can also request student support from the UA Little Rock Care Team.

Covid Guidelines

Masks are recommended but will be optional in the classroom. University

guidelines and support can be found at https://ualr.edu/coronavirus/.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

UALR University Writing Center/Online Writing Lab

The UALR University Writing Center can provide you with assistance at any stage of
the writing process. For on-campus assistance, you can drop by or make an
appointment to visit the writing center in the Library Learning Commons
(https://ualr.edu/studentsuccess/academic-resources/). Visit the Library Learning
Commons website for more information. For online assistance, you can submit a
paper electronically to the OWL (Online Writing Lab) at
https://ualr.edu/writingcenter/home/owl/ and receive asynchronous feedback on
your writing.

Ottenheimer Library
Ottenheimer Library collects, organizes, and provides access to information
resources and library services that enrich and support the University’s research and
teaching mission, foster intellectual development, and promote academic
excellence. Visit the Ottenheimer Library website: https://ualr.edu/library for
information about the library and its collections, and view available services.

Writing Awards
The Department of Rhetoric and Writing offers several awards each year for student
work produced in our classes. These awards are meant to showcase the amazing
work done by UALR students and celebrate the writers who produce it.
The deadline is generally April 1st.

Please note: the writing must have been produced during the summer, fall, or
spring semester of the current academic year. Summer courses are considered to
be at the beginning of the current academic year, not the end. The only exception
to this is for writing produced during the prior spring, but after the deadline for last
year’s awards.

Submit your work here: http://ualr.edu/rhetoric/home/writingawards/

UALR Weather Policy

The UALR website, UALR email, the University’s main telephone number
(501.569.3000), and the campus emergency alert system are the official means of
communicating all information concerning weather-related closing. Local television
and radio stations will also be notified. Weather and road conditions vary from place
to place. Employees and students are expected to exercise good judgment
regarding the safety of travel when road conditions are affected by the weather.
Check your email before coming to class.

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
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RHET 1311 – Composition I Syllabus Fall 2022 - Austin

Student Acknowledgement Form

This form is an acknowledgement of students’ rights and responsibilities in the
UALR composition program. You must complete and submit this form to your
instructor before any work will be accepted in your composition course.

Acknowledgement
I understand, in accordance with the UALR Student Handbook, that I have rights as
a student, including the right:

• to expect an education of the highest quality

• to develop my potential to the best of my ability
• to inquire, discuss, listen, and evaluate
• to express views relevant to the subject matter in the classroom, and
• to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age,
national origin, or disability.

Along with my rights as a student, I understand I have academic responsibilities,

including showing academic integrity in my college coursework and engaging in
classroom conduct that does not disrupt the facilitation of knowledge and student
learning. I understand that such behavior is considered grounds for academic
disciplinary action. This will result in an imposed grade penalty along with reporting
student behavior to the Dean of Students on all violations of academic integrity, as
defined in the UALR Student Handbook as collusion, duplicity, and plagiarism, along
with classroom disruption that results in ejection.

Lastly, due to the writing community classroom environment and, in particular, the
narrative essay, there may be personal stories shared within the group. I will keep
all of these matters confidential to the classroom community only and will not share
these stories with any person outside of class.

I understand the guidelines and rules set forth by UALR, the Department of
Rhetoric and Writing, and the Composition Program.

Name (sign): ____________________ T-number: T_________

Name (print): ____________________ Date: ____/_____/2022

Course Name: RHET 1311 Faculty: Laura Austin

Information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade policy, may be
subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
10