ENGL 101

Writing and Rhetoric

Course Policies

Fall 2018
Instructor: Paul M. Worley
E-mail: [email protected] A note about e-mail: Monday-Friday I strive to answer e-mails within 24 hours.
Allow for up to 48 hours on the weekends or during college breaks.
Office/Office Hours: Coulter 304 – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00-12:00 and by appointment.
Email me to schedule an appointment.

Course Description: Introduction to rhetoric and college-level writing, reading and thinking. Students develop
individual writing processes, research, and self-assessment strategies, which will inform their communication.

This course is part of the WCU’s Latinx Learning Community for Fall 2018, and so all assignments and
readings will deal with some aspect of Latinx peoples and cultures.

Learning Outcomes:
● Identify and employ all stages of the writing process, individually and collaboratively, using appropriate
technologies and document design.
● Identify and demonstrate clear purpose and attention to designated audience to address and solve
complex problems within and between discourse communities.
● Individually and collaboratively utilize appropriate scholarly research processes to locate effective
resources for a defined communication purpose.
● Exhibit clear, sound reasoning in their analysis and synthesis of both individual and scholarly
information.
● Exhibit an understanding of the power of rhetoric as it has an effect on diversity, public policy, and
students’ roles as responsible citizens.

Textbooks and Materials: The textbooks listed below are essential parts of this course. You must have the
textbooks in order to complete the assignments. Do not expect to pass the course without use of the textbooks.
You are expected to bring your textbooks to class everyday.

Longaker, Mark Garrett and Jeffrey Walker. Rhetorical Analysis. Boston: Longman, 2011.
Western Carolina University, Ed. Ink: Chronicles in Composition 2013-2014.
**Rhetorical Analysis is a rental textbook. You must purchase Ink.
***Additional reading materials will be provided over Dropbox or the Internet. It is your responsibility to come
to class having read the assigned materials and to have a copy of it in class or notes you’ve made on the reading.
(This does not mean pulling it up on the computer in the computer lab.)

You are expected to have loose leaf, college-ruled notebook paper for in-class writing activities and notes; a
pencil or pen of blue or black ink and your textbooks at each class meeting. It is recommended that you have a
college level dictionary as well.

Expect to do a good deal of printing for this class and consider it a required expense for the class. It is your
responsibility to have money on your PAW Print account or to have your own printer, ink, and paper. I will not
accept excuses for late work pertaining to your inability to print assigned readings and papers. In addition, you
need to check Blackboard for articles, links, and clips that we will discuss in class. You will need to print your
assignments for draft workshops and/or to turn them in throughout the semester. Plan accordingly. Expect
printer problems and avoid them by printing your papers, etc. the night before the due date.

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Faculty Expectations of Students/Course Policies
Attendance:
Since this course meets once per week, students are expected to attend all class meetings unless they have
made prior arrangements with the instructor. Students may miss one (1) meeting without a deduction in the
final grade. Upon two (2) absences, students may automatically fail the course.

Timely Submissions:
All assignments are expected to be completed on time by class time on the date due. Any work submitted
the following day will be subject to a deduction of a full letter grade (assessed from what would otherwise
be the assignment’s final grade). No late work will be accepted beginning two days after the original due
date.

In-Class Technology:
Computer/tablet use is allowed in class when these are applicable to work in the course, whereas the use of
cell phones is not. Use of any device to check messages/Facebook/Twitter/any other application during class
discussion/other activites undermines the peer-to-peer relationships in the broader classroom community
and is detrimental to overall learning outcomes for the course. Students doing so will be asked to leave and
counted absent for the day.

Expectations for Submitting Required Work:

All work will be submitted both electronically via BB. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Note:
“technical difficulties” are not an acceptable reason for delayed submissions. When you upload an
assignment, double-check to make sure you have uploaded the correct document in the correct format, etc.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

Western Carolina University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students with
documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. Students who require reasonable accommodations must
identify themselves as having a disability and/or medical condition and provide current diagnostic
documentation to Office of Accessibility Resources. All information is confidential. Please contact the
Office of Accessibility Resources at (828) 227-3886 or come by Suite 135 Killian Annex for an
appointment.

Student Support Services:

Student Support Services provides support to students who are either first-generation, low-income or
independent with: academic advising, mentoring, one-on-one tutorial support, and workshops focused on
career, financial aid and graduate school preparation. You may contact SSS at (828) 227-7127 or email
[email protected] for more information. SSS is located in the Killian Annex, room 138.

Course Evaluation:
These will be completed online.

Civility and Ground Rules:

The Western Carolina University Community Creed states: “I will respect the rights and well-being of
others.”
Each student may possess different ideas, as well as different ways of communicating those ideas. Because
of these differences, respect and civility are integral to maintaining the quality of the academic environment
and free inquiry.
(http://www.wcu.edu/experience/dean-of-students/policies-affecting-students/statement-of-student-rights-
and-responsibilities.asp)

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 SafeAssign Tool:
All written work submitted for this class is eligible for submission to the SafeAssign tool at the instructor’s
discretion.

Academic Integrity Policy and Reporting Process:

This policy addresses academic integrity violations of undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate
students should read inside the parenthesis below to identify the appropriate entities in charge of that step of
the process. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators of Western Carolina University (WCU) strive to
achieve the highest standards of scholarship and integrity. Any violation of the Academic Integrity Policy is
a serious offense because it threatens the quality of scholarship and undermines the integrity of the
community. While academic in scope, any violation of this policy is by nature, a violation of the Code of
Student Conduct and will follow the same conduct process (see ArticleVII.B.1.a.). If the charge occurs close
to the end of an academic semester or term or in the event of the reasonable need of either party for
additional time to gather information timelines may be extended at the discretion of the Department of
Student Community Ethics (DSCE).

General:
This policy addresses academic integrity violations of undergraduate and graduate students. Students,
faculty, staff, and administrators of Western Carolina University (WCU) strive to achieve the highest
standards of scholarship and integrity. Any violation of this policy is a serious offense because it threatens
the quality of scholarship and undermines the integrity of the community.
Instructors have the right to determine the appropriate academic sanctions for violations of the Academic
Integrity Policy within their courses, up to an including a final grade of “F” in the course in which the
violation occurs.

Definitions:
1. Cheating – Using, or attempting to use, unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any
academic exercise.
2. Fabrication – Creating and/or falsifying information or citation in any academic exercise.
3. Plagiarism – Representing the words or ideas of someone else as one’s own in any academic
exercise.
4. Facilitation – Helping or attempting to help someone to commit a violation of the Academic
Integrity Policy in any academic exercise (e.g. allowing another person to copy information during
an examination).

Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Integrity Process:

Additional information is available on the Student Success website under Student Community Ethics:
http://www.wcu.edu/experience/dean-of-students/academic-integrity.aspx

Resources
Hunter Library

Hunter Library provides students with access to group and individual study spaces and to thousands of
information resources: print and electronic books, newspapers, and scholarly journal articles. These
resources can be searched online and often accessed there (http://www.wcu.edu/hunter-library) or can be
searched and located in the library building. Students in need of research or library support can get help
(http://researchguides.wcu.edu/help) from library staff and subject specialists skilled in their specific
disciplines and find resources specific to their disciplines and assignments via the library’s research guides
(http://researchguides.wcu.edu/).

Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC):

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 The Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) is a free student service, located in BELK 207, providing
course tutoring, writing tutoring, academic skills consultations, international student consultations, graduate
and professional exam preparation resources, and online writing and learning resources for all students. To
schedule tutoring appointments, visit the WaLC homepage (http://tutoring.wcu.edu) or call 828-227-2274.

Distance students and students taking classes at Biltmore Park are encouraged to use Smarthinking, an
online tutoring service (http://www.wcu.edu/apply/distance-online-programs/student-resources/services-for-
distance-students.asp), and the WaLC’s online resources.

Math Tutoring Center:

The Mathematics Tutoring Center (Stillwell 455, http://tutoring.wcu.edu), 828-227-3830), provides tutoring
in all lower-division math and many CS courses help with mathematical concepts in other disciplines, and
workshops on study skills specific to mathematics courses. Tutoring is available on a drop-in basis, MTWR
9:00am-9:00pm and Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.

Intercultural Affairs:

The ICA office offers a variety of workshops, trainings, and conferences throughout the year. Visit the ICA
office (227 AK Hinds University Center) or their website (http://ica.wcu.edu) for details.

WCU Community Creed and Student Code of Conduct

The WCU Community: As a Western Carolina University Student, I will:

• Live by high standards of personal integrity;
• Embrace my responsibilities as a member of this community;
• Respect the rights and well-being of others;
• Engage myself in the artistic, cultural, and academic life of my University;
• Celebrate and express pride in Western Carolina University.

Student Code of Conduct: http://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/Catamount_Code_Final_Document.pdf

Blackboard Support:

The learning management system for this class is blackboard and can be found at:
http://wcu.blackboard.com. Additional help with blackboard can be found at: tc.wcu.edu, (828) 227-7487
or by visiting the Technology Commons located on the ground floor of the Hunter Library.

Academic Calendar: The Calendar includes dates for all breaks, university closures, final exams, etc. The
academic calendar can be found at: http://www.wcu.edu/academics/campus-academic-resources/registrars-
office/academic-calendar.asp.

Assignments: You are expected to incorporate material you have learned from your reading in all assignments.
Consider utilizing the WaLC or visiting my office hours for help on your drafts. I happy to meet with you
individually to help you succeed in class. All assignments must follow MLA guidelines. MLA format will be
covered in class. Failure to adhere to MLA guidelines will significantly reduce your grade.

Formal Writing: You will be completing a total of four formal writing assignments for this course. In-class
writing may serve as a rough draft for some essays. For all in-class writing assignments, it is expected that you

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will write on white, college-ruled, loose-leaf notebook paper in blue or black ink only. Do not use spiral bound
paper. When we do in-class writing on computer lab days, you are expected to upload your work as a Word
document. Final drafts for all essays will be completed out of class and turned in (in hard copy) at the
beginning of class on the due date listed in the course schedule.

Active Class Participation: Class participation (large and small group discussions, computer lab
assignments/activities) and in-class writing will make up a considerable percentage of your grade. If you come
to class and engage in conversation this is perhaps the easiest way to boost your grade. Conversely, failure to
show up to class and actively participate is the easiest way to lower your grade. Missed assignments completed
in class the day you are absent may not be made up. No excuses or exceptions. If you want to excel in this
class, show up to every meeting prepared and ready to work.

Reading Journal: For each reading assignment you will be expected to answer questions listed on Blackboard
that ask you to reflect on the material. All of your reflective posts will be in Blackboard Journal. Each journal
entry needs to be at least 150 words. I will collect the journals four times unannounced throughout the semester.
We’ll discuss Journal procedures more the first week of class, but I suggest that you compose your journal entry
in Word so you can spell check and proofread it. Copy and paste it to our Journal space in Blackboard (do not
upload it as an attachment). After reading each assignment and answering the prompt, you should also include
at least one question you’d like the class to discuss.

Tentative Course Schedule

• Visit: http://www.paulmworley.com/courses/fall-2018/engl-101/engl-101-course-calendar/

Academic Calendar
This includes dates for all breaks, university closures, final exams, etc. The academic calendar can be found at
http://www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-calendar.asp

Final Exam
The university final exam schedule can be found here:
http://www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-services/registrars-office/final-exam-schedule.asp

No work will be accepted late without penalty. Each day your assignment is late your grade will drop by one-
third of a letter grade (i.e. a B+ will become a B).

Grading: To earn a good grade in this course you must perform to your highest standard on all assignments and
classroom activities. Remember that your grade is a reflection of your work and participation alone, no other
factors will be considered. Your final grade will break down as follows:

Percentage of Grade Student’s Score
Essay #1 10%
Essay #2 15%
Essay #3 15%
Essay #4 20%
Final Project (Annotated Bibliography) 20%
Participation and Homework 20%
Final Grade:

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Detailed instructions for all assignments are at http://www.paulmworley.com/courses/fall-2018/engl-101/engl-
101-course-assignments/

Grading Scale:
The grades of A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- and F indicate gradations in quality from Excellent to
Failure. Please note that a C- grade is less than satisfactory and may not meet particular program and/or course
requirements.

Students must be familiar with the class attendance, withdrawal, and drop-add policies and procedures.

A+ = 97-100 C+ = 77-79
A = 93-96 C = 73-76
A- = 90-92 C- = 70-72
B+ = 87-89 D+ = 67-69
B = 83-86 D = 63-66
B- = 80-82 D- = 60-62
F = 0-59

Other Grades:
I Incomplete
IP In Progress
S Satisfactory
U Unsatisfactory
W Withdrawal
AU Audit
NC No Credit

Grade/Quality Points
Per Semester Hour:
A+ 4.0
A 4.0
A– 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3.0
B– 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.0
C– 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.0
D– 0.67
F 0.00

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 ENGL 101
Statement of Understanding
Due by the end of the first week of classes

Fall 2018
Instructor: Paul M. Worley
E-mail: [email protected] A note about e-mail: Monday-Friday I strive to answer e-mails
within 24 hours. Allow for up to 48 hours on the weekends or during college breaks.
Office/Office Hours: Coulter 304 – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00-12:00 and
by appointment. Email me to schedule an appointment.

Name (please print): ______________________________________________________

ENGL 101 Section: _____________________________

On my honor, I have read and I understand the content of the course policies for this class. I have
had the opportunity to ask questions about these documents and the information within.

Signature: _______________________________________________________________

ENGL 101 Course Policies Fall 2018 7

Dr. Paul M. Worley
 ENGL 101
Writing and Rhetoric
Syllabus

Spring 2015
Instructor: Dr. Melissa Birkhofer
E-mail: [email protected] A note about e-mail: Monday-Friday I strive to answer e-mails
within 24 hours. Allow for up to 48 hours on the weekends or during college breaks.
Office/Office Hours: Coulter 312 – Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30-12:00 and by appointment.
Email me to schedule an appointment.

Tentative Course Schedule

Note that the schedule listed here may change throughout the semester. It is your responsibility
to check your WCU e-mail and Blackboard to note changes. I will not remind you what you are
to have done for the next class. You should come to class having read the material listed for the
class meeting. Sometimes we change assignments in class. Therefore, it is your responsibility to
check with a classmate if you miss class to make sure you are prepared for the next class
meeting.

Week One
T 1/13- Introduction to class and syllabus
R 1/15- Rhetorical Analysis (RA) Chapter 1

Week Two
T 1/20- Essay #1 Assigned.
R 1/22- TBA

Week Three
T 1/27- Introductions and Thesis Statements. Bring Ink to class today.
R 1/29- Introductions and Thesis Statements. Bring Ink to class today.

Week Four
T 2/3- RA Chapter 2 pg. 7-10
R 2/5- Writing Workshop.

Week Five
T 2/10- Individual Conferences. You MUST bring your full draft to our meeting.
R 2/12- Individual Conferences. You MUST bring your full draft to our meeting.

Week Six
T 2/17- Essay # 1 Due today.
R 2/19- RA Chapter 5 pg. 136-144

Week Seven
T 2/24-Advising Day. No classes.

ENGL 101 Course Policies Fall 2018 8

Dr. Paul M. Worley
R 2/26- RA Chapter 5 pg. 161-165 and Pollan article on BB.

Week Eight
T 3/3- Conventions of Academic Writing. RA pages 64-66.
R 3/5- Peer Review of Essay #2. Bring a COMPLETE DRAFT to class today.

Week Nine
T 3/10- No class. Spring Break
R 3/12- No class. Spring Break.

Week Ten *Last day to Withdraw from class is Monday, March 16

T 3/17- Essay #2 Due Today. Introduction to scholarly sources. Annotated Bibliography and
Essay #3 assigned.
R 3/19- Plagiarism and Citations

Week Eleven
T 3/24- TBA (Library Day)
R 3/26- Annotation and Citation- You must have two scholarly sources with you in class
today.

Week Twelve
T 3/31- Annotations- Bring all of your sources with you to class today.
R 4/2- No classes. Easter Break.

Week Thirteen
T 4/7- Outlining arguments. Bring research materials to class today. Annotated Bibliography
Due today.
R 4/9- No Class Meeting. Professor at Conference. Complete assignment on Bb by class time.

Week Fourteen
T 4/14- Writing Day.
R 4/16- Academic Writing. Bring a draft of your work today.

Week Fifteen- You must submit a complete draft of your essay to Bb by Monday, 4/20 at
noon.
T 4/21- Individual conferences. No class meeting.
R 4/23- Individual conferences. No class meeting.

Week Sixteen
T 4/28- Peer Review of Essay #3. Bring a COMPLETE DRAFT (revised AFTER you’ve had
your individual conference) to class.
R 4/30- Last day of class. Essay # 3 Due

ENGL 101 Course Policies Fall 2018 9

Dr. Paul M. Worley