Syllabus
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Course Goals

This course will introduce students to the basics of research writing.  Students will gain experience with writing mechanics, personal/narrative writing and research writing.  The course also focuses on rhetorical principles, audience analysis, logic, argument, and current controversial topics.  Students will be exposed to writing for the broad public sphere.  Specific goals are below.

• Learn to read and rhetorically analyze a text (written/visual/verbal)

• Learn to write for both a broad and specific audience

• Learn how to organize ideas around a solid premise

• Learn basic research skills (library research and Internet research)

• Learn basic technological skills as they pertain to writing

Texts and Materials

Roen, Duane, Gregory Glau, and Barry Maid. The McGraw-Hill Guide: Writing for College, Writing for Life. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education 2009. ISBN: 978-0-07-249647-5

Ability to maintain copies of all work submitted
Ability to access Blackboard Vista

Assignment Descriptions (in all cases MLA guidelines apply and all essays, unless otherwise indicated, must be in Microsoft Word 2003 or higher)

(see assignment guidelines on the schedule)
The Mix Tape Essay
This essay allows me to assess your writing skills.  The essay is a fun opportunity for you to illustrate what you know about how to write.  The key to doing well is to define categories, and carefully explain why you created each category and exactly why each song belongs in each category.  The essay must not exceed 6 pages nor be less than 4 pages.  No research or works cited is necessary except in the case where you use direct song lyrics as quotes.  All MLA guidelines will apply, otherwise.  Yes, you may use first person for this essay only.

Issue Essay
You will choose a topic (from readings or discussions) and effectively explain a current topic of interest without inserting your own opinion and using third person only.  Be prepared to explain all possible “sides” of an issue (usually, there are more than 2).  Some research required.  The essay must not exceed 6 pages nor be less than 4 pages.   (MLA Guidelines apply)

Research Plan and Annotated Bibliography
The research Plan is an alphanumeric outline.  Examples can be found in your textbook.  There are a number of annotated bibliographies (various types and kinds).  You are asked to complete an “evaluative” annotated bibliography.  You will illustrate your ability to do research and use MLA format.  Keep in mind that doing the research now will help you complete the research paper later.  In other words your annotated bibliography may turn into your works cited page.  Make sure to know the difference between a bibliography and works cited.

Research Essay
The research essay is designed to use skills you have already learned.  Now, you are asked to put it all together.  Find an appropriate issue, and argue for your position. Your position should be sound and based on rational logic from good research.  You may use first and third person for this essay.  Use first person sparingly and for a purpose. The essay must not exceed 10 pages nor be less than 8 pages. 

Journal Posts
As you can see, Journal posts are extremely important in this class.  So, you must submit them on time, on the correct topic, and must be between 550-600 words to receive full credit for each post.  Please follow the dates listed on our course website.  Blackboard may say that things are due at another date or time; this is not true.  If you see that a journal is due on May 18 on our course schedule, but Blackboard says it is due on May 14, follow the course website.  Submitting them late, on the wrong topic, or poorly written will directly affect the grade for this portion of the course.  Procedue:  Compose your journal entry in MS word (to count your words), then go to the proper area in Blackboard (Discussion), and then open a new journal entry, title it, and then paste your journal entry inside of it.  Please no attachments for journal entries.

Assignments/Exercises
Often you are asked to complete a “Writing Activity” or complete some sort of exercise.  Most of these come from your textbook.  These are clearly listed on the course schedule.  Like the journal posts, we will use Blackboard, but ignore Blackboard’s due dates and simply submit the item when it is due according to the course schedule.   Note that these exercises and assignments are also worth 15% of your grade so these are not just for “busy” work or to occupy your time.  Take care with these.  Open a word document, label the document clearly, and do the exercise thoroughly for full credit.  Submitting “sloppy” poorly written work will hurt your final grade for this portion of the course.  Just “doing” them will not suffice.  You should do them neatly and correctly to be successful here.  Unlike the journals, you will need to attach your exercises/homework as MS word docs in the proper Blackboard area (Assignments).

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is very serious.  While many students still take it upon themselves to cut and paste pieces of text/images from web pages and conveniently insert them into their projects, it is a violation to do so without attributing proper credit to the creator of the original text/image.  Remember: ideas as well as words/images are covered under the realm of plagiarism.  Nothing is wrong with using another’s work-JUST CITE THEM.  If you are found to be plagiarizing, I will first wish to speak with you.  If the matter is not resolved between you and I, we will then meet with the department chair for further action.  I will prosecute to the highest extent the university will allow if you are found to be plagiarizing materials.  At the minimum, you will receive an F for the specific assignment in question.

Students with Disabilities
It is the policy of UNCW to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal law, state law, and the university’s commitment to equal educational opportunities.  Any student with a disability who needs accommodation, for example, in seating placement or in arrangements for examinations, should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course.  Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Services, at 910-962-7555 or TDD 910-962-3853 or Dr. Peggy Turner via email at [turnerm@uncw.edu].

Attendance
You may miss one day during summer semesters.  No excuses, doctors notes, etc.  Vacations, court dates, or doctor's appointments are not excuses to miss class.  Likewise, other such appointments are not permitted as excuses.  Every 2 times you are late also counts as one absence.  Keep up with class.  It's only 6 weeks and you chose to register for it.

Other notes
You may not leave until the teacher officially dismisses you.  Keep up with the readings, attend class faithfully, and always work on our projects when given time, and good things will happen.

The best way to contact me is email: atkinsa@uncw.edu
Emailing me after 6pm may not get a response until the next business day.