Course Policies
Attendance
The First-Year Composition program maintains a strict attendance policy to which this course adheres: an excess of four absences in a T TR class is grounds for failure. You should always inform me, ahead of time when possible, about why you miss class. Save your absences for when you get sick or for family emergencies. Part of your grade is based on class participation—if you are not here, you can't participate. Tardiness disrupts everyone else’s participation and the flow of class. If you arrive to class after I’ve taken role, you will be counted tardy. If you are tardy three times, you will receive an absence. Also, not showing up for a conference counts as TWO absences. Any student who does not have ANY absences at the end of the semester (including an absence that is the result of three or more tardies) will receive a 5% increase in your final grade.
First-Year Composition Course Drop Policy
This course is NOT eligible to be dropped in accordance with the “Drop Policy” adopted by the Faculty Senate in Spring 2004. The Undergraduate Studies Dean will not consider drop requests for a First-Year Composition course unless there are extraordinary and extenuating circumstances utterly beyond the student’s control (e.g. death of a parent or sibling, illness requiring hospitalization, etc.). The Faculty Senate specifically eliminated First-Year Composition courses from the University Drop Policy because of the overriding requirement that First-Year Composition be completed during students’ initial enrollment at FSU.
Civility Clause
I will tolerate neither disruptive language nor disruptive behavior. Disruptive language includes, but is not limited to, violent and/or belligerent and/or insulting remarks, including sexist, racist, homophobic or anti-ethnic slurs, bigotry, and disparaging commentary, either spoken or written (offensive slang is included in this category).
While I do not disagree that you each have a right to your own opinions, inflammatory language founded in ignorance or hate is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately.
Disruptive behavior includes the use of cell phones, pagers or any other form of electronic communication during the class session (e-mail, texting, web-browsing). Disruptive behavior also includes whispering or talking when another member of the class is speaking or engaged in relevant conversation (remember that I am a member of this class as well). This classroom functions on the premise of respect, and you will be asked to leave the classroom (and counted absent) if you violate any part of this statement on civility. Remember that you will send me an e-mail that indicates you have read and understand this policy. The gist of this is: don’t be a douchebag. Come to class ready to work, be respectful, and we’ll all get along.
Participation
This is a discussion-based course—not a lecture. I expect you to participate in all class activities and discussions. So, always come with something to say. In addition, once during the semester you will lead class discussion by coming to class with a ten minute presentation and a list of questions to ask your peers about the reading to get the discussion going. (You will be assigned your presentation date during the second week of class.) Your preparedness and thoughtfulness on this assignment as well as your daily efforts will account for your participation grade. This is a large portion of your grade, and I suggest you take it very seriously. If you feel writing is not your strong suit, participation is a great opportunity to get a high grade in this course. I want to hear from everyone, so if you don’t like talking in class, this may not be the right section for you.
Drafts, Revisions, and Final Papers
You'll need to make copies of your drafts and revisions (not final papers) before you come to class on days we workshop. The number of drafts needed will be provided to you prior to each workshop. If you fail to bring copies of your draft to workshop, you will be counted absent in addition to losing points for that part of the process. I require that all drafts and revisions be typed (MLA format, 1-inch margins). Final papers do not need covers or title pages. All your written work must have your name, my name, course title and section number, and the date at the top of the first page. You will be responsible for some photocopying expenses for this class on occasion, in order to share your writing with your peers. You will generally be choosing your own topics and structures for the drafts and papers in this class. You will be required to share your work with your classmates, so take care in what you choose to write about. Your writing for this class is nearly always public writing in the sense that others will be reading, hearing, and commenting on it. PLEASE: write about what interests you, what you’re passionate about (this allows for much more interesting papers), but always be conscious of the fact that your peers and I will read what you produce.
As students have access to a number of computer labs around campus, or own computers, technological setbacks/difficulties will not be accepted as an excuse for missed deadlines. All written work must include students’ name, course and instructor details, and the date at the top of the first page. All work must be stapled (unless instructor has otherwise specified).
During the semester, if you receive a final grade on a paper that you dislike, please come see me. I will not be accepting revisions after you receive a grade, but if you are dissatisfied with your grade, there will be opportunities to earn a small amount of extra credit. For example, if you visit the RWC during one or more stages of drafting, I will take that into account when grading your paper.
All formal papers and their drafts must be completed and turned in to earn a passing grade in this course.
Late Work
For First Year Composition, university policy mandates that all work must be turned in to earn a passing grade. In accordance with this, late work will be accepted. However, you will be penalized full a letter grade for each calendar day the paper/project is late. Example: If you turn in your paper a day late, the highest possible grade you can earn will be an B; two days late: C; three days: D; etc.
Reading Writing Center (RWC)
The Reading/Writing Center, located in Williams 222-C (with several other locations in Johnston, Strozier and Dirac) and is devoted to individualized instruction in reading and writing. Part of the English Department, the RWC serves Florida State University students at all levels and from all majors. Its clients include a cross-section of the campus: first-year students writing for composition class, upper-level students writing term papers, seniors composing letters of applications for jobs and graduate schools, graduate students working on theses and dissertations, multilingual students mastering English, and a variety of others. The RWC serves mostly walk-in tutoring appointments; however, it also offers three different courses for credit that specifically target reading, undergraduate-level writing, and graduate-level writing.
The tutors in the RWC, all graduate students in English with training and experience in teaching composition, use a process-centered approach to help students at any stage of writing: from generating ideas, to drafting, organizing, and revising. While the RWC does not provide editing or proofreading services, its tutors can help writers build their own editing and proofreading strategies. Our approach to tutoring is to help students grow as writers, readers, and critical thinkers by developing strategies for writing in a variety of situations. During the fall and spring semesters, the RWC is open Monday through Thursday from 10 - 6 and Friday from 10 -2. There are also some hours at night in Strozier. Hours of operation vary in summer. Visit the RWC website (fsu.mywconline.com) for information.
Strozier Satellite Location
The Strozier location serves students where it’s most convenient for them and alongside the research and advising services the library offers. Hours vary by semester, but are updated on both the RWC website and the Strozier Library website at the start of each semester.
Digital Studio
The Digital Studio provides support to students working individually or in groups on a variety of digital projects, such as designing a website, developing an electronic portfolio for a class, creating a blog, selecting images for a visual essay, adding voiceover to a presentation, or writing a script for a podcast. Tutors who staff the Digital Studio can help students brainstorm essay ideas, provide feedback on the content and design of a digital project, or facilitate collaboration for group projects and presentations. Students can use the Digital Studio to work on their own to complete class assignments or to improve overall capabilities in digital communication without a tutoring appointment if a work station is available. However, tutor availability and workspace are limited so appointments are recommended. To make an appointment email us at [email protected] or visit the Digital Studio in Williams 222-B. Hours vary by semester and are updated at website.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism (including self-plagiarism) is grounds for suspension from the university as well as for failure in this course. It will not be tolerated. Any instance of plagiarism must be reported to the Director of First-Year Composition and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Plagiarism is a counterproductive, non-writing behavior that is unacceptable in a course intended to aid the growth of individual writers. Plagiarism is included among the violations defined in the Academic Honor Code, section b), paragraph 2, as follows: “Regarding academic assignments, violations of the Academic Honor Code shall include representing another’s work or any part thereof, be it published or unpublished, as one’s own.” A plagiarism education assignment that further explains this issue will be administered in all first-year writing courses during the second week of class. Each student will be responsible for completing the assignment and asking questions regarding any parts they do not fully understand.
Tips To Avoid Plagiarism:
1.) Use quotations around anything borrowed word for word. 2.) Cite your quotations and factual information and provide a corresponding Works Cited page. In First-Year Composition classes, MLA is the appropriate model for citations. 2.) Introducing your sources within the text of your paper helps you to avoid plagiarism. 3.) When paraphrasing, be sure to give credit to the source you are paraphrasing from. 4.) Do not turn in a single paper for more than one class. 5.) Do not turn in a paper that you did not write. 6.) While researching, make sure to take careful notes and write down all the information needed for citing your work as you find material you want to use. If you cannot find the source that you got your data from, do not use it.
You must give credit for the following:
1.) Direct quotations from your source. 2.) Facts, data, and information based on other people’s research. 3.) Paraphrases of another’s work. 4.) Ideas, opinions, and interpretations that are not your own or that you got from another source. 5.) Charts, graphs, pictures, images, and raw data that you did not put together yourself. 6.) Comments from lectures, conversations, and interviews.
What you do not have to cite:
1.) Research and raw data that you have compiled yourself. 2.) Widely known facts/common knowledge. “Common knowledge”: This refers to
information so widely known (or accepted to be valid) that no supporting facts or cited research is needed to back it up, such as the following: World War II ended in August of 1945. Almost no one will dispute this statement, and it is commonly accepted without debate. “Common knowledge” statements can be passages like this: Television ratings for the Super Bowl are traditionally so high that advertisers spend millions of dollars to advertise their clients’ products during the broadcast. Again, this claim refers to topics so extensively researched/documented that it is not necessary to provide an authoritative source to support it. But be aware: what is common knowledge to you may not necessarily be common knowledge to another reader, so cite any information you feel might be unknown to those outside whatever specific topic you’re writing on.
3.) Your own opinions, conclusions, and feelings about your topic.
Gordon Rule
In order to fulfill FSU’s Gordon Rule “W” Designation (writing) credit, the student must earn a “C-” or better in the course, and in order to receive a “C-” or better in the course, the student must earn at least a “C-” on the required writing assignments for the course. If the student does not earn a “C-” or better on the required writing assignments for the course, the student will not earn an overall grade of “C-” or better in the course, no matter how well the student performs in the remaining portion of the course. The University stipulates that students must write 7,000 words in ENC 1101 and 1102 (at least 3,500 words per course).
ADA
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should in the first week of class 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) and 2) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating the need for academic accommodations. This and all other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.
Evaluation
Active participation in class discussions, conferences, workshops, and preparedness in class all factor into this section. Drafts will be graded on completeness and potential—not on editing or other mechanical issues. Final papers will be graded according to a set of criteria that I will distribute ahead of time. You must turn in all papers in order to receive a passing grade in this course. Your final grade will be determined by the following percentages:
Paper 1 =20%
Paper 2 =25%
Paper 3 =20%
Final Project =10%
Blogs =10%
Participation =10%
Leading One Class Discussion =5%
The First-Year Composition program maintains a strict attendance policy to which this course adheres: an excess of four absences in a T TR class is grounds for failure. You should always inform me, ahead of time when possible, about why you miss class. Save your absences for when you get sick or for family emergencies. Part of your grade is based on class participation—if you are not here, you can't participate. Tardiness disrupts everyone else’s participation and the flow of class. If you arrive to class after I’ve taken role, you will be counted tardy. If you are tardy three times, you will receive an absence. Also, not showing up for a conference counts as TWO absences. Any student who does not have ANY absences at the end of the semester (including an absence that is the result of three or more tardies) will receive a 5% increase in your final grade.
First-Year Composition Course Drop Policy
This course is NOT eligible to be dropped in accordance with the “Drop Policy” adopted by the Faculty Senate in Spring 2004. The Undergraduate Studies Dean will not consider drop requests for a First-Year Composition course unless there are extraordinary and extenuating circumstances utterly beyond the student’s control (e.g. death of a parent or sibling, illness requiring hospitalization, etc.). The Faculty Senate specifically eliminated First-Year Composition courses from the University Drop Policy because of the overriding requirement that First-Year Composition be completed during students’ initial enrollment at FSU.
Civility Clause
I will tolerate neither disruptive language nor disruptive behavior. Disruptive language includes, but is not limited to, violent and/or belligerent and/or insulting remarks, including sexist, racist, homophobic or anti-ethnic slurs, bigotry, and disparaging commentary, either spoken or written (offensive slang is included in this category).
While I do not disagree that you each have a right to your own opinions, inflammatory language founded in ignorance or hate is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately.
Disruptive behavior includes the use of cell phones, pagers or any other form of electronic communication during the class session (e-mail, texting, web-browsing). Disruptive behavior also includes whispering or talking when another member of the class is speaking or engaged in relevant conversation (remember that I am a member of this class as well). This classroom functions on the premise of respect, and you will be asked to leave the classroom (and counted absent) if you violate any part of this statement on civility. Remember that you will send me an e-mail that indicates you have read and understand this policy. The gist of this is: don’t be a douchebag. Come to class ready to work, be respectful, and we’ll all get along.
Participation
This is a discussion-based course—not a lecture. I expect you to participate in all class activities and discussions. So, always come with something to say. In addition, once during the semester you will lead class discussion by coming to class with a ten minute presentation and a list of questions to ask your peers about the reading to get the discussion going. (You will be assigned your presentation date during the second week of class.) Your preparedness and thoughtfulness on this assignment as well as your daily efforts will account for your participation grade. This is a large portion of your grade, and I suggest you take it very seriously. If you feel writing is not your strong suit, participation is a great opportunity to get a high grade in this course. I want to hear from everyone, so if you don’t like talking in class, this may not be the right section for you.
Drafts, Revisions, and Final Papers
You'll need to make copies of your drafts and revisions (not final papers) before you come to class on days we workshop. The number of drafts needed will be provided to you prior to each workshop. If you fail to bring copies of your draft to workshop, you will be counted absent in addition to losing points for that part of the process. I require that all drafts and revisions be typed (MLA format, 1-inch margins). Final papers do not need covers or title pages. All your written work must have your name, my name, course title and section number, and the date at the top of the first page. You will be responsible for some photocopying expenses for this class on occasion, in order to share your writing with your peers. You will generally be choosing your own topics and structures for the drafts and papers in this class. You will be required to share your work with your classmates, so take care in what you choose to write about. Your writing for this class is nearly always public writing in the sense that others will be reading, hearing, and commenting on it. PLEASE: write about what interests you, what you’re passionate about (this allows for much more interesting papers), but always be conscious of the fact that your peers and I will read what you produce.
As students have access to a number of computer labs around campus, or own computers, technological setbacks/difficulties will not be accepted as an excuse for missed deadlines. All written work must include students’ name, course and instructor details, and the date at the top of the first page. All work must be stapled (unless instructor has otherwise specified).
During the semester, if you receive a final grade on a paper that you dislike, please come see me. I will not be accepting revisions after you receive a grade, but if you are dissatisfied with your grade, there will be opportunities to earn a small amount of extra credit. For example, if you visit the RWC during one or more stages of drafting, I will take that into account when grading your paper.
All formal papers and their drafts must be completed and turned in to earn a passing grade in this course.
Late Work
For First Year Composition, university policy mandates that all work must be turned in to earn a passing grade. In accordance with this, late work will be accepted. However, you will be penalized full a letter grade for each calendar day the paper/project is late. Example: If you turn in your paper a day late, the highest possible grade you can earn will be an B; two days late: C; three days: D; etc.
Reading Writing Center (RWC)
The Reading/Writing Center, located in Williams 222-C (with several other locations in Johnston, Strozier and Dirac) and is devoted to individualized instruction in reading and writing. Part of the English Department, the RWC serves Florida State University students at all levels and from all majors. Its clients include a cross-section of the campus: first-year students writing for composition class, upper-level students writing term papers, seniors composing letters of applications for jobs and graduate schools, graduate students working on theses and dissertations, multilingual students mastering English, and a variety of others. The RWC serves mostly walk-in tutoring appointments; however, it also offers three different courses for credit that specifically target reading, undergraduate-level writing, and graduate-level writing.
The tutors in the RWC, all graduate students in English with training and experience in teaching composition, use a process-centered approach to help students at any stage of writing: from generating ideas, to drafting, organizing, and revising. While the RWC does not provide editing or proofreading services, its tutors can help writers build their own editing and proofreading strategies. Our approach to tutoring is to help students grow as writers, readers, and critical thinkers by developing strategies for writing in a variety of situations. During the fall and spring semesters, the RWC is open Monday through Thursday from 10 - 6 and Friday from 10 -2. There are also some hours at night in Strozier. Hours of operation vary in summer. Visit the RWC website (fsu.mywconline.com) for information.
Strozier Satellite Location
The Strozier location serves students where it’s most convenient for them and alongside the research and advising services the library offers. Hours vary by semester, but are updated on both the RWC website and the Strozier Library website at the start of each semester.
Digital Studio
The Digital Studio provides support to students working individually or in groups on a variety of digital projects, such as designing a website, developing an electronic portfolio for a class, creating a blog, selecting images for a visual essay, adding voiceover to a presentation, or writing a script for a podcast. Tutors who staff the Digital Studio can help students brainstorm essay ideas, provide feedback on the content and design of a digital project, or facilitate collaboration for group projects and presentations. Students can use the Digital Studio to work on their own to complete class assignments or to improve overall capabilities in digital communication without a tutoring appointment if a work station is available. However, tutor availability and workspace are limited so appointments are recommended. To make an appointment email us at [email protected] or visit the Digital Studio in Williams 222-B. Hours vary by semester and are updated at website.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism (including self-plagiarism) is grounds for suspension from the university as well as for failure in this course. It will not be tolerated. Any instance of plagiarism must be reported to the Director of First-Year Composition and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Plagiarism is a counterproductive, non-writing behavior that is unacceptable in a course intended to aid the growth of individual writers. Plagiarism is included among the violations defined in the Academic Honor Code, section b), paragraph 2, as follows: “Regarding academic assignments, violations of the Academic Honor Code shall include representing another’s work or any part thereof, be it published or unpublished, as one’s own.” A plagiarism education assignment that further explains this issue will be administered in all first-year writing courses during the second week of class. Each student will be responsible for completing the assignment and asking questions regarding any parts they do not fully understand.
Tips To Avoid Plagiarism:
1.) Use quotations around anything borrowed word for word. 2.) Cite your quotations and factual information and provide a corresponding Works Cited page. In First-Year Composition classes, MLA is the appropriate model for citations. 2.) Introducing your sources within the text of your paper helps you to avoid plagiarism. 3.) When paraphrasing, be sure to give credit to the source you are paraphrasing from. 4.) Do not turn in a single paper for more than one class. 5.) Do not turn in a paper that you did not write. 6.) While researching, make sure to take careful notes and write down all the information needed for citing your work as you find material you want to use. If you cannot find the source that you got your data from, do not use it.
You must give credit for the following:
1.) Direct quotations from your source. 2.) Facts, data, and information based on other people’s research. 3.) Paraphrases of another’s work. 4.) Ideas, opinions, and interpretations that are not your own or that you got from another source. 5.) Charts, graphs, pictures, images, and raw data that you did not put together yourself. 6.) Comments from lectures, conversations, and interviews.
What you do not have to cite:
1.) Research and raw data that you have compiled yourself. 2.) Widely known facts/common knowledge. “Common knowledge”: This refers to
information so widely known (or accepted to be valid) that no supporting facts or cited research is needed to back it up, such as the following: World War II ended in August of 1945. Almost no one will dispute this statement, and it is commonly accepted without debate. “Common knowledge” statements can be passages like this: Television ratings for the Super Bowl are traditionally so high that advertisers spend millions of dollars to advertise their clients’ products during the broadcast. Again, this claim refers to topics so extensively researched/documented that it is not necessary to provide an authoritative source to support it. But be aware: what is common knowledge to you may not necessarily be common knowledge to another reader, so cite any information you feel might be unknown to those outside whatever specific topic you’re writing on.
3.) Your own opinions, conclusions, and feelings about your topic.
Gordon Rule
In order to fulfill FSU’s Gordon Rule “W” Designation (writing) credit, the student must earn a “C-” or better in the course, and in order to receive a “C-” or better in the course, the student must earn at least a “C-” on the required writing assignments for the course. If the student does not earn a “C-” or better on the required writing assignments for the course, the student will not earn an overall grade of “C-” or better in the course, no matter how well the student performs in the remaining portion of the course. The University stipulates that students must write 7,000 words in ENC 1101 and 1102 (at least 3,500 words per course).
ADA
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should in the first week of class 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) and 2) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating the need for academic accommodations. This and all other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.
Evaluation
Active participation in class discussions, conferences, workshops, and preparedness in class all factor into this section. Drafts will be graded on completeness and potential—not on editing or other mechanical issues. Final papers will be graded according to a set of criteria that I will distribute ahead of time. You must turn in all papers in order to receive a passing grade in this course. Your final grade will be determined by the following percentages:
Paper 1 =20%
Paper 2 =25%
Paper 3 =20%
Final Project =10%
Blogs =10%
Participation =10%
Leading One Class Discussion =5%