Apply knowledge of rhetoric to make decisions about written communication

Engage in a writing process that includes invention, drafting, and revision

Write thesis-based arguments that provide strong support and specific details

Find, evaluate, and synthesize credible sources in support of a research paper

Use sources ethically and in contextually appropriate ways and follow a designated style guide

Demonstrate proficient use of Standard Written English

In addition to the textbooks, you need a 2-inch three-ring binder, 4 dividers (Handouts/Homework, Papers/Essays, Sources, Research Project), notebook paper (not jagged-edged spiral paper), 3 bluebooks (8 leaves, 16 pages), pens/pencils, a highlighter (any color), a non-electronic dictionary, an optional flash drive, and a student email account or an msutexas.edu WebWorld preferred account.

Your grades in this class are based on this scale: A=100-90%, B=89-80%, C=79-70%, D=69-60%, F=59-0%.

According to MSU's Undergraduate Catalogue, "lettergrades have the following significance: A indicates excellent work, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, D indicats passing work, F indicates failing work" (73). Consequently, an essay that meets the basic requirements earns a C, not an A or B. If you wish to earn As and Bs, you will have to work hard to produce better than satisfactory, or average, writing.

Assignment                                                                      % of Grade

Issue Proposal Paper                                                          10

2 Blue book essays                                                              10

Exploratory Paper                                                                  10

Research Paper                                                                    40

Visual Argument Presentation                                           10

Class work and Homework                                                10

Blue Book Final Exam                                                         10

Important: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 1143 is required for graduation from MIdwestern.

If you have more that 4 absences, you fail the class.  If you use a cell phone during class, you are absent. 

When you miss class, please don't feel you have to justify your absence with e-mail messages, phone calls, or a doctor's note; I respect your privacy.  If you accumulate more than the allotted absences before the university's withdrawal date, dropping the course is your responsibility. 

Do not think that you have been invited to miss what would be two full weeks of a long semester.  Attendance is more than profitable.  Coming to class will provide the instruction you need to meet the objectives and requirements of this course.

• I will not collect late homework; however, you may include it in your binder for half credit.
• Missed group work and class work cannot be made up.
• A missed in-class bluebook writing assignment may be written during my office hours.  For example, If you are absent on Thursday, February 5th, you will come to my office (BW 233) within one week to complete Blue Book #1.  No appointment is necessary.  However, work not completed in this time frame receives a grade of zero.
• An assigned paper is due in class on its due date.  I will reduce its grade by 10% for each weekday that it is late.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.