In English 2113, students are introduced to and become proficient in the essential elements of the cycle through which successful writers create and polish persuasive essays. A persuasive essay states an opinion and supports it convincingly. Skill in clear and forceful composition and in standard usage is a primary objective of the course. The course can be used to satisfy the Writing Proficiency Requirement.

Course Goals: Students will

·   write thesis-based essays that provide strong support and specific details

·   engage in a writing process that includes invention, drafting, and revision

·   demonstrate critical and creative thinking about a timely issue or debatable topic

·   demonstrate proficient use of Standard Written English

Quizzes (10%): There are 10 quizzes. Before taking a quiz, read the associated chapter in the LBB and review all the material posted on the quiz topic in D2L. Quizzes must be taken during the week assigned (i.e., no make-up quizzes). If you take the quiz, you will receive a grade of "1 point," no matter your score on the quiz. Your final grammar exam will be based on these quizzes and will count heavily, so don't take the quizzes lightly! * All quizzes are open from 5am on Monday until 11pm on the following Sunday.

Writing assignments (50%): You have 5 writing assignments: a simple thesis/topic sentence assignment (W1), an assignment in which you submit two body paragraphs (W2), and 3 complete essays (W3, W4, W5). Each complete essay must be written following the guidelines posted under Content > Writing Assignments and uploaded to the Dropbox.

Final exam (40%):  The final exam will consist of two parts: (1) a grammar exam (20%), and (2) a thesis-driven essay (20%). 

 100 - 90% — A 

   89 - 80% — B 

   79 - 70% — C

   69 - 60% — D

         < 60% — F

See essay grading guidelines in D2L.

Students are required to interact with the instructor within the D2L course management system at regular intervals during the semester or term. By completing your weekly quiz or quizzes and writing assignments on time, you will meet this requirement. Any student who fails to interact with an instructor via completing work in D2L, by telephone, email, or in person during any one-week period of the term may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the course by the instructor. 

All assignments will be due on dates assigned. No late work will be accepted unless specific arrangements have been made prior to the due date. Students falling two assignments behind are subject to administrative withdrawal from the course by the instructor.

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.