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

Purchase or rent the textbook: Wood, Nancy V. Essentials of Argument. Pearson, 2011. (9780205827022). Complete all assigned work.

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, “letter grades have the following significance: A indicates excellent work, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, D indicates 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

2 EOA Chapter Quizzes                                            10

3 EOA Chapter Discussion Boards                           10

2 Timed-Writing Essays                                            10

Proposal Paper                                                         10

Exploratory Paper                                                     10

Research Paper (*shared assignment 0043)            30

Visual Presentation                                                   10

Timed-Writing Final Exam Essay                              10

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

Your attendance in this class is measured by your completion of assignments and response to email messages. If you stop progressing, I’ll contact you.

The last day to drop this course is 4 December 2020 by 4:00 PM. Dropping the course is your responsibility.

  I do not accept late quizzes or discussions. I do accept late papers at a penalty of 10 points per day.

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.