ENGL 110 - College Composition I
2021 Fall Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 7298
Course Information
You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.
WELCOME TO ENGLISH 110!
This course is designed to introduce you to—and to help you practice—the ways that people in a university setting write, read, and think. Through readings and writing assignments, you will learn to analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas, information, situations, and texts.
To enable class discussions, peer revision, and shared writing activities, we choose a topic or theme for our sections of English 110. This year, our reading and writing activities in the common English 110 syllabus center on a question that we will consider in complicated ways: What is the relationship between vision and power? Our readings and writing assignments for English 110 are designed to help us explore our experiences and observations as we work towards our main goal for the course: becoming more proficient readers and writers.
This is an in-person course. We will meet according to the day and time listed in Campus Connection. [JZ1] You will also be required to meet with me in conferences at scheduled times throughout the semester. The remainder of this syllabus describes our course purpose, expectations, requirements, and policies. It is a long document, but please take time to read carefully. During the semester, any changes that may need to be made to the course will be announced in class and on our Blackboard course site. Make it your habit to consult the syllabus, the course schedule, and Blackboard announcements regularly to make sure you are current with all course news, assignments, and deadlines. As your instructor, I will also be available to answer questions throughout the semester.
Times and Location
Instructor Information
Kristin Ellwanger
Office Manager
Email: english@und.edu
Office: Marrifield 110
2021 Fall Office Hours:
Wed- 9-11
Cell Phone: 701-777-3321
Jessica Zerr
Administrative Director of Composition
Email: jessica.zerr@und.edu
Office: Merrifield 122-C
Cell Phone: 701-777-4461
About the Professor
Course Description
The course has the following learning objectives (from the Council of Writing Program Administrators Outcomes Statement for First-Year Composition 3.0). By the end of the course, students should:
- Use composing and reading for inquiry, learning, critical thinking, and communicating in various contexts;
- Read a diverse range of texts, attending especially to relationships between assertion and evidence, to patterns of organization, and to how these features function for different audiences and situations;
- Use strategies—such as interpretation, synthesis, response, and critique—to compose texts that integrate your ideas with those from our readings;
- Develop a writing project through multiple drafts;
- Develop flexible strategies for reading, drafting, reviewing, collaborating, revising, rewriting, rereading, and editing;
- Learn to give and to act on productive feedback to works in progress;
- Reflect on the development of your composing practices and how those practices influence your writing and reading;
- Develop knowledge of linguistic structures, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, through practice in composing and revising;
- Practice applying citation conventions systematically in your own work.
Essential Studies
As you may know, English 110 is a required part of your Essential Studies program. Essential Studies courses are designed to help students become stronger in areas that have been identified as particularly important for professional, private, and civic life in the 21st century: being able to think and reason well, to communicate effectively, to judge the credibility of information, and to engage in complex and respectful ways with social and cultural diversity. English 110 addresses the Essential Studies goal of written communication skills. You may also find that this course also helps you with critical thinking, information literacy, and new ways of thinking about social and cultural diversity.
Learning Outcomes
Course Materials
This course requires two digital textbooks (listed below). Additional readings and supplementary materials will be provided on our Blackboard course site.
- UND Guide to Writing (via Top Hat): ISBN 978-1-64485-160-9
Access codes are available for purchase through the UND Bookstore or Top Hat.
Note: If you have purchased the UND Guide to Writing (via Top Hat) previously for UND Engl 110, you do not need purchase it again. However, you will need to sign up with the new join code for this course. If you have a first edition print version of the UND Guide to Writing, you will need to purchase the interactive eBook available through Top Hat as listed here.
- They Say/I Say, 5th edition, eBook with access to They Say/I Say Tutorials; Little Seagull Handbook, and InQuizitive: ISBN: 978-0-393-53869-4
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Access codes for each of the textbooks are available for purchase through the UND Bookstore or Norton's They Say/I Say Digital Landing Page.
Technical Requirements/Assistance
You will use Microsoft Word to complete assignments (files created using Pages in Apple can be saved as a Word file before submitting). Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.
Minimum Technical Skills Needed
In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:
Insert minimum requirements expected and needed. In the bulleted example list below
- Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
- Download and open electronic documents
- Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
- Send, receive, and manage email
Course Logistics
Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.
Course Overview
Insert an explanation of how the course is organized for navigation in Blackboard. An example is shown below.
Example: The course content is organized by week for this semester. Each week contains a purpose, learning outcomes, and a variety of links to articles, video/audio files, and other instructional resources selected to enhance the learning experience and support the various topics. Discussions, blogs, wikis, surveys, quizzes, tests and assignments will be used to assess your comprehension and application of those materials.
Example and optional addition: What Should Students Do First?
Prior to the start of the first week you should have reviewed the syllabus and taken the Syllabus Quiz.
Example and optional addition: How Students Should Proceed Each Week for Class Activities
On the left side course menu in Blackboard there is a “Lessons” tab. Inside Lessons you will find all the required readings, videos, and assignments/activities for the week. An overview of each week can be found in Blackboard under the Schedule tab.
Resources
Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.
Course Requirements/Expectations
Insert the course requirements/expectations. An example is posted below.
- The student will review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard.
- The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the weekly area of the Blackboard course.
- The student will participate in any lecture or discussion sessions on campus or online as provided and as part of this course.
- The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the dated noted and in the manner described in Blackboard and on the course schedule. We will use Central Standard Time for due dates and times.
- The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers.
Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback
Insert responsibilities students can expect the instructor to meet. Example provided below.
- The instructor will provide feedback on all assignments and group activities by Wednesday of the following week.
- The instructor will be available during appointed Office Hours to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice.
Communication
My office hours will be Wednesday 9-11am. I am also available to meet by appointment.
Software Requirement & Technical Assistance
You will submit assignments through Blackboard, which requires either Microsoft Word files or PDF files. Students are expected to check their official UND email for course communication. The UND Technical Support webpage contains information on your UND email and how to download a free version of Microsoft Office.
COVID-19 Health & Safety
UND encourages everyone to monitor the COVID-19 situation and protect themselves with a vaccine. Vaccines are available to all UND students, faculty, and staff. Find out how to make a vaccine appointment here.
Assessments & Grading
English 110 includes four major writing assignments to assess the final products of a complex process. The supporting assignments in the course will include smaller assignments and assessments to help you successfully work through the process of reading and writing. We will use a standard 10-point scale to define letters grades. At the end of the semester, final grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number.
The table summarizes the course requirements. Grades will be posted throughout the semester in Blackboard’s “My Grades.” You should notice that a significant portion of your final grade comes from the supporting assignments that we do as we work toward composing an effective final draft. That means that a key to success in this course is to engage in the process early and often—from readings and quizzes/discussion board posts to drafts, peer reviews, and reflections. Not only will you earn significant points along the way, but the supporting work should help you produce effective final drafts.
Assessments
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day: | Date: | Reading(s): | Due: |
|---|
Course Policies
Course Policies
Late Work
Supporting assignments such as a weekly discussion board post and/or quiz generally may not be made up.
In the case of severe medical situations or family emergencies, contact the instructor as soon as reasonable to determine the best way to manage your participation in the class and completion of class work. In these situations, also consider contacting your advisor and/or the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Class Participation
You will notice that a portion of your course grade is based on “supporting assignments.” This includes assignments completed in class that cannot be made up, unless the student has a valid, verifiable excuse and has made prior arrangements with me before the due date.
COMPOSITION PROGRAM POLCIES
Automatic Drops
Composition courses are in high demand and regularly have students on waitlists. Any student who misses the first two classes of the semester will be automatically dropped from the class. This allows seats to open for those on the waiting list. If you know you will need to miss the first two days of class for legitimate reasons, notify your instructor in advance.
Failure Based on Attendance: Any student who accumulates three weeks of unexcused absences—nine absences in a MWF class or six in a TR class—automatically fails the class. Students are responsible for verifying with instructors that absences are excused, and providing documentation if requested. Excused absences may include severe medical situations, family emergencies, military service, religious observances, or authorized University activities.
Automatic Grade Drop Based on Attendance: Students who accumulate two and a half weeks of unexcused absences—eight absences in a MWF class or five in a TR class—have their final course grades dropped by one letter. Students are responsible for verifying with instructors that absences are excused, and providing documentation if requested. Excused absences may include severe medical situations, family emergencies, military service, religious observances, or authorized University activities.
Automatic Failure Based on Plagiarism
Any student who commits a documented act of plagiarism on any assignment, whether formal or informal, may automatically fail the class or the assignment, based on the severity of the plagiarism and the discretion of the instructor and program directors. See chapter 9 of the UND Guide to Writing for much more detail on what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. All cases of plagiarism are reported to UND’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. For more information on UND expectations for academic integrity, refer to the UND Code of Student Life.
Automatic Failure Based on Other Forms of Academic Dishonesty
Any student who commits any other documented act of dishonesty, such as forging excuses for extensions or completing work for others, may automatically fail the course at the discretion of the instructor and program directors. All cases of academic dishonesty are reported to UND’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Likewise, any student who attempts to obtain credit for any work that is not their own (quiz, discussion board post, peer feedback, etc.) may receive a failing grade for the assignment or for the course based on the severity of the violation. Some acts of academic dishonesty may also be violations of the UND Code of Student Life.
Automatic Failure Based on Not Turning in All Major Assignments: Certain assignments in English 110 and English 130 will be labeled as “Assignment 1,” “Assignment 2,” etc. These are the major assignments in the course, with official deadlines, and you have to turn in all of them to pass the class. Instructors are not required to accept late work or negotiate extensions on due dates, and it is your responsibility to know and honor all deadlines. Even if the course math suggests you could get a passing grade in the class without doing the final assignment, you must complete the final assignment to pass the course. If you have questions about which assignments constitute “major assignments,” just ask your instructor.
Dismissal from the Class Based on Disruptive Behavior
The UND Code of Student Life, section II-4-3, defines classroom disruption as “engaging in behavior that substantially and/or repeatedly interrupts either a faculty member’s ability to teach or student learning. The classroom includes any setting where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit or the satisfaction of program-based requirement or related activities.” Students who violate this policy will be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and will be subject to the student conduct process. If the behavior is serious and/or sustained enough, the student may be dismissed (and dropped) from the class.
Technology Use as Disruptive Behavior
It’s often useful to use technological tools during face-to-face studio components of a writing class; however, if you are using technology for non-course purposes and refuse to stop, your behavior may constitute a classroom disruption, as described above.
A POLICIES & RESOURCES
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.
As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties to the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter, and will have little tolerance of or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.
Access & Opportunity, Disability Support and Medical Services
If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need accommodations in this course because of a disability, please visit with me as soon as possible. My office hours are at the top of this syllabus. If you plan to request disability accommodations, you are expected to register with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office online, (180 McCannel Hall, 701.777.3425).
If you have a temporary medical condition such as a broken arm or recovering after surgery, you may be able to arrange for courtesy services. In most cases, it is expected that you will make your own arrangements for these services. Examples of courtesy services include access to a test scribe if the student has a broken hand; lift equipped van transportation when the student has a broken leg or temporary accessible parking for a student using crutches for a short period. If you are unable to make your own arrangements, please contact DSS (777-3425). Unlike services and/or accommodations provided to eligible students with disabilities, the University is NOT obligated to provide courtesy services.
Resolution of Problems
Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor first. If the problem is not resolved, meet with insert name of conflict mediator or ombudsperson if available in your department, otherwise delete this sentence. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the department chair, and next to the college Dean. Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the Provost next, and then to the President.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to: Donna Smith, Director of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator, 401 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.affirmativeactionoffice@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 500 West Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60611 or any other federal agency.
Reporting of Sexual Violence
If you or a friend has experienced sexual violence, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, or sex-based harassment, please contact UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage.
Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Sexual Violence
It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual violence they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been the victim of sexual violence, you can find information about confidential support services on the Title IX webpage.
UND Cares Program
The UND Cares program seeks to educate faculty, staff and students on how to recognize warning signs that indicate a student is in distress.
How to Seek Help When in Distress
We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, some students may struggle. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares program Webpage.
How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress
The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:
- Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
- Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
- Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
- Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
- Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
- Student is acting out of character or differently than usual.
- Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
- Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on normal conversation.
- Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
- Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.
UND Cares about Your Success
Important information is available to you through Starfish, which is an online system used to help students be successful. When an instructor observes student behaviors or concerns that may impede academic success, the instructor may raise a flag that notifies the student of the concern and/or refer the student to their academic advisor or UND resource. Please pay attention to these emails and take the recommended actions. They are sent to help you be successful!
Starfish also allows you to (1) schedule appointments with various offices and individuals across campus, (2) request help on a variety of topics, and (3) search and locate information on offices and services at UND.
You can log into Starfish by clicking on Logins on the UND homepage and then selecting Starfish. A link to Starfish is also available in Blackboard once you have signed in.
Ensure Accessibility
To comply with the latest accessibility guidelines, documents posted online, including, but not limited to, Adobe PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, and online flipbooks, must be screen-reader friendly. For directions on how to make your syllabus and other course materials accessible, visit the Creating Accessible Content webpage on the TTaDA site.
Campus Resources for Success
There are campus resources to help you be successful in this course, and others, this semester.
- UND Writing Center, Chester Fritz Library Room 321. The UND Writing Center offers free, 30-minute sessions in which trained Writing Consultants offer constructive feedback during any stage of the writing process. Have your drafts and your assignment sheet ready in order to get the most from your sessions. See the Writing Center’s hours and schedule an appointment through their online appointment scheduler.
- Peer Research Consultants, Chester Fritz Library. The Chester Fritz has a staff of peer research consultants to help you with your undergraduate research questions. Peer research consultants have been trained by the librarians and can assist you in any field of study. To read more about what peer research consultants can provide, check availability, and to schedule an appointment, go to the Peer Research Consultant web page. Consultations are typically 30 minutes. In-person and online sessions are available. (Subject to current COVID-19 restrictions).
- Learning Services, McCannel Hall Room 280. Academic Support services include academic coaching, individualized tutoring, and other programs to help students meet their educational goals. Services are free to all students.
- Disability Support Services, (DSS) McCannel Hall Room. DSS facilitates disability accommodations and promote student independence. If you plan to request disability accommodations, you should register with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office each semester (190 McCannel Hall, 701.777.2664) or you may register online. Registering each semester ensures that you are getting the appropriate support for each course.
- Starfish. Starfish is an online system used to help students monitor their progress based on reports from instructors and advisors. At approximately weeks 5 and 8 (midterm), instructors will submit reports on student behaviors or concerns that may impede academic success. The instructor may also raise a flag at any point in the semester to notifies the student of the concern and/or refer the student to their academic advisor or UND resource. Please pay attention to these emails and take the recommended actions. They are sent to help you adjust your strategies and stay on track throughout the semester. You can log into Starfish by clicking on Logins on the UND homepage and then selecting Starfish. A link to Starfish is also available in Blackboard once you have signed in. Starfish also allows you to (1) schedule appointments with various offices and advisors across campus, (2) request help on a variety of topics, and (3) search and locate information on offices and services at UND.