ENL 409

In this course, we will treat the notion of a "modern American English" as writing itself. Because the majority of the students in this class are Education or English majors, and because these two academic disciplines are concerned largely with issues related to writing and writing instruction, this course will investigate what it means (or might mean) to treat the broad notion of writing as English itself.

A great deal of the work we do in this class will involve efforts to "reform" writing instruction. We'll examine a number of approaches to educational and writing reform and conclude with a discussion on technology. Because technology is a major concern in education today, we will also work extensively with technology: email and the Web.

Even though you will work with computers in this class, you don't need any prior knowledge of the computing resources we will use. Everything you need to know, you will learn in class. Because a great deal of what we will do this semester will be new to you, I ask that you approach each reading and assignment with an open mind. Part of what we will do in this course will involve learning content (issues regarding reform in education and writing instruction). The other part will involve method: how to participate in such reform by engaging with an experimental writing project. In turn, I ask that you be willing to engage with the method as much as you will engage with the content.

This course requires you to work extensively with computers. While you don't need any prior knowledge regarding how to make a website or participate on an email listserv, you must be willing to actively learn these technologies during this semester and actively use them. Thus, you will need to devote time in your schedule for sending weekly emails and for applying what you learn in class regarding website creation.

All students must have a University of Detroit Mercy FTP account and an email account.

Texts
Clueless in Academe by Gerald Graff
As if Learning Mattered - Richard Miller
Internet Invention - Greg Ulmer

Computer disks

Recommended
A grammar handbook

Rules and Requirements:
1. Attendance is mandatory. Class discussion depends on the entire class being present. Because this course meets once a week, you are allowed one unexcused absence throughout the course. After that, your final grade will drop by one letter grade for each additional absence. Prolonged absences due to illness or absences due to having to attend a university sponsored event (athletics, theater, music, field trip) will be excused if you provide me with proper documentation from an appropriate authority. You are responsible for all work due for any missed class as well as for the homework for the following class. You are also responsible for any work covered during the class you missed. You should get the phone numbers of a couple of your classmates in case you miss a class. You can also contact me by email.
2. Don't be late to class. The class depends on your presence in order to conduct peer review and other in class activities. Three tardies will count as one unexcused absence.
3. Assignments are due on the class day they have been assigned for. Late work will not be accepted.
4. All assignments (unless otherwise noted) must be typed on white 8 1/2 X 11" paper, be double spaced, have 1" margins, and be according to MLA style.
5. All students are expected to honor the University's Honor Code. All work must be your own. Copying work without giving credit is considered plagiarism. Evidence of plagiarism will be dealt with according to the university's regulations.
6. Turn off your cell phones when you come to class. There is zero tolerance for cell phones going off in class and points will be deducted from your final grade if your phone does go off.
7. Many different opinions will be expressed in this class. Students are expected to respect the views of other students. Sexist and racial hate speech will not be tolerated. A difference of opinion will naturally result and is expected and encouraged. But students must still respect the view points of the other students in the class.
8. The classroom is not a space for public grievances. If you are upset with a grade or some other class related issue, you should make an appointment with me so that we can discuss the problem. If you are not satisfied with the results of that meeting, you can then follow university procedures for grievances. Do not, however, make the class space or the email listserv a place for your complaints. Doing so will result in grade penalties. Anyone who uses the class listserv in order to complain about me, a grade, class, or other students will be removed from the listserv and given a 0 for email as well as a 0 for particiaption.

Assignments
Project One (100 pts) Clueless narrative about school

Project Two (200 pts) Mystory

Presentations (100 points/50 points each) Two presentations on your work in progress. Responses required as well. .

Email (100 pts)
You are required to post at least 2 emails each week on the class listserv. Some posts you will make in response to specific assignments given in class. Other posts you will make on your own accord. The listserv will help us talk about the readings and the work we are doing. It is an open forum for collaboration and idea sharing. Frivolous emails with no substance (such as writing only "I like/don't like this reading" or "class was good" with no reason or justification) don't count. No personal grievances or attacks on the instructor or classmates will be tolerated. If such attacks occur, the guilty part will be removed from the listserv and given a 0 for email.
If you do not do the email requirement, you cannot receive higher than a C on your overall grade (assuming you have done exceptionally well in all other areas of the course)

Participation (100 pts)
Come to class ready to participate. Take notes on readings and bring ideas to discuss. This class is not a lecture class, so your participation is mandatory.

Homepage (50 pts)
Early in the semester you will make a homepage with three links (two to other pages you have made) and with three images. The homepage will help you get familiar with web writing.

Various Assignments (200 pts)
In order to help you prepare for each major project, various small assignments will be given. Check the schedule for each assignment.

Grading Scale
A: 800 - 850
B+: 750 - 800
B: 700 - 750
C+: 650 - 700
C: 600 - 650
D: 550 - 600
F: - 550