Rules and Requirements:
1. Attendance is mandatory. Class discussion depends on the entire class being present. Because this course only 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 e-mail.
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.

Grades:
Grades are calculated as follows:
1. Essays (100 points each): There will be two class essay/projects assigned throughout the course. Each essay/project will be approximately 3,000 words long.

  • Proposal: The first project will outline a language handbook you will write relevant to your discipline.
  • Handbook: The second project will be the handbook your proposed.
    Along with the essays that will be handed in for a final grade, you will be required to participate in peer reivew sessions in which we will go over rough drafts for each assignment. Drafts will be work shopped in peer review sessions and will be looked over by me as well. Because of this, you will be responsible for bringing four copies of your draft to class on the day it is due. Your work is graded on content, originality, and grammar/mechanics.
    2. E-Mail (100 points): We will have an e-mail list for this class. You will be required to participate in e-mail discussion about class readings and assignments. Each week, you will have to post at least two e-mail responses/replies. E-mail will help facilitate discussion and assist you in your readings. E-mail posts that don't contribute to discussion, that are frivolous (i.e. "class was good today" or "the readings were interesting") don't count for credit.
    3.Weblog (100 points). You will create a weblog at Blogger or at WebCrimson and maintain it as a place to write down ideas you have about various things we discuss in class or that you encounter elsewhere.
    4. Panel Presentation (100 points): You will be placed in a band that will give two panel presentations on the projects you are working on. Each presentation = 50 pts.
    6. Participation (100): Participation is essential in this class. Be prepared to discuss the readings as well as to ask questions. Without participation, the class will be boring, and you will find yourself not progressing in your work. Through participation, we (you and I) will learn more about the writing process and how to express ourselves in a clear and coherent manner that is convincing and persuasive.
    The maximum amount of points you can receive is 600. The grading scale is as follows:
    550-600 points A
    500-550 points B+
    450-500 points B
    400-450 points C+
    350-400 points C
    300-350 points D
    < 300 points F