Syllabus
EN 102-17 Maj. Roger Thompson
Mallory 237 207 C Lejeune
8 TTH Office Hours: MW 11-12
thompsonrc@mail.vmi.edu TTH 10:30-12
F 10-12
By appointment
Common Goals for General Education Courses: Mastering the Tools of Learning
The work of the fourth class year is designed to help the student master the fundamental tools for learning: language (needed for learning in all disciplines, but especially in the humanities and social sciences) and mathematics (the tool most needed for learning in the scientific and technical disciplines). The use of these tools during the first year at VMI will lay the foundation for proficiency in such areas as
1. Critical thinking and reading
2. Precision in oral and written communication
3. Academic and professional ethics
4. Commitment to lifelong learning and physical health
Attainment of these four objectives not only should help the student see interconnections among the various academic disciplines but also should lead him or her to an expertise in the major field of study.
Texts:
Barnet, Sylvan and Bedau, Hugo. Current Issues and Enduring Questions. 5th Ed.
Boston: St. Martin’s Press, 1999.
Kenne, Michael L. and Katherine H. Adams. Easy Access: The Reference Handbook for
Writers. 2nd edition. VMI Custom Edition. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Co., 1999.
O’brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. Any edition.
*****I may distribute other pertinent readings in class or may assign a reading from a source other than our texts. Any handouts I distribute should be considered an addendum to the course syllabus and part of the requirements of this course.
Other Material: Pocket Folder: you are required to keep ALL course work, including
your own notes, drafts, etc. I may ask for you to show me previous work you have done.
Blue or Black pen
Requirements: Attendance: I expect you to attend every class, and attendance is a
necessary component of a passing grade. Missing more than 6 classes constitutes failure of the course. No exceptions. Tardiness will not be tolerated.
Essays: 6 papers worth 100 pts each, ranging from 1 to 6 pages.
We will have extended class discussions on the expectations for your papers. One short paper may be rewritten for a higher grade.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be based on the given week's reading, and will be
purely factual. 10 pts each. 50 pts.
Homework/Daily work: we will write a tremendous amount in class,
and the class writing assignments will be graded. You may earn up to 50 pts. for the semester.
Confernces: You are required to have at least three individual conferences
with me. If you fail to meet the requirement, you will fail the course. Please feel free to make an appointment with me at any time and to use me as a primary resource for improving your writing skills.
NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Grade Breakdown: Papers—600 pts
Quizzes—50 pts
Homework/In class work—50 pts
Other Information:
Plagiarism—see departmental policy and the Honor Code. If you are ever unsure as to what constitutes plagiarism, please ask me. I will deal with any plagiarized work severely.
Medical Information: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please let me know immediately.
I will make every effort to create atmosphere free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and I will do my best to ensure that each individaul has an equal voice in class discussion. If you have any concerns or suggestions on how to create an atmosphere conducive to the exchange of ideas, please speak with me.
I expect all cadets to adhere to the Honor Code and the regulations of the Blue Book.
No food or drink is permitted in the classroom.
Section Marcher will position him/herself close to the door at the beginning of class so that role may be taken promptly.
I AM AVAILABLE FOR YOU. Please visit with me if you have any professional questions, concerns, or celebrations.
Tentative Schedule
Jan 20 Introduction
25 C 1-14; T 73-91
27 C 22-27, 34-38, 46-49
Feb 1 C 339-344; T 155-182
3 Paper #1 Due
8 C 170-177; 191-199
10 C 201-203; 209ff
15 C 231
17 Paper #2 Due
22 C 207-209; C 775-776; T135-144
24 Notecards Due
29 Draft of Paper 3 due
March 2 Paper #3 Due
7-9 Spring Furlough
14 C 249-259
16 C 50-76, 101-106
21 Draft Paper 4 Due
23 Paper #4 Due
28 C 299-307
30 T 1-25
April 4 Spring FTX
6 C 260-277
11 C 278-289
13 Paper #5 Due; Re-write Due
18
20
25 Workshop
27 Draft Paper 6 Due
May 2
4 Paper #6 Due
8-16 Exams