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1/17/01

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.

Department Policies for EN 102: English Composition

 

Prerequisite:

Students must have passed EN 101 (or its equivalent) with a minimum grade of C in order to enroll in EN 102.

 

Course Goals:

To reinforce the understanding of the writing process, including the practices of invention, arrangement, and revision
To refine the awareness of audience, occasion, organization, and style
To strengthen the ability to craft a defensible argumentative thesis and to avoid logical fallacies in developing it
To develop the ability to use research to inform and advance an argument
To refine the ability to edit for clarity and grammatical/mechanical correctness

 

 

 

Course Requirements:

Students must write 4-7 essays totaling at least 5000 words submitted for grade
Students must receive a written assignment sheet for each essay
Students must attend at least three individual conferences with the instructor
At least 90% of the course grade must be based on grades assigned to essays

 

Course Results:

Students who have passed EN 102 will have demonstrated their understanding of research resources, methods of incorporating acquired information (i.e., quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing), and conventions of documentation by writing argumentative research essays designed to inform and persuade a particular audience.

 

Texts:

Browne, M. Neil and Stuart M. Keeley. Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical

Thinking. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998.

Keene, 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.

*****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 7 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 of the first 3 papers may be rewritten for a higher grade.

 

Homework/Daily work: we will write a tremendous amount in class,

and the class writing assignments will be graded. You may earn up to 100 pts. for the semester.

 

Conferences: You must 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

Homework/In class work—100 pts

700-630 = A

629-560 = B

559-490 = C

489-420 = D

419 below = F

 

Other Information:

    1. Plagiarism—see departmental policy and the Honor Code. If you are ever unsure as to what constitutes plagiarism, please ask me. Also, please see the work for grade policy amended below. I will deal with any plagiarized work severely.
    2. 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.
    3. 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 individual 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.
    4. I expect all cadets to adhere to the Honor Code and the regulations of the Blue Book.
    5. No food or drink is permitted in the classroom.
    6. Section Marcher will position him/herself close to the door at the beginning of class so that role may be taken promptly.
    7. I AM AVAILABLE FOR YOU. Please visit with me if you have any professional questions, concerns, or celebrations.

 

Tentative Schedule

EA = Easy Access

RQ = Asking the Right Questions

Jan 16 Introduction

18 EA 3-20

23 EA 21-51

25 RQ 1-12

30 Paper #1 Due

Feb 1 Tentatively scheduled Library Visit

6 EA 53-89

8 Paper # 2 Due

13 RQ 13-34

15 RQ 35-50

20 Tentatively Scheduled Library Visit

22 Research Bibliography Due

27 Computer Class

March 1 Paper # 3 Due

6 RQ 51-77

8 Bring to class one of your articles for research for an in class Toulmin exercise

13-15 No Classes--Spring Furlough

20 RQ 78-106; EA 143-154

22 Computer Class

27 Paper #4 Due

29 No Class--Daniels Ceremony

April 3 RQ 107-146

5 Draft of Paper #5 Due--Peer Review

10 No Class--FTX

12 Computer Class

Re-write Due

17 Paper # 5 Due

19 RQ 147-168

24 RQ 169-176; Review EA 81-89

26 Computer Class

May 1 Computer Class

3 Paper # 6 Due

5-12 Final Exams