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English 101 Fall 2000

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Murray State University
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ENG 101 Course Syllabus
Murray State University Fall 2000
ENG 101-10 10:30-11:20 PM M /W/F FH 402
ENG 101-21 3:30-4:45PM M /W FH 402


Instructor: Ms. Emily Dotson Biggs
Office: FH 7-C19
Office Hours: M/W 11:20-1:30, 2:45-3:30 and by appointment


Phone: 762-4548 (office)



Mailbox: FH English Department Office Seventh Floor

Course Title: Composition

Catalog Description: Instruction and practice in writing expository prose. Students use word processors to write and revise essays.

Purpose of Course: The course is designed to help students improve their writing processes, to improve students’ critical thinking skills, to increase the organizational effectiveness of students' writing, and to develop students’ awareness of the importance of context in writing.

Course Objectives: The course goals include helping students develop

  • Critical thinking skills, as reflected in substantive content;
  • An awareness of audience and purpose;
  • Effective organization and development of their ideas;
  • Skillful argumentation, including use of detail and supporting evidence;
  • The ability to thoughtfully evaluate and productively revise their own work;
  • The ability to judiciously read and analyze works by professional writers and peers; and
  • Command of usage and mechanics of the English Language.

    • Content Outline: The course consists of four main blocks: Narrative, Rhetorical Analysis, Contextual Analysis, and Argument. Students will write four papers, each normally three to five double spaced pages (750-1250 words) long. Students will complete one or more preliminary drafts and additional writing activities for each formal paper.

    Instructional Activities: This course will involve writing regularly in class as writing well as out of class multiple drafts, word processing, readings, at least one conference, and discussion of those readings and of other students’ texts.

    Prerequisites: All students who do not have credit for ENG 101 or the equivalent must enroll in this course upon entering MSU or upon completing ENG 100, unless they qualify for ENG 104.

    Academic Dishonesty Policy: See university policy.


    Texts and References:

  • Raimes, Ann. Keys for Writers: A Brief Handbook. Boston: Houghton Mifflin,1996.
  • Fitzgerald, Kathryn., et al. eds. Conversations in Context. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace, 1998.
  • One paper two-pocketed folder (portfolio) labeled with your name and the class name that will be used for the submission of all essays.
  • One Blank 3x5" Formatted Disc. Do not store anything else on this disc.

    • Attendance: Each student is expected to be prompt and regular in class attendance. Regular attendance is both mandatory and essential for success in this course. I keep attendance records for all classes.
    All absences from class, excused and unexcused, count as absences.


    Missing more than 25% of the course will result in an automatic failure (F) of the course.

    Students should be aware that the last day to drop this course without penalty is October 31, 2000.
    Sleeping in class and working off topic are considered absences.
    Also, if you are more than ten minutes late you will be counted as tardy. Three tardies equal one absence. Failure to attend a conference is considered an absence from class. In rare exceptional situations an absence may be excused thus allowing students to make up some missed assignments.
    Be aware that due to the nature of some daily class activities (journals, peer editing etc) some assignments simply can not be made up even when the absence is excused. It is the student’s responsibility to get missed assignments and handouts from a classmate.

    Classmate’s Name and #______________________________

    Assignment Requirements: Papers should be submitted according to MLA style (see KW Part 3). All essays should be submitted with all prewriting and drafts in a clean, paper pocketed folder (portfolio). Please make sure your folder is clearly labeled with both my name and yours on the front cover. Do not remove previous essays from your folders when submitting subsequent assignments.

    Grading Procedures: Students will be evaluated on completion of assignment, content, effectiveness, and style. Please see the class handout for more details on the grading rubric.
    All essays must include a rough draft and some form of outline.
    This course follows a ten-point scale: 100-90 = A, 89-80 = B, 79-70 = C, 69-60 = D, 59-0 = F.
    An absence from class does not effect essay deadlines.


    Essays are due at the beginning of class on the date assigned. Essays received after this time will receive an automatic ten-point deduction regardless of the circumstance.

    Late assignments may be submitted in my campus mailbox in the English Department. I do not accept any assignment submitted forty-eight hours after the essay deadline.

    Assignments and Grading Percentages:
    Narrative Essay/Rhetorical Analysis EssayContextual Analysis Essay 60%
    Argumentation Essay 25%
    Daily Journals/Quizzes/In Class Writing Assignments 10%
    Final Exam 5%



    General Course Policies:

    I will not accept handwritten essays, essays on discs or emailed essays for final drafts.

    All essays and prewriting including drafts must be in a writing folder.

    All essays must be original, on the designated topic and demonstrate the specific writing strategy assigned. Keep track of your own grades and attendance. I do not give grades in advance.

    Please allow two to three weeks for the return of your graded essays.

    I do not give extra credit or credit for additional revisions.

    Always spell check and proof read carefully before submitting final drafts.

    Keep a duplicate hard copy of every writing assignment for your records.

    Essays should be your best academic writing.

    As a courtesy to others turn off cell phones and beepers unless you are a paramedic, firefighter, etc.

    I do not review essays in the twenty-four hours before they are due.

    Students should prioritize this course to enable them to plan conferences around designated office hours. I designate a total of eleven hours a week to be available on campus for students. In addition, I am available by email or phone for quick questions or emergencies.

    Please use the class web page for handouts and additional information. Remember technology is not infallible so be sure to allow yourself sufficient time to obtain web information.

    Please make me aware of any documented special needs or circumstances that you feel may require special accommodations in this course.

    All students are expected to be respectful in both their verbal and nonverbal communication. Polite participation is mandatory. Personal conversations, even when they are on topic, are distracting and disruptive to both the instructor and other students.

    This course can be wonderful opportunity to explore writing and develop intellectually.
    Welcome to English 101!


    Email: tande@apex.net