Mr. Hagin’s Spring 2005 Schedule

 

Course/Section	Meeting Times	Location	Computer Reg. #
ENGL  1102 / 43	T Th  9:30 am – 10:45 am	HU 068	10946
ENGL  1102 / 49	T Th  11:00 am - 12:15 pm	HU 068	10957
ENGL  2110 / 39	F      8:00 am – 10:45 am	HU 066	11363
ENGL  2110 / 40	F      11:00 am – 1:45 pm	HU 066	11364

 

 

Required Textbooks

Gibaldi, Joseph.  MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.  6th ed.  New York: Modern Language Association, 2003.

Hagin, Stephen.  The English 1102 Coursepacket.  6th ed.  Spring 2005.  Norcross: XanEdu, 2005.

Hult, Christine A., and Thomas N. Huckin.  The New Century Handbook.  3rd Ed.  New York: Pearson, 2005.

Robson, Andrew.  Thinking Globally.  New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.  
 
 

Semester Assignments

JAN 18         3%    Response #1
JAN 20         3%    Inventory
JAN 25         3%    Response #2
JAN 27         5%    Abstract and Précis
FEB 8           5%    Accordion Writing
FEB 24         5%    Quiz: Works Cited Page
MAR 3       10%    Weather Analysis
MAR 22     10%    Logical Fallacies Test
MAR 31       3%    Research Briefs
ARP 12       15%   Research Essay
APR 26         3%   Research Briefs
MAY 5/7   15%   FINAL EXAM Research Project
                    10%   Peer Review (8 total)
                    10%   Attendance
 
 

10 Core Areas of Essay Revision

Your coursepack is organized into the following 10 areas.  Students who can learn to revise each area separately and carefully will excel at writing college research essays.  These are the 10 areas of the research essay that I will evaluate.

  1.  Opinionated Structure
  2.  Critical Argumentation
  3.  Logic and Validity
  4.  Analysis and Depth of Discussion
  5.  Research, Support, and Credibility

  6.  Grammar and Continuity
  7.  Punctuation
  8.  Diction, Tone, and Usage
  9.  Mechanics, Spelling, and MLA Style
10.  MLA Documentation

 
 

KSU Grading Standards for Final Essay Revisions

A – An essay receives an “A” if it “represents superiority in composition, content, and style” and contains “originality of thought, depth of understanding, and outstanding style” and “excellent grammar.”  (Range = 90-100)

B – An essay receives a “B” if it is “presented in an above-average manner with a minimum number of errors.”  (Range = 80-89)

C – An essay receives a “C” if it reflects “average” work.   It should have a “clearly stated thesis” and should avoid “serious errors,” but it lacks “vigor of thought, development, and expression” seen in papers of a higher grade.  A “C” is supposed to be “the grade that most papers receive.”  (Range = 70-79)

D* – An essay receives a “D” if it represents “below-average, unsatisfactory work” with “errors in subject/verb agreement, comma splices or fused sentences, sentence fragments, illogical sentences, or numerous spelling errors.”  (Range = 65-69)

F – An essay receives an “F” if it demonstrates writing “unacceptable at the university level.”
(Range = 0-64)
 
NOTE: Students must earn a C or higher in English 1101 and 1102 in order to receive passing credit.  A grade of "D" will mean that a student must repeat the course.
 

Grade Disclaimer:
I will round all borderline scores that fall within 0.50 of the next higher grade.  For example, a final grade of 89.50 will receive an A, but an 89.49 will not.  I reserve the right to adjust a borderline grade of any student due to one or more of the following circumstances: outstanding contributions (such as peer review), outstanding attendance, outstanding final exam performance, outstanding class discussion, a majority of important scores reflecting consistent performance at the next-highest grade, and/or extenuating circumstances.  Students with missing assignments or those who have been accused of academic infidelity will not get special consideration.
 
 
 

Back Up Your Assignments in Two Locations

On the day that an assignment is due, please bring it to class in two versions: two electronic copies and one printout.  If your disk fails, you will want to have a back-up ready, whether it is on a CD, memory key, or on an e-mail document.  We will often peer review our work before it is submitted; therefore, bringing a printout from home to class will guarantee that you will be able to participate in the peer review.  It also assures that you will have a copy of your work available somewhere in case your disk gets stolen or misplaced.  Save a copy on your hard drive at home as well.

Be warned that your disk may fail at any time during the semester!
 

 

Class Attendance

Class attendance is imperative.  Classroom dynamics and synergies cannot be duplicated outside the classroom setting, so you need to make every effort to attend class each session.  In the event of an absence, please communicate your reason with me as soon as you can.  If you miss a class day, please submit your excuse one of four ways: (1) in person, (2) by telephone (voice mail), (3) by e-mail, (4) or by fax.  I also expect you to provide a reasonable and timely excuse for any future absence.
 
 

Types of Absences

I will record your absences by one of three identifiers: "excused," "late excused," and "unexcused."

 

§   DEFINITION OF AN EXCUSED ABSENCE

An excused absence is one where your attendance in class would be less reasonable than your devotion to a pressing outside issue, and one that also is communicated to me promptly.  A late excused absence is one where you communicate the reason for your absence, but you fail to do so within 24 hours of the missed class.  This grace period will last for one week after the date of the missed class.  An unexcused absence is one that is not confirmed, acknowledged, or communicated to me in a timely fashion.  NOTE: Students who do not submit an excuse within 24 hours of their absence will be considered “unexcused,” except in cases of emergencies.  Please make every effort to schedule appointments and vacations at times that do not remove you from class.

 

 

Penalties for Absences

Each student will be given a Semester Attendance grade that is worth 10% of your overall course grade.  Each student begins with a 100, and will maintain the 100 with perfect semester attendance.  Each absence will incur the following point deductions:
 

§ PENALTIES FOR ABSENCES

-7  points  =  Each UNEXCUSED ABSENCE   -5  points  =  Each LATE EXCUSED ABSENCE   -3  points  =  Each EXCUSED ABSENCE             -1  point   =  Each  EXCUSED RELIGIOUS                                    or KSU-SPONSORED ABSENCE                         Each TARDY                        Each unannounced EARLY EXIT

 
 

HOW TO EXCUSE YOUR ABSENCES

If you are absent, please do the following:  1) Visit Mr. Hagin's website to read the class summaries and print any handouts.  2) Contact Mr. Hagin as soon as possible and briefly explain your absence.  3) If you sent an e-mail, check for Mr.Hagin's reply to verify that your message has been received.

 
 

§ EXCESSIVE ABSENCES POLICY

Probation  Any students who accumulate 15 points in attendance deductions will be placed on probation.  Simply stated, if your attendance grade falls below 85, I will request a meeting with you regarding your excessive absences.  After our meeting, I will monitor your attendance closely, and will request further explanations if your absences continues to accumulate.  Removal from the Class Roster  Once you accumulate over 30 points in attendence deductions, I will automatically remove you from the class roster.  In other words, once you receive an attendance grade below 70, I will consider you to have "failed attendance," and therefore the course.  NOTE:  I want all of my students to pass this class, but you will have to show up in order to earn your grade.  Since we will be using class time to assist each other through peer review exercises, you will need to be a dependable class participant by the time the research essay is due.  EXCEPTIONS: Any students who have communicated the nature of their chronic absences to me early may be exempt from this penalty.  I can work with any student who makes the effort to communicate personal difficulties.

 
 
 

Acquiring Missed Class Information

Students who miss any class may obtain class information and handouts by pulling up my KSU website.  Each day after class, I will post a “Class Summary” on my KSU website that explains the day’s lessons and activities.  On my home page, click the link entitled “Class Info.”  Unfortunately, I cannot post many handouts that contain copyrighted information, such as supplemental readings. 

 
 

Late Work

Failure to submit work on time is perhaps the single worst way to damage your grade.  Any assignment not submitted by the end of a scheduled class period is considered late work.  The penalties for late work in my class is as follows:
 

==>   5 points off the assignment grade for each day late.

For example, if an assignment is due on Monday, but I receive the essay on Tuesday via e-mail, I will deduct 5 points from your assignment’s final grade.
 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Exceptions:  Students who have cleared their absences with me (and therefore receive an “excused” absence” for a day in which an assignment is due) may have the late points waived.  All late points will apply for students who have unexcused absences (since they have not offered any reasons for the late submittal.

 

==>   Any assignment submitted “later that day” will incur a deduction of 2 points.
 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Some late work may be submitted by e-mail or fax (but it is safest if submitted directly into my hands of in my KSU mailbox -- HU 222).

 
I would like all students to complete all assigned work, even if it is submitted late.  You own the responsibility to bring to my attention any outside factors that may prevent you from completing an assignment on time.  I will always consider reasonable requests from students who communicate their unusual circumstances with me.  I also reserve the right to waive the late penalty for circumstances brought to my attention immediately (or ahead of time).
 

 

Research Essay Revision

Writing well is not an easy accomplishment.  There are hundreds of details to which a writer must attend in order to write convincingly in both college-level courses and the “real world.”  Ultimately, the key to excellent writing is directed revision.  The only way you can sanely tackle such a task is to set aside time throughout the week to nibble away at your list of revision-related tasks.  Spread your writing workload over several days so that you can approach each revision of your draft with fresh eyes.

Outstanding college-level essays cannot be written in one sitting.  Don’t place yourself in a situation where you are forced to shortchange this step in the writing process.  Plan ahead, start early, and work patiently.  Students who demonstrate the patience to write well will ultimately write well.

I also have a website link to my Composition Resource Center, which I use with my English 1101 classes.  This website contains hundreds of links to English websites from around the world, covering topics such as documentation, grammar, and writer’s block.
 

ONLINE SUPPORT

Visit dozens of websites that can assist you with your grammar, punctuation, and composition questions at the Composition Resource Center.  http://ksuweb.kennesaw.edu/~shagin/CRC

 

 

The KSU Writing Center (HU 242)

The Writing Center provides composition help to KSU students free of charge.  English professors and full-time tutors who work in the lab can assist you with some of the more difficult aspects of writing: limiting your topic, developing and supporting your arguments, organizing your thoughts, and revising your drafts.  It is a great place to turn if you have writer’s block or if you need grammatical or rhetorical explanations conveyed in different words.  The Writing Center does not proofread student essays, but its staff will guide you through the writing process from brainstorming to final revision (whatever you need).

The Writing Center also provides information and assistance with the Regents’ Test.  Any students who make the effort to attend a session or two in the Writing Center will be viewed very favorably, especially students who admit to struggling with their writing.
 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Writing Center Hours:   M-Th: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM    F: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM    Sat: closed  Sun: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM  Contact the Writing Center at 770-423-6380.  Appointments have priority!  http://www.kennesaw.edu/english/WritingCenter

 
 
 

KSU Campus Computer Labs

KSU provides use of public campus computers for all registered students, and also provides technical support and educational workshops to become more technically savvy.
 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Open Labs are located on the 4th floor of the Burruss Building available for currently enrolled students.  Computer Labs and Hours:      M-Th: 6:30 AM – 12:00 midnight   F: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM   Sat: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM  Sun: 10:00 AM – 12:00 midnight  Computer Lab Locations:   BB 475  BB 465  BB 466  BB 467  BB 468  NOTE: Of course, no drinks or food are allowed in any of these labs.  You will need your Student-ID number to register (or print out a copy of your current schedule).    Technology Workshops:  Information Technology Services (ITS) offers FREE workshops for students, including how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, e-mail programs, and web page creation.  http://its.kennesaw.edu/labs/studentworkshop

 

 

Information for Students with Disabilities

If you have a specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disability that requires accommodations, please let me know early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met.  You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the DisAbled Student Support Services Office and obtain a list of approved accommodations.

Please make your instructors aware of any disabilities — even temporary ones — so that they can assist you.   Choose a seat in the classroom that allows you to see and hear effectively.  Ask your instructors to speak up if you are required to sit out of your comfortable range of hearing.  Bring and use your glasses if you require eye correction.

 

ONLINE SUPPORT

The DSSS Office is located in the Student Center, room 267.  Their number is 770-423-6443, and the URL is listed below:  http://www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/dsss

 
 
 

Plagiarism/KSU Academic Integrity Policy

Plagiarism is the unacknowledged or unauthorized use of another person’s words, ideas, information, insights, conclusions, or lines of thinking.

Any facts or published opinions that are not specifically and properly cited can be considered to be plagiarism.  This includes students who “forget” to provide references to the published works from which their ideas may have originated.

When students plagiarize they do not possess the knowledge or understanding that they claim to have (and for which they plan to receive credit).
 

§   KSU ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICIES

II. Academic Honesty: “[…] Any student found guilty of an infraction of a regulation for academic honesty shall be suspended for at least one semester […]” (223).  II.A. Plagiarism and Cheating: “No student shall receive, attempt to receive, knowingly give or attempt to give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any work required to be submitted for credit as part of a course […].  When direct quotations are used, they should be indicated, and when the ideas, theories, data, figures, graphs, programs, electronic based information or illustrations of someone other than the student are incorporated into a paper or used in a project, they should be duly acknowledged” (223-224).  II.C. Misrepresentation, Falsification of University Records or Academic Work: “No student shall knowingly provide false information […] in any work submitted for credit as part of a course” (224).  NOTE: Page numbers refer to KSU’s 2002-2003 Undergraduate Catalog.

 

ONLINE SUPPORT

Michael Harvey’s website, The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing, provides the following definition:   “The Random House dictionary defines plagiarism as ‘the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.’  Imitation or borrowing by themselves are not plagiarism.  Drawing on other people's ideas is perfectly reasonable and in fact unavoidable when you write academic essays — but you must acknowledge the borrowing.”  http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/plagiarism.html

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Giving credit to other people’s genius is the best reflection on you, for it demonstrates your scholarship, knowledge, and influences.  You must, however, give credit to the source of your inspiration.  Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will automatically FAIL this course AND your infraction will be forwarded to the Office of the Judiciary for placement in your academic file.