Course Syllabus

Washburn University

EN 101, Introductory College Writing (aka, Comp. I)

Fall Semester

Credit hours:         3

Instructor:     Professor Dawn Davidson

E-Mail:        Please use Hayden email

Office Hours/Hours of Availability: Schedule an appointment (Room 100) or communicate via email.

Communication:  Communication regarding this course will take place via Hayden email.  Communication from the Washburn administration will be shared with Ms. Voegeli who will relay those messages to you via the Google Classroom. Students or parents may contact me through my school email: davidsond@haydencatholic.net.  Students are encouraged to be their own advocates and be responsible for communicating with me first prior to parental involvement. It’s good practice for next year when you’re fully college freshmen. 

Last Day to Withdraw with a “W” is 15 November 2024.  If you need to drop or withdraw from this course, please talk to me first and then to Ms. Voegeli (coordinator for Washburn).   

Computer Requirements: It is the student’s responsibility to have (or have access to) a working computer with reliable Internet access.  Computer assignments may be required by the instructor to access course materials or to submit assignments using appropriate software.  

Textbook: 

Readings from The Little Seagull Handbook with exercises, Bullock, Brody, and Weinberg, 4th ed., Norton, 2022, as well as other sources.

Purpose or Goal of the Class:

Introduction to writing at the college level with a focus on developing flexibility and skill as a writer. Analysis of texts and arguments in preparation for creating a variety of essays that include personal, analytical, and argumentative writing.  Special attention given to the processes of drafting, revision, and reflection.  Instruction in and practice of writing conventions such as grammar, mechanics, and citations. Required, with a minimum grade of C, for graduation.  Required of all degree programs.

Student Learning Outcomes:

After completing EN 101, students should be able to

1. differentiate effectively among a variety of genres, audiences, and rhetorical purposes.

2. critically examine and evaluate texts and arguments.

3. create a reasoned, purposeful, and ethical argument.

4. revise substantially for focus, depth, and organization, using instructor feedback and self-reflection.

5. use conventions (including grammar, mechanics, and citations) effectively.

These outcomes are not correlated with any specific grade but are used to guide and inform student goals for essays, assignments, and the portfolio. 

Course Grade/Points Possible:   The final grade in this course is an evaluation of the student's essays, class work, participation, quizzes, and the final examination.

Individual essays will be evaluated by a rubric scoring per the Traits of Writing:

IDEAS -- details, evidence, information is specific not general

ORGANIZATION -- opener, thesis statement, topic sentences, and a satisfactory conclusion

STYLE -- word choices, lively language, vivid imagery [Voice, Word Choice]

CONVENTIONS -- proofreading to correct major errors, misspellings, sentence structure errors, and other errors [Sentence Fluency, Conventions]

You will be quizzed over composition terminology and composition principles as well as your ability to find and correct mistakes in individual sentences (grammar/language usage), in addition to literary unit quizzes.

Grading scale is as follows:

Daily work, homework, quizzes 30%

Major essays 30%

Portfolio (see below) 30%

Written final exam 10%

The Hayden grading system will apply in this course. Since this is a college class being taken for college credit, your work will be evaluated per the college standard, not the high school average.

Final Portfolio

1. Three or more polished essays addressing different rhetorical situations must be submitted. These essays must include evidence of the drafting and revision process, documentation and synthesis of source materials (MLA), persuasive/argumentative writing, critical/analytical writing; 

2. A reflective piece of writing that articulates the purposes and revision processes of the essays included in the portfolio; 

3. evidence of a variety of writing-practice activities;

4. clear organization of content to aid in review;

5. and a letter of consent signed by the student that allows other WU faculty to read the student’s portfolio. 

Course Requirements

1.   All essays must be word processed, using double-spacing with standard margins and a standard 12-point font (Times NR or Arial only).  Include the following heading in the upper left corner of first page: your name, teacher's title and last name, Composition I, date written out (dd mmm yyyy); header should be in the upper right corner (use header via Doc pull-down menu), consisting of last name and page number, only showing up on page two and so on. 

      Major compositions must be submitted as Google Doc and will be uploaded to our course Google Classroom; I evaluate printed versions of your essays and return them to you physically in class.  

2.   Do your own work and borrow words and ideas from resources ethically, giving the sources credit, and so forth. Misrepresenting another’s work as your own (which includes using ChatGPT or any form of AI) or failing to cite another’s work is plagiarism, a serious offense, and will result in failure for the assignment. Cheating on an essay, quiz, or exam will result in failure for that essay/quiz/exam--I am interested in your interpretations, not those from the Internet.  Furthermore, a report of academic misconduct will be filed with Hayden administration and Academic Impropriety Policy with Washburn University. 

Quizzes:

Several quizzes will be taken during the semester over writing skills/concepts. 

Exams:

You will only take a final exam.

Final Exam:

Washburn University and Hayden Catholic High School  require the administration of final examinations during exams week.   The exam must be completed in class during the scheduled time for finals, which will be according to the Washburn calendar schedule, which is usually during the second week of December. 

Projects Required:

Four major essays and a portfolio.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit will rarely be offered in this course. If it is, it will be offered to the class as a whole, not on an individual basis.

Instructor Class Policies:

1.   Be respectful and courteous towards faculty and students (that includes you).

2.   Be present with your daily materials when the bell rings, or you are TARDY.   Exceptions:  talking to me, office or hall pass.

3.   Be prepared with daily materials:  Chromebook, writing utensil, paper/folder, and class assignments.  

4.   Be organized by arranging your materials on your computer, as much of our work this semester will involve digital formats; you may want to create a back-up of your work to the “cloud.” 

5.   Be considerate and PLEASE take your restroom breaks during the passing period. 

6.   Be mindful that all rules and regulations in the Hayden student handbook apply in this classroom and will be enforced, including the rule about cell phones—keep them out of sight and out of use (phones, muted, in the backpack, and on the floor). Unless I say otherwise, no cell phones!

7.   Be aware that discussion and group work cannot be made up.  Students earn grades for class discussions, quizzes, and in-class writing.  I abide by the school’s attendance policy; if a student is not there to do the work or hand it in, he/she loses the points those assignments are worth. Making up work due to an absence is your responsibility.  If work has not been turned in by the next class period, then a zero will be recorded for that assignment.  Attendance works towards the student’s advantage to stay current with coursework and to achieve a satisfactory grade.

Late Work:

Present daily work in class, in person, on time, except in cases of emergency.  Major assignment papers may have a one-week grace period.  Papers submitted during the one-week grace period may receive a ten percent grade deduction.  An essay more than one week late may not be accepted or may receive half credit.  A composition that receives a “U” (unsatisfactory) grade will be returned to the student, who then has one week from date returned to rewrite for a passing grade.  After one week, the essay receives no credit.

Classwork & Homework: 

Developing your writing skills takes time and practice, which is what we’ll work on during classes. You will also need to schedule homework time for assigned readings and writing assignments. Although we will spend time in class on essay writing, you can expect to work on your essays outside of class as well.  

Deadlines: 

To be successful in this course, students need to demonstrate responsibility by meeting their deadlines. Furthermore, much of what we do in this course is collaborative with assignments, peer review, and discussions. When a student neglects to meet a deadline, that student affects everyone else in the class who took the time to be prepared for peer review, which is unfair and irresponsible. 

Make-up work/tests or difficulty meeting a deadline:

Must be discussed on an individual basis with the instructor outside of class. 

Semester schedule:

1. Descriptive Personal Essay

2. Summary-Response Essay

3. Rhetorical Analysis

4. Persuasive Essay

5. Formal Reflective Writing as part of the Portfolio Assignment

Finals Week: Portfolio is due; take final exam            

Notice:

Changes in the course syllabus, procedure, assignments, and schedule may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

WASHBURN UNIVERSITY ADDITIONS: 

Mission of the University: Washburn University enriches the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens. We are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly work, quality academic and professional programs, and high levels of faculty-student interaction. We develop and engage in relationships to enhance educational experiences and our community.  Reaffirmed - Washburn University Board of Regents, December 7, 2018

Inclusivity Statement: Washburn is committed to cultivating an inclusive learning, living, and working community, facilitating the success of all people, and supporting all individuals. An inclusive community values diversity in culture, socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, nationality, place of origin, language, ability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religious and non-religious identity, political and social ideology, family background, veteran status, and age, as well as the intersections of these identities. The University strives to provide opportunities for its members to reflect upon their own perspectives while examining the perspectives of others, resulting in a culture of empathy and respect for all. Washburn University General Faculty, 2018

If you find there is a barrier to your inclusion in a course, you are encouraged to discuss with your instructor. For additional information and support, consult the list of campus offices and resources available at https://www.washburn.edu/diversity/index.html.

Definition of a Credit Hour: For every credit hour awarded for a university course, the student is typically expected to complete approximately one hour of classroom instruction, online interaction with course material, or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two additional hours of student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  

Notice of Non-Discrimination/Safe Educational Environment: The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator, Washburn University, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66621, (785) 670-1509, eodirector@washburn.edu.

Harassment & Discrimination: The University is required by federal laws to address complaints of discrimination and harassment. Faculty are considered responsible employees and as responsible employees, are required to report an incident of discrimination or sexual harassment (e.g., hostile environment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking) to the Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator. A faculty member is only required to report the name of the complainant but may report more information at his/her/their discretion. A class assignment WILL NOT trigger an investigation or a report to the Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator. Students and employees may file complaints with the Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator online at https://washburn.edu/statements-disclosures/equal-opportunity/complaint-form.html or with Washburn University Police at (785) 670-1153.  For supportive measures to be provided, whether or not a formal complaint is filed, the Title IX Coordinator must be notified (785-670-1509, eodirector@washburn.edu). 

Confidential Resources: On campus: University Counseling Services offers free, confidential counseling to students on any topic, including experiences with sexual assault or relationship violence: http://washburn.edu/current-students/services/counseling/index.html Student Health Services offers confidential urgent care: http://washburn.edu/current-students/services/health-services/index.html

University Diversity and Inclusion – Student Accommodations, Military Education Benefit Certifications, LGBTQQIAPP+ Resources, Multicultural and Non-Traditional Student Resources: Diversity and Inclusion staff assist students by arranging academic and physical accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities must register with the office each semester and provide appropriate documentation to be eligible for accommodations. Accommodations may include in-class note takers, test readers and/or scribes, adaptive computer technology, and audio textbooks. Requests for accommodations should be submitted at least two months before the start of the semester in which accommodations are needed. Students may also make a request as soon as they become aware of the need for accommodations. The Diversity and Inclusion Office also helps Military-Connected students, including spouses and dependents, in applying for VA educational assistance programs and submitting enrollment certifications for VA education benefits. The office provides detailed information on the Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and other military educational assistance programs in place at Washburn. Morgan Hall Room 105, (785) 670-1629, http://www.washburn.edu/diversity/multicultural/index.html

Academic/Student Conduct Policies: All students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and ethically in their academic work and as members of the Washburn community.  Washburn University’s Academic Impropriety Policy describes academically unethical behavior in greater detail and explains the actions that may be taken when such behavior occurs. For guidelines regarding protection of copyright, consult http://www.washburn.edu/copyright. For a complete copy of the Academic Impropriety Policy, go on-line to:  http://www.washburn.edu/academic-impropriety. For a complete copy of the Student Conduct Code, go on-line to: 

http://www.washburn.edu/current-students/services/files/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf

Concealed Carry Policy: Washburn University has regulations and procedures in place to address concealed carry of weapons on campus. Those regulations and procedures can be located at http://www.washburn.edu/concealedcarry

Withdrawal Policy: During fall and spring semesters, students may go online and withdraw from full semester, individual courses through the second week of class with no recorded grade.  From the third through the deadline date for withdrawals, a “W” is recorded for any dropped course. After the deadline date for withdrawals, there are NO withdrawals, and a grade will be assigned for the course. These deadlines will be different for full-term, short-term, out-of-sequence, and summer courses. To view the deadline dates for your courses visit the “Last Day” Deadlines web page at:  https://www2-prod.washburn.edu/self-service/coursedates.php. Depending on the timing of the request to withdraw from a course, students may be eligible for a full or partial refund. Information regarding tuition refunds is available at http://www.washburn.edu/current-students/business-office/tuition-refunds.html Depending on the timing of the request to withdraw from a course, students may be responsible for repaying all or a portion of their financial aid. Students who do not attend their courses and fail to officially withdraw themselves will receive a grade of “F” and may also be required to repay all or a portion of their financial aid based on their non-attendance. For further information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (785) 670-1151 or e-mail financialaid@washburn.edu.

Procedure for Complete Withdrawal from the University (all courses for a given term): Students planning to withdraw from all registered courses for a given term must email total-withdrawal@washburn.edu or the Student One Stop in Morgan Hall Room 101A. The date of contact is considered the official withdrawal date, providing the student completes the additional steps as outlined by the Student One Stop. Students cannot withdraw themselves from the last course on their schedule via online self-service. If you are unable to come to campus you still must email total-withdrawal@washburn.edu or contact the Student One Stop at either sos@washburn.edu or (785) 670-2162, before the University Registrar’s Office can process your complete withdrawal. Students cannot withdraw entirely without first contacting the Student One Stop. http://www.washburn.edu/registrar/withdrawals-individual-course-and-complete-term.html

Attendance/Administrative Withdrawal: Students are expected to regularly attend all classes in which they enroll. Although it is the student's responsibility to initiate course withdrawals, an instructor, after due notice to the student, may request withdrawal of the student from a course because of nonattendance through the same date as the last day a student may withdraw from a course. This would NOT absolve the student of financial responsibility for tuition/fees for the course in question. The inclusion of this information in the course syllabus is considered due notice. 

Official E-Mail Address: Your Washburn University e-mail address will be the official address used by the University to relay important messages regarding academic and financial information and the University will consider this your official notification for important information. It is used for notification to complete some course evaluation surveys and may also be used by your instructors to provide specific course information. If you prefer to use an alternate e-mail address to receive official University notices you can set a forwarding address in the Outlook Web App by following the steps found at: http://www.washburn.edu/its/training/files/office365/ForwardEmailOutlookWeb.pdf  It is your responsibility to ensure that your official e-mail box does not exceed your message quota resulting in the inability of e-mail messages to be accepted into your mailbox.

Navigate: Students are encouraged to download the Navigate mobile app to assist with navigating their pathway to graduation. Navigate is a communication, academic and career planning tool that is increasingly used at Washburn University to help students graduate on-time. http://www.washburn.edu/navigate

Intellectual Property and Privacy: In any learning format (in-classroom, remote, or online), lectures and other materials created by instructors remain their intellectual property and must not be shared, copied, or disseminated without the author’s written permission. Any recordings of lectures or classroom experiences are to be used solely for the information or experience provided and are not be shared, copied, or disseminated without the written permission of everyone shown or heard in the recording.

Student Behavior in the Classroom: Students are reminded that refusing to follow the directives of class instructors as they relate to supporting a safe and disruption-free learning environment is a violation of the Student Conduct Code: washburn.edu/student-life/services/files/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf.

Computer/technology distribution: Students without the computer or internet equipment necessary to be successful in their courses should contact mabeetechnology@washburn.edu or (785) 670-1550 to arrange for a loan of appropriate equipment.

D2L: All course syllabi, any materials faculty wish to distribute, and any significant course-related announcements will be posted to D2L. Students unfamiliar with D2L can contact online-ed-support@washburn.edu or find other resources here: https://washburn.edu/its/online-education/index.html.

On-Campus Resources:

• Center for Student Success: Mabee Library, Room 201, (785) 670-1942, http://www.washburn.edu/success

• Student Health Services: Morgan Hall Room 140, (785) 670-1470, http://www.washburn.edu/health  

• Counseling Services: Kuehne Hall, Room 200, (785) 670-3100, http://www.washburn.edu/counseling

• Student Life Office: Morgan Hall Room 240, (785) 670-2100, http://www.washburn.edu/studentlife 

• Student One Stop (S.O.S.): Morgan Hall Welcome Center, (785) 670-2162, sos@washburn.edu, www.washburn.edu/sos

• University Diversity and Inclusion - Disability Accommodations, Military Education Benefits, LGBTQQIAPP+ Resources, Multicultural Programs: Morgan Hall Room 105, (785) 670-1629, http://www.washburn.edu/diversity/multicultural/index.html

• Military Student Success Center: Mabee Library, Room 206A, (785) 670-1983, http://www.washburn.edu/militarystudents

• Student Success Week (Week before Finals):

https://washburn.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-resources/faculty-handbook/faculty-handbook-section-6.html

Policies Related to COVID-19

Mode of instruction: For in-classroom courses, the mode of instruction may change to remote or online during the semester, depending on the level of safety of meeting in person. The University will be guided by the Shawnee County Health Department recommendations regarding the safety of meeting in person. The University and/or instructor will determine the mode of instruction, and the student is responsible for monitoring their Washburn email communication regarding such changes.

Face masks: Face masks (masks or cloth face coverings) are recommended on campus and in classrooms, and specific courses or programs may require masks. University regulations regarding face masks can be located here: https://washburn.edu/student-life/health-safety/_files/Mask-regulations.pdf. This policy is subject to change; Washburn University will be guided by Shawnee County Health Department recommendations, but the University will ultimately determine mask policy on campus. Students are responsible for monitoring their Washburn email communication regarding such changes to policy.

Attendance: While class attendance is important, students must not attend class in person if they have tested positive for COVID-19, if they have been exposed to someone positive for COVID-19, or if they have symptom(s) associated with COVID-19. Students are responsible for staying in contact with their instructors regarding attendance, assignments, and requirements for the course.

Illness and medical clearance for return to class: Students should inform Student Health at (785) 670-1470, studenthealth@washburn.edu, if they experience symptoms of COVID-19, if they have tested positive for COVID-19, or if they have been exposed to COVID-19. Student Health will instruct the student regarding testing and medical care and will provide a medical clearance for return to class when appropriate.