• 3x5 or 4x5 note cards, colored markers or pencils, stapler, rubber bands
• Check your Bears email regularly for class announcements

Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Access Center (970) 351-2289 as soon as possible to better insure that accommodations for their disabilities are implemented in a timely fashion.

Course Theme: A Sign of the Times

After class discussion on current cultural and social condition and what sort of topics will be acceptable for research, students will decide on a topic. As a part of the research process, they will explore a current social condition or problem and first write a 4-5 page essay exploring cultural icon or trend. Eventually students will discover a controversy or the problem inherent in their topic. Then they will write a 10- 12 page research essay which will be either a persuasive/argumentative or problem-solving essay. In choosing a topic students should consider these guidelines:

• Think about family, education, and possible professional choices for topic inspiration
• Consider your opinions, remembering that your opinions count, they are important, and they must be supported with sound reasoning and logic both of which are founded in current, credible research.
• Get inspiration from current events in today's headlines
• Research a topic that interests you, that you already know something about but want to learn more or something new; or research a topic that interests you which you would enjoy learning something about.
• Your topic must be current, have an abundant amount of research available, socially significant, and controversial, ie. debatable with two distinct points of view.
• Avoid the cliche', old worn out, over used topic, high school topics, topics that you have researched and written about before (to do so counts a plagiarism, will be boring, and will be harder to write than a fresh new topic). See Plagiarism and Cheating statement.

Course Objectives: 

Students will

1. learn the basic research skills and techniques
2. learn critical reading and thinking skills
3. learn MLA documentation and paper presentation
4. improve writing skills:

developing a main idea—thesis statement
writing good topic sentences and good paragraph development
improving grammar/mechanics, punctuation
increase and improve understanding of English usage

5. learn computer skills:using Internet and World Wide Web as a useful research tool
6. learn how to use the library and its various resources
7. learn argument techniques, to include logical and critical thinking skills
8. learn cooperative work skills

Requirements for the Research Paper

• The final Research Paper will be 10-12 pages in length
• MLA documentation will be used
• Rough Draft will be due April 5, 2012 Final draft April 19
• The will be a variety of assignments that will all contribute to the final product

Course Requirements:

1. All work turned in will be word processed and follow MLA format. All pages must be stapled together, no ears or paper clips
2. Attendance is required.

4. Late assignments will not be accepted; but because there truly is bad karma in the world, students are granted two favors during the semester, but the request for a favor must be submitted before the assignment is due.
6 . Do not summit assignments through email, unless they are email assignments.

Assignments for English 123: Click on assignment for the assignment link
Note: Please Check the 123 Home Page for the weekly schedule as due dates may change.

Newspaper Articles (3 @ 3 points each=9 points): Bring 3 articles during week 2 to share while attendance is taking. Articles should inspire a research project and represent a pop culture icon.

Responsive Essay: Read "Sex, Lies, and Residence Life: Delaware’s Thought Reform" by Adam Kissel. Write 3-4 page response. Access this article in Michener Library Electronic Reserve. Search using my name. The essay will be 3-4 pages long, written using MLA form. 50 points. See lecture notes on Black Board.

Explanation Essay: 4-5 page essay that will explain or define your research topic. 50 points

Annotated Bibliography: Students will generate a list of 20 possible sources to include 8 books, 8 peer reviewed journal articles, and 4 .org or .gov web sites (not .edu or .com sites) 200 points

Field Research: Research that the research student generates. The student will have a choice of 3 methods for collecting this primary research: 100 points

Observation: 3 one hour sessions
Survey: Must survey at least 100 using Facebook, email, handouts, or a combination of all 3
Interview: Interview with an expert in the field conducted either in person, by telephone, or email.

Research Question with 10 questions. 25 points

Working Thesis: 10 points

MLA Pre-Test: a non-graded take home test to assess students' knowledge of MLA style documentation and citation of research material

Proposal: 3 page essay explaining and describing the research project. 50 points

Working Outline: Outline of the research paper's content. 50 points

10 Page Research Essay: An argumentative or problem solving essay that presents a shaped argument of a research topic. 400 point

Rough Draft with Peer Review: Students will submit a completed draft of their essay to Safe Assignment of Black Board; in addition, they will work with partners to complete the revision process. points: TBA

Final Draft: 10-12 pages 400 points

Oral Presentation: 15 minute power point presentation of students research project 100 points

Required Conferences: Students must have at least two conferences@ 25 points each with the instructor. One to be held by Feb. 14 to discuss topic Selection and thesis. The second to be held by April 9 the discuss rough draft. Bring a copy of the draft so that we can discuss the development argument and organization of the essay.Students can meet with me anythime during the semester in addition to the two required conferences.

Option Writing Center consulatation @ 10 points per visit with proof of completed appointment.

Note: Due Dates will be announced in class and posted on the 123 home page; in addition, the assignment sheets and handouts for each assignment will placed on the 123 home page.
Please note that the instructor reserves the right to modify and change any part of this weekly schedule as needed. Make sure to check the English 123 home page for weekly changes.

Weekly Schedule

Please note, that the instructor reserves the right to alter and amend the syllabus. All changes will be announced in class and will be posted on the 123 home page home page.

A Note About Computers: We will work on various computer skills that will aid in preparing the research paper.  Computer problems cannot be an excuse for not turning in work or turning in late work.  While bad computer karma rules the world, students must learn how to get the most out of their computers and they must learn to avoid computer problems.  Follow these suggestions to hedge against computer karma ruining your life:

Know the computer system that your are using.  If you work in a lab, pick one that has good assistants to help.
Protect and maintain your equipment.  As the end of the semester nears, buy new printer ink cartridges for your printer or the printer you may be sharing.  If you share your friend’s or roommate’s computer, help pay for paper and ink.  Keep food and drink away from disks and keyboards.
Back up your work; do not depend on your computer's hard drive to safely store your important school work. Be diligent in doing a couple of these backup measures for all of your school work: (a). print every thing after every work session. (b). email every assignment to yourself as an attached file
Don’t procrastinate: Bad computer karma thrives in last minute panic.

Keys to Success in English 123

Effective Time Management
Good Organization
Accurate and Organized Note Taking

At the first sign of trouble or frustration, see me, call me, email me.  I am here for you always.  Just see me.  I would rather deal with a small panic attack before it becomes a fatal heart attack.  Often we can problem solve in just a few minutes;  I am not a miracle worker, but in a few moments with me early on could save the semester for you.  I would much rather see you a dozen times over minor things than try to salvage the semester because you were afraid to talk to me.

Do not procrastinate.  Each assignment is designed to finish one step of the research process and move you on to the next step.  Do not fall behind.  In case of illness or other unforeseen problems, call me immediately so that we can come up with a plan for you.  Late assignments cannot be accepted.  We have a lot of work to do.  Turning  in late assignments only puts you further behind.  Use your time wisely.  Create a work schedule.  Remember to redeem your favors. 123 requires a lot of hard work with a full compliment of assignments; therefore, you should be looking ahead to the next assignment, making sure that you do not leave lengthy assignments until the last minute.

Use the Writing Center. Make appointments early; if you have to cancel be sure to call to cancel so that another student can use your time.

Do something each day toward your research project: read an article, surf the net, take some notes, talk to someone about your topic, visit me, go to the library, use time between classes effectively.
Keep a research notebook.  Organize your research project, keeping all gathered material in one place.  Keep good records, take accurate and complete notes.

Don’t throw anything away.  While optional for the class, do keep a research notebook to help keep your work organized and in one location

The Research Notebook: Optional, but necessary for good organization
Use a three ring notebook with dividers for these categories

• Syllabus and class requirements
• Library sources and hand outs
• Research notes, daily journal thoughts, frustrations, ideas that come to 4mind, thesis ideas
• Time management calendar
• Conference schedule
• Class notes, handouts
• Record of graded assignments
• Graded assignments.

Remember:  An informed argument makes a sound argument.

Any questions?

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