Noel Kinnamon, PhD
(contact information below)
Fall 2008, 1:30-2:45 TR
Course description:
English 112 is a course in the research process and argumentation. Students
develop skills in reading and discussing various kinds of persuasive essays and
critical papers based on investigation of both primary and secondary sources,
and they learn to document sources of borrowed information and ideas.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Comprehend, evaluate, and write analytical and/or persuasive/argumentative essays.
2. Complete a multistage research project through use of the main tools of library research.
3. Synthesize the results of the research project in a unified, coherent, formally correct research paper that integrates evidence from a variety of sources.
4. Create and deliver an oral presentation.
5.
Comprehend and learn to avoid the general offense of plagiarism, as well
as the specific consequences of committing plagiarism in academic courses at
Mars Hill College.
Course Requirements:
1. Careful, punctual reading of assigned texts.
2. Regular participation in class activities and conferences, and prompt meeting of deadlines
(regardless of absences).
3. Two major papers: a primary source paper of 3-5 pages (of text) on a work of literature in the
textbook for the course, submitted in two stages; a research essay of 5-7 pages (of text) based on at least 7 cited sources, submitted in three stages, a partial draft, a first complete (not “rough”) draft, and a final draft (with other materials to be explained; lengths refer to the main text, exclusive of supplementary pages). NB No final draft will be accepted unless an approved first draft has been submitted; no research paper will be accepted at all unless all the preliminary stages in the research process have been completed and approved. "Incompletes" should not be expected. Class participation will help determine borderline cases.
4. Two one-hour examinations and a final examination; quizzes as necessary.
5.
Other assignments: paragraphs, exercises, paraphrases, annotated
bibliographies, etc.
Evaluation (based on a 10-point scale, A=90-100, etc.):
Primary source paper 35% (including steps in process)
Research essay (two drafts) 35% (including steps in process)
Examinations, paragraphs, quizzes, etc.
30%
Absence Policy: Four absences are allowed, but no distinction is made between excused and unexcused absences: save the allowed cuts for an emergency. Two late arrivals will be counted as an absence. Each absence over the allowed number will result in the reduction of the final grade by five points. Classes will begin promptly on the hour, and all assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. No late work will be accepted, and all research tasks must be completed in the assigned sequence. If work is missed because of an absence resulting from an emergency, a physician’s note or some other official document will be required.
Instructional methods: Class discussion, collaborative work, problem solving, oral presentations and attentive listening, use of computer technology, lecture.
Plagiarism: Avoiding even the suspicion of plagiarism is especially important in a research course. Students are expected to work diligently and honestly.
Use
of electronic devices (including cell phones, MP3s, Internet browsers, and so
on) is strictly prohibited during class. The professor will indicate when the
computers are to be used.
Food
is not to be brought into the classroom or consumed during class.
Honor Code