Class Information, Policies and Procedures
for EN 0103, Basic Composition:
 

Objectives: EN 0103 stresses grammar and usage as the foundations for the effective organization and presentation of ideas in writing. The course emphasizes the word, the sentence, and the paragraph as basic compositional components of good writing. The readings are short expository writings that serve as models of standard American usage and as examples of organizational strategies.

Course Work: Most compositions will be written in class with the instructor's supervision. All compositions will concentrate on development of sentences and paragraphs. The final three compositions will test for mastery of basic essay development. Each draft of a composition will be evaluated promptly for the next draft session. Both the draft(s) and the final version must be returned to the instructor in order to earn credit. Composition drafts that are not returned and revised will be given a zero. Frequent quizzes will be given throughout the semester on the rules of punctuation and usage assigned as homework. Several tests on grammar will be given. The final exam will consist of an essay of at least 500 words and a grammar test.

Points:

A = 900-1000
B = 800-899
C = 700-799
D = 600-699
F = below 600

EN 0103 Point Distribution:

3 paragraphs @ 50..........................150
3 paragraph drafts @ 15....................45
3 essays @ 100................................300 - 2 during the semester, 1 as a final exam
4 essay drafts @ 20............................80 - 2 drafts per essay during the semester
1 grammar final.................................100
3 grammar quizzes @ 50..................150
CW/HW/Journal..............................175

Texts:

• These books are available as a single bundle.

  Real Writing with Readings, 4th edition
  Susan Anker
  Bedford/St. Martin's
  
  Supplemental Exercises to Accompany Real Writing, 4th edition
  Susan Anker
  Bedford/St. Martin's
  (Workbook; do not purchased used copy)

Class Policies and Procedures:

1. Students who are absent on days compositions are written in class may make up the compositions on an assigned topic if they present an excuse that is consistent with University policy. A subsequent composition cannot be written until the previous composition has been graded, revised, and returned. Tests may be made up only if students have excused absences.
2. Students absent on days that compositions are revised must revise their compositions at a scheduled make-up time.
3. Students with excused absences may make up grammar quizzes but may not make up other classroom activities such has peer evaluations, class discussions, activity groups and reading quizzes. Students will receive zeros on these assignments which may result in a failing grade.
4. All compositions become the property of the MSU English Department.