Required Text:

• Bullock, et al., Norton Field Guide to Writing, with Readings and Handbook (FG)

Purpose of Course:
This course will help you develop your writing skills, which, as we shall see, is intricately linked to the reading process, and will allow you to apply these skills to the critical and analytical discussion of texts, from a wide variety of perspectives.

Course Requirements:
Attendance/Participation. Because writing can be a troublesome task, it is useful to discuss it with other people who may be having similar problems or who may have helpful advice to share. Therefore, attendance is required. In addition to everyday attendance, it is especially necessary for you to be present for peer group discussion and to be an active participant.
Unexcused absences from peer group sessions will lower the grade of your final paper.  Because of the importance of regular attendance, excessive unexcused class absences will result in a failing grade for the course. Excessive lates will also lower your grade. (See Official Policy )

Reading Assignments. It is important to be prepared for class discussions. For this reason, you must complete all reading assignments before class and you will be expected to submit written responses to any assigned discussion questions for the readings at the beginning of class.

• Late Homework Assignments will receive half credit.
• All homework assignments must be typed or neatly written on looseleaf paper. Homework submitted on torn-out notebook paper can not be accepted.
• Homework may also be emailed, but only as MS Word (or rich text) Attachments, and they must be received before class begins to be considered on time.

• Students are responsible for all assignments, even if they are absent.
• Untyped papers will not be accepted.
• Initial papers must be completed by the beginning of class.
• Failure to hand in an Initial Paper on time will result in the loss of a full letter grade on the Final Paper.
• Initial Papers that are less than half the required length will receive half credit and will cause the loss of 2/3 of a letter grade on the final paper.
• Final Papers are due by the end of business on the due date. If they are not completed before class, they may be turned in to Dr. Mekler in his office or in his mailbox in Holmes 202. They may also be emailed, but only as MS Word (or rich text) attachments, and must be received before 5 pm.
• Papers slipped under Dr. Mekler's door will be considered late.
• Late Final papers will lose 2/3 of a letter grade for each class day.
• ** Plagiarism on any assignment will have dire consequences. **
• Please familiarize yourself with the policy  and let Dr. Mekler know if anything is unclear.

Grading:

Homework  Grammar Examination Essays Final Examination

10 % 15 % 50 % 25 %