Eileen from our class posted the following on a discussion thread on our FC homepage, and I thought that it was worth sharing with the rest of the class:
Just wanted to pass along a few tips for pulling up the entire journal, not just specific article. The Pubmed database allows this. When I went to category, (subject) I found a list of journals, but after finding the journal I wanted, I couldn't get to the full journal. I went back to databases; 'pubmed' then I could type in name of journal, and click on the '5 number' colored area at bottom of page, This brought me to journal, with each issue to pick from with list of articles in each journal. Good luck. I used the chat room with librarian too. It was helpful if you get stuck!!
thanks Eileen.
--Jamie
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Some clarifications
Thanks for the intros from everyone. I am pretty sure that I sent this to all of you as part of your assn. commentary, but I wanted to post it to the blog as well.
Clarification on the blog:
We will not post assns. on the blog every week, instead the assns for the blog will come as they do. they will be appropriately labeled as such. however, that doesn't mean that the blog won't be useful in the down weeks as well. it is just another forum that we can use to post interesting/intriguing/helpful links or posts or ideas. for instance, i will begin posting copies of our larger assns. (starting with next week's lit review) to the blog so that you may read them for clarification purposes if you are away from FerrisConnect). you may also post info here as you feel the need. many of you are in the same field or studying similar things and this can be a place for that sort of pertinent info as well. of course you will only be required to post here when i assign it, but i want you to know that as an author it is available to you in any way you see fit.
Thanks,
Jamie
Clarification on the blog:
We will not post assns. on the blog every week, instead the assns for the blog will come as they do. they will be appropriately labeled as such. however, that doesn't mean that the blog won't be useful in the down weeks as well. it is just another forum that we can use to post interesting/intriguing/helpful links or posts or ideas. for instance, i will begin posting copies of our larger assns. (starting with next week's lit review) to the blog so that you may read them for clarification purposes if you are away from FerrisConnect). you may also post info here as you feel the need. many of you are in the same field or studying similar things and this can be a place for that sort of pertinent info as well. of course you will only be required to post here when i assign it, but i want you to know that as an author it is available to you in any way you see fit.
Thanks,
Jamie
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
hello, my name is josh but everyone calls me jelly
ok so it took me a while to figure what exactly i was doing/ going on as this late post shows but oh well. so to start here's a little bit about me, i am currently attending ferris' game design and animation program and it's a program i truly enjoy. I like to draw and express myself through creative means such as cartooning musical, some wiresculpting, 3d animation ect. I'm taking this course for a few reasons, mainly because it fills my 12 credits, the other reason is that this class will help prepare me for writing contracts according to david baker. So leading into what i hope to get out of this class is learning how to write in a technical manner for writing contracts and to maintain having 12 credits worth of class for financial aid reasons.
jelly
jelly
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Introduction
My name is Jenn Kloosterman. I will be graduating from GRCC with an associates in child development this May. I am currently doing my co-op for my capstone class for my associates and I really enjoy it. In my free time which I don't have much of I hang out with my boyfriend, and friends. I love kids, and I like to read.
I am taking this class because it is required for my Elementary Ed major. I hope to get out of this class to become a better writer. I am looking forward to learning some new information that I will be able to use in the future.
I am taking this class because it is required for my Elementary Ed major. I hope to get out of this class to become a better writer. I am looking forward to learning some new information that I will be able to use in the future.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hello, I'm Ashley
Hi everyone. My name is Ashley DeGroff. I am a junior at Ferris of Grand Rapids. My major is Information Security and Intelligence and I already have an Associate degree in business from Southwestern Michigan College. I grew up in Cheboygan, MI and after graduating high school, I moved to New Buffalo, MI and lived there for five years. Now I live in downtown Grand Rapids, I'm going for my Bachelor's degree, and I currently do not have a job (although I am seeking part time employment).
I am taking this class because it is required for my degree and also I know that I will gain valuable knowledge in writing. There is always room for improvement.
My interests are largely anything that has to do with summer. Boating is my passion, I love swimming, kayaking, rollerblading, camping, and all water sports. I also enjoy working out, specifically kickboxing.
I've never technically Blogged before so please don't mind me while I get used to it. Good luck in this class!
I am taking this class because it is required for my degree and also I know that I will gain valuable knowledge in writing. There is always room for improvement.
My interests are largely anything that has to do with summer. Boating is my passion, I love swimming, kayaking, rollerblading, camping, and all water sports. I also enjoy working out, specifically kickboxing.
I've never technically Blogged before so please don't mind me while I get used to it. Good luck in this class!
Introducing Dana Platt
Greetings!
This is going to be weird for me. I am use to communicating with people via the internet, but not in relation to an English class. So, being more formal and remembering to use proper punctuation is going to be a challenge. Please bear with me!
I am currently a senior in Ferris Grand Rapids Digital Animation and Game Design program. I have three courses left to take, with this class being one of them. I have been in college now for 8 years at the very least. Had I stuck with my original major, I would have been a doctor working on her residency! I have the habit of switching majors (pre-med, engineering, business, culinary arts, accounting... to name a few!), but have thankfully found the degree I'm truly passionate about.
I am in this class because it is required for my degree. I am thankful just to be in this class, it was uncertain until today if I would be allowed to remain. I've been in college so long and have credits all over the place that I got caught, briefly, by the department auditor! If I seem overly exuberant, you now know why! I hope to continue learning how to effectively communicate, through formal writing, in such a manner that I retain my "voice".
As far as interests go, I love playing games (all forms) and making things that go in games. With that in mind, I hope to pursue a job in the gaming industry once I graduate. If anyone has any contacts, feel free to pass them along!
Oh, by the way... I know we have some new bloggers in here, I'd like to remind everyone that a blog is viewable by anyone on the internet. So, if there's something you wouldn't want everyone to know, don't post it!
This is going to be weird for me. I am use to communicating with people via the internet, but not in relation to an English class. So, being more formal and remembering to use proper punctuation is going to be a challenge. Please bear with me!
I am currently a senior in Ferris Grand Rapids Digital Animation and Game Design program. I have three courses left to take, with this class being one of them. I have been in college now for 8 years at the very least. Had I stuck with my original major, I would have been a doctor working on her residency! I have the habit of switching majors (pre-med, engineering, business, culinary arts, accounting... to name a few!), but have thankfully found the degree I'm truly passionate about.
I am in this class because it is required for my degree. I am thankful just to be in this class, it was uncertain until today if I would be allowed to remain. I've been in college so long and have credits all over the place that I got caught, briefly, by the department auditor! If I seem overly exuberant, you now know why! I hope to continue learning how to effectively communicate, through formal writing, in such a manner that I retain my "voice".
As far as interests go, I love playing games (all forms) and making things that go in games. With that in mind, I hope to pursue a job in the gaming industry once I graduate. If anyone has any contacts, feel free to pass them along!
Oh, by the way... I know we have some new bloggers in here, I'd like to remind everyone that a blog is viewable by anyone on the internet. So, if there's something you wouldn't want everyone to know, don't post it!
Hello my name is ... Erin! :)
Good morning everyone!
I can't believe the semester is already in full swing, I find it to be an exciting, but overwhelming time! I've been a college student, to some degree, for six years now. It took me quite a while to discover the right career path, but I think I finally found the right one! I'm working on my associates in Respiratory Therapy and my bachelors in Health Care Administration, both through FSU's Grand Rapids campus. I'm tackling what I'm assuming will be one of the more challenging semesters I've endeavored in as I have a total of 17 credits. The bulk of my credits are online (7 classes online, 2 traditional classes). I am terrified about staying organized through it all, and if anyone has ANY suggestions, please feel free to send them my way!
I spend the majority of my time, outside of studying, with my son and my family. I love writing and blogging. My goals for this course are to fine tune my writing. My biggest downfall in writing is that I'm much too wordy; what might take others a mere sentence to write, I can drag out to a full page. So, I want to minimize that and focus on stating my purpose and getting my point across in a more clear and concise way!
I wish everyone the best of luck and hope we are all able to bounce ideas off of each other, as well as gain insight as to ways we can improve as writers.
I can't believe the semester is already in full swing, I find it to be an exciting, but overwhelming time! I've been a college student, to some degree, for six years now. It took me quite a while to discover the right career path, but I think I finally found the right one! I'm working on my associates in Respiratory Therapy and my bachelors in Health Care Administration, both through FSU's Grand Rapids campus. I'm tackling what I'm assuming will be one of the more challenging semesters I've endeavored in as I have a total of 17 credits. The bulk of my credits are online (7 classes online, 2 traditional classes). I am terrified about staying organized through it all, and if anyone has ANY suggestions, please feel free to send them my way!
I spend the majority of my time, outside of studying, with my son and my family. I love writing and blogging. My goals for this course are to fine tune my writing. My biggest downfall in writing is that I'm much too wordy; what might take others a mere sentence to write, I can drag out to a full page. So, I want to minimize that and focus on stating my purpose and getting my point across in a more clear and concise way!
I wish everyone the best of luck and hope we are all able to bounce ideas off of each other, as well as gain insight as to ways we can improve as writers.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Introduction of Sean Alderink
Uh...Hey. My name is Sean Alderink. I'm 23 and currently enrolled in Ferris Grand Rapids and GRCC. My major is Digital Animation and Game Design so I know quite a bit about computers but never got into Blogging cause it really really irritates me...Myspace, Xanga, Facebook, though I do use it I still hate it lol. But enough about that. I currently work as a Pizza Delivery guy for Hungry Howies in Jenison and I also work at Gamestop by the Rivertown Mall (which is a much better job that pizza delivery). Hobbies : I play video games obviously, I enjoy extreme sports...like, Snowboarding, wakeboarding, skateboarding, dirt biking, longboarding, mountain climbing, uh...there is probably more. Lately I've been getting into Texas Hold'em and have become ridiculously(sp) addicted to it. The idea of reading people through their expressions is very intriguing, especially when money is on the line :) . I am in this class because it is required for my major. I am more of a story writing kind of person, and I hate research papers... yeah.
I don't know what else to say...good luck in class everyone.
I don't know what else to say...good luck in class everyone.
Welcome aboard
I also work at Spectrum Health, I like to still call it Butterworth. I have been a nurse for 26 yrs. I currently work in Pre Procedure Planning. What I do is to make telephone calls to patients who are coming in for surgery at Butterworth, Blodgett, Meijer Heart Center, Lake Dr., East Paris Surg Center or Lake Dr surgery center. Yes, we have job security, and are always busy. We complete a health assessment and discuss pre and post op surgery routines. I am excited to say that this is my last class in the Ferris State's RN to BSN program. Not sure how, but instead of taking English at the beginning... here I am now. My spare time is less since my husband, a machinist, was layed off which means I am now the breadwinner in the family. I am a wife, mother of 3, nurse, student, and help care for an elderly aunt who recently broke her hip. I love to cheer my kids on at sporting events, read, and I need to finish a baby blanket I am knitting. Yeah! It's pink. My son and new daughter in law are expecting 3/11/09. I am active at church and try to get a few visits to middle school for activities with my other son and daughter.
At work, my writing is mostly in charting. For nursing we have always been taught to be concise and to the point. I am having more interactions with Policy and Procedures as we merge with the ambulatory surgery center nurses. I would love to use my BSN in some form of educating. We will see what doors open for me.
At work, my writing is mostly in charting. For nursing we have always been taught to be concise and to the point. I am having more interactions with Policy and Procedures as we merge with the ambulatory surgery center nurses. I would love to use my BSN in some form of educating. We will see what doors open for me.
Introduction of Connie VanderBoon
My name is Connie VanderBoon, I am an RN at Spectrum Health. I have been a nurse for fourteen years and I have worked in surgery for the past ten years. I am working on completing my BSN, and I am in the home stretch with three classes left to finish. Even though this course is a requirement, I do hope to learn how to be more effective with my writing skills. I have not had much free time in the past few years since I began this endeavor, but when I do have time I enjoy running, camping, reading and spending time with my husband and cat.
Intoduction...Angela Worsley
Sorry Corey. I posted this as a coment on yours....Let's try again.
I have no idea if I am doing this right or not, but here goes.... My name is Angela Worsley. I just graduated from Ferris with an Associates degree in Respiratory Care from the College of Allied Health, in December. I am now signed up to get my Bachelor in Health Care Administration so that one day I can move into management.
I grew up in Wyoming Mi. I moved to Georgia in 1997 and lived there for 7 years. I lived 20 minutes from the Florida border. I absolutely love the south!!!! I came back here after a divorce and started school. I work at Metro Health as a therapist. I am a single mother of three wonderful boys: Gabriel 11, Elijah 8, and Josiah 5. We live in Lowell, which is a little quiet country setting and I love it. In my free time, wait a minute... have you been paying attention to my blog? I don't really have free time between work, school, and the kids. But, when I do get a chance at some free time, I hang out with my friends and play some texas holdem and once in a while get to go bowling.
Good luck to everyone this semester!!!
Angela Worsley
I have no idea if I am doing this right or not, but here goes.... My name is Angela Worsley. I just graduated from Ferris with an Associates degree in Respiratory Care from the College of Allied Health, in December. I am now signed up to get my Bachelor in Health Care Administration so that one day I can move into management.
I grew up in Wyoming Mi. I moved to Georgia in 1997 and lived there for 7 years. I lived 20 minutes from the Florida border. I absolutely love the south!!!! I came back here after a divorce and started school. I work at Metro Health as a therapist. I am a single mother of three wonderful boys: Gabriel 11, Elijah 8, and Josiah 5. We live in Lowell, which is a little quiet country setting and I love it. In my free time, wait a minute... have you been paying attention to my blog? I don't really have free time between work, school, and the kids. But, when I do get a chance at some free time, I hang out with my friends and play some texas holdem and once in a while get to go bowling.
Good luck to everyone this semester!!!
Angela Worsley
Introduction of Cory J. Davis
Good morning everyone,
My name is Cory J. Davis, and I am a senior at Ferris Downtown Grand Rapids Campus. I am 25 yrs. old and have been in college for awhile now, due to fact I have switched my major so many times (culinary arts, elementary education, psychology) and now Criminal Justice. I live in Grand Rapids on the Southeast side of town, where I'm very active at my local church in the youth department, where I am a children's church teacher, and youth mentor. I can't forget that I am an East Kentwood High School graduate, where I currently am an assistant coach for their Varsity football team.
Personal Life
I have a nine year daughter, who is the joy of my life and my moral police, need I say more. Also I am engaged and planning for our wedding in May 2010. For recreation I bowl and play football, but can't this year because our season (Rampage) has been canceled, and I signed a contract with them just two weeks before the issue, such a drag.
So if I not with my family, I'm generally somewhere in the community visiting mentees at school and going to sporting events.
My name is Cory J. Davis, and I am a senior at Ferris Downtown Grand Rapids Campus. I am 25 yrs. old and have been in college for awhile now, due to fact I have switched my major so many times (culinary arts, elementary education, psychology) and now Criminal Justice. I live in Grand Rapids on the Southeast side of town, where I'm very active at my local church in the youth department, where I am a children's church teacher, and youth mentor. I can't forget that I am an East Kentwood High School graduate, where I currently am an assistant coach for their Varsity football team.
Personal Life
I have a nine year daughter, who is the joy of my life and my moral police, need I say more. Also I am engaged and planning for our wedding in May 2010. For recreation I bowl and play football, but can't this year because our season (Rampage) has been canceled, and I signed a contract with them just two weeks before the issue, such a drag.
So if I not with my family, I'm generally somewhere in the community visiting mentees at school and going to sporting events.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Introduction
Hi everyone my name is Lloyd Edwards. I am 21 years old and I am enrolled on the main campus for Ferris. I live in an apartment at University Park Suites just south of town. I currently work in the Swan building on campus. I work for the surveying and engineering program and I mainly check out the equipment to the students that they will need for their labs. I am in this class because it is required for my degree in biology. I hope to become a better writer in this class and my big problem is supporting my ideas in papers. I am still not sure what career is right for me. I love to hunt and play video games.
This is my first time in an online class and my first time blogging so I hope I am doing everything correctly.
This is my first time in an online class and my first time blogging so I hope I am doing everything correctly.
Introduction to Jaci Jackson
Hello Class, this will be my first blog entry of my life so forgive me if I am doing this wrong. My name is Jaci (pronounced Jackie) Jackson. I go to the Grand Rapids campus of Ferris State University for Elementary Education. I have been in college for six years and feel as if I will never graduate. I am 23 years old and am married to my wonderful husband Ben. We are very hands-on people, we are constantly working on our house (which we bought purposely to not have to fix up, but we find things to do all the time anyways). If we aren't remodeling we are playing sports or just lounging around with our dog, Lido. We are not very exciting people! I am in this class because it is required for my English minor. I hope to gain structure to my writing as well as discipline. I feel that I need to clarify my thoughts to get clear points across. My fear in this class is that I will not do things correctly, and having it be online I will not know that I am not doing things correctly. So please, let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Tentative Course Schedule
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
This schedule will evolve as the class progresses. Changes will be announced both on our blog and on FerrisConnect. Full instructions for the items on this list, including page numbers will be posted as they become available. Unless otherwise noted, all weekly writing assignments and discussion questions will be assigned on Monday and due by Sunday. All readings unless noted will be provided in handout form/online at our blog and on FerrisConnect.
1.12 Wk 1
Course intro, Getting started (Blogger/FerrisConnect)
• Discussion online
• Intro assignment (on blog)
1.19 Wk2
• Discussion online
• Website evaluation assn. (in your field of study)
1.26 Wk3
• Discussion online
• Professional Journals Assignment (field of study)
2.2 Wk4
• Discussion online
• Literature Review (Rough Draft)
2.9 Wk 5
• Peer Review Groups (on discussion board) Literature Review
• Action/Revision plan Lit. Review.
2.16 Wk 6
LONG ANALYTICAL REPORT assigned
• Discussion online
• Literature Review (Final Draft) DUE
• Long Analytical Report proposals
2.23 Wk 7
• Discussion online
• Summary of Crisis (Part of Rogerian Essay)
3.2 Wk 8
• discussion online
• Persuasive Plan for Rogerian Argument Essay, using Toulmin Model
MARCH 9-13 SPRING BREAK – NO “CLASS”
3.16 Wk 9
• Discussion online
• Rogerian Argument Essay (Rough Draft)
3.23 Wk 10
• Peer Workshops (discussion board groups), Rogerian Argument essay
• Progress Report and Brief Annotation Due (Long Analytical Report)
3.30 Wk 11
APA style, Documentation of sources, Revision
READ: handouts forthcoming
• Discussion online
• Rogerian Argument Essay (Final Draft)
4.6 Wk 12
• Discussion online
• Long Analytical Report, Rough Draft Due
4.13 Wk 13
• PEER workshop GROUPS Long Analytical Report (Rough Draft on discussion board)
4.20 Wk 14
Discussion conference w/ me (last Q’s about final Paper)
• Final Draft, Long Analytical Report DUE (4.26)
4.27 Wk 15
Course Wrap up
• Discussion online
• Semester “process” writing DUE
This schedule will evolve as the class progresses. Changes will be announced both on our blog and on FerrisConnect. Full instructions for the items on this list, including page numbers will be posted as they become available. Unless otherwise noted, all weekly writing assignments and discussion questions will be assigned on Monday and due by Sunday. All readings unless noted will be provided in handout form/online at our blog and on FerrisConnect.
1.12 Wk 1
Course intro, Getting started (Blogger/FerrisConnect)
• Discussion online
• Intro assignment (on blog)
1.19 Wk2
• Discussion online
• Website evaluation assn. (in your field of study)
1.26 Wk3
• Discussion online
• Professional Journals Assignment (field of study)
2.2 Wk4
• Discussion online
• Literature Review (Rough Draft)
2.9 Wk 5
• Peer Review Groups (on discussion board) Literature Review
• Action/Revision plan Lit. Review.
2.16 Wk 6
LONG ANALYTICAL REPORT assigned
• Discussion online
• Literature Review (Final Draft) DUE
• Long Analytical Report proposals
2.23 Wk 7
• Discussion online
• Summary of Crisis (Part of Rogerian Essay)
3.2 Wk 8
• discussion online
• Persuasive Plan for Rogerian Argument Essay, using Toulmin Model
MARCH 9-13 SPRING BREAK – NO “CLASS”
3.16 Wk 9
• Discussion online
• Rogerian Argument Essay (Rough Draft)
3.23 Wk 10
• Peer Workshops (discussion board groups), Rogerian Argument essay
• Progress Report and Brief Annotation Due (Long Analytical Report)
3.30 Wk 11
APA style, Documentation of sources, Revision
READ: handouts forthcoming
• Discussion online
• Rogerian Argument Essay (Final Draft)
4.6 Wk 12
• Discussion online
• Long Analytical Report, Rough Draft Due
4.13 Wk 13
• PEER workshop GROUPS Long Analytical Report (Rough Draft on discussion board)
4.20 Wk 14
Discussion conference w/ me (last Q’s about final Paper)
• Final Draft, Long Analytical Report DUE (4.26)
4.27 Wk 15
Course Wrap up
• Discussion online
• Semester “process” writing DUE
Syllabus
ENGL 321 – Advanced Composition
Spring 2009
Room# - online
Section #’s – V10, V11 & V14
Instructor: Jamie Thomas
Office: 013b ALU
Office Hours: T/R 10-11, W 10-12 & by appointment
email: thomaj21@ferris.edu
Office phone: 231.591.3076
MATERIALS
- a good college dictionary
- MLA/APA style handbook (may also consult www.mla.org)
- printing costs
Texts:
[No Required texts]
links to pertinent web sites and handouts provided by me on FerrisConnect
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES
English 321, Advanced Composition, is an upper-division advanced composition course that builds on the rhetorical and stylistic skills/techniques developed in freshman and sophomore level writing classes. It offers students preparation for successful writing experiences professional contexts and for advanced academic work. This course is designed to help writers develop the thinking and organizing skills needed for effective written expression. Among other emphases, particular attention is given to such special skill requirements as found in the interaction of style, purpose, and audience in diverse and complex writing situations.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon Completion of ENGL 321, students should be able to
• analyze and define the purpose[s] of their writing, understanding the rhetorical contexts underlying the production of both academic and professional writing.
• locate, integrate, and document information appropriate to their writing.
• analyze and define the needs of their intended audience.
• analyze the writing task and choose appropriate methods of organization.
• produce effective written communication, demonstrating appropriate use of language, sentence structure, grammar, and mechanics.
• work effectively with others to produce and/or revise written materials, using instructor and peer feedback in the revision process and responding to others’ written texts for effective revision.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ONLINE COURSES
Computer access and e-mail are, of course, critical to this course. Students should plan to use FerrisConnect e-mail (and their assigned Ferris e-mail addresses which can be set to relay to another e-mail address if you wish).
We will be using FerrisConnect as the platform for our course, as well as a class Weblog through Blogger.com that will be created and to which I will invite you. Microsoft Word is the software application students must use for all documents. Microsoft Office Suite is available to all Ferris State University students for a licensing fee of $25 and an additional $10 for the title. For details, contact the Ferris office in the University Center at 231-995-1734 or toll free 866-857-1954.
Computing Skills: You need to have these computing skills before this class begins:
• E-mail with attachments
• FerrisConnect access, login, navigating, discussion boards, attaching text files
• Microsoft Word: all basic word processing skills, margins, fonts, indents, page numbering, and so on
• Microsoft Word: comment feature (we can do some tutoring on this during class)
IMPORTANT NOTE: I cannot personally help you with computer problems. Make sure you have phone numbers and backup help for emergencies. There are links on the Ferris homepage to TAC (Tech Support) and you can visit http://www.ferris.edu/webct/knowledge/qna10.cfm for questions regarding connecting to FerrisConnect. It is also a good idea to have a second place to work from if/when your computer crashes. Computer problems do not constitute excuses for not submitting work on time.
Format Issues:
• All rough and final drafts must be typed.
• The drafts must be clearly marked as to their assignments.
• All documents must be dated (with a date on each page after the first one in the footer).
• All letters and memos must follow the formats detailed in the text.
• A letterhead of your design should be used on the first page of letters and memos.
• Headers and bullets must be used to make the document easier to read.
• All pages other than the first page should be numbered and include appropriate material in the header or footer (your name, the company name, or the name of the document).
• Good design and layout is an important part of a document and will be evaluated.
GRADING
You must complete all major assignments for the course in order to receive a passing grade. Late work will be deducted 1/2 letter grade for each day it is late. You will be expected to participate professionally—turn in your work on time, collaborate, and pull your load, meaning willing participation in all facets of virtual-classroom life, and sincere effort to improve your own writing and that of your peers through any peer review, revision, and online conferencing. Rudeness in any form will not be tolerated. Offenders will be asked to leave the “class”.
Your final grade will be determined, primarily, by your written work. Roughly, I will follow these percentages:
Weekly Discussion posts 15%
Weekly writing, drafts, response, blog
assignments (1-2 pgs. ea.) 30%
Literature Review 15%
Rogerian Argument Essay 15%
Long Analytical Report 25%
Scale:
94 - 100 A 77 - 79 C+ 0-63 F
90 - 93 A- 74 - 76 C
87 - 89 B+ 70 - 73 C-
84 - 86 B 67 - 69 D+
80 - 83 B- 64 - 66 D
Specific requirements of individual assignments may change, but in all cases, my evaluation will consider content, originality, command of language, mechanics and maturity of thought. (Please note that effort is not considered in the determination in your grade.) More specifically, assignments will be considered roughly as follows:
Topic/Purpose Development: 50%
Organization and Support: 30%
Style and Mechanics: 20%
WEBLOG
During the first week of class, I will create a weblog through Blogger.com. My hope is that our blog will provide an outside forum where info can be shared and conveyed, assignments changed and verified, and virtual “lectures” conducted. In essence, it will be a place that mirrors our FerrisConnect site; you will be able to find our schedule and evolving info there, which will be especially helpful if FerrisConnect ever breaks down (which is inevitable). Also, you will post responses to short assignments there, this will help facilitate “classroom” dynamics.
DISCUSSION BOARD
Along with the weekly readings and writing assns., you will be expected to answer/respond to short discussion questions. These questions will be my way of sparking virtual "discussion" of topics that will arise. It will also be a forum whereby students can "meet" to bounce ideas off of each other, respond to the poetry in an informal manner, ask questions, bring up ideas, etc. The discussion board will be governed by professional behavior and an attitude of discovery - that is, a place where ideas can be not only formed but tested.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
While students are not required to attend this course in a literal classroom, students are required to participate in this course consistently. Students who disappear (i.e. don’t turn in work) for more than three weeks (either consecutively or nonconsecutively) may be subject to automatic failure of the course.
Spring 2009
Room# - online
Section #’s – V10, V11 & V14
Instructor: Jamie Thomas
Office: 013b ALU
Office Hours: T/R 10-11, W 10-12 & by appointment
email: thomaj21@ferris.edu
Office phone: 231.591.3076
MATERIALS
- a good college dictionary
- MLA/APA style handbook (may also consult www.mla.org)
- printing costs
Texts:
[No Required texts]
links to pertinent web sites and handouts provided by me on FerrisConnect
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES
English 321, Advanced Composition, is an upper-division advanced composition course that builds on the rhetorical and stylistic skills/techniques developed in freshman and sophomore level writing classes. It offers students preparation for successful writing experiences professional contexts and for advanced academic work. This course is designed to help writers develop the thinking and organizing skills needed for effective written expression. Among other emphases, particular attention is given to such special skill requirements as found in the interaction of style, purpose, and audience in diverse and complex writing situations.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon Completion of ENGL 321, students should be able to
• analyze and define the purpose[s] of their writing, understanding the rhetorical contexts underlying the production of both academic and professional writing.
• locate, integrate, and document information appropriate to their writing.
• analyze and define the needs of their intended audience.
• analyze the writing task and choose appropriate methods of organization.
• produce effective written communication, demonstrating appropriate use of language, sentence structure, grammar, and mechanics.
• work effectively with others to produce and/or revise written materials, using instructor and peer feedback in the revision process and responding to others’ written texts for effective revision.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ONLINE COURSES
Computer access and e-mail are, of course, critical to this course. Students should plan to use FerrisConnect e-mail (and their assigned Ferris e-mail addresses which can be set to relay to another e-mail address if you wish).
We will be using FerrisConnect as the platform for our course, as well as a class Weblog through Blogger.com that will be created and to which I will invite you. Microsoft Word is the software application students must use for all documents. Microsoft Office Suite is available to all Ferris State University students for a licensing fee of $25 and an additional $10 for the title. For details, contact the Ferris office in the University Center at 231-995-1734 or toll free 866-857-1954.
Computing Skills: You need to have these computing skills before this class begins:
• E-mail with attachments
• FerrisConnect access, login, navigating, discussion boards, attaching text files
• Microsoft Word: all basic word processing skills, margins, fonts, indents, page numbering, and so on
• Microsoft Word: comment feature (we can do some tutoring on this during class)
IMPORTANT NOTE: I cannot personally help you with computer problems. Make sure you have phone numbers and backup help for emergencies. There are links on the Ferris homepage to TAC (Tech Support) and you can visit http://www.ferris.edu/webct/knowledge/qna10.cfm for questions regarding connecting to FerrisConnect. It is also a good idea to have a second place to work from if/when your computer crashes. Computer problems do not constitute excuses for not submitting work on time.
Format Issues:
• All rough and final drafts must be typed.
• The drafts must be clearly marked as to their assignments.
• All documents must be dated (with a date on each page after the first one in the footer).
• All letters and memos must follow the formats detailed in the text.
• A letterhead of your design should be used on the first page of letters and memos.
• Headers and bullets must be used to make the document easier to read.
• All pages other than the first page should be numbered and include appropriate material in the header or footer (your name, the company name, or the name of the document).
• Good design and layout is an important part of a document and will be evaluated.
GRADING
You must complete all major assignments for the course in order to receive a passing grade. Late work will be deducted 1/2 letter grade for each day it is late. You will be expected to participate professionally—turn in your work on time, collaborate, and pull your load, meaning willing participation in all facets of virtual-classroom life, and sincere effort to improve your own writing and that of your peers through any peer review, revision, and online conferencing. Rudeness in any form will not be tolerated. Offenders will be asked to leave the “class”.
Your final grade will be determined, primarily, by your written work. Roughly, I will follow these percentages:
Weekly Discussion posts 15%
Weekly writing, drafts, response, blog
assignments (1-2 pgs. ea.) 30%
Literature Review 15%
Rogerian Argument Essay 15%
Long Analytical Report 25%
Scale:
94 - 100 A 77 - 79 C+ 0-63 F
90 - 93 A- 74 - 76 C
87 - 89 B+ 70 - 73 C-
84 - 86 B 67 - 69 D+
80 - 83 B- 64 - 66 D
Specific requirements of individual assignments may change, but in all cases, my evaluation will consider content, originality, command of language, mechanics and maturity of thought. (Please note that effort is not considered in the determination in your grade.) More specifically, assignments will be considered roughly as follows:
Topic/Purpose Development: 50%
Organization and Support: 30%
Style and Mechanics: 20%
WEBLOG
During the first week of class, I will create a weblog through Blogger.com. My hope is that our blog will provide an outside forum where info can be shared and conveyed, assignments changed and verified, and virtual “lectures” conducted. In essence, it will be a place that mirrors our FerrisConnect site; you will be able to find our schedule and evolving info there, which will be especially helpful if FerrisConnect ever breaks down (which is inevitable). Also, you will post responses to short assignments there, this will help facilitate “classroom” dynamics.
DISCUSSION BOARD
Along with the weekly readings and writing assns., you will be expected to answer/respond to short discussion questions. These questions will be my way of sparking virtual "discussion" of topics that will arise. It will also be a forum whereby students can "meet" to bounce ideas off of each other, respond to the poetry in an informal manner, ask questions, bring up ideas, etc. The discussion board will be governed by professional behavior and an attitude of discovery - that is, a place where ideas can be not only formed but tested.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
While students are not required to attend this course in a literal classroom, students are required to participate in this course consistently. Students who disappear (i.e. don’t turn in work) for more than three weeks (either consecutively or nonconsecutively) may be subject to automatic failure of the course.
Welcome Aboard
WELCOME ABOARD!
English 321, Advanced Composition, is an upper-division advanced composition course that builds on the rhetorical and stylistic skills/techniques developed in freshman and sophomore level writing classes. It offers students preparation for successful writing experiences professional contexts and for advanced academic work. This course is designed to help writers develop the thinking and organizing skills needed for effective written expression. Among other emphases, particular attention is given to such special skill requirements as found in the interaction of style, purpose, and audience in diverse and complex writing situations. This is the “company line” as it were, what Ferris State outlines the course. There are outcomes quantifying the anticipated course learning experience on our syllabus as well, and they are accurate and a good demarcation of our learning goals, but these are also jargonous practical terms. Let’s face it—most success in writing will depend upon how well you communicate your ideas, orders, reports, etc. I used to work as an associate editor at a literary journal where the editor kept especially bad cover letters for the bulletin board in the office. From that I learned this: write well, sound good, blend in, stand out by not making someone’s cork board. There is no shortchanging the importance of fostering one’s written communication skills.
So we will use as much discussion and actual writing as possible (through our Blog and the Discussion Board) to come to terms w/ the readings and also w/ our writing selves. If it helps we can think of the Blog and discussion board as virtual classrooms—and interaction is a key component.
The writing you engage in will be the kind you’ll find in the practical world, and hopefully will allow you to concentrate as often as possible on your field of study. Some may be new, some may be practice—but all writing is muscular, that is, you get stronger by putting up the reps. Be sure as well that I will work as hard as I can to make sure that the atmosphere of our class is one of interaction and the free exchange of ideas. I don’t expect that we will always agree with one another, but as long as we remain courteous, constructive, and professional then we can truly have a place where ideas collide in an energetic yet positive way.
I hope that you enjoy yourselves in your learning. Always feel free to contact me by phone/email whenever you have questions, concerns, suggestions, or ideas. Good luck and here’s to a great semester.
Best,
Jamie Thomas
English 321, Advanced Composition, is an upper-division advanced composition course that builds on the rhetorical and stylistic skills/techniques developed in freshman and sophomore level writing classes. It offers students preparation for successful writing experiences professional contexts and for advanced academic work. This course is designed to help writers develop the thinking and organizing skills needed for effective written expression. Among other emphases, particular attention is given to such special skill requirements as found in the interaction of style, purpose, and audience in diverse and complex writing situations. This is the “company line” as it were, what Ferris State outlines the course. There are outcomes quantifying the anticipated course learning experience on our syllabus as well, and they are accurate and a good demarcation of our learning goals, but these are also jargonous practical terms. Let’s face it—most success in writing will depend upon how well you communicate your ideas, orders, reports, etc. I used to work as an associate editor at a literary journal where the editor kept especially bad cover letters for the bulletin board in the office. From that I learned this: write well, sound good, blend in, stand out by not making someone’s cork board. There is no shortchanging the importance of fostering one’s written communication skills.
So we will use as much discussion and actual writing as possible (through our Blog and the Discussion Board) to come to terms w/ the readings and also w/ our writing selves. If it helps we can think of the Blog and discussion board as virtual classrooms—and interaction is a key component.
The writing you engage in will be the kind you’ll find in the practical world, and hopefully will allow you to concentrate as often as possible on your field of study. Some may be new, some may be practice—but all writing is muscular, that is, you get stronger by putting up the reps. Be sure as well that I will work as hard as I can to make sure that the atmosphere of our class is one of interaction and the free exchange of ideas. I don’t expect that we will always agree with one another, but as long as we remain courteous, constructive, and professional then we can truly have a place where ideas collide in an energetic yet positive way.
I hope that you enjoy yourselves in your learning. Always feel free to contact me by phone/email whenever you have questions, concerns, suggestions, or ideas. Good luck and here’s to a great semester.
Best,
Jamie Thomas
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