ENGL 101 - College Writing
Credits: 4.00
Normally to be taken the first semester at IUP. Courses use readings in the nature and history of language, semantic and linguistic analysis, and problems in rhetoric and other approaches to composition. Seven theme-length expository papers (or the equivalent) are written, in addition to shorter exercises and a written final examination.

From the very first day, we will be working with the computer as a tool for writing. All of your work will be published on the web for students in other writing classes to read. You will be expected to read and respond to their work as well as part of your work for the course. Finally, your course grade will be based upon a portfolio of your writing that must be displayed on a web site of your creation. You will learn all of the necessary skills, if you do not already have them, as part of the course.

Class Participation     (25%)

Cover Letter            ( 5%)

End of term portfolio (70%)

Hacker, Diana. (1999). A writer's reference. NY: Bedford.

Random House. (1998). Random House Webster's school and office thesaurus.

"The university expects all students to attend class...."

Approved May 13, 1994, Council of Trustees

Indiana University of Pennsylvania 1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog, p.26.

You will be permitted two absences from class without a need for an excuse and without any penalty to your grade. 25% of your grade is based on participation in class. Since you must be in class to participate, my minimal standard for participation is that you are present in class from the time we begin until the time we end. I will ask you to sign a participation sheet indicating that you were in class and participated each time. My record of your participation in class will be your signature on that sheet as well as file copies of at least three responses to other students’ work. Be sure that you sign it each time you come to class. Arriving late or leaving early will count as an absence. After three absences, each subsequent absence will cost you one point from your final grade. Failure to submit three responses each day will cost you an additional .5 of a point each.

Please note that the course schedule is not set in stone. You may move forward on your own as you find you have time. I may also have to make some adjustments, depending upon our progress with each of the essays we are working on as a group.

The deadline for turning in your portfolio to me is during the final examination. The final, which is to be a reflective letter to me about your progress during the term has to be completed before I will review your portfolio. I will not accept late portfolios.

Writing Assignments

The five essay topics are all based on your interests and knowledge.  As you think about each one, please try to pick something that is interesting to you.  What captures your passions, such as anger, joy, pleasure, engagement, and so on?

Of the one or two things I know intimately about writing, if you are interested in your writing and passionate about your ideas, you cannot fail to write clearly.  You will also find that others are interested in hearing what you have to say.

The other two writing assignments are listed below.  Each of them is a hot link to a description of the assignment.  I think you will be able to see why I am asking you to complete them.

Introduction Paper

Final Examination

Essay Response Form