* My physical office location only becomes relevant when we can return to campus.

Course Description

College Writing provides instruction and practice in critical thinking, argumentation, revision, information literacy, and documentation to prepare you for writing tasks that you will encounter throughout college, work, and the rest of your life. Course assignments present challenges for the purpose of honing competence and confidence in making writing decisions for any audience, purpose, or genre.

Required Texts

Bullock, Richard, Michal Brody, and Francine Weinberg. The Little Seagull Handbook. 2nd Edition with MLA 8th Edition updates. W. W. Norton, 2017.

Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst. They Say / I Say with Readings. 4th Edition. W. W. Norton, 2018.

Graded Work

For each major paper, you will turn in three drafts, the first of which is a short topic-overview, the second of which you will share with classmates in a peer-editing exercise.

Your course grade will be determined by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible (100). The resulting percentage will be converted into a letter grade according to the following scale: 93-100% = A; 90-92% = A-; 87-89% = B+; 83-86% = B; 80-82% = B-; 77-79% = C+; 73-76% = C; 70-72% = C-; 67=69% = D+; 60-66% = D; <59% = F

Late submission of an assignment will result in a 10% deduction for each day past the due date (for example, a 10 point paper will lose three points if it is submitted three days late). The grade will not be affected when an assignment is late for reasons that would result in an excused absence.

Should you experience an extraordinary hardship, you may request a deadline extension. I will grant these on a case by case basis. To request an extension, please

1. Contact me in writing to request the extension prior to the deadline (the same day will not suffice)

2. Describe the status of your assignment and the reason you feel you deserve an extension

3. Propose a reasonable new deadline date

If you are requesting a course incomplete, you must contact me before the last week of class to set up a meeting to complete essential paperwork and a contract agreement. The Writing Studies Department grants incompletes only in extraordinary circumstances.

Course Learning Outcomes

Additional Course Information

Late Submission of an assignment will result in a 10% deduction for each business day past the due date. The grade will not be affected when an assignment is late for reasons that would result in an excused absence.

Academic Dishonesty tarnishes the reputation of the University of Minnesota Duluth and discredits the accomplishments of its students. Because the university is committed to providing students every possible opportunity to grow in mind and spirit, it must insist on an environment of trust, honesty, and fairness. Consequently, all members of the academic community must regard any act of academic dishonesty as a serious offense. In keeping with this ideal, this course will adhere to UMD's Student Academic Integrity Policy, which is available online at "https://evcaa.d.umn.edu/student-academic-integrity" This policy sanctions students engaging in academic dishonesty with penalties up to and including expulsion from the university for repeat offenders.

Disability Accommodations. Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might influence their capacity to perform in this class, should inform me at the start of the semester. The Office of Disability Resources writes that "[i]t is the policy and practice of the University of Minnesota Duluth to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including students with disabilities. If there are aspects of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or your ability to meet course requirements—such as time limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos—please notify the instructor as soon as possible." You can contact the Office of Disability Resources to discuss and arrange reasonable accommodations by calling 218-726-6130 or by visiting the Disability Resources website at "http://www.d.umn.edu/access/" .

Notetaking. Remember that there are rules against disseminating these notes beyond the classroom community, which you can find at "https://evcaa.d.umn.edu/course-notes-materials" .

Attendance. Synchronous online class meeting-attendance is obligatory. Check in on time and be prepared to discuss the readings assigned for a given day. Students have a responsibility to plan their schedules to avoid excessive conflicts with course requirements.

Excessive Absences will have a negative impact on the grade that you receive in this course. Excusable absences include "subpoenas, jury duty, military duty, religious observances, illness, bereavement for immediate family and NCAA varsity college athletics." Please contact the instructor about anticipated absences in order to minimize their influence on your coursework. For more information on excused absences, see "https://evcaa.d.umn.edu/excused-absences" .

Student Conduct. Respect fellow students and refrain from behavior that might impair their learning opportunities. Any behavior that substantially and repeatedly interrupts the instructor's ability to teach or the students' ability to learn will result in appropriate penalties. Disruptive behavior includes inappropriate use of communications technology in the classroom, such as ringing cell phones, text-messaging, watching videos, playing computer games, reading email, or browsing the Internet instead of note-taking or other instructor-sanctioned activities. For further clarification of UMD policies in this regard, consult the Board of Regents Policy at "https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf".

Another important conduct code addresses sexual harassment, which means "means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature," and that policy is available at "https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/2020-08/policy_sexual_harassment_sexual_assault_stalking_and_relationship_violence.pdf" .

Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action. As stated in academic policies: "The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The UMD Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity is available to all UMD employees, students, and participants in University-related activities to discuss issues or concerns regarding University policies or practices involving potential bias, discrimination, harassment or retaliation that an individual may have experienced or observed." For more details, see "https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/2019-09/policy_equity_diversity_equal_opportunity_and_affirmative_action.pdf".

Civility. UMD instructors and students have a responsibility to maintain a learning environment that is, as stated in the Teaching and Learning Policy, "respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promotes a civil and open exchange of ideas." The full policy is available at "https://evcaa.d.umn.edu/instructor-and-student-responsibilities/" .

Mental Health. From academic affairs: "Feelings such as anxiety, anger, depression, low self-esteem, or tension are a normal part of being human and can affect anyone. Sometimes these feelings are temporary and can be eased by rest, relaxation, exercise, good nutrition and the support of trusted friends. At other times, stressors, relationships or past family experiences cannot be managed so easily and become overwhelming. If this happens, and you find it hard to function, you may want to seek professional help. Counseling Services are available at UMD Health Services to assist you.

"If you are in need of mental health support when Health Services is closed, or in case of an emergency, please contact The Birch Tree Center's Crisis line at 218-623-1800 or go to the emergency room/urgent care at either St. Luke's Hospital or St. Mary's Hospital. If an ambulance is needed, call 911.

"If the emergency is non-life-threatening and you do not have a means of transportation, call Campus Police at 218-726-7000). If you have needs that Counseling Services does not treat, they have a case manager who helps connect students to referrals as well as navigating issues with insurance. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus atÊUMD Health Services." "https://www.d.umn.edu/health-services/counseling-services/"