Composition II

I. COURSE
College: College of Arts and Humanities
Program: General Education
Course Number: ENG17000
Section ID: 05
Course Title: Composition II
Credit Hours: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2023
Term Start Date: Monday, August 21, 2023
Term End Date: Friday, December 8, 2023
Course Meeting Time and Location: 12:00-12:50 PM LARC Room 005
Canvas Access: You will have access to the course Canvas shell two weeks prior to the
course start date, and two weeks after the course end date.

Welcome Statement
Hello and welcome to Composition II! I am Professor White, and I am excited that you
are taking this course this semester. I look forward to working with you as we explore
academic research, writing, and argumentation. My goal for this course is to deliver a
thoughtfully planned learning experience that challenges you to develop new habits of
mind, includes you in all aspects of the course, supports you as a student, and motivates
you to explore the course topic in depth. Welcome to the course, and I am looking
forward to working with you this semester!

Course Description
GE-Communication Students will learn to conduct, track, and cite research; analyze
persuasive writing; and compose research-based, academic arguments. The course
prepares students for the rigors of academic writing in various disciplines. Students
must earn a C or better in ENGL 17000 to graduate.
PREREQUISITE ENGL 15000 or EPP 15000 with a C or better.

Books and Materials (Required)

88 Open Essays
Rhetoric and Composition
Writing for Success
Boundless Writing
A paper notebook, laptop, or tablet to be used for in-class journal assignments and
quizzes
Additional texts will be made available to you via Canvas or in class

File Formats
All written assignments uploaded in Canvas should be in a doc, docx, or pdf file. Canvas
cannot accept other file formats, such as .pages, .gdoc, or .ocr.
II. INSTRUCTOR
Name: Scott White
Contact Information: SWhite@lindenwood.edu
For further assistance, please contact: Gabriela Romero-Ghiretti
(GRomero@lindenwood.edu)
Biography
Instructor White is a folklorist and English instructor local to the St. Louis area. He
holds degrees in World Literature from Truman State University and in American
Studies/Folklore from Utah State University. His research interests include digital and
verbal folklore, as well as structural and ethnographic studies of classical and
contemporary literature. He has worked for the Lindenwood University system since
2014.

Availability/Presence & Responsiveness

Students can contact the instructor by email or canvas message listed above during
daytime hours, unless he is teaching a class at that time. During the course, students can
expect regular, asynchronous feedback from the instructor on their assignments, as well
as to communicate with each other through the discussion boards and in class
Students can expect responses to communication from the instructor within about 24
hours (because he LIVES ON HIS COMPUTER), other than weekends when he tends to
turn off his computer to spend time with his family.

III. University Mission Statement

IV. College Mission Statement

V. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement

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VI. LEARNING OUTCOMES
I. Rhetorical Awareness
Students will take a considered rhetorical approach to composition.
1.a.: Students will be able to identify, explain and apply the components of the rhetorical
situation: purpose, author, audience, genre, medium, and context.
1.b.: Students will write as an academic contributor to their chosen subject area,
communicating clearly in writing for an appropriate academic audience and for an
academic purpose.

II. Critical Use of Texts

Students will demonstrate critical reading of texts and be able to engage critically with
texts and arguments.
2.a.: Students will read examples of student, professional, and academic writing to
generate ideas, and respond to ideas in their own writing.
2.b.: Students will demonstrate a proficient understanding of correctly incorporating
outside texts and sources to develop their own academic researched argument.
2.c.: Students will evaluate the quality of printed and online sources and will be able to
select the most appropriate and highest quality sources to support their own writing.

III. Writing Processes

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Students will practice the writing process, creating multiple, revised drafts of each major
writing project.
3.a.: Students will write multiple drafts independently.
3.b.: Students will practice a variety of inquiry-based prewriting, involving the
generation of research questions.
3.c.: Students will practice all steps of the writing process, with an emphasis in drafting
and revision.
3.d.: Students will practice revising their own papers and their peers’ papers, integrating
feedback from their instructors and peers.

IV. Grammar/Mechanics
Students will be able to write clear, coherent sentences and paragraphs that conform to
the rules of Standard English grammar. Students will follow conventions of academic
documentation.
4.a.: Students will have a proficient understanding of the rules of Standard English
grammar and be able to apply those conventions to their own writing, in particular
grammatical tools to provide unity and cohesion in sentences, which may include but
not be limited to (coordination/subordination, parallelism, transitional words and
phrases).
4.b.: Students will demonstrate a proficient understanding of academic documentation.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. English majors will demonstrate skills in research, mature style, and facility with
mechanics and structure in a variety of written forms.
2. English majors will demonstrate their ability to make use of the significance of
literary works in their reading, writing, and analysis, placing their scholarly and/or
creative writing within relevant literary traditions.
3. English majors will demonstrate their flexibility as civilly engaged thinkers, practicing
rigor in analysis and openness in dialog with viewpoints unfamiliar to them.

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

Content ILO 1.1.12 Communication
Assessment Assignment: Final Paper
Assignment Description: Students will write a research-supported argument

Skill ILO 2.3 Critical Thinking

Assessment Assignment: Final Paper
Assignment Description: Students will write a research-supported argument

Skill ILO (Optional) 3.1 Written Communications

Assessment Assignment: Final Paper
Assignment Description: Students will write a research-supported argument

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Graduate Attributes
Lindenwood University is committed to preparing its graduates for a world of increasing
complexity, innovation, and change. Accordingly, developing and demonstrating the
following Graduate Attributes is central to the educational spectrum at Lindenwood,
including the general education curriculum, major programs of study, and co-curricular
experiences.

General Education Category

Communications

Graduate Attribute
Effective Communicators

Graduate Attribute Definition

Effective Communicators engage in meaningful discourse in order to persuade audiences and
to foster understanding and respect. They communicate fluently in multiple media.

Graduate Attribute Rubric

https://www.lindenwood.edu/files/resources/effective-communicators-rubric.pdf

Graduate Attribute Signature Assignment and Description

Project 4

VI. GRADING
Final Grades
Final grades will be determined according to the following scale:
A 90 – 100%
B 80 – 89%
C 70 – 79%
F 69% and below

Assignments & Points

All graded content will be assessed using a scale.
A weighted system assigns a percentage of the final grade (100%) to various categories.
Individual assignments are placed within one of those categories. Most assignments will
be graded on a 100-point scale but will contribute to the final grade based on their
respective categories. Thus, a 100/100 on a quiz where all quizzes comprise 10% of the
final grade would not contribute the same as a 100/100 on a final project which
comprises 20% of the final grade.

The grade categories for your course are:

Reading Quizzes 10%
Online Discussions 10%

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Grammar Practice 5%
Research Activities 10%
Rough Drafts 10%
Final Drafts 50%
Authentication Assignments 5%
Total 100%

Descriptions of Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams

In the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH), we are committed to helping you prepare
for every future--and POWER SKILLS underpin all we do. We teach you what you are
learning and why, how to communicate this information to others, as well as how to
transfer these skills to any future. These POWER SKILLS, which include critical
thinking, emotional awareness, creativity, empathy, and effective communication, are
in-demand, durable, and transferrable--embracing all things that a robot cannot do.
CAH courses help you develop the necessary POWER SKILLS to make good decisions,
use technology wisely, power the future, and thrive in an ever-changing world and job
market.
Students will take part in reading quizzes, online and in-class discussions, grammar
practices, research-related activities, and four major writing projects through the
semester.
Late & Missing Work
The instructor reserves the right not to accept late work for credit. However, many
assignments will be given a 48 hour grace period after the deadline for up to full credit.

Suggestions for Doing Well in this Course

If you put in the effort, I am confident that you will be successful in this course! Here are
a few suggestions to help you have a positive and successful learning experience:

 Familiarize yourself with our Canvas shell and check it regularly.

 Carefully read all course communications (announcements, instructions, emails,
etc.).
 Come to class prepared to discuss the material by completing all assignments
before class.
 Attend class and actively engage in all learning opportunities.
 Use the textbook and presentations to review material at the end of each week.
 Let me know as soon as possible if you are having problems with anything!

VIII. POLICIES & REQUIREMENTS

Please note that the class policies and requirements are designed to help you be
successful in this course and gain skills that will help you in your future endeavors.
For policies and procedures that apply to all courses at Lindenwood University, please
refer to the Lindenwood folder in the Canvas Global Navigation Menu.

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Academic Honesty, Recording, Electronic Content, and Student

Authentication

Attendance

Copyright Policy

Student Interaction & Communication

Students will conduct class discussions and peer reviews in a professional manner. All
communication is expected to be rigorous and polite.

Writing Style
As an English class, we use MLA format for all essays. However, there are some
assignments regarding APA format as well, since it’s important for students to practice
multiple writing styles to better understand their underlying theories.

Attendance
All students at Lindenwood University are expected to attend all classes and all class
activities for which they have enrolled. Students who miss class are expected to inform
the instructor and to make up the work to the instructor’s satisfaction. At times, absence
from class may be unavoidable—as in instances of prolonged illness, hospitalization,
mandatory religious practices, or participation in an approved student activity. Please
see the University Attendance Policy for further information.

Use of AI Writing tools such as ChatGPT

No use: You are not allowed to use AI Writing tools such as ChatGPT in this course. If
you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a
violation of Lindenwood’s Academic Dishonesty guidelines.

IX. ACCESSIBILITY & STUDENT RESOURCES

Lindenwood University faculty and staff want to partner with you for success in this
course and in your Lindenwood University experience. The experience of the past years
with the pandemic and natural disasters, and their lingering effects, have added
significant stress and trauma to our lives. Please work with your instructor, advisor, and
other members of the Lindenwood community to be proactive in accessing and utilizing
the support resources available to you. Remember to reach out if you need help!

Accessibility Services

Information for Students with Accommodations

Student Support Services & Resources

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Academic
For writing assistance, contact the Writing Center at writingcenter@lindenwood.edu.
Library Services can help you find materials, navigate the research process, and answer
any library related questions. To get started, contact Library Services located in the
Library and Academic Resources Center (LARC) or you can reach us via email,
LibrarySTC@lindenwood.edu, phone (636) 949-4820, or via chat through the library
website Lindenwood Library | Lindenwood University.
For internet connectivity issues, new IDs, and computer issues, contact the Help Desk at
helpdesk@lindenwood.edu or stop by the front desk of the LARC.
For Canvas support, please review the information in the Help folder on the left side of
the Canvas menu in your Canvas shell, contact the Help Desk, or contact Canvas directly
at 1-855-691-2240.

Personal Support
For free confidential mental health assistance for you or for a fellow Lindenwood
student, contact the Student Counseling and Resource Center (SCRC) at (636) 949-
4522. Some services may not be available to non-residential students.
For advocacy and equity support, contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) at
diversity@lindenwood.edu.
For spiritual support, contact our university chaplain, Rev. Dr. Nichole Torbitzky at
ntorbitzky@lindenwood.edu.

X. COURSE SCHEDULE
Our course schedule listed here mirrors the modules in Canvas. I have it set up week-by-
week instead of day-by-day to allow me the freedom to adjust how much time we spend
on various activities based on how well the class seems to be understanding the
material. The assignments on Canvas are listed as due on Friday night, but I may

recommend some be completed earlier in the week 😊

Notifications
The course syllabus is subject to change if the instructor deems it necessary to
accomplish the course objectives. Students will be notified in writing of all substantive
changes to the course syllabus.

Week 1
 Course Ethics Agreement
 What is the writing process?
 Introduce Project 1
 Introductory Video/Getting to Know You
 Reading Response

Week 2
 Model Project 1

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  Drafting workshops (small-group brainstorming or individual drafting)
 Grammar Practice
 Reading Response
 Project 1 Rough Draft

Week 3
 NO SCHOOL MONDAY: LABOR DAY
 How to do an effective peer review
 Peer Review workshops
 How to revise a draft
 Reflection: plans for revision for Project 1
 Grammar Practice
 Reading Quiz

Week 4
 Revising workshops (small-group or individual work, in-class or out-of-class teacher-
student writing conferences)
 How to proofread
 Proofreading practice
 Reading Response
 Project 1 Final

Week 5
 Introduce Project 2
 Grammar Practice
 Reading Quiz

Week 6
 Model Project 2
 Reading Response
 Project 2 Rough Draft

Week 7
 NO SCHOOL MONDAY: FALL BREAK
 Peer Review workshops
 Reflection: plans for revision for Project 2
 How to use sources (more practice)
 Grammar review
 Reading Response

Week 8
 Revising workshops (small-group or individual work, in-class or out-of-class teacher-
student writing conferences)
 Proofreading practice
 Project 2 Final

Week 9
 Introduce Project 3

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  What is an argument?
 What is research?
 Look at examples of academic research writing
 How do we organize a research project?
 How to use the library to find relevant sources
 Reading Quiz
 Grammar Practice

Week 10
 Drafting workshops (small-group brainstorming or individual drafting)
 How to develop a research question/how to select a research topic
 Reading Quiz
 Grammar Practice
 Project 3 Rough Draft

Week 11
 How to cite sources
 Peer Review workshops
 Reflection: plans for revision for Project 3
 How to use the library (more practice)
 Grammar Practice
 Reading Quiz

Week 12
 How to cite sources (more practice)
 Revising workshops (small-group or individual work, in-class or out-of-class teacher-
student writing conferences)
 Proofreading practice
 Reading Response
 Project 3 Final
Week 13
 Introduce Final Portfolio
 Reading Quiz
 Online Research Activity

Week 14
 Drafting workshops (small-group brainstorming or individual drafting)
 Reading Quiz
 Project 4 Portfolio Rough Draft
 NO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY: THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 15
 Peer Review workshops
 Reflection: plans for revision for Final Portfolio
 Reading Quiz
 Reading Response
 APA Practice
 Project 4 Final Portfolio

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Week 16/Finals Week
Final Period: 11 AM Wednesday
 Course Wrap-up
 Authentication Survey

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