1. ENG 210: English Writing II: Research
Spring 2014, Section 04
CRN: 20579
Olney 211
MWF 10:00am­10:50am
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL:
David Renshaw
Olney 205
Wednesday 8am­9am
renshaw@lasalle.edu
Email is the best way to reach me off­campus. I will try to respond to all messages within 24 hours.
See class blog and twitter for assignments and info:
eng210isfun.blogspot.com
@eng210isfun
REQUIRED MATERIALS
● Fight Club (paperback edition) (ISBN 9780393327342)
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
● Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide (14th Edition), by Jim D. Lester and James
D. Lester (ISBN 9780205059331)
There are several editions of these books that are available, but it is essential that you buy the
specified editions so you are using the same version of the texts as everyone else. Though the
differences between editions can sometimes be minor, they can cause confusion nevertheless.
Any additional reading assignments will be provided by me.
COURSE DESCRIPTION (From the School of Arts and Sciences Course Catalog)
English 210 builds upon the writing skills and rhetorical knowledge students gained in ENG 110,
training them to conduct academic research and to compose innovative and original research
papers that are appropriate for upper­division coursework in a variety of disciplines. Built around
shared texts, concerns, or themes, this course is driven by individual research projects that
students develop through consultation with the instructor and in conversation with the projects of
their peers. Students learn to develop strong research questions, and they learn to find, critically
evaluate, and synthesize a broad range of academic texts. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in
ENG 110.
COURSE GOALS
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to
1. Identify an information need and formulate a research question or thesis statement
2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of how information is organized in order to locate, select,
and access resources, using search tools such as databases, search engines,
inter­library loan, etc.
3. Evaluate resources based on the purpose of the information and its accuracy,
credibility, authority, objectivity, and timeliness/currency
4. Demonstrate effective use of information and accomplishment of specific objectives as
assigned (i.e. research project, assignment, etc.)
5. Use resources ethically and demonstrate understanding of the legal and policy issues
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2. 6.
7.
associated with the use of information
Initiate, develop and support a longer research paper or a series of shorter papers of
increasing complexity on a significant topic that contains a coherent argument in
support of a thesis statement
Demonstrate academic reading and writing skills through completion of research paper
assignments and analyses of written texts
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is most common in English 210 because of the nature of the work; however, there are
two kinds of plagiarism that you should be aware of.
Intentional Plagiarism: Intentional plagiarism occurs when you use specific information or ideas
from sources, and you 1. don’t give credit to those sources (thereby taking credit for something that
is not yours), 2. change a few words and call it a paraphrase, and/or 3. create fake sources, quotes,
paraphrases, or citations. Intentional plagiarism is rarely the result of malice or plan; more often it
happens when a student falls behind in his or her work or when a student doesn’t understand
something but, for whatever reason, doesn’t ask for help. Intentional plagiarism is the worst crime a
student can commit in academics. If intentional plagiarism is found in any version of any paper, and
it’s the student’s first offense, the paper will be scored in the failing range. If a student plagiarizes for
a second time, the student will earn a failing grade (F) for the course.
Unintentional Plagiarism: Another word for this is “mistake.” You are here to learn a new process,
and mistakes are going to be made. Don’t be afraid that if you blow a citation or a summary
because you didn’t quite get the concept, you’ll fail the paper or the course. I’ve been teaching long
enough to know the difference between an honest mistake and intentional plagiarism. In this case,
the version in which the mistake was made will be marked down, and if the problem continues, I will
ask you to meet with me so we can discuss the problem you’re having with the concept. However, if
the mistake is not corrected as time goes by, your score will drop considerably, since by late April,
you should know how to properly write from and document sources.
ASSIGNMENTS
You will be asked to write four formal papers and multiple in class writing assignments of varying
length. These pieces will focus on argument, analysis, research, and summarizing sources. Each
assignment will come with a detailed assignment sheet and a rubric listing the exact grading
guidelines.
DEADLINES
Paper Submission Policy (Turning in papers)
You should submit papers either electronically (through email).
● Emailed submissions can only be sent as attachments in MS Word. Other programs like
WordPerfect, Microsoft Works, etc. CANNOT be opened by my machine.
○ If you email an essay to me, you must email it by midnight on the day it is due. My
email account will tell me exactly what time and day I receive an email.
○ I am not responsible for email errors. When I receive your email, you will receive a reply
from me to show that I received your assignment. If you do not receive a “got it”
email from me within two days of sending an assignment, then you must send
it again until I respond.
Late Penalties
Points are deducted when an acceptable version of Essays 1­3 or a Writing Exercise are turned in
after the official due date. Please note that Essay 4 cannot be turned in late.
●
ENG 210
Essays 1­3: The “late” deadline for Essays 1­3 is one week on the Class Schedule. I
will deduct a one­time penalty of a half a letter grade (5 points) for late Essays.
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3. ●
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Writing Exercises: The “late” deadline for all Writing Exercises is one week on the
Class Schedule. I will deduct a one­time penalty of 5 points for late Writing Exercises.
Quizzes: Quizzes cannot be made up. If you know you are going to be gone on the
day I administer a quiz, then you must make arrangements with me to take the quiz
early, either in the previous class or during my office hours.
FORMATTING
All formal written work must be neatly typed or word processed in the appropriate format. Margins
and fonts should be reasonable (1” sides, 1.25” top and bottom; 11 or 12 point body type). Standard
form, grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. are expected.
TWO KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS
#1: Motivation: Much of the work you are doing in the class will be “out of class” – reading,
researching, thinking, writing, organizing. You will have to find ways to keep yourself going. On a
related note, you are going to encounter individual research problems, and when that happens, you
need to speak to me during office hours. I will do my best to help you through any challenge you
may face, but you must make the effort to schedule office hours with me.
#2: Time management: Juggling classes, employment, and family obligations, the modern
student has little free time, and the demands of this class may cause stress. Set up a research
schedule early in the semester and treat it like another class. Get out of the house if you can’t work
there and get into a library or somewhere quiet, where you won’t be distracted or disturbed. If you
are feeling the pressure and need to vent it at me by saying “I don’t have time to do this [insert your
own word here],” I understand, I sympathize, and I’ll try to help. What I won’t do is lessen the
workload. The course is what it is. Prepare for it, please.
WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE
Of course, I hope none of you withdraw from the course, and I ask you to please see me if you are
thinking about withdrawing. If there is anything I can do to help, I will. However, I also understand
that sometimes life throws us curveballs over which we have no control. Please be aware that the
deadline for withdrawal from the course without incurring an F grade is Tuesday, April 1st,
2014.
GRADING
The following table shows how your grade will be calculated this semester. Further explanation
comes after the table.
ENGLISH 210 GRADE BREAKDOWN
Area of Assessment
Percentage of
Final Grade
20%
20%
Essay 1 – Argument Paper
Essay 2 – Research Paper Part 1 ­
Evaluation
Essay 3 – Research Paper Part 2 ­
20%
Synthesis
Essay 4 – Research Paper Part 3 ­ Position 20%
Essay
Homework
5%
Classwork/Quizzes
Participation/Attendance
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5%
10%

4. Using the percentages above, your grade for each course will be determined with the standard
grading scale of: 95­100 = A; 90­94 = A­; 87­89 = B+; 83­86 = B; 80­82 = B­; 77­79 = C+;
73­76 = C; 70­72 = C­; 65­69 = D; 0­64 = F
CLASS POLICIES
PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE
This course will emphasize discussion, research, and in­class group work. Much of your work will
consist of talking about our ideas, learning to conduct research, and working with small groups in
the class and/or at the library. Your attendance and participation is both essential and expected.
Ideally, I would like all of you to attend every class, although this probably won’t happen. I do like to
reward positive behavior, though, so if you do not miss any classes, I will award you 10 extra
credit points (as a quiz grade) toward your final grade.
●
●
●
●
Present: I will take attendance at the beginning of every class period. I will mark you
as “present” if you are in class when I take attendance.
Late: If you arrive up to 20 minutes after I take attendance, then I will mark you as
“late.” If you show up late, it is your responsibility to tell me in person at the end of
class so I can mark you as “late”—otherwise you may be counted absent. Please note
that two “lates” equals an absence.
Absent: If you miss a class or show up over 20 minutes late, then you will be marked
as absent.
Excused Absences: There are no excused absences in this class.
If you accumulate six absences—the equivalent of two weeks of class—then I will either drop you
from the course or you will earn a failing grade (F) for the course.
Finally, I respect the fact that emergencies and crises can affect attendance, and I am sensitive to
this. Communication is the key. If you miss a class, please email me or talk to me in person
to explain your absence. If you are good about communicating promptly, openly, and honestly, I
will consider making exceptions to the rules above.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS
In case of class cancellation due to weather or instructor illness, assignments must be completed
by the next class meeting. That is, if you are scheduled to submit an assignment on a day class is
canceled, all efforts should be made to email the assignment to me. If this is not possible for you,
submit the assignment during the next class meeting.
BEHAVIOR CODES
I will always treat you with respect, and I ask that you give the same consideration to your fellow
classmates and me. If you feel at any time that you are being disrespected by another classmate or
me, please see me immediately so we can handle the situation appropriately. DO NOT TRY TO
ADDRESS THE PROBLEM DURING CLASS TIME AS THIS IS DISRUPTIVE AND GENERALLY
UNPRODUCTIVE.
I also have certain expectations of how you will handle yourself in a classroom. These expectations
all boil down to common courtesy. Please turn off all cell phones in class, do not text during class,
do not speak while others are speaking, respect the ideas and opinions of others, and do not use
inappropriate language in class.
COMPUTER ACCOUNTS
You must use your school email account and check the course page as I will regularly send
resources to you via email. Refusal to check your email or consult the course homepage will
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5. never be accepted as an excuse for not completing an assignment or being up­to­date on
course announcements.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students who are registered with the Center on Disability should inform me as soon as possible if
special accommodations are requested.
GENERAL
If you have any questions about assignments, readings, or evaluations, please see me, or
send an email. I’m more than happy to answer questions, provide clarification, and offer
short individual coaching sessions upon request.
Syllabus may be changed during the term to reflect the needs of the class.
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEEK
1
DATE
TOPIC
Monday,
Introduction to class
January 13th
Review of essentials of rhetoric
Wednesday, Discuss Fight Club
January 15th
Friday, January Discussion of plagiarism
17th
Essay 1 introduced
ASSIGNMENT DUE
None
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
1­3
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
4­6
Discuss Fight Club
2
3
4
Monday,
NO CLASS ­ MARTIN LUTHER KING
January 20th HOLIDAY
Wednesday, Discuss Fight Club
January 22nd
Learning Group activity: Building
arguments
Friday, January Discuss Fight Club
24th
Essay 1 practice
Monday,
Discuss Fight Club
January 27th
Wednesday, Introduction to research questions and
January 29th using online databases
Discuss Fight Club
Friday, January Formulating research questions
31st
Discuss Fight Club
Monday,
Discuss Fight Club
February 3rd
Brainstorming research questions
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
7­12
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
13­16
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
17­20
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
21­23
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
24­26
Reading: Fight Club Chapters
27­30
Due: Essay 1
Summary assignment introduced
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6. Essay 1 due
Wednesday, Research day in computer classroom
February 5th (room TBA)
Friday, February Research day in computer classroom
7th
(room TBA)
Research methods discussion
5
6
Finalizing research questions
Monday,
Research and Essay 1 conferences in my
February 10th office (Olney 205)
Wednesday, Research and Essay 1 conferences in my
February 12th office (Olney 205)
Friday, February Research and Essay 1 conferences in my
14th
office (Olney 205)
Monday,
Essay 2 introduced
Due: Summary Assignment
February 17th
Practice evaluating sources objectively
Learning Group Presentation introduced
7
8
9
Summary Assignment Due
Wednesday, Learning Group Fight Club Presentation
February 19th continued
Friday, February Learning Group Fight Club Presentation
21st
continued
Monday,
Learning Group Fight Club Presentations Due: group presentations
February 24th due / presented
Wednesday, Evaluating sources objectively project
February 26th introduced and started
Friday, February Essay 2 conferences in my office (Olney
28th
205)
Monday, March NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
3rd
Wednesday, NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
March 5th
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
Friday, March
7th
Monday, March Evaluating sources objectively project
10th
continued
Essay 3 introduced
Introduction to synthesizing sources
Wednesday, Evaluating sources objectively project due Due: Essay 2 and evaluating
March 12th
sources objectively project
Essay 2 due
Friday, March Learning Group Synthesis project
14th
introduced and started
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7. 10
11
Monday, March
17th
Wednesday,
March 19th
Friday, March
21st
Monday, March
24th
Wednesday,
March 26th
Friday, March
28th
Learning Group Synthesis project
continued
Learning Group Synthesis project due /
presented
Vine project introduced
Due: group presentation
Vine project continued
Vine project continued
Essay 4 introduced
Due: Essay 3 and Vine project
Vine project ends
12
13
14
15
16
Essay 3 due
Monday, March Learning Group arguing position project
31st
introduced and started
Wednesday, Learning Group arguing position project
April 2nd
continued
th
Friday, April 4 Learning Group arguing position project
continued
Monday, April Learning Group arguing position project
7th
continued
Wednesday, Learning Group arguing position project Due: group presentation
April 9th
due / presented
Friday, April 11th Learning Group counter argument project
introduced and started
Monday, April Learning Group counter argument project
14th
continued
Wednesday, Learning Group counter argument project Due: group presentation
April 16th
due
Friday, April 18th NO CLASS ­ EASTER HOLIDAY
Monday, April NO CLASS ­ EASTER HOLIDAY
21st
Wednesday, Learning group project on researching
April 23rd
identity introduced and started (room TBA)
Friday, April 25th Learning group project on researching
identity continued (room TBA)
Monday, April Learning group project on researching
Due: group presentation
28th
identity presented
Wednesday, Discussion of revision
April 30th
Discussion of editing and formatting
Friday, May 2nd Course debriefing
Due: Essay 4
Essay 4 due
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