Southeastern Louisiana University
English 101   Section  ____     Fall 2012
Instructor: Elisabetta LeJeune
Office: D. Vickers Room 357
Phone: (985) 549-5765
Email: elejeune@selu.edu
Blackboard course site location: www.roomie.selu.edu
Office hours in D. Vickers 357
MW 12:30-2:00 and    TTh 12:30-3:30

Course description
Freshman Composition. Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: English ACT score of 18 or above. Instruction and practice in the basic principles of expository writing: the paragraph and the whole composition, the methods of development, the thesis, the outline and organization, the structure and style. Instruction in functional grammar, sentence structure, diction and spelling, punctuation and mechanics, in direct relation to the student’s writing.

Course Objectives
A complete list of the  objectives for this course is available in the rental text Little, Brown Handbook.

Textbooks and materials
Little, Brown Handbook (rental)
Word and Image (rental)
A desk dictionary such as Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary or The American Heritage Dictionary
Loose leaf paper, blue or black ink pens, two plain pocket folders

FRESHMAN ENGLISH GRADING RUBRIC
A: Excellent This essay is characterized by masterful control of purpose and by graceful expression. The content is of compelling interest; the organization and style enhance the meaning. The essay shows evidence that the writer regards the audience as intelligent and discriminating. The essay has virtually no mechanical problems.
B: Good This essay has the clarity and coherence of an adequate essay yet also has depth of content. The organization is impressive. It displays independent thought and a concern for careful expression with virtually no mechanical errors.
C: Adequate This essay is characterized by clarity of purpose and coherence of structure. Its content is usually not developed beyond the obvious, however, and organization is unsophisticated. It may have a few mechanical errors.
D: Poor This essay, while passing, is not satisfactory. It may lack clear purpose, coherence, or sufficient content. It may have weak use of language and bothersome mechanical errors.
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F: Unacceptable This essay is characterized by any of the following: Unclear purpose; incoherent organization; inadequate, irrelevant, or illogical development; little originality of thought; reliance on clich?s; inappropriate word choice; ineffective or incorrect sentence structure; numerous or significant problems with mechanics and grammar.

Grading policy
To pass the class,  you must complete and turn in all course work.  Your final grade will be determined by the following:

 

essays	60%
midterm essay	10%
assignments	20%
final essay	10%

A = 90 -100; B = 80 - 89; C = 70 -79; D = 65 -69; F = below 65

Class Work
Be prepared, be productive, and be focused when you are in class or in the lab. That means that you should come with required materials, such as paper, pen,  textbooks, and knowledge of passwords (if your class meets in a computer lab).   There will be daily assignments and activities in class.  You will write in-class timed essays, which must be completed during a class period.   Then you will plan and draft revisions of the essays, see me for suggestions and advice, participate in peer evaluation, and complete assigned exercises. The essays must be turned in as part of a portfolio. Each portfolio must contain one essay of 700 words or more, typed and revised, with all rough drafts and assignments.    The essay to be turned in for evaluation should be the final draft of a paper on an assigned topic whose rough draft the instructor has seen during the writing process.  Keep all work done for this class in a pocket folder and bring it to class, so that all your work will be available at any time.

Academic Integrity
In taking this course, students understand that all required papers may be submitted to software available for the detection of plagiarism.

Southeastern Writing Center
383 D. Vickers Hall
(985) 549-2076
writing@selu.edu
Great free resource to get help with your writing.

Additional information
1. Only Southeastern's Webmail addresses must be used to communicate with the instructor.
2. If a student has not contacted me by the fourteenth day of class, he/she will be withdrawn from the class.
3. Students with a valid reason for missing class are responsible for obtaining class notes from other students and discussing with the instructor the feasibility of making up any missed exams and/or assignments. It is not always possible to make up some in-class assignments.  Excessive absences will impact student's learning and, in some cases, can impact other students.  Students are responsible for providing documentation of the reason for the absence when they return to class.  If a student misses 10% or more sessions of any class (3 classes) due to unexcused absences prior to the published withdrawal date (October 19, 2012) the instructor will withdraw the student with a grade of "W."  Excessive unexcused absences after the withdrawal date can result in failure.
4. Students who turn in work other than their own will fail the course.
5. Free discussion, inquiry, and expression are encouraged in this class.  However, students are expected to display respectful behavior towards the instructor and fellow classmates.  Disruptive behavior that interferes with teaching and learning is not acceptable.
6. If you need extra help or you have problems completing your work, come see me during my office hours or make an appointment.
7. If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the office of Disability Services, Room 203, Student Union. No accommodation will be granted without documentation from the Office of Disability Services.

Fall Break - October 4
Friday October 19 - Last day to withdraw without grade penalty
Thanksgiving Break - November 21- 22
Last day of class - November 29
Final exam -  December 3 at 8:00 a.m.