WELCOME DIGITAL NATIVES!

Be prepared for an interesting journey.

Please read this syllabus in its entirety. In addition to university required information, it includes specifics for this course (see blue and orange headings).

ENL Composition 102: Digital Society

Section 43: MWF 3:30, MH 101A Section 28: T/TH 3:05, MH 101A

FACULTY: Claire McCarthy

OFFICE LOCATION: Meier Hall, Rm 101B

OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday and Thursday 2:00- 3:00 pm; also, by request.

E-MAIL: cmccarthy @salemstate .edu

PHONE/VOICE MAIL: 978-542-2424 ext. 1610

TEXT: 617 510 4705. It is a requirement to text before start of class if you’ll be late or absent

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course builds on the skills taught in ENL 101 [drafting and revising expository essays. Students learn to express their own ideas while also considering the ideas of others]. Students will learn techniques for composing analytic and persuasive essays that contribute to ongoing discussions in an academic community. Extensive reading and evaluation of nonfiction texts will be required, and students will learn basic methods for conducting library research. At least one system of formal documentation will be discussed in detail. Prerequisite: ENL 101, 101I, or 101E, or satisfactory completion of English Department placement procedure.

FACULTY COURSE DESCRIPTION/GOALS:

This section of Composition 102 is a unique research opportunity, which will explore the use of digital tools in the classroom. Technology will supplement lectures. You will improve research and writing skills using digital sources and tools. You’ll produce multi-modal compositions, in addition to written-word text submissions. You'll participate in a pre- and post-survey.

We’re looking to create a different kind of conversation about our individual selves and the world we live in. The classroom experience will feature a unique mix of thought-provoking and lively conversations. We’ll also workshop your pieces in class. The classes will be fast, fun, serious and surprising, and will begin promptly. I will set up a safe and encouraging learning environment, which includes confidentiality agreements, so that you are inspired to actively participate in small and large group activities. Active participation and a commitment to attending every class is mandatory (details below). Therefore, if you know that your style is to either skip class or sit quietly, this section is most likely not for you.

My goal is help you gain the skills and confidence needed to excel as a strong multi-faceted communicator: a writer, speaker, new media producer, academically-sound researcher and arguer, and collaborator. I strive to make all activities relevant for you beyond this course. As we progress, actively apply what you learn here in your other classes. Imagine your future career: Use this class to learn 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity and risk-taking, so that you can be competitive in the workplace. Learn to become deep learners.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR ALL SSU COMP 102 CLASSES:

As a student in ENL 102 you will learn to

1. be flexible composing in ways that are acceptable in professional and academic realms, but at the core … your writing will become more interesting, engaging, informative and, perhaps, even entertaining.

2. have an understanding of the relationships among writer, audience and message.

3. use reading, writing and speaking to sharpen your analytic and critical-thinking skills.

4. participate in written and spoken exchanges within your peer writing community.

5. analyze the writing conventions of common genres and produce texts that conform to those conventions.

6. use effective processes to revise and improve your work.

7. integrate properly cited source materials into your writing.

8. use basic methods for conducting library research using print and electronic resources.

Simply put, you’ll learn to

1. improve and revise your writing

2. appeal to your audience

3. be more analytical and persuasive

4. participate comfortably

5. identify and use good grammar and recognize genres

6. use revision tools

7. cite and add source materials

8. know how to find resources on scholarly and popular databases, and through web searches.

Course Requirements for Assessment

Quoting the faculty handbook: “Each student is responsible for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all that goes on in the course (whether or not the student is present).”

Reading, Writing, Producing and Speaking Activities

Mini-Assignments: Expect one or two assignments per week. Typically, they are responses to assigned (multi-modal) texts or lecture topics. Consider most of them as a “mini-essay” of about four paragraphs, worth 10 points. However, some may be three or more pages for 20 points. It is expected that writing and critical thinking skills will improve throughout the semester, as you incorporate my suggestions and consider peer comments. It is important to complete these assignments thoroughly and on time, because you will use them to add value to small or large group discussions. Details will be posted for each numbered and titled assignment in Canvas. The grading may range from Complete/Incomplete, to 10 points, and 20 or more points, depending on the complexity and length.

25 % of final grade

Two Major Projects

Each project will each have its own set of directions posted on Canvas.

Project I: Audio Essay. This project will begin with discussions and insights on “news literacy.” What is news? What are credible sources? Are bloggers and social media commentators equal to trained and vetted journalists? Why do we consume celebrity “news” and shy away from learning about issues important to humanity? This project will demonstrate an ability to conduct database research and web searches about underreported global stories, and to produce a provocative, persuasive and informative narrative. You don’t have to incorporate “media elements” with an editing tool. We will use the audio function in Canvas to record your piece. Steps will be assigned over several weeks to move you through researching, drafting, revising and peer editing.

25% of final grade

Project II (Capstone): Collaborative Multimodal Production to Support Argument Position. You will work as a team member to build a case regarding a controversial social topic. The class as a whole will be assigned the same topic; one team will make the “pro” argument, another the “con” argument, the third will produce an “objective” journalistic presentation. To succeed with this project, you’ll learn additional research/search skills, rhetorical conventions for making academic arguments, and a simple audio-visual digital production tool. You will not “shoot” original footage; instead, you will integrate “found” media on-line from scholarly and popular sources, such as TED and YouTube. In the second-to-last week, each team will debate/present live, using your production as a supplemental tool to prove your thesis. As you listen, you'll take notes to prepare for intelligent counter-arguments, making for lively debate.

Final Week: End-of-semester learning reflections will be shared. The FLC research will be summarized. An e-portfolio will be submitted through Canvas.

Together, 35% of grade.

Workshops/Peer Reviews

The in-class writing workshop, in which you’ll share your writings and respond to your peers’ work, is an important part of the course. Occasionally, you will work within a buddy system, in which you'll exchange detailed written feedback. These activities can work only if everyone has his or her work done on time and puts equal effort into the review process. Written peer reviews will be graded as a 10-point assignment.

Class Participation

You are expected to present your work, respond to peers’ works, and participate in small and large discussions, so that you build confidence in other courses and in your future career. This is a safe and supportive laboratory.

15% of final grade.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Every class will provide an experience that can’t be duplicated outside of the classroom context. “Making up” homework doesn’t cut it. Let me be clear: Attend class and be well prepared for each day’s activities. This includes completing assignments and submitting all work on the due date. Tuesday/Thursday people are allowed two excused absences. MWF students are allowed three. After one additional absence, you will receive a written warning. The fourth (T/Th) / 5^th ( MWF) absence will result in a final grade no higher than a C-. This is a special research course, and it demands a full commitment. If you are to be absent due to illness or an emergency, please text me before the start of that class.

GRADING PROCESSES:

The course uses a 1,000-point system. In the final analysis, low attendance will override accumulated points to determine final grade.

1. Points Available for Each Assignment

Mini Assignments 250 points

Project I 250 points

Project II and Portfolio 350 points

Participation 150 points

2. Grade scale

A 1000-930 points C 760-730 points

A- 920-900 points C- 720-700 points

B+ 890-870 points D+ 690-670 points

B 860-830 points D 660-630 points

B- 820-800 points D- 620-600 points

C+ 790-770 points F 590 - 0 points

LATE WORK POLICY:

You have one class session to submit a late assignment. Penalty points for each assignment will be noted in the assignment directions. After that, Canvas will note that submissions are locked-out. No points will be awarded for that assignment.

TEXTS: Multi-modal texts will be distributed through Canvas. Additionally, rhetoric lessons will assigned through O.W.L.

FINAL EXAM: There is no final exam in composition courses.

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to be familiar with the academic regulations, including those regarding Academic Integrity, for Salem State University as published in the college catalog. In addition, each student is responsible for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all that goes on in the course (whether or not the student is present).

Equal Opportunity

Salem State University is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable academic accommodations, aids and adjustments. Any student who has a documented disability requiring an accommodation, aid or adjustment should speak with the instructor immediately. Students with Disabilities who have not previously done so should provide documentation to and schedule an appointment with the Office for Students with Disabilities and obtain appropriate services.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of a university declared critical emergency, Salem State University reserves the right to alter this course plan. Students should refer to salemstate.edu for further information and updates. The course attendance policy stays in effect until there is a university declared critical emergency. In the event of an emergency, please refer to the alternative educational plans for this course located at/in [faculty member determines this]. Students should review the plans and gather all required materials before an emergency is declared.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Add/Drop Period Ends January 18

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY HOLIDAY January 21

Last Day to Withdraw from 3rd Quarter Courses February 15

PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY February 18

Spring Recess March 11-15

Last Day to Withdraw from full Semester Course-Undergrad. April 12

PATRIOT’S DAY HOLIDAY April 15

Classes End Day School Courses May 1