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. 5th Edition, W. W. Norton, 2024.

Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, Russel Durst, and Laura J. Panning Davies. They Say I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, with Readings. 6th Edition, W. W. Norton, 2024.

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, and the third, which is a polished final draft. 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

Written Work. Your grade will depend primarily on your written work and the understanding of the material that you convey through that work. A command of standard written English and the ability to present an argument will also contribute to the determination of your grade.

Late submission of an assignment will result in a 10% deduction for each 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.

Student Academic Integrity. 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.

Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Writing Classroom. From the UMD Academic Affairs webpage:

Student use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as part of course work requires written instructor permission. Without instructor permission, the default will be to treat student use of generative AI for assigned course work as scholastic dishonesty (policies: Student Conduct Code ; Student Academic Integrity).

1. Instructors should clarify in writing when use is permissible, along with any limitations and guidelines, such as in syllabi and/or assignment instructions...

2. If a student is unsure whether a particular technology is permitted for an assignment, they should clarify in advance with the assigning instructor.

With this in mind, please note that the primary purpose of this class is to improve your skills as a writer, and I regard generative AI as a shortcut that will deprive you of opportunities to develop this important set of skills. I cannot anticipate every eventuality, but I will tend to deny you permission to use generative AI to complete assignments in this class. Please discuss this with me if you have any questions or encounter any gray areas.

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.ÊIf 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."ÊYou 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. 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".

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 need 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" at "https://health-services.d.umn.edu/counseling-services".