Basic Grammar and Writing II Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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Course

ENGL-0302-013 Basic Grammar and Writing II

Prerequisites

RDNG 0301 and ENGL 0301-minimum grade of C or acceptable Accuplacer reading and writing test scores or equivalent on a state-approved alternative test

Course Description

A review of skills taught in ENGL 0301. Practice in writing compound and complex sentences; mastering subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage; using all punctuation marks; and overcoming major spelling problems. Emphasis on paragraph skills taught in ENGL 0301 and short essays in standard American English.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\ Amarillo College English Department Plagiarism Policy, revised Spring 2013

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\ The English Department takes plagiarism seriously.

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\ Plagiarism is defined as the following:  the use of someone else’s exact words that are neither quoted nor cited; paraphrasing someone else’s words without citing them; or using someone else’s research without citing it.

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\ Student plagiarism in the Amarillo College English Department is internally tracked.  To clarify, records will be kept in the Department of those students who have plagiarized.  At the beginning of each new semester, the names of students who plagiarized the previous semester will be sent to all English Department faculty. 

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\ Plagiarism may receive a penalty of a zero.  A subsequent infraction will be deemed a reason for expulsion from the class. At this point, the case will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

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\ Note: Self-plagiarism will be discussed with the class by each instructor and infractions for such are left up to the individual instructor’s discretion.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Textbook

In Concert: Writing and Reading.  By Kathleen T. McWhorter. Boston: Pearson, 2014. Print.

Supplies

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• Other Supplies
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• paper to write on
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• writing utensil
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• jump/flash/USB drive for saving w

  Student Performance

  Course Objectives

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  Course Description:

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  Development of college-level writing focusing on idea generation, drafting, organization, revision, and utilization of standard English.

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  Learning Outcomes:

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  Upon the successful completion of this course, students will:

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  1. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate clear focus, the logical development of ideas, and the use of appropriate language that advances the writer’s purpose.
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  2. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given writing situations.
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  3. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and words of other writers in student writing using established strategies.
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  4. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information to formulate and develop a claim.
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  5. Develop and use effective revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments.
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  6. Edit writing to conform to the conventions of standard English.
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  Additional Course Information:

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  English 0302 is an introduction to composition for students needing basic writing instruction and a comprehensive review of mechanics and grammar as these apply to their own writing. This course stresses clarity, organization, development, and correctness in writing.

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  Additional Learning Objectives:

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  Students will:

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  • Analyze and write a variety of texts (500-750 words each) in different rhetorical modes focusing on the development of multi-paragraph texts and academic essays.
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  • Utilize basic computer technology including such things as composing a document in MLA style with a word processing program, communicating using email, and accessing course information on the college’s learning management system.
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  Students Rights and Responsibilities

  Student Rights and Responsibilities

  Log in using the AC Connect Portal

  In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

  If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

  Expected Student Behavior

  Behavior

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  All rules and regulations set forth in the "Student Code of Conduct" section in the current edition of the Student's Rights and Responsibilities publication will be followed in this course. It is the student's responsibility to obtain a copy of the handbook from the Dean of Student Services Office and to become familiar with the contents and provisions of the college’s policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct.

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  Respect others: As the instructor, I am committed to treating students with respect and dignity.  I expect the same treatment in return, and I expect you as students to treat each other with respect and dignity.  Disrespect will not be tolerated.

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  Be courteous to students and instructor:

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  • Please turn off all electronic devices before class. NO CELL PHONE USE IS PERMITTED IN CLASS.  PERIOD.  USE OF A CELL PHONE WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON YOUR COURSE PROFESSIONALISM GRADE.  If you have a legitimate reason for needing access to your cell phone, please notify me before class, put your cell phone on vibrate (no sound), and step into the hall to conduct your business should the need arise.  
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  • Please do not talk to classmates when the instructor is speaking or fellow classmates are speaking during a class discussion.  
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  Be prompt and attentive: Arrive before class begins, and stay until your instructor dismisses you.

  Grading Criteria

  Grade Policy

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   In order to pass this class, students must turn in all of their work and score an average of 70 or better for the course. Grades will be based on the following system:

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  • A   90-100= high achievement
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  • B   80-89= above average achievement
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  • C   70-79= satisfactory achievement
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  • D   60-69= unsatisfactory achievement
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  • F    0-59= unacceptable
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  Students must receive at least 70% on the following assignments:

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  • 60% Writing Assignments (rough drafts, final drafts, and article analyses)
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  • 15% Participation (see particpation/oprofessionalism policy below)
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  • 15% Lab
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  • 10% Final Exam (timed essay)
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  Participation/ Professionalism: Ten percent of your grade is based on participation and professionalism.

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  •  You will receive 100 points for participation in this 10% category if you miss no more than two classes. After two classes, you will be docked 10 points for each absence. After six absences, you will receive a zero for this category.
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  • You are expected to come to each and every class with YOUR TEXTBOOK and any other required materials.  Coming to class without the required textbook and materials will have a negative impact on your grade.  This includes not having a functioning login and user password for AcConnect.  
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  • You are expected to participate in class discussions.  I encourage you to voice your ideas and professionally participate in class discussions and class activities.  However, you should not monopolize the entire discussion or activity.  I want to hear EVERYONE'S voice on the topics at hand.
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  Students are responsible to keep copies of all their work. When you turn in an assignment, be sure you have saved a copy and/or kept a hard copy. You will turn in a final portfolio of your work in this class, and this portfolio will not be returned to you. Save your work carefully and diligently.

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  Rough Drafts: In order to receive full credit for your rough drafts, turn in a word-processed essay of the required length on the due date.

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  Late Work Policy

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  Late assignments will receive a 10% penalty per day they are late (including weekends). Assignments are due at the beginning of class. I will not accept late work more than three days after the due date. If you turn in an assignment after class on the day it's due, it is late.  I understand that technical problems occur and life issues sometimes interfere with assignments, but I am counting on your commitment to this class despite life's setbacks. Work on assignments ahead of their due dates. Save work diligently and carefully. If a situation arises that interferes with your turning in work in a timely manner, please email or call me before the assignment due date.

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  Assignment Due Dates:   Exact due dates for assignments are not specified on this syllabus. I will inform you of exact due dates. Also, check the class calendar regularly, which is located in Blackboard.

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  Quizzes: Quizzes will be given regularly. If you miss a quiz due to being absent, you cannot make it up.  However, I do drop at least one quiz grade at the END of the semester.  

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  Instructor Feedback

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  I understand that my feedback on your assignments is important, so I strive to return graded assignments as quickly as possible, but you should expect one week before they are return.  If you have questions about the score you received on an essay or any assignment, I expect you to thoughtfully review the assignment sheet, my feedback, and wait until the next class meeting to meet with me to discuss your grade.

  Attendance

  Attendance Policy

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  Student responsiblities:

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  Attendance:

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  Students are expected to attend all classes. Because of the collaborative nature of this course and the fact that success in this course depends on continuous practice and constant direction from the instructor, missing even one class can interfere with your grade (See Attendance Grade Policy in Grading Section). Absences start on the first scheduled day on which the class meets.

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  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Major writing assignments are explained in detail IN CLASS; you will not be able to "just read" your textbook to learn all aspects of each assignment.  Furthermore, writing issues that many students encounter are also explained in detail IN CLASS.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.

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  It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation of an excused absence and make arrangements for making up any work missed during that absence. 

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  If you miss a class, YOU ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY WORK ASSIGNED IN CLASS OR DUE THAT DAY.  You can email or upload (check assignment sheet, assignment instructions in course content, etc. for information) your homework, papers, etc. AND check the course calendar (DO NOT REFER TO THE SYLLABUS COURSE OUTLINE FOR DUE DATES AS THESE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE), course content, and email for any new assignments.  

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  Also, if you miss a class, get missed work assignments and lecture notes from a trusted classmate. It is your responsibility assignment information and notes if you miss class. Please do not ask me after your absence what you missed. Instead, ask a trusted classmate, and I will provide further clarification if needed. If you're not in class, you may miss due date information, and I do not accept late work.

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  If you know in advance that you must miss a class, please notify the instructor in advance AND turn in early any work that is due on the day you must miss.

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  Late Work

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  Late Work:

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  All work is due on the date assigned.  Again, you can turn work in early if you know you must miss a class, or you can turn in using Blackboard if you must miss class unexpectedly.  

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  Homework and/or In-Class assignments:

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  No homework or in-class Under will be accepted late FOR A GRADE; HOWEVER, even if you miss the due date, you are still responsible for completing the assignment and turning it in.

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  Major Writing Assignments:

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  For the assignments that require an outline, a rough draft, and a revised final draft, no outlines or rough drafts that are part of the major writing assignment are accepted late are accepted for a grade.  

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  Final drafts, with the exception of the last major writing assignment, are accepted up to five days late; however, the paper loses 10pts for each day.  Therefore, by the fifth day, the most the final draft is 50% of the total points possible for the final draft.  The 10pt  late penalty begins immediately after the due time for the paper has passed.  For example, it a paper is due on a certain date by 10:00am, a paper turned in at 10:01am is late, and the 10pt late penalty applies.   

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  Withdrawal

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  If you consider withdrawing, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in this course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.  Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is April 24, 2014.  Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies. Check with a counselor or advisor before you withdraw from any class.

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  Students are responsible for official withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course.  A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before the withdrawal deadline: April 24, 2014.  Students may withdraw via WebAdvisor, by meeting with their academic advisor, by meeting with Advising Department staff or at any of the Assistance Center counters. Withdrawal requests will not be accepted by telephone.

  Calendar

  Course Schedule

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  \ Week \	\ Content \	Writing	\ My Skills Lab \
  \ 1 \	\ Diagnostic \	Lab: Diagnostic Essay	TBD
  \ 2 \	\ Introductions.  Read syllabus. Interview classmate; exchange contact info. Read and sign course contract. Chapter 1: An Overview of Active Reading \
  \ 3 \	\ Chapter 2: An Overview of the Writing Process \	Assign: Paragraphs	\ Lab: Pathbuilder  \
  \ 4 \	\ Chapter 5: Topics, Main Ideas, and Topic Sentences and Chapter 6: Details, Transitions, and Implied Main Ideas   \	\ Revise paragraphs \ \ Assign: Article Analysis 1 \
  \ 5 \	\ Chapter 7: Organization: Basic Patterns \	Due: Article Analysis 1	\   \
  \ 6 \	\ Chapter 10: Reading, Planning, and Organizing Essays \	\ Assign: Essay 1 \	\   \
  \ 7 \	\ Chapter 11: Drafting and Revising Essays \	Due: Essay 1 draft.	\   \
  \ 8 \	\ Chapter 12: Reading and Writing Essays with Multiple Patterns (and assigned readings) \	\ Due: Essay 1 final draft \ \ Assign: Essay 2 \	\   \
  \ 9 \	\ Chapter 13: Critcal Thinking: Making Inferences and Analyzing the Author's Message (and assigned readings) \	\ Due: Essay 2 rough draft \	\   \
  \ 10 \	\ Chapter 14: Critical Thinking: Evaluating the Author's Techniques \	Due: Essay 2 final draft	\   \
  \ 11 \	\ ontinue Chapters 13 and 14 \	\ Assign: Article analysis 2 \	\   \
  \ 12 \	\ Chapter 15: Critical Thinking: Reading and Writing Arguments \	\ Due: Article analysis 2 \ \ Assign: Essay 3 \	\   \
  \ 13 \	\ Chapter 16: Reading and Writing from Sources \	\ work on Essay 3 \	\   \
  \ 14 \	Continue Chapters 15 and 16	Due: Essay 3 rough draft
  \ 15 \	\ Review for final \	Due: Essay 3 final draft	\    \
  \ 16 \	\ Final Exam:  in class. \		\   \

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  This schedule is a tentative outline and does not reflect all in-class assignments and activities. It is subject to change based on the needs of the students.

  Additional Information

  Class Meeting Locations

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  In addition to using AcConnect, this class meets once a week in Ordway Writing Lab #104 (downstairs) and once a week in Ordway Classroom #209 (Upstairs).

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  On Tuesday, this class will meet in Ordway Classroom #209.

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  On Thursday, this class will meet in Ordway Writing Lab #104.

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  Computers

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  This class utilizies Blackboard located on ACConnect.  Assigments, course announcements, emails, etc. will all be posted/sent through AcConnect; therefore, you MUST CHECK YOU COURSE EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS.  If I have posted or sent information on AcConnect, you are responsible for it.  No exceptions.

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  If you do not have accesss to a reliable computer with internet, please note that AC has an open access area on the fourth floor of the library.  Some computers are also available for student use on the first floor of the library.  Ordway Writings Labs #101 and #104 are available for student usage when classes are not in session in these rooms.  Please check Ordway Writing Lab #101 for the hours of operation.  Furthermore, your AC student ID gives you access to Amarillo Libraries that have computers.  

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  Tutoring

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  I encourage you to make an appointment with me for help with your writing.  However, if I am unavailable, you are encouraged to visit the resources available on campus for help with your writing.

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  Tutoring:  Free tutoring is available through two sources: The Writers’ Corner and Smarthinking.  You may make an appointment at the Writers’ Corner, but you can also drop by for tutoring.  The Writers’ Corner is open Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  You can call for an appointment at (806) 345-5580

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  In addition, AC subscribes to Smarthinking, an on-line tutoring service you may use free for 10 hours each semester. This service is available nights and weekends. Access instructions are located in AC Online. 

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  Revisions: You may receive a grade of NG (No Grade) on a paper along with a note from me to take your paper to a tutor. In order to redeem credit, take the paper to the Writers' Corner and meet with a tutor. After you meet with a tutor, the tutor will send me a form explaining what they talked to you about. You will have one week after the paper was originally returned to you to rewrite the paper with the advice you received from the tutor.  You will turn back in the original paper and the revised paper to me.  The revised paper will then be graded (You must see a tutor in the Writers’ Corner, rewrite the paper, and turn in both the original and rewritten paper in one week from when it was given to you to have the original grade removed.)

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM