UWRT 1104: Writing & Inquiry in Academic Contexts II

Instructor: Mia Eaker

Office: Cameron (CARC) 159
Office Hours: T TR 2:00-
3:00P, W 11:30-12:30
Meeting Options: 1) During Office Hours 2) During Optional Studio
Time 3) Google Hangout

Email: mteaker@uncc.edu

Quicklinks Syllabus Guide

Required Materials 2
UWRT 1104 Plus Studio Course Description 2
Studio (Online Component) 2
UWRT Key Concepts 3
Blog 3
Daybook 3
Textbook for Our Class 4
Attendance Policy 4
Exam Day 5
UNCC Withdrawal Policy 5
Texting/Cell Phones/Laptops 6
Grading & Feedback 6
Email 7
FYWs Program Statement on Diversity 7
Disabilities Statement 7
Plagiarism 8
Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather 8
Pocket Survival Guide for Success in Our Class 9-10
 2

Required Materials

A WEEBLY OR WIX website design account (FREE). We

will create this in class together.
A DAYBOOK This is where you will keep notes, daily
work, and parts of your studio work.
o Option 1-- a composition notebook
o Option 2 -- A file (or folder) IN YOUR UNCC GOOGLE
DRIVE LABELED UWRT 1104 Digital Daybook AND
SHARED WITH ME.
ACCESS TO A PRINTER or money on your 49er card for
printing in case it is needed for workshops.
*ACCESS TO A LAPTOP, TABLET, IPAD* during class time
(Laptops are available for checkout from the Library).

UWRT 1104 Course Description

How are we going to

do this?

To explore these questions,

we will complete in-class
activities, an explorative
blog, workshops, a digital
essay, and a Writing
Portfolio to flesh out these
areas. First, we will conduct
preliminary research and
hone in on a specific area
of interest. Next, we will
collate research and push
research forward by asking
questions and critically
exploring sources. Then, we
will present research and
Studio final conclusions in a digital
essay. This work created,
Your online studio is worth 1 of the 4 credit hours. Your participation with this part of the
managed, and presented
course is also 15 % of your grade. Directions and due dates for studio work will be on
on your Weebly or Wix site,
your calendar and on the Studio page, which can be accessed from the course homepage aka your Writing Portfolio.
on Canvas. Work in the studio will correspond with and support assignments and The Writing Portfolio will be
concepts we are covering in class. Studio work will often ask you to complete activities in a presentation, reflection,
your Google Folder and/or add compose a blog entry. and explanation of your
process, choices,
Individual Studio activities will not receive a grade. It is meant to be a place to have some knowledge, and growth
freedom to comment, question, and brainstorm. It is a practice space. Instead of individual regarding your writing and
activity grades, you will receive a cumulative participation grade for your Studio work that research this semester.
reflects submission timeliness, completeness, accuracy regarding directions and goals,
and the level of engagement and thoroughness.
 3

Key Concepts

The following represent values and goals for this course; each represents common collegiate
values regarding what good writers are expected to be knowledgeabout and be able to do with
their work. In your final portfolio, these are the concepts I will be looking to see that you
actively worked on and display throughout your work.

rhetorical knowledge
critical reading
composing processes
knowledge of conventions
critical reflection You can read more about them HERE.

Blog
WARNING!!! Blog & Daybook prompts are disabled after class and will not be given out later

Your blog will be kept on your website; it will be used to track your reflection and
discussion of course concepts, readings, and research. It should track your progress and o
e
without documentation for missing a class, nor will a list of prompts be given out at the

your thinking through the entire semester through reading responses, reflections, notes, s
etc. th
The primary purposes of keeping your blog will be:
is
To prep you class discussion so that you have thought out your responses ahead m
of time, recorded questions, etc. e
To push your thinking beyond class prep (plan, ask questions, reflect, a
n
brainstorm, think critically about course concepts)
To respond critically to your research I
To track your thinking regarding your research and writerly skills c
a
To think about clarity for a broader audience while also having room to write in yourn
own style
semester. Entries must be completed on schedule.

Daybook
Your Daybook should track your progress and your thinking through the entire
semester; it serves the same purpose as your blog without the burden of
grammar and audience. It will hold notes, class prep, brainstorming, research
notes
Your daybook will be a composition notebook or a folder/document in
your UNCC Google Drive.
Date & title your entries so that you can find them later.
KEEP EVERYTHING IN CHRONOLIGICAL ORDER!!!

Submitting: This can be tricky. Daybooks will be periodically checked for class
participation. I will never collect and read Daybooks. They will be checked in class and at
conferences, and you will include selections on your website. I will look for completeness,
development, evidence of readings, and thoroughness and complexity of responses.
 4

Textbook for Our Class

REQUIRED TEXT
RE: Composing: A Journal by Writers for Writers

OTHER COURSE READINGS

Unlike possible previous classes, this class will not have a
significant amount of required reading. Other than the
UWP journal, readings are carefully selected and are
available in digital format on unit calendars. Presentations
that help explain readings, key concepts, and other writerly
vocabulary will be available on Canvas and gone over in
class.

YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Other reading this semester will be primarily of your own
selection; in other words, most of your course reading
material (scholarly articles, academic blogs,
interviews, news articles, documentaries, TED talks,
news radio programs) will be compiled by you as the
student-researcher.

Attendance Policy

ALLOWED 3 ABSENCES WITHOUT PENALTY

Each absence after 3 = 10 points deducted from your total final grade.
4 arrivals or early departures in any combo = 1 absence.
You must be in class 45 MINUTES to be counted present.
I reserve the right to count you absent if you are not mentally present asleep, not participating in
activities, doing work for another class, spending significant periods of time on the computer or phone
Allowed 2 religious observance days per academic year; must fill out appropriate form YOU are responsible
for all missed work-- consult Canvas.
An absence can only be excused by 1) being in contact with me about the absence and signing a contract
that will require 2) documentation being submitted to the Dean of Student Office and 3) work made up for
that day that will be discussed and decided at my discretion.
 5

Exam Day

The exam day is a designated meeting time for the course. However, this class time is replaced
by a meeting with me to discuss your final portfolio submission. This is still mandatory class time
and must be attended.

If you have a conflict, arrangements must be made with me prior to final exam week so as to
not procure an absence at the end of the semester that may affect your grade.

DATES FOR FINAL EXAMS WILL BE POSTED ON CANVAS. HOWEVER, YOU WILL
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SCHEDULING YOUR OWN PORTFOLIO MEETING.

UNCC Withdrawal Policy

As of Fall 2015 There is a limit of 16 credits of "W" allowed for all undergraduate
students. This action must be taken by Tuesday, October 24 at 11:59PM.
If you withdraw from a course, it will show on your transcript with a grade of "W" but will
not count towards your GPA.
After that deadline, exceptions may be requested, but only in cases where extenuating
circumstances such as serious illness can be demonstrated.
Unsatisfactory academic performance itself is not an extenuating circumstance. Students
should be cautious about the impact of withdrawing from one or more courses on time-to-
degree, financial aid eligibility, and cost to the student.

Texting/Cell Phones/Laptops

Part of adequate class participation is being completely

engaged with the class throughout the entire time
period. Therefore, cell phone usage, texting, or
inappropriate surfing on the Internet when you are given
time in class to work will negatively impact your class
participation grade. I reserve the right to ask you to
leave class and be counted absent for the day
should I catch you texting, working on other
materials, or socializing on your computers during
class time. If you have extenuating circumstances that
Sources: Meme Generator

require you to have access to your cell phone, please

see me as soon as possible. Please be respectful of all
the time I give you to work in class, and use it wisely to
get help on your assignments as needed.
 6
Grading & Feedback

ReRseasrecahrcshoshwoswth s ath t afitnfain

l garlagdraedseins p
inoprtofortlfiolciooucorsuerseasrearheighhiegh r ethrath
natnratdraitdioitnioalnlya-llgyr-agdraeded cocuorusersses
bebcaeucaseuspeoprtofrotlfioslio(as)(aa)llo aw lloswtusdtuednetsnto s tsohoshwocw asceasaevaarviaertiyetoyf othfethirewirowrkoraknadn(db)(bal)loaw llotweatcehaech
rsertsoto
gd
ra d e o li
i s t il
c a l lb
y , b ads e d nsa sd
tu d e 's s
gra e hohlist ca ly, ase onoa tu ent'nstsem ste long enega em net atnd gro tw eem e sr
t-e r-lon g n g a g ee m n a nd gw ro h.th More ver,etrhe deigditigailtal
. M oore o v , th
spasp
ceacoeffoefrfserasm am
plep ldeigditgaitlaclocm om popsoinsgingchco hiociecsesssootthhaattyyoouuccaannpresent your work in purposeful ww ayasy.s.
ThTishis aispaoprtofo rtlfiolciooucorsuer.sIew . Iilw
l nilo
l ntoatssaisgsniggnragdraedsetso tinodinivdidivuidaulm alamjoarjoarssaisgsnigmnemnetsndtsudriunrgintghethderadfrtainftging
stasgteasgeosf othfethseem seemsteesrt.eRr.aR thaethr,eyro,u yowuilw l rilelcreicveeiv1e) 1p)ap
rtaicritpicaip t iaotniognragdraedseto
s ttoratcrkacckomcopmleptlieotnioannadnd
enegnageam geemnetnatnadn2d)2fe) efedebdab ckacfkrofm romyoyuoruprep eersearsnadnfdrofmrom memea nadnydou yowuilw l eilnlegn
ageagienivnavraioru iosurserfelefcletcivteive
anadnadnaan lyatliycatilcacltaivctitivieitsi
est o thoehlpelypou yotuakteakceoncotrnotlrofl oyo fu yoruwrrw itirnitginagnadntdo tim
o ipmropvreovitetihtrtohuro
gh uoghuot uthtethe
coucorsuer.sTeh. Tehse seefefoffrotsrtsww illilblebeasassessessesd edininthtehefin fianlalppoorrttffooliloio..

You will receive a midterm grade that will serve as a heads-up about how youre doing in the course. Your
grade is not based on the quality of individual assignments alone, but rather the extent to which you show
the following--
worked on your writing
took risks and made writerly choices
engaged with course content
participated in the writing & research process along the way
displayed knowledge of student learning outcome
YOU MUST COMPLETE
ALL MAJOR
ASSESSMENT GROUPINGS Weight COMPONENTS TO PASS
THE COURSE.
Class Participation
In-Class Discussion & Groups, Daybook Preparedness for 20%
Class, Class Prep Blog Entries, Attitude & Contribution to
Class Dynamic Failure to submit even
one of the following
Process Participation components will result
Preparedness, Engagement, Quality and/or
Improvement, and Attitude during in and out-of-class
15% in an AUTOMATIC
brainstorming workshops. This also applies to blog
entries related to research and your inquiry. FAILING GRADE FOR THE
COURSE
Studio Participation
Timeliness, Completeness, Accuracy Regarding Goals &
15%
Directions, and Thoroughness & Engagement with any 1. Daybook
work in your Google Folder or in your Blog attached to
studio prompts completed on your own. 2. Blog

Final Portfolio --
3. Research Assignment
50%
Blog, LOI Assignments, Reflective (Unit 2)
Components
4. Digital Essay (Unit 3)

COURSE TOTAL 100%

5. Final Portfolio with
Reflective Frame
 7
Email
Consider also
using Chat in
Please feel free to email me with any questions you have about Canvas or Google
our class work, reading, or assignments. Keep in mind: Hangout. These
are great options
Email is a genre, meaning there are appropriate ways to when you cant
address, ask questions, etc. Email is not a text message, so
make it to office
please do not write an email as such.
I generally check & respond my email 2-3 times on a hours or have a
weekday between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00PM question or
I check email once over the weekend. problem that
needs a quick
response.

FYWs Program Statement on Diversity

The University Writing Program strives to create an academic

climate that respects people of varied cultural backgrounds
and life experiences. As a community of scholars and
teachers who study language, literature, and writing, we are
committed to nurturing intellectual and aesthetic diversity. In all
our activities, we invite participation by diverse groups,
including, but not limited to, those who define themselves in
the following terms: race and ethnicity; gender; political
orientation; sexual orientation; special
l i
p
art health needs; age; religion; country of origin; and socio-
S
e
economic status. Finally, by fostering multiple perspectives
e
p in our coursework, we can help our students prepare to
participate in our increasingly diverse society, as well as in
the global community.

Disabilities Statement

Students who have a disability or condition, which may impair their

ability to complete assignments or otherwise satisfy course criteria
should meet with me to identify, discuss and document any feasible
instructional modifications or accommodations. Please inform me as
soon as possible after a disability or condition is diagnosed,
whichever occurs earliest. For information and auxiliary assistance,
contact the Disabilities Resources Center.

PHONE: 704.687.0040
 8

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a
Cheating. Intentionally using or attempting to use
SERIOUS issue,
unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or
and should not be other devices in any academic exercise. This definition
taken lightly. includes unauthorized communication of information
during an academic exercise.
Fabrication and Falsification. Intentional and
Should you have
unauthorized alteration or invention of any information
questions about or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a
plagiarism or matter of altering information, while fabrication is a
citing sources, see matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use
in any academic exercise.
me or visit the Multiple Submission. The submission of substantial
Writing Resources portions of the same academic work (including oral
Center in reports) for credit more than once without authorization.
Cameron 149. Plagiarism. Intentionally or knowingly presenting the
work of another as one's own (i.e., without proper
acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to
the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the
Intentional ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge.
(NOTE: For more information regarding plagiarism, see
plagiarism
PLAGIARISM Appendix at http://legal.uncc.edu/policies/
constitutes ps-105.html#APP.)
automatic failure Abuse of Academic Materials. Intentionally or
of this class & knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible
library or other academic resource material.
possibly being Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. Intentionally or
reported to knowingly helping or attempting to help another to
Student Affairs. commit an act of academic dishonesty.
This is your
education; be
responsible.
Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather

In the event that the university or myself needs to cancel class due to weather or other
unforeseen circumstance, you will STILL have work to complete. More specifically:

You will receive an email from me with instructions

Check our Unit Calendar to chart the appropriate changes
Work will be updated Canvas for you to complete
Be mindful of the time constraints for the work, and turn in your work on time and
complete
 9

Pocket Survival Guide for Success in Our Class

With regards to the work of the course I expect you to:

Come to class. You ARE expected to be in class each dayon time. While 2 absences are
permitted these are not free passes. They are for emergencies and should be used
responsibly and documented when possible. You should be in communication with me and
your classmates when you are not in class. You are responsible for anything you miss.
Be engaged in the classroom material/ & discussions. This means that you are not simply
physically present, but you are mentally and intellectually present as well. You MUST be
actively involved in classroom activities through participation in class discussions, group
discussions, exercises, and writing activities.
Be accountable for your work, actions, and ideas regarding your fulfillment of and adherence
to class expectations, requirements, policies. It is your responsibility to make sure that you
are on task and clear about course work and that you are maximizing your classroom
experience.
Ask for help. If there is anything that you do not understand or are unclear about, please talk to
me. I want you to feel confident in your project and your writing, but I cannot know that unless
you tell me. Part of your responsibility as a student is to use the help that is available to you.
Be respectful to each other and to me. We are all different; we come from diverse background
and have different experiences and opinions that make us who we are. These differences
should be celebrated and looked at as an opportunity for learning and understanding.
Engage with your writing. Writing that lacks passion is obvious. It's clear to the reader when
you wrote something and did not engage with it. Your level of engagement is also evident in
your drafting stages and in the way you interact with your peers' writing during workshops.

With regards to late work I:

Accept late drafts for partial credit toward the corresponding participation grade up to
ONE WEEK after the due date.
May offer extensions for drafts in circumstances where students correspond with me
prior to the due date to make arrangements. These situations will be handled on an
individual basis.
Daybook work will only be accepted late under extenuating circumstances and with
timely correspondence with me.
Conferences and Guided Workshops count as class sessions and due dates. If you
are absent and do not submit work at your sessions, then it is late.
Reserve the right to require some sort of documentation (i.e. doctor's notes, a
memorial bulletin, etc.) for my record.
Hold all of my students to the same standard throughout my classes, thus the need for a
more rigorous process to justify late work.

I give ample time in class to work/workshop various projects, so I expect you:

To stay off of social media and coursework for other classes.
To ask me questions, raise concerns, and/or get assistance from me concerning our course
work.
To not wait until the last minute to ask questions, get help etc.
 10

With regards to Conferences and Workshops:

You are required to share your writing (in various stages), and you will both receive and provide
feedback for revision with your peers.
If you are unable to attend a workshop, it is your responsibility to make up that step either
by making arrangements with a classmate to get feedback outside of class or by visiting the
Writing Resources Center and obtaining proof to submit to me.
Conferences and Guided Workshops are MANDATORY and should be scheduled the
week before they begin.
If you are unable to attend conferences outside of class time, you are responsible for making
early arrangements with me for a class time slot or an alternative.
You are responsible for scheduling your appointment and recording date, time, and
location.

The Writing Resources Center: You'll be able to work one-on-one with a tutor to
discuss your writing. They will not proofread/edit you work, but they will work with
you on any concerns you have. A tutor can help you at any stage of the drafting
process, even if it is brainstorming or conducting research. l encourage you take
advantage of this service because it is free.

NEED HELP? I am available via email, office hours, and appointments if necessary, so
waiting until the last minute to get help, ask questions, or raise concerns is bad practice.
Consider the syllabus and Canvas...
A contract for the standards of behavior and coursework expectations
Are here to protect both you and me concerning the acceptable working and learning
conditions for this class
Are resources to help you know what is going on; "I didn't know" is never an excuse.
Your first resource when for questions about content, due dates, expectations, etc.
With regards to your email and Canvas:
I will be sending you updates, reminders, comments, and other course information via
email and Canvas; therefore, you need to check both often.
Should I need to modify the course syllabus or due dates, I will update you via
email, Canvas, and our Calendar
You are responsible for keeping up with these changes when I make announcements in
class.
Should Canvas become unavailable from some sort of system-wide error, you will still be
required to complete your work through alternate methods which I will explain via email.