Composition II: Research and Writing

Professor: Shelby Boyce

Classroom: BALA Computer Classroom 116
INSTRUCTOR:
Ms. Shelby Boyce
EMAIL
boyce@nsuok.edu
OFFICE HOURS
Monday and Wednesday- 5:00-8:00 pm by appointment.
COURSE TITLE AND NUMBER:
CLASS DAYS & TIME:
English 1234 Composition II: Research & Writing
Tues-Thurs from 11:00-12:15
PREREQUISITES:
Composition I completion with a C or better.
COURSE PURPOSE:
The major objectives in this course are to familiarize professionals in English and related fields
with some of the methods of research in their field, and the conventions used by their peers in
publishing their research in a variety of genres. It will develop in students a greater awareness of
the higher standards of academic writing expected of graduate students in comparison to
undergraduates.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: (Required Textbook)
Booth, Wayne C. et al. The Craft of Research. 3rd Ed. Chicago: U of Chicago P, 2008.
MLA Handbook for Writers. 7th ed. New York: MLA, 2009.
Other Required Material:
Flash-Drive
Microsoft Live Account (will discuss further in class)
Access to the apps listed under technology on the class webpage

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will examine the relevance of their research to the communities within academia. They
will be asked to reflect on their research and writing as a process, not a product. Finally, students
will undertake work that will make them successful in their course work throughout higher
education.
Students will become familiar with several genres associated with scholarly research and
academic writing, including textual editions, the annotated bibliography, the research proposal,
and a final complete, MLA documented, research paper. As much as possible, I ask that students

overlap their research focus for all assignments in the course.

Since this class is a short, four week course, I recommend that students formulate their ideas for
research topics and issues early on in the class.
Student Performance Activities: (Attendance)
If you have questions or problems, it is your responsibility to see me during my office hours or
speak to me about making an appointment if my hours do not work for you. Students are allowed
one absence this semester. I do not differentiate between excused or unexcused. There is not time
for absent students considering the length of this class. More than one absence for any reason
will result in a letter grade deduction per absence. Arriving late or leaving early counts as
day absence.
No late work will be accepted unless students make arrangements with me beforehand. This
policy also applies in the case of student absence.
Student Evaluation: Below you will find instructions for each assignment. The student
schedule for due dates is on the final page. Youll find the reading assignments there as well.
I. Miscellaneous assignments (quizzes, class participation, peer evaluation, etc.) 10%
Throughout the course, we will engage in short in-class activities for credit; in addition, I hold
the ability to assign short writing/research activities. There may also be open-note reading
quizzes pertaining to the assigned readings if the need arises.
II. Reflections (3 total) 10%
One of the assigned textsThe Craft of Researchdiscusses many valuable lessons regarding
research. I will ask you to turn in one reflection each week on the reading from the week. They
need to be 1-3 pages and will be due at the beginning of class on Thursday.
III. Annotated Bibliography 30%
The annotated bibliography will involve short descriptive/evaluative annotations (150 words
each) and 5-10 sources. It will include a 1-page introduction. The format for this assignment will
adhere to MLA style guidelines. The focus for this project should be the same (if possible) as the
focus of the final paper.
IV. Final Project 40%
The final project will consist of a MLA style, properly researched essay. It should be a minimum
of 5-7 pages. I will not argue if it is longer than 7 pages as long as the included information is
relevant. Please format the Works Cited page per MLA style. The paper should include at least
the sources youve included in the Annotated Bibliography. Along with the paper, students will
present the information in their paper in a multimodal fashion; meaning a Powerpoint, a video, a
podcast, or any other approved method.
VI. Final Reflection 10%

The final reflection will be a personal reflection. One of the most important steps in writing is the
ability to review what you learn and reflect upon how that has affected you. I would like each
student to spend 3-5 pages reflecting upon this course. Students should be able to discuss what
they learned, how they applied it, and how it will help them in the future on other assignments.
Instructional Procedures:
I expect students to attend class regularly; to complete the readings on time; to hand in
assignments on time; to participate in class discussion by asking and by answering questions
from your classmates and from me; to work on your writing; and most importantly, to think. I
believe you must play an active, rather than a passive, role in your education. I encourage class
participation and attendance because I believe you learn more from me and from each other
when you are in rather than out of class. And an active class discussion makes for a more
interesting hour.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:
Academic misconduct includes cheating (using unauthorized materials, information, or study
aids in any academic exercise), plagiarism, falsification of records, unauthorized possession of
examinations, intimidation, and any and all other actions that may improperly affect the
evaluation of a students academic performance or achievement, or assisting others in any such
act or attempts to engage in such acts. Academic misconduct in any form is inimical to the
purposes and functions of the University and therefore is unacceptable and prohibited.
Any faculty member, administrator or staff member may identify an act of academic misconduct
and should report that act to the department head/college dean, Vice President for Academic
Affairs or administrative supervisor.
Students violating the standards of academic honesty are subject to disciplinary action including
reduction of a grade(s) in a specific course, assignment, paper, or project; a formal or informal
reprimand at the professorial, dean, or academic vice president level; expulsion from the class in
which the violation occurred; expulsion from a program; or expulsion from the university.
ADA COMPLIANCE:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this
legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that
provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability
requiring an accommodation, please notify your faculty member and contact Student Disability
Services in Student Affairs: Tahlequah - Administration Building (918) 444-2120, Broken
Arrow/Muskogee Administration Building (918) 449-6149.
INCLEMENT WEATHER / DISASTER POLICY:
The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern:
1. Safety of students and employees is the number one priority when implementing the
inclement weather policy.

2. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

3. It is the students and facultys responsibility to receive the information when weather
is questionable.
4. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.
5. Faculty are encouraged to be flexible regarding absences related to severe weather.
6. If any one of Northeasterns campuses is closed, it is the responsibility of the
University to disseminate information pertaining to such closing as early as possible.
7. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the university is not closed, unless
the faculty member is unable to get to the campus.
Policy Statements:
1. The specific person(s) responsible for making the decision concerning the closing of
each of the three campuses are: (Tahlequah-President and Provost/Vice President for
Academic Affairs; Broken Arrow Campus Dean in conjunction with the President
and Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs; Muskogee Campus Dean in
conjunction with the President and Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs).
The President will notify the Vice President for University Relations who in
conjunction with his staff, will notify the public through the news media and the
campus community through email, NSU homepage, NSU telephone message and
switchboard message and other means when available. The Provost/Vice President of
Academic Affairs will notify faculty.
2. During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by
5:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for the students to receive the
announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning evening/night classes
will be made by 1:00 p.m. if at all possible or feasible.
3. The following media will be notified regarding closing of the campus:
Radio Stations:
KRMG
740 AM
Tulsa
KTLQ
1350 AM
Tahlequah
KEOK
102 FM
Tahlequah
KMMY (Y97)
9700 FM
Muskogee
KVOO
1170 AM
Tulsa
KBEZ
92.9 FM
Tulsa
KMYZ
104.5 FM
Tulsa
KHTS
106.9 FM
Tulsa
Television Stations:
KJRH
KOTV
KTUL

Channel 2
Channel 6
Channel 8

Tulsa
Tulsa
Tulsa

Faculty members need to include this information (stations and call

numbers) in all their course syllabi so that students will have a record of where
they can obtain information.

4. The message sent to the news media should indicate whether the entire campus is
closed or if classes are not being held. Unless the administrative offices are
specifically mentioned as being closed, always assume they are open. See Staff
Handbook regarding leave for such occasions.
5. Essential services will remain open with a skeleton crew:
a. University Housing/Residence Halls
b. Physical Plant
c. Campus Police
d. University Center
6. The Physical Plan will clear sidewalks and parking lots based upon the Accessible
Route plan. This plan takes into consideration location of ADA entrances to
buildings.
7. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible; however, occasionally a faculty
member may not be able to get to class due to unique weather conditions in the area
in which he/she lives. If the University is open, but a faculty member feels it is
impossible to travel to campus, he/she must notify the dean and request personal
leave. See Faculty Handbook, 6.12.
8. Faculty are encouraged to be flexible regarding student absences due to inclement
weather. Consideration should be given to faculty developing make up material for
distribution in case of faculty or student absences from individual classes.

Student Schedule:
It is preferable for the reading to be done by Tuesdays class, but definitely by Thursday of each
week because that is when the reflections are due. If I feel it necessary, I will have quizzes at the
beginning of class on Thursday to ensure students are reading the assigned material outside of
class.
Week 1: Reading Assignment: Chapter 1-4
Tuesday:
-Class Introduction: Discuss assignments and grading procedures
-Review databases and proper citations
Thursday:
-Reflection I Due
-Review databases and use
Week 2: Reading Assignment: Chapters 5-9
Tuesday:
-Research Proposal Due

Thursday:
-Annotated Bibliography Peer Review
-Reflection II Due
Week 3: Reading Assignment: Chapters 10-14
Tuesday:
-Annotated Bibliography Due
-Prepare an outline (Submit by sharing with me on Microsoft OneDrive)
Thursday:
-Reflection III Due
-Final Paper Discussion
Week 4: Reading Assignment: Chapters 15-17
Tuesday:
-Final Paper Peer Review
Thursday:
-Final Project Due
-Final Reflection Due