Getting Started

The course relies heavily on reading, writing essays, conducting library research, and some grammar exercises.

• Reading quizzes are generally due Sunday nights and consist of textbook and lecture reading.  The lowest quiz grade is forgiven.
• Discussion posts are generally due Saturdays.  Students have several opportunities for discussion and they have the option of skipping some entries or using those entries for extra credit.  Responding to at least two peer posts is required for each discussion assignment.
• Comprehensive exams and large research essays are required for this class, including a timed essay in which students produce a polished argument essay in 60 minutes.  The essay prompts are randomly chosen in Blackboard and are completed online. A proctor is not needed. 

Feedback

Feedback is provided in one of the following methods:

A.      Essay comments using GradeMark from Turnitin (available via Blackboard).

B.      Grading Rubric on Discussions.

C.      Automatic feedback on the quizzes.

D.      Typed feedback on the timed essay.

Students should expect to log in to Blackboard at least 3 times per week.  Because this is a three credit class, I do expect students to spend at least 50 minutes three times per week online (either Blackboard or related Web sites); however, depending on the level of participation, this can be more or less.  There is a significant amount of reading, and this reading must be completed before discussion posts, quizzes, and writing assignments.  The essays will take approximately 2-3 hours per page, depending on students’ writing expertise; this is in addition to the time spent preparing to write and completing Blackboard assignments.  There are also several other Web sites that require access for discussion completions (such as NPR.org and other sites), so of course, Internet access is required.  Practice exercises are available through the textbook Web sites and access is encouraged.  All assignments are posted at the beginning of the semester, and students may complete assignments on their own schedule as long as deadlines are met; however, they should not continue with a writing assignment until after receiving instructor feedback from the previous assignment.

It is expected that students have a computer and Internet access at home and that they have completed an Orientation to Online Learning session and meet the minimum expectations for computer literacy for online students.  Students will be required to upload and download files, use email attachments, format Word documents according to MLA standards, and download video content. It is expected that students know how to do this or at least seek help in accomplishing these tasks.