ENG 122 - course outcomes and grading criteria

Student Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to

• Plan, write, and revise assignments that demonstrate an ability to use research as support.


• Use primary and secondary sources.


• Develop a statement of purpose and focus for a large research project.


• Synthesize different types of sources.


• Document research according to standard formats.


• Organize large amounts of material into a coherent project.


• Take risks in writing.


• Explore a topic from multiple perspectives.

Grading Criteria
A= 900-1000 points / B=800-899 points / C=700-799 points / D=600-699 points / F=0-599 points

Short Research & Analysis Assignments, 200 points
You will complete four short 50-point assignments that involve research and/or analysis: a group project, an annotated bibliography, a primary research tool, and a source critique. I will give you more specific information about these assignments and how they will be graded in separate handouts. Due dates for these assignments are in the schedule.

MLA Documentation Quiz, 50 points

Statements of Purpose & Design Plans, 200 points
You will plan in detail four genre pieces related to your research topic. Statements of purpose and design plans are discussed in detail in chapters 2 and 3 of cda. Due dates are in the schedule.

Blog, 150 points
You will keep a blog in which you record and reflect on your research and writing processes. Most class meetings will include about ten minutes to blog. In addition, you should post comments to at least three classmates’ blogs each week, responding to their specific concerns, offering supportive criticism, and urging them to challenge and stretch themselves as writers. To receive credit for comments, be sure to sign your full name. You can find classmates’ blogs on the class blog roll at http://lizkleinfeldclass.blogspot.com/.

To receive a passing grade on your blog, it must be complete and entries must have been made in a timely fashion; in addition, comments on class members’ blogs must have been made in a timely fashion. To receive better than a passing grade on your blog, it must do everything required for a passing grade and I should be able to tell that you have used your blog entries to challenge and stretch yourself as a researcher and writer (for example, your blog entries may be exceptionally detailed, specific, thoughtful, and probing).

Class Participation and Preparation, 150 points
Class participation means more than simply showing up, although showing up is a good start. Class participation means attending all classes and appointments, arriving to class/appointments on time and staying the entire time, arriving prepared, having read the material and completed in advance any written assignments, engaging with class activities, and collaborating generously and productively with classmates in discussions and small group activities.

Final Multi-Genre Project and Presentation, 250 points
You will create at least four and revise at least three genre pieces on your research topic supported by research. You will present the revised pieces in a portfolio and in a presentation to the class. The final project is due May 6, and presentations will take place during the last two class meetings. The detailed assignment and grading criteria are attached to the syllabus.