• Three Ring Notebook
• 3x5 or 4x5 note cards, colored markers or pencils, stapler, rubber bands
• UNC Email Address (Blue account); sign on to Black Board
• Some sort of computer storage device. Best choice a USB memory stick, iPod shuffle, or other MP3 player that saves data

---

Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Access Center (970) 351-2289 as soon as possible to better insure that accommodations for their disabilities are implemented in a timely fashion.

Objectives: 

Students will

1. learn the basic research skills and techniques
2. learn critical reading and thinking skills
3. learn MLA documentation and paper presentation
4. improve writing skills:

developing a main idea—thesis statement
writing good topic sentences and good paragraph development
improving grammar/mechanics, punctuation
increase and improve understanding of English usage

using Internet and World Wide Web as a useful research tool

A Note About Computers: We will work on various computer skills that will aid in preparing the research paper.  Computer problems cannot be an excuse for not turning in work or turning in late work.  While bad computer karma rules the world, students must learn how to get the most out of their computers and they must learn to avoid computer problems.  Follow these suggestions to hedge against computer karma ruining your life:

Know the computer system that your are using.  If you work in a lab, pick one that has good assistants to help.
Protect and maintain your equipment.  As the end of the semester nears, buy new printer ink cartridges for your printer or the printer you may be sharing.  If you share your friend’s or roommate’s computer, help pay for paper and ink.  Keep food and drink away from disks and keyboards.
Protect your disks.  Disks are vulnerable to extreme heat, cold, liquids, magnetic fields, dogs and roommates.  Put your name on your disk.  Have two disks so that you can back up your work.
Don’t procrastinate: Bad computer karma thrives in last minute panic.

---

Course Requirements:

1. All work turned in will be word processed and follow MLA format. All pages must be staple together, no ears or paper clips
2. Attendance is required.
3. Plagiarism:  All work must be original.  Students caught using work that is not their own will fail the class and may be expelled from the university.
4. Late assignments will not be accepted; but because there truly is bad karma in the world, students are granted two favors during the semester, but the request for a favor must be submitted before the assignment is due.
5. Turn off cell phone and pagers.
6. No snacking or snoozing in class.
7. Do not summit assignments through email, unless it is an email assignment.

Keys to Success in English 123

Effective Time Management
Good Organization
Accurate and Organized Note Taking

At the first sign of trouble or frustration, see me, call me, email me.  I am here for you always.  Just see me.  I would rather deal with a small panic attack before it becomes a fatal heart attack.  Often we can problem solve in just a few minutes;  I am not a miracle worker, but in a few moments with me early on could save the semester for you.  I would much rather see you a dozen times over minor things than try to salvage the semester because you were afraid to talk to me.

Do not procrastinate.  Each assignment is designed to finish one step of the research process and move you on to the next step.  Do not fall behind.  In case of illness or other unforeseen problems, call me immediately so that we can come up with a plan for you.  Late assignments cannot be accepted.  We have a lot of work to do.  Turning  in late assignments only puts you further behind.  Use your time wisely.  Create a work schedule.  Remember to redeem your favors.

Do something each day toward your research project: read an article, surf the net, take some notes, talk to someone about your topic, visit me, go to the library, use time between classes effectively.
Keep a research notebook.  Organize your research project, keeping all gathered material in one place.  Keep good records, take accurate and complete notes.

Don’t throw anything away.  While optional for the class, do keep a research notebook to help keep your work organized and in one location

The Research Notebook: Optional, but necessary for good organization
Use a three ring notebook with dividers for these categories

• Syllabus and class requirements
• Library sources and hand outs
• Research notes, daily journal thoughts, frustrations, ideas that come to 4mind, thesis ideas
• Time management calendar
• Conference schedule
• Class notes, handouts
• Record of graded assignments
• Graded assignments.

Topic Selection:  Choose a new and unusual topic to research and write about.  Avoid the tired, worn out, over used topics that were so accessible in high school.  Students are required to hold 3 conferences with the instructor to discuss the progress of their research project.  Their first conference should be topic selection.  I really do want to visit with each student to discuss his/her topic. Topics are subject to instructor approval. Topics will be approved when students submit their research question, so have a back-up research questions.

Remember:  An informed argument makes a sound argument.

Any questions?

E-Mail Me

Visit My Home Page

Visit English 123 Home Page