1

UWRT 1102: Writing & Inquiry in Academic

Contexts II
Instructor: Mia Eaker
Office: Cameron (CARC) 159
Office Hours: W 11:30-12:30PM, T
12:30-1:30, By Appt.
Meeting Options: 1) Face-to-face in my
office 2) Virtual via Google Hangout
Email:
mteaker@uncc.ed

Sources: Clip Art Lord & Concept Crucible

Quicklinks Syllabus
Guide
Required Materials

UWRT 1102 Course Description

UWRT Key Concepts

Daybooks

Textbook for Our Class

Attendance Policy

Exam Day

UNCC Withdrawal Policy

Texting/Cell Phones/Laptops

Grading & Feedback

Email

FYWs Program Statement on Diversity

Disabilities Statement

Plagiarism

Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather

Pocket Survival Guide for Success in Our Class

9-10

Required Materials

A WEEBLY OR WIX website design account (FREE)

A SPACE TO STORE/SAVE YOUR WORK throughout

the course: 1. An electronic file such as a continuous
Word Document/Google Doc, or 2. An online storage
cloud such as Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, etc.
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)
YOUR DAYBOOK: 1) a composition notebook or 2)
digital daybook Use a program like Microsoft Word,
Google Docs, OneNote to help organize work. Single
file is preferred. Work must be easily accessible and
organized in order with titles and dates.

UWRT 1102 Course Description

4 Central Qs
How should we
act, write,
respond?
What is research?
What is inquiry?
How do inquiry
and research
work together?
Speak to each
other? In what
ways are they the
same? Different?

How are we going to do this???

To explore these questions, we will complete three major assignments, in-class activities,
Daybook work, and in and out-of-class workshops that will flesh out these areas. The first
assignment is conducting preliminary research and honing in on a specific area of
interest, the second assignment is collating research and pushing research forward by
asking questions and critically exploring sources, and the third assignment is presenting
research and final conclusions in a digital essay. These three assignments will be
created, managed, and presented on your Weebly or Wix site, which will also be your
Writing Portfolio.

Key Concepts

The following represent values and goals for this course; each represents common collegiate
values regarding what good writers are expected to be knowledge about and be able to do with
their work. In your final portfolio, these are the concepts I will 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.

Daybooks

WARNING!!! Daybook links are disabled after class and will not be given out later without
documentation for missing a class, nor will a list of entry prompts be given out at the midterm or
end of the semester. Entries must be completed on schedule.

D
o
e
s
th
is
The primary purposes of keeping a Daybook include:
m
To prep for class discussion so that you have thought out your responses e
a
ahead of time, recorded questions, etc.
n
To push your thinking beyond class prep (plan, ask questions,
I
reflect, brainstorm, think critically about course concepts)
c
a
To have freedom to be messy and take risks and then select what you want
n
me to read in-depth. I will never collect and read your entire Daybook for
c
a grade. Daybook keeping is part of your class participation.
h
To add ideas, notes and brainstorming about your writing.
o
o
Bring your Daybook with you to class every day. This is essentially where you
will keep everything for class that is not a draft of a major assignment. It should
track your progress and your thinking through the entire semester through
reading responses, reflections, notes, etc.

Structure: Your Daybook is yours to organize. There are few rules aside
from these:
o date and title your entries so that you can differentiate them from each
o write somewhat legibly
o either print &include at-home prompts or summarize them with the entry
o KEEP EVERYTHING IN CHRONOLIGICAL ORDER!!!
Length: None unless specified in prompt
Submitting: The purpose of a Daybook is to have a space without the
pressure of grading. BUT I WILL STILL SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. At
several points during the semester, I will see selections, collect prompt
response, and check work in class.

Textbook for Our Class

Unlike some of your previous experiences, our class will
not have a significant amount of required reading.
Readings are carefully selected will be available in digital
format on our Canvas page. There will also be
presentations available on Canvas and gone over in
class that will help to explain course concepts.
However, just because we will not have class sanctioned
readings, does not mean that you will not read or
gather source material. Reading over the course of
this semester will consist primarily of your own making;
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 studentresearcher. Essentially, you will be creating your own
interactive textbook for our course based on your
specific area of interest that will be housed on your
website.

Attendance Policy

ALLOWED 3 ABSENCES WITHOUT PENALTY

Each absence after 3 = 10 points deducted from your total final grade
3 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

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 Monday, March 21 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.

Sources: Meme Generator

Texting/Cell Phones/Laptops

Part of adequate class participation is being completely

engaged with the class throughout the entire time period.
I do not permit any type of cell phone usage, texting, or
inappropriate surfing on the Internet when you are given
time in class to work. 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
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.

Grading & Feedback

Research
shows
that
final
grades
portfolio
courses
are
higher
than
traditionally-gradedcourses
courses
Research
shows
that
final
grades
in in
portfolio
courses
are
higher
than
traditionally-graded
because
portfolios
allow
students
showcase
a variety
their
work
and
allow
teacherstoto
because
portfolios
(a)(a)
allow
students
toto
showcase
a variety
ofof
their
work
and
(b)(b)
allow
teachers
grade
holistically,
based
a student's
semester-long
engagement
and
growth.
Moreover,
the
digital
grade
holistically,
based
onon
a student's
semester-long
engagement
and
growth.
Moreover,
the
digital
space
offersample
ample
digital
composingchoices
choicessoso
that
you
canpresent
presentyour
your
work
purposeful ways.
space
offers
digital
composing
that
you
can
work
in in
purposeful
ways.
This is a portfolio course. I will not assign grades to individual major assignments during the drafting
stages
of the semester.
willgrades
receiveto1)individual
participation
grades
to track during
completion
and
This
is a portfolio
course. IRather,
will notyou
assign
major
assignments
the drafting
engagement
and 2) feedback
fromwill
your
peers1)
and
from meand
youtowill
engage
in various
stages
of the semester.
Rather, you
receive
participation
grades
track
completion
andreflective
and analytical
help you
control
of your
writingyou
andwill
to improve
it throughout
the
engagement
andactivitiesto
2) feedback from
yourtake
peers
and from
meand
engage in
various
course. These
efforts activitiesto
will be assessed
in you
the final
portfolio.
reflective
and analytical
help
take control
of your writing and to improve it
throughout the course. These efforts will be assessed in the final portfolio.
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
YOU MUST COMPLETE
engaged with course content
participated in the writing & research process along the way ALL MAJOR
displayed knowledge of student learning outcome

COMPONENTS TO
PASS THE COURSE.

ASSESSMENT GROUPINGS

Class Participation -In-Class Discussion & Groups,

Daybook Keeping, Attitude,
Preparedness

Process & Workshop Participation

Preparedness, Engagement, Quality and/or
Improvement, and Attitude during in and
out-of-class workshops

Final Portfolio -About Page, Major Assignments,

Reflective Components

COURSE TOTAL

Weight

20%

15%

50%

100%

Failure to submit even

one of the following
components will result
in an AUTOMATIC
FAILING GRADE FOR
THE COURSE
Daybook, Proposal
Presentation Project,
Research Assignment,
Digital Essay, Final
Portfolio

Email

Please feel free to email me with any questions you have about
our class work, reading, or assignments. Keep in mind:
Email is a genre, meaning there are appropriate ways to
address, ask questions, etc. Email is not a text message, so
please do not write an email as such.
I generally check & respond my email 2-3 times on a
weekday between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00PM
I check email once over the weekend.

Consider also
using Chat in
Canvas. This is a
great option
when you cant
make it to office
hours or have a
question or
problem that
needs a quick
response.

FYWs Program Statement on Diversity

lp i
a
rt
S
e
e
p

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
health needs; age; religion; country of origin; and socioeconomic status. Finally, by fostering multiple perspectives
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

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a
SERIOUS issue, and
should not be
taken lightly.
Should you have
questions about
plagiarism or
citing sources, see
me or visit the
Writing Resources
Center in Cameron
149.

Intentional
plagiarism
constitutes
automatic failure
of this class &
possibly being
reported to
Student Affairs.

This is your
education; be
responsible.

Cheating. Intentionally using or attempting to use

unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or
other devices in any academic exercise. This definition
includes unauthorized communication of information
during an academic exercise.
Fabrication and Falsification. Intentional and
unauthorized alteration or invention of any information
or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a
matter of altering information, while fabrication is a
matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use
in any academic exercise.
Multiple Submission. The submission of substantial
portions of the same academic work (including oral
reports) for credit more than once without authorization.
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
ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge.
(NOTE: For more information regarding plagiarism, see
PLAGIARISM Appendix at http://legal.uncc.edu/policies/
ps-105.html#APP.)
Abuse of Academic Materials. Intentionally or
knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible
library or other academic resource material.
Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. Intentionally or
knowingly helping or attempting to help another to
commit an act of academic dishonesty.

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

Pocket Survival Guide for Success in Our Class

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

Come to class. ARE expected to be in each classon time. While 3 absences are allowed (see
attendance policy under course policies), these are not free passes. They are for emergencies
and should be used responsibly. You should be in communication with me and your classmates
when you are absent. You are responsible for anything you miss.
Check Canvas regularly. It is your job to what you need for each class and what is expected
that day. If you have a question about prep, about an assignment, or a file doesnt work, it is
your responsibility to let me know ahead of time so that I can help.
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 and actions regarding your fulfillment of and adherence to class
expectations, requirements, and policies. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are on
task and clear about course work and that you are maximizing your class experience.
Ask for help. If there is anything that you do not understand or are unclear about, please come talk
to me. I want you to feel confident in your work, 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 all come from diverse backgrounds and have
different experiences and opinions that make us who we are. These differences should be looked
at as an opportunity for learning and understanding. Any disrespectful words or attitude toward
another student or me will not be tolerated. Moreover, personal issues about the course, should
be taken up with me outside of class, not during a class sessions.
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.
Accept late Daybook work only in extenuating circumstances and with timely correspondence.
Count Conferences and Guided Workshops 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 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 & 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 & Canvas:
A contract for the standards of behavior and coursework expectations
As here to protect both you and me concerning the acceptable working and learning conditions
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 Unit
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.