Course Syllabus

SYLLABUS
ENGW 1102: FIRST-YEAR WRITING FOR MULTILINGUAL WRITERS
SOUNDSCAPES AND SOCIETY 

Instructor Information 
Amy Patterson, PhD
Email: amy.patterson@northeastern.edu 
Virtual Office Hours: 10-11 a.m. Wed., 10-11 a.m. Thurs., Other Times As Needed; By Appointment (Please send an email to schedule!)
Link: https://northeastern.zoom.us/my/officehours3115 
Contact: If you email me, you can expect me to respond within 48 hours, and usually much sooner. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime, as I am always excited to discuss your work and the course! 

Tutor Information
Celia Allen
Email: allen.cel@northeastern.edu

Starting October 1, Celia will offer tutoring hours for you! They will be available at the following links and times.

These are walk-in hours which means anyone from class can attend. This time can be used for quick questions or more in-depth review and discussion of your writing. If you are hoping to review a paper with Celia, please email it immediately before or during your tutoring session so you are ready to discuss! For a walk-in visit with a tutor, since anyone can drop by, it is expected that you will have about 20 minutes max to individually review and discuss your project with the tutor. Come prepared with any questions and areas you want to address. Keep in mind that you may need to wait if someone else is already visiting with Celia. If you expect you will need more time, please email Celia at least three days in advance, or consider scheduling a longer appointment (approx. 45 mins.) with the Writing Center.
  
Required Course Hardware and Materials

• This course uses Open-Access Educational Resources. This means you are not required to purchase a textbook for this course. Instead, we’ll use open-access, online resources such as Writing Spaces, Writing for Success, and other readings, videos, and podcasts that will be posted in Canvas. To complete this course, you will need:
• Reliable internet connection;
• A computer device and headset;
• Knowledge of how to mute your microphone (and camera) on Zoom;
• Knowledge of whom to contact at NU for technology-related help  
• See Student Resources on NU Digital Resilience page (scroll down to Contact the Service Desk)

Course Description

Designed for students whose first or strongest language is not English. Parallels ENGW 1111 but focuses on the concerns of multilingual writers.

Students study and practice writing in a workshop setting; read a range of texts in order to describe and evaluate the choices writers make and apply that knowledge to their own writing; explore how writing functions in a variety of academic, professional, and public contexts; and write for various purposes and audiences in multiple genres and media. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to conduct research using primary and secondary sources and to give and receive feedback, to revise their work, and to reflect on their growth as writers.

To complement the building of academic writing skills, this section of the course will focus on sound and its connections to community action and culture, examining the contours of sonic thought and imagination. By studying the foundation, nature, and application of sound-based methods of research, students will explore personal areas of interest through writing and communication.

Learning Outcomes

• Critical Thinking: Students practice critical reading strategies. Students reflect on their writing processes and self-assess as writers. Students formulate and articulate original ideas and stances through and in their writing.
• Communication Applications: Students use writing and sound in a variety of ways to learn and communicate their own ideas as well as the concepts we are studying.
• Community Invention and Inquiry: Students generate and pursue lines of inquiry and search, collect, and select sources appropriate to their writing projects. Students effectively use and appropriately cite sources in their writing. 
• Community Listening: Students explore and represent their experiences, perspectives, and ideas in conversation with others. Students use multiple forms of evidence to support their claims, ideas, and arguments.
• Collaboration: Students revise their writing using responses from others, including peers, consultants, and teachers. Students provide revision-based responses to their peers.
• Composing with Multiple Modalities: Students negotiate their own writing goals and audience expectations regarding conventions of genre, medium, and situation, including the development of sound-based projects.

Learning Goals for Writing Program

1. Students write both to learn and to communicate what they learn.
2. Students negotiate their own writing goals and audience expectations regarding conventions of genre, medium, and situation.
3. Students formulate and articulate a stance through and in their writing.
4. Students revise their writing using responses from others, including peers, consultants, and teachers.
5. Students generate and pursue lines of inquiry and search, collect, and select sources appropriate to their writing projects.
6. Students effectively use and appropriately cite sources in their writing.
7. Students explore and represent their experiences, perspectives, and ideas in conversation with others.
8. Students use multiple forms of evidence to support their claims, ideas, and arguments.
9. Students practice critical reading strategies.
10. Students provide revision-based response to their peers.
11. Students reflect on their writing processes and self-assess as writers.

Required Assignments and Grade Breakdown

Assignment	Points Value
Embodied Listening Project	50
Embodied Listening Reflection	50
Annotated Bibliography	50
“Make a Difference with Writing” Paper	150
Sonic Remix Project	50
Exercises and Discussions: Introductions Sound Walk Listening Experience Story Script Research Pitch Peer Review Avoiding Plagiarism  Citation Practice	150
	TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE: 500

 

Percentage Equivalents to Letter Grades in This Class

94-100 A

90-93 A-

87-89 B+

84-86 B

80-83 B-

77-79 C+

74-76 C

70-73 C-

67-69 D+

64-66 D

60-63 D-

0-59 F

Minimum Grade Requirement to Pass a Writing Program course

A student must receive a grade of C or better in order to pass a required writing courses in the writing program (C is required for graduation). Any student earning a C- or lower will need to repeat the course in order to fulfill the writing requirement. The instructor makes the final decision with respect to any grade between A and C. Any student receiving lower than a C will be reviewed and signed off on by a committee of 3-6 Writing Program instructors or a writing program director.

If the university allows students to select the pass/fail grading option for writing program courses, students must receive the equivalent of a “pass” to fulfill the writing requirement.

Grade Appeals

Students who wish to appeal final course grades, should follow the policy outlined in the student handbook: http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019-2020-UG-Handbook.pdf
   
Late Submissions Policy

All assignments will be submitted to Canvas, which provides a date and time stamp for all posts. If files become too large, we will need to think of other platforms to submit work. Unless you have an accommodation provided by the Disability Resource Center that allows you extra time to complete an assignment or have discussed an extension with your instructor, you are expected to submit all materials by the assigned due date. 

Attendance Policy

Hybrid NUflex classes offer a great deal of flexibility because they can be accessed remotely as well as on-ground. Unlike in online classes, however, students enrolled in Hybrid NUflex classes should expect to meet in their scheduled class sequences. Students should expect to spend time on preparation, synchronous class attendance, and assignments. Students should therefore attend all class sessions. Please communicate with me if you run into any issues making a course meeting.

Schedule of Meetings and Assignments

Students are expected to always be present (either over Zoom or in the classroom) on course dates, unless otherwise indicated. Below, you will find our tentative course plan. Please keep in mind that plans are tentative and subject to change, based on student needs. Any changes will only be meant to benefit you and your progress (for example, if we realize it will be helpful to spend more time on a certain concept or topic). Should any major changes take place, you will receive advance notice in class and on Canvas.

See the following link for the most up-to-date schedule:
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW: Dates, Deadlines, and Activities for Each Class

Security and Privacy in Online Learning

The Northeastern writing program strives to maintain your privacy while learning in online environments. For this reason, our instructors use Northeastern’s Learning Managements System: Canvas.

We also ask that all students in Writing Program classes must use their Northeastern email addresses to receive email from their instructors and to access sites for their writing courses. This policy ensures your emails will not mistakenly end-up in a spam folder and protects you against security attacks.

Physical Distancing Guidelines

Because of the necessary distancing imposed by COVID-19, we will  be connecting over Zoom. You can attend this class from anywhere with internet access! There is also an OPTIONAL classroom space available if you need a place on campus to avoid distractions, etc., but I want you to do what works best for your situation, whether that's coming to a classroom, joining from a dorm room or home, or attending from another space or place. You are welcome to join in the space that makes you the most comfortable.

Please note that students attending a class in the optional classroom space must at all times follow the mandatory campus protocols for COVID-19 safety, including:

• Masks must be worn in classrooms and all other buildings;
• Six feet of distance must be maintained between persons;
• Students can come to the the campus classroom only on the days indicated by their Student Hub plan (**alternatively, you are always welcome to attend remotely over Zoom, even if you signed up to be in the classroom on a given day);
• Students must adhere to campus self-monitoring and testing protocols and should not be in the classroom space if they have any symptoms of illness.

In the unlikely event that any member of the class is unable or unwilling to comply with these mandatory safety precautions, the class will not be able to take place.

Resources for Hybrid NUFlex Classes

For virtual class attendance over Zoom, here are some things to keep in mind:

• To the best of your ability, find a location free from distractions to attend your class.
• To the best of your ability, ensure that you have adequate internet capacity to complete assigned tasks, download materials, and participate online. If at any time you do not have adequate internet access, let your instructor know. (If you have a temporary technical problem, please call the Help desk at 617-373-4357, or email them at help@northeastern.edu.) 
• Gather materials (headset, pens, paper, textbooks).
• Login early to test your camera and microphone.  
• Follow the guidelines for online etiquette and participation set by your instructor.
• Recording of classes, in whole or in part, is at the discretion of the instructor and with students’ permission. My current plan is that our class will not be recorded, because I want everyone to feel comfortable in the learning environment.

Platforms

Canvas is Northeastern University’s Learning Management System (LMS). We will use it regularly to access readings, discussions, project submissions, and exercises.

Help with Technology

For technology issues, please call the Northeastern  HELP desk (617-373-4357) or email them at help@northeastern.edu. 

For Canvas Help, visit https://canvas.northeastern.edu/support-and-resources/.

NU Academic Integrity Policy

The Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSSCR) website (http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/) provides extensive information on student conduct, the disciplinary process, and the range of available sanctions. All members of the Northeastern community are expected to maintain complete honesty in all academic work, presenting only that which is their own work in tests and assignments. In writing program classes, this definition of plagiarism applies not only to borrowing whole documents, but also to borrowing parts of another’s work without proper acknowledgment and proper paraphrasing or quotation. We will discuss effective and responsible use of sources throughout the semester.

Respecting Diversity

Writing program instructors seek to foster inclusive learning environments and cherish our students’ multilingual funds of knowledge. That means, we respect differences in learning as well as cultural differences that arise during classroom interactions. We expect students in writing program classes to respect diverse perspectives.

We respect any privacy concerns students may have, regarding joining classes remotely from overseas, country/region-specific accessibility issues, English language difficulties, and culturally informed genre styles. If you are a multilingual student and have specific concerns and questions, please feel free to contact Professor Qianqian Zhang-Wu, Director of Multilingual Writing, at qzhangwu@northeastern.edu.

Title IX Protections and Resources 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from sex or gender-based discrimination, including discrimination based on gender-identity, in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. Any NU community member who has experienced such discrimination, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, coercion, and/or sexual harassment, is encouraged to seek help. Confidential support and guidance can be found through University Health and Counseling Services, the Northeastern Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service, and the Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN). Note that faculty members are considered “responsible employees” at Northeastern University, meaning they are required to report all allegations of sex or gender-based discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator. For additional information and assistance please see the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion webpage.

International Tutoring Center 

The International Tutoring Center (ITC) provides current Northeastern University international students with free, comprehensive English language and academic support. The ITC includes English as a Second Language Tutoring (ESL), Language and Culture Workshops, and Reading Workshops. For more information on available workshops and tutoring opportunities please visit the ITC weblink above.

Disability Resource Center 

The university’s Disability Resource Center works with students and faculty to provide students who qualify under the Americans With Disabilities Act with accommodations that allow them to participate fully in the activities at the university. Ordinarily, students receiving such accommodations will deliver teacher notification letters at the beginning of the semester. Students have the right to choose whether to disclose their specific disabilities to instructors but must provide a letter to receive accommodations. 

WeCare

WeCare offers supports for students during times of difficulty or challenge.  The We Care office assists students who are experiencing unexpected challenges to maintain their academic progress. The staff works with students to coordinate among university offices, to offer appropriate referrals, and to help develop viable options to support the students’ continued success at the university. You can find WeCare at 226 Curry Student center Monday - Friday from 8:30-5:00,  call at 617-373-7591, or email wecare@northeastern.edu.

Mental Health Resources

In addition to existing mental health resources available through Northeastern’s University Health and Counseling Services (https://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs/counseling-services/), Northeastern has added Find@Northeastern, which is a “24/7 mental health support” and can be reached at 1-877-223-9477.  For more information see https://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs/find-at-northeastern/. The service also makes available 5 free counseling sessions per Fall and Spring semester.

The Writing Center 

The Northeastern University Writing Center offers free and friendly tutoring and for any level of writer, including help with conceptualizing writing projects, the writing process (i.e., planning, researching, organizing, drafting, and revising), and using sources effectively. During the fall semester, the Writing Center will be remote, providing online only services via our tutoring platform WCOnline (details on how to register and use WCOnline here). The Writing Center will offer online appointments during the fall semester from September 21 to December 18. To make an appointment, or learn more about the Writing Center, visit our website at https://www.northeastern.edu/writingcenter, or email WritingCenter@northeastern.edu. For writing tips and updates about the Writing Center, follow us on Facebook at NUWritingCenter and Twitter @NU_Writes.

Peer Tutoring

The Peer Tutoring Program offers a wide range of tutoring services to meet the academic needs of the undergraduate students by providing FREE peer tutoring in many of the introductory level courses including NUpath. The goal is to create synergy among students, faculty, and tutors where the student's personal and academic growth and development is a priority. Students can book one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions through myNortheastern on the Self-Service page under TUTORING. 

The Peer Tutoring Program will be offering tutoring online. Students can still request tutoring through myNortheastern on the Self-Service page under TUTORING. The online sessions will be generated through GoBoard. Now that The Peer Tutoring Program will be online, hours will also be more flexible.

If you are in need of academic assistance, contact the Peer Tutoring Program. For more information see https://undergraduate.northeastern.edu/peer-tutoring/ or email peertutoring@northeastern.edu.

Snell Library 

Snell Library will be closed until further notice as part of Northeastern University’s response to the COVID-19 virus. For library resources, see the following link for ways to contact librarians, access resources, and for the most recent library news: https://library.northeastern.edu/accessing-northeastern-university-librarys-resources-and-services
 
Health and Wellness During COVID-19

 The university has put into place a robust plan to make the campus healthy and safe for all, but everyone who is on the campus has to do their part. On August 22, all students received an email from Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Madeleine Estabrook on the expectations for behavior both on campus and off campus. Please read it carefully today.

To summarize:  

1. Gatherings on or off campus must conform to healthy practices as outlined by university and Massachusetts state guidance. If you host or attend an inappropriate party or gathering, you run the very real risk of immediate removal from the community.  
2. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors as you maintain a 6-foot distance from everyone. 
3. Get tested every three days using the COVID-19 Test Scheduler (Covid19-testing.northeastern.edu.) We may require more frequent testing as the semester progresses. It’s quick, easy and will help us to quickly identify and care for anyone who tests positive. I will not be told the identity of anyone who tests positive, and you do not need to share that information with me or anyone else unless you want to. If you receive a positive test result, you will be contacted by a member of the university’s telehealth team who will provide you with next steps. 
4. Do a Daily Wellness Check (wellness-check.northeastern.edu), wash your hands well and regularly, and disinfect high-touch surfaces and spaces.
5. The links below contain updated information on Northeastern’s Response to COVID-19:
   Reopening Northeastern
   COVID-19 Updates from the University
   COVID-19 Resources for all Northeastern Students 

Opportunities for Publishing

NU Writing is an online journal that publishes compositions made in First-Year Writing and Advanced Writing in the Disciplines, courses that are part of Northeastern University’s Writing Program. NU Writing helps students to find a wider audience for their compositions and to experience publishing, both by learning about the submission and review process and by participating on the journal’s board. Compositions published in NU Writing are alphabetic and multimodal—written in verse or prose, or composed in multiple modalities, such as image and sound. NU Writing welcomes traditional essays as well as texts from alternate genres: for example, poems, photo-essays, digital narratives, and films. All currently matriculated students who have taken, or are taking, courses in the Writing Program are encouraged to participate, by submitting a composition or serving on the journal’s board or both.

Any undergraduate may submit a composition made in First-Year Writing or Advanced Writing in the Disciplines if she or he is enrolled at Northeastern University at the time of submission. For more information visit http://www.northeastern.edu/writing/nu-writing-journal/  Any questions may be emailed to the Assistant Director to the Writing Program, Cara Marta Messina, messina.c@northeastern.edu.