This is a writing course designed to help students gain the skills of sentencing and paragraphing. Through conferencing, the instructor and student will identify and prioritize writing problems. This course offers a transition to entry-level English composition courses. Upon recommendation of the instructor, this course may be repeated for additional credit.
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Textbooks and Software and Other Materials
Biays, J. S., and Wershoven, C., Along These Lines, 4th ed (2007)
Contact Coleen at the NDSCS Bookstore for the most current textbook information (1-800-342-4325, ext 2239 or coleen.thoe@ndscs.nodak.edu). You may also visit the Bookstore web site at http://www.ndscsbooks.com/ and search for book information by class by clicking the "Textbook" tab.
Software: Microsoft Word is needed for all online classes. If additional software is needed for a particular course, it will be indicated in the online course schedule.
Email: Students taking online classes from NDSCS also need a working email account. Be sure email address is updated in student record in PeopleSoft system.
Internet Access required. High speed Internet service is highly recommended. If students are unable to get high speed service, an alternate site may be needed to view some of the course components.
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
Grading
Throughout this writing course, students will write many journals, paragraphs, essays, memos, letters, and other types of writing. It is important to remember to complete all assignments and revise the assignments you are asked to revise. All writing counts for your final grade.
Assignments are graded on a rubric. If assignments are not completed satisfactorily, they MUST BE REVISED to receive a satisfactory grade. Sometimes several revisions may be needed to create satisfactory writing and to accomplish the objectives of a particular writing assignment
S = Satisfactory
U = Unsatisfactory
Students should estimate approximately three hours of course work per credit per week for NDSCS classes. For example, a three-credit class may require approximately nine hours of work time a week for the student. This amount may vary by class and by student.
Policies and Procedures
NDSCS online students should be aware of various policies and procedures such as those listed below.
Attendance - Students are expected to log into their online classes frequently during each week of the semester and to submit course work on time to meet due dates set by the instructors. Attendance and class participation is monitored and students not submitting work in their online classes may be dropped from the class. Review the Attendance Policy for further details.
Computer Access - It is the student's responsibility to maintain access to a working computer and Internet connection to keep up in online class assignments. Because computer problems do occur, students should have a plan for alternative computer access in case of computer problems. Students will be able to access their online classes from any computer with an Internet connection.
Refund Policy/Withdrawal Refund Schedule
Academic Calendar - Online classes follow the same calendar as regular on-campus classes. They begin with the semester begins and students do not need to log in at specific days/times but instructors do set due dates for assignments and exams to be submitted so there is structure to the classes. Online classes are not self-paced but do provide flexibility in that they are accessible 24/7 to allow students to work around other commitments when doing their course work.
Academic Integrity - Integrity is an NDSCS core value and there is an expectation that all students, as members of the college community, adhere to the highest levels of academic integrity.
Dishonesty in class, laboratory, shop work or tests is regarded as a serious offense and is subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and dean of the respective division. For more information, refer to the NDSCS Student Planner or College Catalog under College Policies and Basic Regulations of Conduct.
Types of Misconduct
Disabilities and Special Needs
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Disability Support Services Office, 225 Mildred Johnson Library (phone 701-671-2623, 800-342-4325, ext 32623) as early as possible in the term.
Other College Policies can be found in the Catalog.
Student-Instructor Communications
While an online class is available 24 hours a day and offers greater flexibility for the student and instructor, keep in mind that your instructor will not be available 24 hours a day. I will check my email, voicemail, and Cyber Office messages on a regular basis, but there may be times when I am unavailable due to other commitments and job responsibilities. I will respond to email, voicemail, or Cyber Office messages as time allows. As a general rule, you can expect your direct question to be answered within 24 hours during week days.
When sending an email, please include your full name so I know to whom I'm responding. Often, the email address does not indicate who is sending the message.
Exams are done online. Instructors may require a proctor be present for online exams. When the semester begins, check your course information for the proctor form and proctor criteria.
Online classes follow the same academic calendar for start and end dates as regular on-campus classes. While there is no set time for students to be logged into a class each day, instructors do set due dates for assignments and exams. Students should lot into classes frequently to keep up with announcements and to keep up with course work. Online classes are not self-paced.
You may want to print the NDSCS Academic Calendar reference during the year. It includes semester start and end dates, final days to add/drop classes for each semester, vacation dates, etc.
Instructors may vary from semester to semester.
