Welcome to Composition!
This class is designed as a multiplayer game. You are the players. I am the game master. Every player will create an avatar that will represent them in the game. I will serve as your guide through Composition. You will journey through three chapters (units), completing both solo and group quests (assignments), deal with random encounters (presentations), craft (multimodal components), conduct strategy sessions for raids (peer review), and fight three raid bosses (projects).
With the class being designed as a game, the player has agency to forge his/her own path to success. Adventures/quests, crafting recipes, and raids will all have variations based on what class/specialization the player chooses. The first specialization will be chosen within the first couple sessions, but if the player wishes to respec, it will cost a small fee (a 200 word rational). The classes/specializations are as follows: Warrior, Mage, Bard, and Ranger (click for details). |
Official Course Description
|
This course introduces the use of writing and reading for inquiry. Students write extended essays about subjects relevant to the college experience using conventions of standard written English; assignments may also incorporate other genres and styles. Emphasis is placed on using writing and reading as a process for discovery, and on communicating ideas to audiences.
|
Course Objectives
|
|
Course Tomes
How are players graded?
Ever player will begin on the first day of class as a Level One with zero experience points (XP). Level Twenty is the highest level you can achieve. XP will be earned by signing into the game (attending class), completing quests, crafting recipes, strategy sessions, raids, submitting quest logs, and debriefings. A breakdown of the levels and corresponding XP are located below. The final course grade will be based on the player's final level, as well as classroom etiquette, participation, and initiative.
The player must complete all chapters and submit their quest logs and debriefings in order to achieve at least Level Fourteen. Since each quest builds on the next, the player will not be allowed to progress further without completing the raid.
In addition to XP, some quests and raids have bonus objectives which provide the player with digital currency to spend at a merchant for buffs to help them on their adventure (click on merchant for details).
In addition to XP, some quests and raids have bonus objectives which provide the player with digital currency to spend at a merchant for buffs to help them on their adventure (click on merchant for details).
Composition Policies
Turning in Adventures, Quests, and Raids...
Turning Things In/Keeping Everything
Almost everything will be turned in electronically via GoogleDrive, but the player should make sure he/she checks the details before turning in. All adventures/quests are due before the class gaming session starts unless otherwise stated. Anything received after the turn-in deadline will be considered late. A missed or late sign in does not excuse the player from this rule. Anything to be turned in should be duplicated and saved for the quest logs and bug report.
If a player has a “replay buff,” he/she may revise an assignment for the maximum amount of XP, regardless if the quest was turned in late or not (excludes boss raids and quest logs).
Turning Things in Late
Adventures/quests may be turned in for half the XP up to a week late, or until a quest log is submitted (whichever one comes first). After that point, no player may submit an adventure/quest late for XP.
Raids and the bug report may be turned in late, however, the XP will degrade by ten percent (10%) for each weekday it is not received. Remember, once a raid is due to be turned in, no new quests may be taken on until the quest log is submitted and cleared.
Almost everything will be turned in electronically via GoogleDrive, but the player should make sure he/she checks the details before turning in. All adventures/quests are due before the class gaming session starts unless otherwise stated. Anything received after the turn-in deadline will be considered late. A missed or late sign in does not excuse the player from this rule. Anything to be turned in should be duplicated and saved for the quest logs and bug report.
If a player has a “replay buff,” he/she may revise an assignment for the maximum amount of XP, regardless if the quest was turned in late or not (excludes boss raids and quest logs).
Turning Things in Late
Adventures/quests may be turned in for half the XP up to a week late, or until a quest log is submitted (whichever one comes first). After that point, no player may submit an adventure/quest late for XP.
Raids and the bug report may be turned in late, however, the XP will degrade by ten percent (10%) for each weekday it is not received. Remember, once a raid is due to be turned in, no new quests may be taken on until the quest log is submitted and cleared.
"Attendance" and Participation
Composition is writing intensive, so all players are expected to sign in on time and be prepared to work. I ask all players to be respectful. There will be times when players and guilds will be competing against one another, so trash talking in the spirit of the game is expected, but the player needs to know the limits of their playful banter and when it becomes disrespectful. When a player is with her/his guild, s/he will be expected to fully participate and work as a team. Each player will be evaluated by her/his guild mates based on their active participation.
Class begins at 9:30 am. For each sign in, the player will receive two XP (unless otherwise noted). If the player signs in late, between 9:30am and 9:45am, they will only receive one XP. Players that sign in after 9:45am will not be eligible for any XP.
Observance of Religious Holidays: University Policy: EMU recognizes the rights of players to observe religious holidays without penalty to the player. University Practice: Players will provide advance notice to the game master in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the appropriate game master(s), players may appeal to the head(s) of the department(s) in which the course(s) is/are offered.
Class begins at 9:30 am. For each sign in, the player will receive two XP (unless otherwise noted). If the player signs in late, between 9:30am and 9:45am, they will only receive one XP. Players that sign in after 9:45am will not be eligible for any XP.
Observance of Religious Holidays: University Policy: EMU recognizes the rights of players to observe religious holidays without penalty to the player. University Practice: Players will provide advance notice to the game master in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the appropriate game master(s), players may appeal to the head(s) of the department(s) in which the course(s) is/are offered.
Technology Information and Policies
Players will be interacting with a variety of sites on the internet during the course. Please let the game master know if a player needs help using the internet or any computer program. When using a computer, save work frequently, always make backup copies by emailing drafts to yourself and/or using a jump drive, and plan all projects with extra time allowed for unexpected technological difficulties. GoogleDrive and other cloud based storage is always a good idea for saving work.
Much of the work players will do for this class will be typed, using a word processor. When turning in typed assignments, please use a legible font. Assign one inch margins and adhere to the page layout and documentation conventions established by MLA (unless otherwise noted).
The use of computers, tablets, and e-readers are strongly encouraged in the classroom. All in-session use of technology should be focused on the gaming/questing related activities, such as note-taking, research, and reading. As long as all players are respectfully attentive when another player is speaking, in-session technology use will not be a problem. That said, use of a cellphones in-session are discouraged. All phones are to be set to silent (not vibrate). The game master reserves the right to ask any player to put away their electronic device if it appears to be distracting other players.
Much of the work players will do for this class will be typed, using a word processor. When turning in typed assignments, please use a legible font. Assign one inch margins and adhere to the page layout and documentation conventions established by MLA (unless otherwise noted).
The use of computers, tablets, and e-readers are strongly encouraged in the classroom. All in-session use of technology should be focused on the gaming/questing related activities, such as note-taking, research, and reading. As long as all players are respectfully attentive when another player is speaking, in-session technology use will not be a problem. That said, use of a cellphones in-session are discouraged. All phones are to be set to silent (not vibrate). The game master reserves the right to ask any player to put away their electronic device if it appears to be distracting other players.
Communication with the Game Master and Players
Communication out of session with the game master or other players should be conducted respectfully through the institution given email. Make arrangements with other players to get contact information, especially with your guild. If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact one of your peers or your instructor. With rare exceptions, I will always respond to all email inquiries within 48 hours. Our gaming will also be conducted via a forum. Any player is welcome to post to the forum with questions or concerns.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism occurs when a writer passes off another's words or ideas without acknowledging their source, whether intentionally or not. For example, turning another's work as your own is plagiarism. If you plagiarize in this class, you will likely fail the assignment on which you are working and your case may be passed to the university for additional disciplinary action. Because of the design and nature of this course, it will take as much (or more) work for you to plagiarize in it than it will to actually complete the work of the class. For a more detailed explanation of Eastern Michigan University's stance on academic integrity, refer to Section V.A. of the Student Conduct Code.
University Resources
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
If you have a documented disability that affects your work in this (or any other) class, the Disability Resource Center can provide support for you. It is my goal that this class be an accessible and welcoming experience for all students, including those with disabilities that may impact their learning in this class. If anyone believes they may have trouble participating or effectively demonstrating learning in this course, please meet with me (with or without a Disability Resource Center (DRC) accommodation letter) to discuss reasonable options or adjustments. During our conversation, I may suggest the possibility/necessity of your contacting the DRC (240 Student Center; 734-487-2470; [email protected]) to talk about academic accommodations. You are welcome to talk to me at any point in the semester about such issues, but it is always best if we can talk at least one week prior to the need for any modifications.
Academic Projects Center
The Academic Projects Center is located in 116 Halle Library (487-0020, extension 2154). The Center is open M-R from 11-5 and is staffed by University Writing Center consultants, Halle Librarians, and Information and Communications Technology staff who can help with writing, research, or technology needs. No appointment is necessary. When you visit the Academic Projects Center, be sure to bring a draft of what you're working on and your assignment sheet with you.
University Writing Center
The University Writing Center (115 Halle Library; 734-487-0694) offers one-to-one consulting for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can make appointments or drop in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. Students should bring a draft of what they’re working on and their assignment.
Official WRTG 120 Syllabus | |
File Size: | 77 kb |
File Type: |