Instructor: Jonathan Drnjevic, Ph.D. or "Dr. D." for short
Office Hours: 10:40-11:30 MWF and 9-10 TTH or by appointment

Congratulations, you're about to begin what can be the most interesting and challenging years of your life. English 101, while it may not be at the top of your 'to do' list, can help you as you begin your academic life at ASU. The purpose of this course is to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and then work on improving your written communication. One of the most valuable skills that you can acquire in college is the ability to write cogently and with finesse. I'm interested in knowing each of you and helping you excel at ASU. Since I've been at ASU since 1985 in one capacity or another, feel free to ask any questions you may have. ASU is great places to live, learn, and have a good time.

Attendance Policy: If you are absent more than 6 times in the course of the semester, you will fail English 101. This is a policy of the Writing Programs at ASU, and not subject to negotiation. That said, the key to success in this course is communication. I realize that we all have lives and obligations outside of our academic pursuits, so stay in contact with your instructor should some catastrophe arise. I want you to feel comfortable in class, and therefore I try to make the class sessions as stress-free as possible. I also will schedule conferences with you at several points in the semester to talk with you individually about your essays and any other concerns you may have. Attendance at these conferences is important because it's your chance to get direct one-on-one feedback.

Assignments/Requirements:

I'll ask you to write four essays, keep a journal of approximately 14 entries, and construct a portfolio project this semester. Your grades on these essays and consideration for your class participation will comprise your final grade. You'll find if you do your best, and pay attention to my suggestions or corrections, you'll do just fine. The portfolio project is a reflective excercise designed to make you think about your progress, and students generally find it a pleasant finish to the semester. Here are the essays you'll be writing

Personal Experience/Narrative 15 percent
Place Description with two perspectives 20 percent
Review/Evaluation Essay 20 percent
Argument Essay 20 percent
Portfolio Project and reflective letter 15 percent
Class participation/other assignments 5 percent
Journal Entries 5 percent

Classroom protocol:

My goal is to make our time in English 101 valuable to you. You can help everyone in the class by arriving on time and equipped with your book and supplies. I'd always rather have you arrive late than not come at all. When peer-review sessions take place, make sure that you have an open mind and use your best knowledge to help your classmates. Remember, when choosing a topic, that your paper will often be read by peers in class-you may want to avoid topics that would cause embarrassment or anger.

Personal Notes:

I want you to enjoy coming to class, so I try to make our time together stress-free and even entertaining. I think you'll find Arizona State University to be a very "user-friendly" place. I hope that you'll feel free to e-mail me for help with essays or just for advice about the campus. I have worked in the Hayden Library Reference Service, and would be happy to help you should you need to do research. A number of my past students have chosen to stay in touch after English 101 ends, and I find it really satisfying to talk with students after my class ends--so don't be shy.

Last updated: Friday, October 28, 2005 3:25 PM