C or Better Required
Students must complete ENG 102 with a grade of C or higher in order to move on to ENG 112. In order to fulfill the general education composition requirement, students must complete ENG 112 with a grade of C or higher.
In order to do so, it is expected that students
- attend regularly and are prepared for classes
- participate actively and regularly in the writing process, which includes prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading activities.
- meet course deadlines for completing stages of the writing process as well as those for submitting essays and other assignments.
By the end of the course, students will
- tighten control of the thesis and develop/defend it in expository essays,
- write C-level essays without continuing instructor intervention,
- in ENG 112, use and successfully document secondary sources, and
- demonstrate control over most elements of Standard Written English.
General Standards for Grades
Students are often surprised to find that grading practices in college differ from those in high school. It is not unusual for them to tell their instructors: “But I always got A’s in English!” While your instructors will provide you with their own formulas for calculating grades, the following Standards for Grading generally characterize the kinds of skills, work habits, and attitudes that constitute particular grades.
A and A-
These grades refer to work that is:
- consistently superior and includes serious revision of drafted materials, clear expression of original ideas, sophisticated analysis of texts, and the use of highly relevant details and examples to support points.
- grammatically correct and written using a strong voice and vivid language. Papers exhibit careful attention to editing and proofreading.
Students earning these grades invariably have excellent attendance and participation records, and are consistently prepared for class. They complete necessary preliminary assignments and bring appropriate materials to each class session.
B+, B, and B-
These grades refer to work that is:
- above average and includes successful revision of drafted materials. This writing consistently focuses on a central topic and progresses logically. It displays in-depth analysis of texts and ideas, and employs numerous details to support points.
- written with few grammatical or mechanical errors.
Students earning these grades typically have very good attendance and participation records and are generally well-prepared for class. They complete necessary preliminary assignments and bring appropriate materials to each class session.
C+ and C
These grades refer to work that is:
- competent and appropriate for the college level but is not exceptional or noteworthy. The writer is able to stay focused on a thesis and understands how to formulate an idea, organize supporting material and present a logical argument. Sufficient revision is evident. The work may need further focus and refinement. Details are generally clear but predictable or may need further explanation.
- free from serious grammatical errors or usage problems. Although there are some errors, they are sporadic and infrequent.
Students earning these grades tend to attend class regularly and participate in class discussions. They almost always complete necessary preliminary assignments and bring appropriate materials to each class session.
C- and D+
These grades refer to work that:
- does not quite meet standards expected at the college level. Writing may be vague and lack a clear, controlling thesis. Details are inadequately explained and may seem irrelevant. Attempts at revision are few or unsuccessful.
- is characterized by frequent errors in syntax, grammar, and punctuation that interfere with the clear communication of ideas.
Students earning grades of C- and D+ often find that attendance problems and failing to come to class adequately prepared have had a negative impact on their writing development.
D and D-
These grades refer to work that is:
- clearly below the standard college level. Students often have trouble articulating a thesis and developing ideas in detail. Attempts at revision are inadequate.
- filled with basic errors in grammar, sentence structure, usage, and even spelling.
Students earning these grades typically attend class sporadically and are frequently unprepared when they do attend.
E
This grade refers to work that:
- develops no clear thesis and shows little to no evidence of revision.
- is filled with consistently distracting errors.
Students earning this grade often have significant attendance problems and may participate hardly at all when they do come to class.