National University

Course:	ENG661 - Composition and Diversity
Textbook:	For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com
Course Description: This course aims to highlight the main threads of conversation in the Composition Studies’ scholarship on diversity including issues related to feminism, gender, and identity. The readings represent the varied, multicolored and multicultural differences that are represented in the scholarship of Composition Studies focusing on teaching, theory, and the profession itself.
Course Learning Outcomes: Discuss and analyze scholarly articles on the influence of diversity, feminism and Women’s Studies on the field of Composition. Appraise academic discourse to assemble a discriminating review of literature on a specific idea in the debate about the intersection of diversity Composition Studies as a disciplinary area of academic scholarship. Evaluate the contributions of various major contributors to conversations about diversity within Composition Studies. Evaluate scholarly texts indicating possible areas of further inquiry. Analyze and distinguish opposing views on gender, identity, and Composition Studies, assessing complex epistemological and ideological assumptions. Construct a niche or position and enter scholarly discourse through composing of a research paper with a strong claim. Synthesize areas of conflict among competing viewpoints to establish meaningful research space and find productive paths to answering vital questions.
Course Requirements: Minimum course requirements to meet the goals and measure students’ competencies include:  1. Completion of assigned reading 2. Class discussion 3. Completion of short essay assignments 4. Completion of final research paper

Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.

The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://www.nu.edu/LIBRARY/ReferenceTools/citations.html

National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:

URL: http://www.nu.edu/library.

Contact the Library:

• RefDesk@nu.edu
• (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
• 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)

Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help

• Recorded class presentations
• Tutorials & Guides (APA/MLA, Peer-Review, and more)

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.

Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.

Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.

Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:

• Conflicting opinions among members of a class are to be respected and responded to in a professional manner.
• Side conversations or other distracting behaviors are not to be engaged in during lectures, class discussions or presentations
• There are to be no offensive comments, language, or gestures