ENGL 212: Topics in Cri�cal Wri�ng

Spring 2024 – Online

Monday, May 13-Saturday, June 29

Professor: Dr. Kim Lacey (please, call me Kim!)

Virtual office hours on Canvas: Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m. I will be in the chat room on Canvas and on
Teams. If you’d prefer to conference, we can set something up, too. If these �mes don’t work for you and
you’d like to have an online mee�ng, we can figure out a good �me!
E-mail: [email protected]
Office: Z 231B
Office phone: 989-964-2016

Considera�ons before we begin this course

• This is a 16-week course crammed into 7 weeks. There will be a lot of work.
• ENGL 212 is a Category 10 course, meaning you will be wri�ng a lot.
• This is an asynchronous course, meaning we will not be “mee�ng” for a virtual lecture nor will be
mee�ng in person. You are responsible for comple�ng each week’s module on �me.
• Please read the course calendar, which is at the end of the syllabus, carefully. Note that some
assignments are due at different �mes throughout the week, but all are due by 11:59 p.m. EST. If you
are living in a different �me zone, please make sure you take careful note of this requirement. No
late assignments will be accepted. If you know there’s a conflict, submit your work early.

Very important
Ask yourself this ques�on: “What will happen to my par�cipa�on in this course if my computer goes
down?” If the answer is “I am doomed,” then you should withdraw and register for a different sec�on
another �me. You need to have backup technology plans, because a “down” computer will not excuse
you from the work in this course. Please use a cloud-based storage system (such as Dropbox, Google
Docs, or OneDrive) to save your work and have access to it in mul�ple loca�ons. Please also download
the Canvas app on your phone.

Technology requirements
• Canvas: To have success in this class, you are expected to access and use Canvas regularly.
• Cloud storage: You should also have access to a cloud-based storage system (as noted above). I really
like Dropbox, but you might be par�al to Google Docs. It’s completely your decision, so find one you
like and can access easily. SVSU students have free access to Microso� OneDrive, which is another
great service. If you don’t use one of these services already, please start this semester.
• GenAI: You must have access to some GenAI such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, or one of
the many others available. You don’t have to pay for service; a free account will be enough.
• Video crea�on: You must have access to a means of crea�ng and pos�ng a video. This could simply
be recording a video on your phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need extra so�ware or edi�ng
know-how. You’ll see in my weekly videos that I’m fairly laidback when it comes to recording videos.
Please feel free to do the same.
• Email: Please check your SVSU email regularly. I’d recommend at least once a day. You will receive
no�fica�ons about grades, paper feedback, and other course communica�on via email.
• Chat, Teams, Conferences: All of these can be used for Office Hours. If you’d like to “meet” we can do
so in any of these “places.”
• Canvas app: Please make sure you download the Canvas app on your phone or tablet (if you use
one). This will save you �me and allow you to complete class work if you have a free minute here-or-
there. Lots of students like to use the app for online courses because they can watch videos or post
to the discussion boards on the go.

Class procedures
This course is divided into modules. You are expected to complete the activities in each module by the
due dates. While all the modules are available “on demand,” the modules are NOT self-paced—that is,
each week has different activities that must be completed in that week (i.e., discussion posts). You must
complete all the activities in each module to earn credit. Just as you would in a face-to-face class, you
are expected to be active and participate in discussion with your classmates. Failure to do so will result
in a lower grade. In rare cases, depending on the course needs, I might cancel an assignment. If you
complete an assignment and it is ultimately canceled, you do not receive extra credit for completing it.

Participation in this course is asynchronous, meaning you are not expected to be online at the same
time as the professor or as your peers. Each week, all instructions and assignments, along with a
description of the week's activities, are made available to you in the “Modules” tab.

If you need help with Canvas, please refer to the extensive library of Canvas how-to videos and help
pages: http://guides.instructure.com/

Par�cipa�on
For this class, I strongly suggest you log on at least once a day, if for no other reason than just to keep up
with what is going on in the course. I also want to reinforce that you should try to check the course at
least one weekend day, even if you have completed the requirements for the week.

Similar to face-to-face courses, atendance does not equal par�cipa�on. Merely logging in does not
mean that you are par�cipa�ng in class. Although I do not take atendance in this course, you are
required to demonstrate professionalism towards the other members of our learning community.

Tone
The objec�ve of our discussions will be collabora�ve rather than comba�ve. Remember that even an
innocent remark in the online environment can be easily misconstrued. Some sugges�ons to avoid
misunderstandings are to carefully proofread your responses and to remember that humor online is
some�mes difficult to carry off. Sarcasm is par�cularly difficult to get across in writen form, so be
careful. Disrespect will not be tolerated.

Required text to purchase

This text has been ordered at the bookstore, but feel free to shop around online for the cheapest price.
Sidney Dobrin, AI and Writing
ISBN: 978-1554816514

Assignments
Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter: 2% each (20%)
Respond: “So What?”: 2% each (20%)
Think and Write: Conceptual AI: 2% each (20%)
Applied AI: 4% each (20%) **You are responsible for 5 Applied AI assignments of your choice!
Discuss: Discussion board response: 2% each (20%)

Grading scale
↑95%: A
↑90%: A-
↑87%: B+
↑83%: B
↑80%: B-
↑77%: C+
↑73%: C
↑60%: D
0%: F

Please note: SVSU does not give out C- grades. Any grade lower than 73% automa�cally defaults to a D.
Any grade lower than a 60% automa�cally defaults to an F. There are no “pluses or minuses” in that
range. ENGL 212 courses use a common rubric, which can be found in the “Files” tab.

Grade pos�ngs
All grades will be posted on Canvas. I do not share grades or other course related informa�on on social
media.

Late work
Late work is unacceptable. Please ensure that your work is submited on �me. The deadlines are clearly
marked on all paper descrip�ons and on the course calendar. If you know a due date conflicts with
something outside of class, plan ahead and submit your assignment early. If Canvas is not working,
please email me your work.

Accessibility and accommoda�ons

Students with needs which may restrict their full par�cipa�on in course ac�vi�es are encouraged to
contact the SVSU Office of Accessibility Resources and Accommoda�ons Services, Wickes Hall 260,
Phone: 989-964-7000. SVSU does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual
orienta�on, na�onal origin, age, physical impairment, disability, or veteran status in the provision of
educa�on, employment, and other services.

Academic integrity policy

Please see the full Academic Integrity Policy here:
htp://www.svsu.edu/studentconductprograms/policies/academicintegritypolicy/
In ENGL 212 plagiarism or chea�ng in any form, deliberate or otherwise, will result in the grade of zero
(0) for the en�re assignment and will be reported to the Academic Conduct Board for further sanc�ons.

Wri�ng Center informa�on

One of the many advantages as an SVSU student is the Wri�ng Center. You are strongly encouraged to
meet with a tutor to discuss your wri�ng. Visit them here:
htp://www.svsu.edu/wri�ngcenter/onlinetutoring/

Course Calendar
Important notes:
• This schedule is subject to change. If changes are made, you will be no�fied via e-mail.
• Make sure you read through and complete the en�re module for each week. The “module work”
listed below is simply a checklist of weekly requirements. Each part of the module has very specific
direc�ons.
• Do not rely on the “to-do” list on Canvas. Some assignments might not appear there. It is your
responsibility to consider the deadlines.
• Except for the “Applied AI” assignments, all deadlines are on Sunday by 11:59 p.m. EST of the week
they are introduced.

Week 1: Monday, May 13-Sunday, May 19

1.1 Welcome to ENGL 212!
1.2 Watch: Weekly Update #1
1.3 Introduce yourself!
1.4 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
1.5 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 1
1.6 Respond: “So What?”
1.7 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
1.8 Applied AI
1.9 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
Week 2: Monday, May 20-Sunday, May 26
2.1 Watch: Weekly Update #2
2.2 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
2.3 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 2
2.4 Respond: “So What?”
2.5 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
2.6 Applied AI
2.7 Discuss: Discussion board response
2.8 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
2.9 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 3
2.10 Respond: “So What?”
2.11 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
2.12 Applied AI
2.13 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
Week 3: Monday, May 27-Sunday, June 2
3.1 Watch: Weekly Update #3
3.2 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
3.3 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 4
3.4 Respond: “So What?”
3.5 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
3.6 Applied AI
3.7 Discuss: Discussion board response
3.8 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
3.9 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 5
3.10 Respond: “So What?”
3.11 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
3.12 Applied AI
3.13 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
Week 4: Monday, June 3-Sunday, June 9
4.1 Watch: Weekly Update #4
4.2 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
4.3 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 6
4.4 Respond: “So What?”
4.5 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
4.6 Applied AI
4.7 Discuss: Discussion board response
4.8 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
4.9 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 7
4.10 Respond: “So What?”
4.11 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
4.12 Applied AI
4.13 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
Week 5: Monday, June 10-Sunday, June 16
5.1 Watch: Weekly Update #5
5.2 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
5.3 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 8
5.4 Respond: “So What?”
5.5 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
5.6 Write: Applied AI
5.7 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
Week 6: Monday, June 17-Sunday, June 23
6.1 Watch: Weekly Update #6
6.2 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
6.3 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 9
6.4 Respond: “So What?”
6.5 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
6.6 Applied AI
6.7 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
Week 7: Monday, June 24-Saturday, June 29
7.1 Watch: Weekly Update #7
7.2 Course Evalua�on
7.3 Reflect: Before you Read this Chapter
7.4 Read: Dobrin: Ch. 10
7.5 Respond: “So What?”
7.6 Think and Write: Conceptual AI
7.7 Applied AI
7.8 Discuss: “For Discussion” ques�on”
7.9 Bye and thank you!
 4 (advanced) 3 (target) 2 (developing) 1 (entry level)
write in a manner Demonstrates a thorough Demonstrates adequate Demonstrates awareness Demonstrates minimal
responsive to the context, understanding of context, considera�on of context, of context, audience, aten�on to context,
the audience, and the audience, and purpose audience, and purpose purpose, and to the audience, purpose, and to
purpose of the assigned that is responsive to the and a clear focus on the assigned tasks(s) (e.g., the assigned tasks(s) (e.g.,
task(s). assigned task(s) and assigned task(s) (e.g., the begins to show awareness incorrectly assumes the
focuses all elements of task aligns with audience, of audience's percep�ons instructor or self are the
(SLO 1) the work. purpose, and context). and assump�ons). audience).
use conven�ons par�cular Demonstrates detailed Demonstrates consistent Follows expecta�ons Atempts to use a
to a specific genre or aten�on to and use of important appropriate to a specific consistent system for
discipline, including successful execu�on of a conven�ons par�cular to discipline and/or wri�ng basic organiza�on and
organiza�on, content, wide range of conven�ons a specific discipline and/or task(s) for basic presenta�on.
presenta�on, forma�ng, par�cular to a specific wri�ng task(s), including organiza�on, content, and
and/or stylis�c choices. discipline and/or wri�ng organiza�on, content, presenta�on.
task (s) including presenta�on, and stylis�c
(SLO 2) organiza�on, content, choices.
presenta�on, forma�ng,
and stylis�c choices
employ high quality, Demonstrates skillful use Demonstrates consistent Demonstrates an atempt Demonstrates an atempt
credible, relevant sources of high- quality, credible, use of credible, relevant to use credible and/or to use credible and/or
to develop ideas that are relevant sources to sources to support ideas relevant sources to relevant sources to
appropriate for the develop ideas that are that are situated within support ideas that are support ideas that are
discipline or genre of the appropriate for the the discipline and genre of appropriate for the appropriate for the
wri�ng. discipline and genre of the the wri�ng. discipline and genre of the discipline and genre of the
(SLO 3) wri�ng. wri�ng. wri�ng.

4 (advanced) 3 (target) 2 (developing) 1 (entry level)

Critical Thinking
The evaluation of information and • Evaluates information, • Evaluates • Evaluates information, • Identifies a conclusion
ideas to synthesize conclusions in ideas, or sources information, ideas, or ideas, or sources based on given
order to affirm existing perspectives • Identifies gaps or sources • Identifies gaps or information
and solutions, or propose new ones. limitations in existing • Identifies gaps or limitations in existing • Superficially evaluates
ideas or sources limitations in existing ideas or sources conclusion
(tripartite 1) • Synthesizes existing ideas or sources
ideas or information to • Synthesizes existing
take a position ideas or information
• Affirms existing ideas to take a position
or proposes new ones

Effective Communication
Exchange of information, regardless • Delivery of information • Delivery of • Intended information • Information is
of medium, between two or more is highly coherent information is is delivered delivered
people wherein the intended • Communication coherent • Communicates with a • Communication lacks
message is purposefully designed achieves stated purpose • Communication clearly-stated purpose a clearly-stated purpose
and delivered. • Communication aligns achieves stated • Follows conventions • Shows an awareness
with intended audience purpose appropriate to a of conventions
(tripartite 2) • Uses conventions • Communication particular medium in a appropriate to a
appropriate to a aligns with intended rudimentary way particular medium
particular medium in a audience
sophisticated way • Follows conventions
appropriate to a
particular medium