At the risk of sounding like Dr

Welcome to

Composition

ENG 101 ON-LINE

Dr. David B. Axelrod

HELPFUL LINKS

HELP

WRITERS UNLIMITED

At the risk of sounding like Dr. Moreau* among the manimals, I must ask you to learn “The Law.” And what is The Law? Plainly, and definitively, there are some rules for the course which can not be ignored.

1. What you write and send me must be grammatically correct. I will line-edit your work. That is, I will mark everything I see that is either incorrect or could be improved. I’m a pretty good editor. Granted, my eyes tire, my patience runs out, but it’s my intention to point out whatever you can do that will make you a better writer.

You, in turn, will be expected to note the corrections. You have the option of rewriting for a higher grade (up to a “B”) to replace any lower grade. Further, you should keep the list of corrections and refer to it when you write your next paper.

If you repeat the same errors, by the end of the course, your grade will certainly go down. The objective is to be able to produce error-free composition straight out—without numerous rewrites.

2. You must follow the numbered items on the style sheet I provide. Mostly, I will use two sets of symbols when I edit your work. The first can be found in the back cover of your required grammar book. The second correction “symbols” will refer to the numbers on my style sheet. For instance, if you use the words, “this,” or “these,” I will mark your paper with #8. On the style sheet, #8 says you should not use either of those words in any composition you write for me all semester. That is The Law!

The style sheet makes note that a blatant disregard of the numbered items will result in a lower grade. If you continue to ignore the style sheet, over the term, your grade will go down.

3. The style sheet lays out a structure which is the backbone of the course. This course emphasizes persuasive writing. Your first, second and third assignments revolve around your learning a succinct, standard format for argumentation.

YOU MUST FOLLOW THE STYLE SHEET AND THE OUTLINE. If you don’t follow the outline, you will not pass.

Not to date myself but… over the years, I’ve taught composition to upwards of 4,000 students. I’ve rarely had a student who could not follow the form—if the student tried. Not wanting to follow the form won’t work in this class. Not trying won’t work either! You may be more accustomed to “free writing.” In fact, you may never have had a teacher who expects you to follow a logical form and write grammatically and clearly.

Allow me to do you that favor. I am requiring you to do a good job. Give it an honest try and I believe you will have a skill that will serve you well in college and through the years.

Like it or not, my dear manimals, that is The Law!

Dr. Axelrod (aka Moreau)

* Want to see learn more about Dr. Moreau and The Law? Go to: http://www.online-literature.com/wellshg/doctormoreau/