Welcome to the Rhetorical Inn!This class is designed as a multiplayer game. You are the players. I am the game master. Every player will create an avatar that will represent them in the game. I will serve as your guide through the Rhetorical Inn, but we are both the narrators of your story. You will journey through four chapters (units), completing both quests and adventures (assignments), deal with random encounters (impromptu presentations), craft (multimodal components), conduct strategy sessions for raids (peer review), and fight four raid bosses (projects).
With the class being designed as a game, the player has agency to forge his/her own path to success or failure. Adventures/quests, crafting, and raids will all have variations based on what class/specialization the player chooses. The first specialization will be chosen when the player’s avatar is created, but if the player wishes to respec, it will cost a small fee (a 200 word rationale). The classes/specializations are as follows: Warrior, Mage, Bard, and Ranger. Will you rise to the challenge? |
Official Course Description
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This course focuses on academic writing and inquiry. Students use multiple modes of research to develop literacy used in academic and other public contexts. Through extended reading and writing, students engage in the process of writing researched essays that reflect conventions of standard written English and standard documentation styles
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Course Objectives
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Course Tomes
How are players graded?
You will begin on the first day of class as a Level One player with zero experience points (XP). Level Twenty is the highest level you can achieve. XP will be earned by signing into the game (attendance), completing quests/adventures, strategy sessions, raids, random encounters, and debriefings. The class letter grade will be based on the player's final level, as well as classroom etiquette, participation, and initiative. The player must be at least Level Fourteen to pass this course.
The player must create an avatar, complete all chapters and submit their quest logs and debriefings in order to achieve at least Level Fourteen. Since each quest builds on the next, the player will not be allowed to progress further without completing the raid.
In addition to XP, some quests/adventures and raids will have digital currency which then can be spent at a merchant for buffs to help them on their adventure (see course website for details).
In addition to XP, some quests/adventures and raids will have digital currency which then can be spent at a merchant for buffs to help them on their adventure (see course website for details).
Statement about taking risks
This is a course where taking risks is strong encouraged. Gamers deal with failure on a daily basis, but it is a mere roadblock, a learning moment in their adventure. If a player approaches a difficult situation, they assess it, and take a risk on a strategy that may not succeed. If they fail, they reflect on their missed opportunity (metanoia) and reassess. If the opportunity is missed, they know they need to approach similar situations differently in the future. If they are given repeated opportunity to succeed, they do without giving up.
The way this course is set up with the ability to buy items, choose what quests to complete, and what specialization the player desires, I strongly encourage you to take risks. Whatever form that may make on, is up to you, but venture out into uncharted territory. Try something difficult instead of taking the easy path. Try something new. If you fail, use an item or do another quest to make up for it. Either way, your effort will be rewarded.
The way this course is set up with the ability to buy items, choose what quests to complete, and what specialization the player desires, I strongly encourage you to take risks. Whatever form that may make on, is up to you, but venture out into uncharted territory. Try something difficult instead of taking the easy path. Try something new. If you fail, use an item or do another quest to make up for it. Either way, your effort will be rewarded.
Rhetorical Inn Policies
Turning in Adventures, Quests, and Raids...
Turning in Quests/Keeping Everything
Most quests will be turned in electronically via GoogleDrive, but the player should make sure he/she checks the details before turning them in. All quests are due before the class gaming session starts unless otherwise stated. Anything received after the turn in deadline will not be considered for points. A missed or late sign in does not excuse the player from this rule. Anything to be turned in should be duplicated and saved for the quest logs and bug report.
Turning a Quest in Late
Quests/adventures may only be turned in for half the XP up to a week late, or until a quest log is submitted (whichever one comes first) if the player purchases a “quest reset” buff at a merchant. After that point, no player may submit a quest for XP.
Raids and the bug report may be turned in late, at great cost. If a raid is turned in late, all digital currency is lost and the raid becomes tarnished. Once the raid is tarnished it is only worth ½ the XP, and it will decay within five (5) weekdays. Remember, once a raid is due to be turned in, no new quests may be taken on until the raid is submitted and cleared.
Most quests will be turned in electronically via GoogleDrive, but the player should make sure he/she checks the details before turning them in. All quests are due before the class gaming session starts unless otherwise stated. Anything received after the turn in deadline will not be considered for points. A missed or late sign in does not excuse the player from this rule. Anything to be turned in should be duplicated and saved for the quest logs and bug report.
Turning a Quest in Late
Quests/adventures may only be turned in for half the XP up to a week late, or until a quest log is submitted (whichever one comes first) if the player purchases a “quest reset” buff at a merchant. After that point, no player may submit a quest for XP.
Raids and the bug report may be turned in late, at great cost. If a raid is turned in late, all digital currency is lost and the raid becomes tarnished. Once the raid is tarnished it is only worth ½ the XP, and it will decay within five (5) weekdays. Remember, once a raid is due to be turned in, no new quests may be taken on until the raid is submitted and cleared.
"Attendance" and Participation
“Attendance”
This is a writing intensive course, so all players are expected to sign in on time and be prepared to work. Players are allotted four session lives which will account for missed sessions. After all four lives are gone, the player cannot continue unless another life is purchased with 50 experience points.
Class begins at 9:30 am. For each sign in, the player will receive two XP (unless otherwise noted). If the player signs in late, between 9:30am and 9:45am, they will only receive one XP. Players that sign in after 9:45am will not be eligible for any XP and will lose a session life.
Reminder: The Celebration of Student Writing (CSW) is required for all students. The CSW will take place between 4 and 5:30pm on April 14th.
Participation
I ask all players to be respectful. There will be times when players and guilds will be competing against one another, so trash talking in the spirit of the game is expected, but the player needs to know the limits of their playful banter and when it becomes disrespectful. When a player is with her/his guild, s/he will be expected to fully participate and work as a team. Each player will be evaluated by her/his guild mates based on their active participation.
Observance of Religious Holidays: University Policy: EMU recognizes the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty to the student. University Practice: Students will provide advance notice to the game master in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the appropriate game master(s), players may appeal to the head(s) of the department(s) in which the course(s) is/are offered.
This is a writing intensive course, so all players are expected to sign in on time and be prepared to work. Players are allotted four session lives which will account for missed sessions. After all four lives are gone, the player cannot continue unless another life is purchased with 50 experience points.
Class begins at 9:30 am. For each sign in, the player will receive two XP (unless otherwise noted). If the player signs in late, between 9:30am and 9:45am, they will only receive one XP. Players that sign in after 9:45am will not be eligible for any XP and will lose a session life.
Reminder: The Celebration of Student Writing (CSW) is required for all students. The CSW will take place between 4 and 5:30pm on April 14th.
Participation
I ask all players to be respectful. There will be times when players and guilds will be competing against one another, so trash talking in the spirit of the game is expected, but the player needs to know the limits of their playful banter and when it becomes disrespectful. When a player is with her/his guild, s/he will be expected to fully participate and work as a team. Each player will be evaluated by her/his guild mates based on their active participation.
Observance of Religious Holidays: University Policy: EMU recognizes the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty to the student. University Practice: Students will provide advance notice to the game master in order to make up work, including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the appropriate game master(s), players may appeal to the head(s) of the department(s) in which the course(s) is/are offered.
Technology Information and Policies
Players will be interacting with a variety of sites and programs during the course. Please let the game master know if a player needs help using the internet or any computer program. When using a computer, save work frequently, always make backup copies by emailing drafts to yourself and/or using a jump drive, and plan all projects with extra time allowed for unexpected technological difficulties. GoogleDrive and other cloud based storage is always a good idea for saving work.
Much of the work players will do for this class will be typed, using a word processor. When turning in typed work, please use a legible font, assign one inch margins, and adhere to the page layout and documentation conventions established by MLA (unless otherwise noted). If this policy is not followed, points will be deducted from the quest, adventure, or raid.
The use of computers, tablets, and e-readers are strongly encouraged in the classroom, however not required. When the absolute need for computers arises, I will make sure the class is in a computer lab or department laptops are brought for those that do not own a laptop. All in-session use of technology should be focused on the quest related activities, such as note-taking, research, and reading. As long as all players are respectfully attentive when another player is speaking, in-session technology use will not be a problem. That said, use of a cellphones in-session are discouraged. All phones are to be set to silent (not vibrate). The game master reserves the right to ask any player to put away their electronic device if it appears to be distracting other players. Abuse of this policy will result in XP penalization.
Much of the work players will do for this class will be typed, using a word processor. When turning in typed work, please use a legible font, assign one inch margins, and adhere to the page layout and documentation conventions established by MLA (unless otherwise noted). If this policy is not followed, points will be deducted from the quest, adventure, or raid.
The use of computers, tablets, and e-readers are strongly encouraged in the classroom, however not required. When the absolute need for computers arises, I will make sure the class is in a computer lab or department laptops are brought for those that do not own a laptop. All in-session use of technology should be focused on the quest related activities, such as note-taking, research, and reading. As long as all players are respectfully attentive when another player is speaking, in-session technology use will not be a problem. That said, use of a cellphones in-session are discouraged. All phones are to be set to silent (not vibrate). The game master reserves the right to ask any player to put away their electronic device if it appears to be distracting other players. Abuse of this policy will result in XP penalization.
Communication with the Game Master and Players
Communication out of session with the game master or other players should be conducted respectfully through the institution given email. Make arrangements with other players to get contact information, especially with your guild. If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact one of your peers or your instructor. With rare exceptions, I will always respond to all email inquiries within 48 hours. Our gaming will also be conducted via a forum. Any player is welcome to post to the forum with questions or concerns.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism occurs when a writer passes off another's words or ideas without acknowledging their source, whether intentionally or not. For example, turning another's work as your own is plagiarism. If you plagiarize in this class, you will likely fail the assignment on which you are working and your case may be passed to the university for additional disciplinary action. Because of the design and nature of this course, it will take as much (or more) work for you to plagiarize in it than it will to actually complete the work of the class. For a more detailed explanation of Eastern Michigan University's stance on academic integrity, refer to Section V.A. of the Student Conduct Code.
University Resources
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
If you have a documented disability that affects your work in this (or any other) class, the Disability Resource Center can provide support for you. It is my goal that this class be an accessible and welcoming experience for all students, including those with disabilities that may impact their learning in this class. If anyone believes they may have trouble participating or effectively demonstrating learning in this course, please meet with me (with or without a Disability Resource Center (DRC) accommodation letter) to discuss reasonable options or adjustments. During our conversation, I may suggest the possibility/necessity of your contacting the DRC (240 Student Center; 734-487-2470; [email protected]) to talk about academic accommodations. You are welcome to talk to me at any point in the semester about such issues, but it is always best if we can talk at least one week prior to the need for any modifications.
University Writing Center
The University Writing Center (115 Halle Library; 487-0694) offers one-to-one writing consulting for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can make appointments or drop in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. The UWC opens for the Winter 2016 semester on Monday, January 11 and will close on Tuesday, April 19. Students are encouraged to come to the UWC at any stage of the writing process.
The UWC also has several satellite locations across campus (in Owen, Marshall, Pray-Harrold, and Mark Jefferson). These satellites provide drop-in writing support to students in various colleges and programs. Satellite locations and hours can be found on the UWC web site: http://www.emich.edu/uwc.
UWC writing consultants also work in the Academic Projects Center (116 Halle Library), which offers drop-in consulting for students on writing, research, and technology-related issues. The APC is open
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Additional information about the APC can be found at http://www.emich.edu/apc.
Students seeking writing support at any location of the University Writing Center should bring a draft of their writing (along with any relevant instructions or rubrics) to work on during the consultation.
The UWC also has several satellite locations across campus (in Owen, Marshall, Pray-Harrold, and Mark Jefferson). These satellites provide drop-in writing support to students in various colleges and programs. Satellite locations and hours can be found on the UWC web site: http://www.emich.edu/uwc.
UWC writing consultants also work in the Academic Projects Center (116 Halle Library), which offers drop-in consulting for students on writing, research, and technology-related issues. The APC is open
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Additional information about the APC can be found at http://www.emich.edu/apc.
Students seeking writing support at any location of the University Writing Center should bring a draft of their writing (along with any relevant instructions or rubrics) to work on during the consultation.
WRTG121 Winter 16 Syllabus | |
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