Week 0: Welcome and Course Overview

1. EGL 1010 has five major essays plus a holistic process-work score. Meerk's job: help you understand every concept before you write.
2. Canvas is the official record for all assignments. Meerk enhances what you learn — it never replaces your Canvas gradebook or Prof. Upchurch's feedback.
3. Process work is graded holistically at the end of the semester. Complete every in-class activity thoughtfully; preparation for the final presentation is included in that score.
4. A grade of C or better in this course is required to proceed to EGL 1020 Composition II. Plan your drafting schedule around each major due date.
5. Prof. Upchurch's AI policy: AI-generated content that is flagged results in a 50% score, and a required in-person or Zoom meeting to demonstrate your understanding of the work.
6. All formal essays must be MLA-formatted: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, indented paragraphs, unique titles. Submit to Canvas via Copyleaks links.
7. Late out-of-class assignments are accepted up to one week past the original due date. In-class process work and discussion boards cannot be made up.
8. Free tutoring resources: PGCC Writing Center (on-campus) and Brainfuse Online Tutoring (24/7 virtual). Both can help at any stage of drafting, from understanding the assignment to citing sources.

Week 0 has no gate quiz. Your one-time Baseline Exam is what opens Week 1. It measures where you start — it is not a grade.

Take the Baseline Exam

Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.

Ask at home: What is one thing about your own writing that you want to improve this semester — and why does it matter to you?

En español: ¿Qué aspecto de tu escritura quieres mejorar este semestre y por qué te importa?