Basic Grammar and Writing I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

ENGL-0301-008 Basic Grammar and Writing I

Prerequisites

Acceptable Accuplacer writing test scores or equivalent on state-approved alternative tests

Course Description

Practice in formulating simple and compound sentences, simple tense formation, basic subject-verb agreement, punctuation and basic spelling rules. Practice in writing clear, logically developed paragraphs using standard American English.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Dolphin Writer Book 2: Composing Paragraphs & Crafting Essays. Houghton Mifflin, 2008. Pearson.

Supplies

Jump/Flash/USB Drive. You will need to save your work in the Writing lab.

Student Performance

Students will be able to:

·         Analyze and write paragraphs (200-300 words) utilizing different rhetorical modes.

·         Evaluate written expression by reviewing the rhetorical elements of situation, audience, purpose, and point of view.

·         Understand that writing is a process that includes planning, organizing, composing, revising, and editing.

·         Compose complete and grammatically correct sentences.

·         Generate an appropriate topic sentence and develop support sentences in a reasonable and logical manner.

·         Apply Standard American English syntax, usage, and mechanics in editing and writing paragraphs.

·         Utilize basic computer technology including such things as composing a document in MLA style on a word processor, communicating using email, and learning about the college’s learning management system.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Code of Student Conduct:

All rules and regulations set forth in the “Student Code of Conduct” section in the current edition of the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities publicationwill be followed in this course. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a copy of the handbook from the Dean of Student Services Office and to become familiar with the contents and provisions of the college’s policies, rules, and regulations concerning student conduct.

 

The classroom environment for this class is based upon a simple principle: the instructor commits to treat you with respect, and you commit to treat each other and the instructor with respect. Everyone is equally responsible for maintaining a respectful dialogue, attitude, and classroom. Disrespectful behavior towards anyone will not be tolerated in this class or in the writing lab.

Grading Criteria

Grading:

Final grades will be determined by quizzes, exercises, and successful completion of all assigned writing and reading projects. In order to pass this class, students must turn in all of their work and score an average of 70 or better for the course. Grades will be based on the following system:

 

            A         90-100= high achievement

            B          80-89= above average achievement

            C          70-79= satisfactory achievement

            D         60-69= unsatisfactory achievement

            F          50-59= unacceptable

 

Progressing To The Next Class:

Students who do not make a C (70) or better for English 0301 must re-enroll in the course and receive credit for it before enrolling in English 0302.

 

To receive credit for English 0301, students must have a 70 average or above, according to the following scale:

            60% of your grade = exams, quizzes, rough drafts, and revised copies of written assignments

            20% of your grade = homework, daily work, class participation, and peer review

            20% of your grade = final exam

 

Final Exam:

The final exam consists of a written exam that is given a week before finals week in the computer lab, and a part that is given during final exam week.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes. Because of the collaborative nature of this course and the fact that success in this course depends on continuous practice and constant direction from the instructor, missing even one class can interfere with your grade. Absences start on the first scheduled day on which the class meets. Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and complete all assignments.

                             

Calendar

Additional Information

Computers:

Computers are available in the English Writing Labs (Ordway 101 & 104) for individual student use for word processing and Internet work. Students who use the lab are required to sign in for each visit. Students will do some writing on the computers as a part of this class. Students will need a USB (jump or flash) drive to save their work. This class also uses AC Online.

 

AC Online:

AC Online is a program that is used in this class. The class calendar is posted on AC Online. The assignments are posted under the lessons tab there. Quizzes are sometimes taken on AC Online. The grade book is in AC Online. Email is also on AC Online for instructor and class correspondence.

 

Tutoring:

Free tutoring is available through two sources: The Writers’ Corner and Smarthinking.  The Writers’ Corner is on the first floor of Ordway hall in room 102. It is suggested that you make an appointment at the Writers’ Corner, but you can also drop by for tutoring. The Writers’ Corner is open Monday- Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call for an appointment at (806) 345-5580. In addition, AC subscribes to Smarthinking, an on-line tutoring service you may use free for 10 hours each semester. This service is available nights and weekends. Access instructions are located in AC Online.

 

Tutoring Policy:

There is a tutoring policy for this class. When you turn a paper in and receive a grade below 70, you still have a chance to make a passing grade. I will return a copy of the paper to you. You can take the paper and meet with a tutor at the Writers’ Corner. After you meet with the tutor, the tutor will send the instructor a form explaining what they talked to you about. You will have one week after the paper was originally returned to you to rewrite the paper with the advice you received from the tutor. You will turn back in the original paper and the revised paper to me. The revised paper will then be graded (You must see a tutor in the Writers’ Corner, rewrite the paper, and turn in both the original and rewritten paper in one week from when it was given to you to have the original grade removed).

Electronic Devices:

Any device which makes noise can be disruptive to class, so turn them off before class starts and leave them off. This includes iPods, MP3 players, and cell phones. Do not answer the phone OR text during class. If an unusual family situation requires you to be available, tell me before class, set your phone to vibrate, and sit near the exit. Audio recorders may not be used in class as they inhibit some students from asking questions or making comments in class. You will have to rely on note-taking to record class lectures and discussions unless arrangements have been made with the disAbilities Services office and me.  Laptops are also not permitted unless arrangements have been made with the disAbilities Services office and me.