Basic Grammar and Writing II Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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Course

ENGL-0302-019 Basic Grammar and Writing II

Prerequisites

RDNG 0301 and ENGL 0301-minimum grade of C or acceptable Accuplacer reading and writing test scores or equivalent on a state-approved alternative test

Course Description

A review of skills taught in ENGL 0301. Practice in writing compound and complex sentences; mastering subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage; using all punctuation marks; and overcoming major spelling problems. Emphasis on paragraph skills taught in ENGL 0301 and short essays in standard American English.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\ Amarillo College English Department Plagiarism Policy, revised Spring 2013

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\ The English Department takes plagiarism seriously.

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\ Plagiarism is defined as the following:  the use of someone else’s exact words that are neither quoted nor cited; paraphrasing someone else’s words without citing them; or using someone else’s research without citing it.

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\ Student plagiarism in the Amarillo College English Department is internally tracked.  To clarify, records will be kept in the Department of those students who have plagiarized.  At the beginning of each new semester, the names of students who plagiarized the previous semester will be sent to all English Department faculty. 

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\ Plagiarism may receive a penalty of a zero.  A subsequent infraction will be deemed a reason for expulsion from the class. At this point, the case will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

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\ Note: Self-plagiarism will be discussed with the class by each instructor and infractions for such are left up to the individual instructor’s discretion.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Required Textbook

\ The Writer's World, 2nd ed.  By Lynne Gaetz and Suneeti Phadke, Prentice Hall, 2012

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Supplies

Other Supplies

• lined notebook or composition book
• pen and pencil
• jump/flash/US

  Student Performance

  \ Course Objectives

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  \ Students will be able to

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  • \ Analyze and write essays (500-750 words) utilizing different rhetorical modes.
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  • \ Evaluate written expression by reviewing the rhetorical elements of situation, audience, purpose, and point of view.
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  • \ Understand that writing is a process that includes planning, organizing, composing, revising, and editing.
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  • \ Compose complete and grammatically correct sentences.
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  • \ Generate an appropriate thesis statement and develop major supporting points in a reasonable and logical manner.
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  • \ Apply standard American English syntax, usage, and mechanics in editing and writing essays.
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  • \ Utilize basic computer technology, including composing a document in MLA style with word processor, communicating using email, and learning about the college's learning management system.
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  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

  Behavior

  All rules and regulations set forth in the "Student Code of Conduct" section in the current edition of the Student's Rights and Responsibilities publication will 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.

  Respect others: As the instructor, I am committed to treating students with respect and dignity.  I expect the same treatment in return, and I expect you as students to treat each other with respect and dignity.  Disrespect will not be tolerated.

  Be courteous to students and instructor: Please turn off all electronic devices (like cell phones) before class.

  • Please do not text during class. If you are expecting an important call, please let me know ahead of time, set your phone to vibrate, and sit next to the door so you can take the call without disrupting class.
  • Please do not talk to classmates when the instructor is speaking.

  Be prompt and attentive: Arrive before class begins, and stay until your instructor dismisses you.

  Grading Criteria

  Grade Policy

   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    0-59= unacceptable

  Students must receive at least 70% on the following assignments:

  • 15% Daily work and in-class writing
  • 60% Writing Assignments (Paragraph and essay final drafts)
  • 25% Final Exam (timed essay)

  Students are responsible to keep copies of all their work. When you turn in an assignment, be sure you have saved a copy and/or kept a hard copy. You will turn in a final portfolio of your work in this class, and this portfolio will not be returned to you. Save your work carefully and diligently.

  Rough Drafts: In order to receive full credit for your rough drafts, turn in a word-processed essay of the required length on the specified due date.

  Late Work Policy

  Late assignments will receive a 10% penalty per day they are late (including weekends). I will not accept late work more than three days after the due date. I understand that technical problems occur and life issues sometimes interfere with assignments, but I am counting on your commitment to this class despite life's setbacks. Work on assignments ahead of their due dates. Save work diligently and carefully. If a situation arises that interferes with your turning in work in a timely manner, please email or call me before the assignment due date.

  Assignment Due Dates:   Exact due dates for assignments are not specified on this syllabus. I will inform you of exact due dates. Also, check the class calendar regularly, which is located in AC Connect. 

  Quizzes: Quizzes will be given regularly. If you miss a quiz, you must make it up in the computer lab, Ordway 101, by the next class period.

  Instructor Feedback

  I understand that my feedback on your assignments is important, so I strive to return graded assignments no later than a week after they were turned in.  If you are unsatisfied with the score you received on an essay or any assignment, please meet with me to discuss your grade.

   

   

   

   

  Attendance

  Attendance Policy

  Student responsiblities:

  1. Attend all classes.   Since we meet only twice a week, your attendance is important to your success in this class.  We will do a number of in-class writing assignments, and longer essay assignments will be explained and clarified in class. Absences adversely affect grades. 
  2. Inform your instructor of an anticipated absence before the date.
  3. If you do miss class, get make-up work from a trusted classmate. It is your responsibility to get make-up work and notes if you miss class. Please do not ask me after your absence what you missed. Instead, ask a trusted classmate, and I will provide further clarification if needed. If you're not in class, you may miss due date information, and I do not accept late work. Do not refer to the syllabus course outline for due dates; instead, refer to the calendar available through AC Connect.

  Withdrawal

  If you consider withdrawing, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in this course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.    Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies. Check with a counselor or advisor before you withdraw from any class.

  Students are responsible for official withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course.  A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before the withdrawal deadline..  Students may withdraw via WebAdvisor, by meeting with their academic advisor, by meeting with Advising Department staff or at any of the Assistance Center counters. Withdrawal requests will not be accepted by telephone.

   

  Calendar

  Course Schedule

  Week	Content	Grammar Concepts
  1	Introductions.  Interview classmate; exchange contact info.  Syllabus review.  Review paragraph structure.  Write paragraphs then self-evaluate.	Sentences: subjects and verbs
  2	Lab: Diagnostic Essay.   Ch. 1, 2, 3 – Developing the main idea and the essay plan.  Discuss the writing process.	Sentences: subjects and verbs
  3	Ch. 4 and 5– developing the first draft.  Ch. 7 – narration	Sentence combining
  4	Essay 1 (narrative) rough draft due.  Ch.6  - Revising and Editing, Revise & edit essay 1.	Sentence combining
  5	Essay 1 final draft due. (Monday)  Ch. 8 – description.	Exact language
  6	Continue description.  Ch 40 selected readings	Sentence variety
  7	Essay 2 (descriptive) rough draft due.  Editing and revising activities.	Fragments and comma splices
  8	Essay 2 final draft due. Ch. 12 – comparison and contrast. Plan essay 3.	Run-ons
  9	Ch. 39 - Editing and revising activities	Problems with modifiers
  10	Essay 3 (comparison/contrast) rough draft due. Editing and revising activities.	Subject-verb agreement
  11	Essay 3 final draft due. Ch. 14 - Discuss rhetorical concepts.	Verb problems
  12	Read and respond to argument. Ch. 15 – paraphrase and summarize	as needed
  13	Summary paragraphs due.  Plan essay 4 – Argumentative.   Continue discussion of argumentative writing and basic rhetorical concepts.	review and editing exercises
  14	Essay 4 Argumentative rough draft due.  Conferences.	review and editing exercises
  15	continue conferences. Final draft essay 4 due (Monday)  Reflective letter – in class 4-29/ 5-21 prep work for final exam.
  16	Final Exam:  Argumentative Essay– in class.

  This schedule is a tentative outline and does not reflect all in-class assignments and activities. It is subject to change based on the needs of the students.
  After the first week of class, we will meet in the Writing Lab, Ordway Hall Room 104, each Monday, and in the classroom on Wednesday. Participation in both the lab and in the classroom discussions and worksheets, will count toward your grade. Check the course calendar for any variations from this schedule.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Additional Information

  Tutoring

  I encourage you to make an appointment with me for help with your writing.  However, if I am unavailable, you are encouraged to visit the resources available on campus for help with your writing.

  Tutoring:  Free tutoring is available through two sources: The Writers’ Corner and Smarthinking.  You may 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 Connect. 

  Revisions: You may receive a grade of NG (No Grade) on a paper along with a note from me to take your paper to a tutor. In order to redeem credit, take the paper to the Writers' Corner and meet with a tutor. After you meet with a tutor, the tutor will send me 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.)

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM