Composition II Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

ENGL-1302-010 Composition II

Prerequisites

ENGL 1301

Course Description

Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.

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Department Expectations

Amarillo College English Department Plagiarism Policy, revised Spring 2013

The English Department takes plagiarism seriously.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

In addition to the course description, the skills taught in this course will be primarily achieved through the study of literature. Also, in addition to the learning outcomes, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of literary genres and the basic vocabulary of literary analysis, as well as write a researched literary analysis paper that utilizes peer review.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell.  Lit.  Boston:  Wadsworth, 2012.

Supplies

Books, pen, paper, notes are essential to any class meeting.

Additionally, you need consistent access to the internet, whether on your personal computer at home or on the AC computers on campus.

Student Performance

Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts.  Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedial texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking aobut evidence and conclusions.  These skills will primarily be achieved through the study of literature.

Prerequisite:  ENGL 1301 or its equivalent

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

1.  Demonstrate knoweldge of individual and collaborative research processes.

2.  Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic arguments, including one or more research-based essays.

3.  Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses of evidence.

4.  Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and inspires belief or action.

5.  Apply the conventions and style manuals for specific academic disciplines (e.g., APA, CMS, MLA, etc)

6.  Demonstrate an understanding of literary genres and the basic vocabulary of literary analysis.

Students 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

All cell phones should be put away during class.  Talking or texting during class is not acceptable.  If you have extenuating circumstances (such as a child who is home alone), please let us know at the beginning of class.  In that situation, leave the phone on your table, and if there is a need, we will understand.

No late work is acceptable.  Beginning of class quizzes may not be made up, and major assignments are due when assigned.  If there is an emergency, I will accept a major assignment by email, but that will occur on an individual basis only.

English Department Plagiarism Policy (Revised 2013):

The English Department takes plagiarism seriously.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grading Criteria

15%--daily quizzes and lesser exercises

20%--short story essay

20%--poetry essay

25%--researched essay

20%--final exam

90-100=A

80-89=B

70-79=C

60-69=D

Below 60=F

Attendance

Because this is a night class, we will be covering a full week's material each night.  Attendance is therefore critical.  Missing more than one class in a semester is just not acceptable.  Should you have an emergency and have to miss a class meeting, you need to email me as soon as possible (either before class begins or as soon as you can afterwards). 

The first thing that will occur each week is the opening quiz over the reading material and/or the discussion of the previous week.  The total of these quizzes represents 10% of your grade and cannot be made up later.  So, not only is attendance critical, but being on time is as well.  Class begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it. Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is November 20th.

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Additional Information

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