Composition I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

ENGL-1301-031 Composition I

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331 and ENGL 0302-minimum grade of C or scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading and writing skills

Course Description

Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating and critical analysis.

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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\ In addition to the learning outcomes listed, students will be expected to use the library’s online databases and other computer resources for research and word processing. Also, all students will write a third person, argumentative research paper following the MLA format for citing sources.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Carter, Judith L., et al. A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302. 5th ed. Mason: Cengage, 2012. Print.*

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\ Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. The Concise Wadsworth Handbook. 3rd ed. Boston: Cengage, 2011. Print. Enhanced InSite package. **

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\ O'Brien, Tim. The Things The Carried. New York: Broadway Books, 1990. Print.

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\ MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers Seventh Edition. New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2009. Print.*

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\ Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Clayton, Delaware: Prestwick House, 2005. Print.*These books are available for purchase only at the AC Bookstore.

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\ ** Students need to purchase their textbooks new in the AC Bookstore to receive the Enhanced InSite Brochure. This brochure contains a PIN that is essential for the course. (If you have questions regarding your textbooks call the AC Bookstore at [806] 371-5307.)

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Supplies

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\ A jump/flash/USB drive for saving work would be extremely helpful. While I encourage you to keep a notebook, the only absolute requirements for each class meeting are:

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\ Lined notebook or composition book

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Student Performance

Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.
2. Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.
3. Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.
4. Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.
5. Use Edited American English in academic essays.

In addition to the learning outcomes listed, students will be expected to use the library’s online databases and other computer resources for research and word processing. Also, all students will write a third person, argumentative research paper that follows the MLA format for citing sources and utilizes peer review.

 

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

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.

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

 

Grading Criteria

15% Essay One- Personal/Letter of Application

15% Essay Two- Summary-Response or "I Believe" NPR prompt

15% Essay Three- Research Proposal or Rhetorical Analysis

30% Researched Argument

10% Daily work, quizzes, class participation, rough drafts, and peer review

15% Final Exam/Semester Test (in-class essay)

90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, Below 60 = F

Late work Policy: Late work will NOT be accepted. If you cannot attend class on the day an essay is due, plan to turn the essay in early or make arrangements for someone to submit your paper. I always accept work turned in early.

Work must be made up within one day of absence. Students should make up work missed due to a school trip before the trip occurs. If this is not possible, they should make up the assignment the day they return. Pre-announced assignments (outside of class essays, etc.) are due on the day announced. There is no late work accepted.

All scheduled essays/exams are required.  No "extra credit" or "dropped grades" are available.  In the rare instance that I offer an extra exam, that offer is granted to all students, regardless of their current average.

Reading:

Reading assignments will include Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and All The Pretty Horsis by Cormac McCarthy as well as many of the readings from your book(s).  These will occur throughout the semester with most reading completed outside of class.

Writing:

Personal Essay, Summary-Response, Rhetorical Analysis, Researched Argument, various journaling assignments. Specific dates will follow based on difficulties with the school schedule.

 

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.

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\ When you must miss for a school trip or some other reason, you should come to the very next tutorial session if an assignment took place during the class period that you missed.  Any outside of class work is due the very next day.

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Additional Information

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