Composition I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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N/A

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N/A

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Course

ENGL-1301-FT001 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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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\  A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302.  Hayden McNeil:  2013.

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Supplies

USB drive. We will work on some writing assignments in class; therefore, you will need a USB/flash/jump/thumb drive. It need not be expensive, new, or have a large amount of storage. A 2 gig or 4 gig is be sufficient.

You can p

Student Performance

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\ \ Student Performance: \ \ 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. \

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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

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PLAGIARISM POLICY (Revised Spring Semester 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 nee semester, the names of students who plagiarized the precious 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.

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 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. 

The classroom environment 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 the instructor or another student will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior can range from major to minor infractions.

ANY CELL PHONE USAGE OR THE USE OF IPODS, ETC. DURING CLASS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL EFFECT YOUR STUDENT PROFESSIONALISM GRADE.  WHEN YOU COME TO CLASS, TURN YOUR CELL PHONE OFF OR PUT IT ON SILENCE.  If you have a true emergency reason for needing to have your cell phone on, please talk to me before class.

Discussion Protocol: In your communication with other students and me, you must maintain a civil, nonthreatening tone of voice; refrain from insults, slurs, insensitive comments, and slang; and always conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to the academic environment and consistent with the general guidelines outlined in the AC Student Code of Conduct. We will have occasion to discuss contemporary moral, ethical, and/or political issues that may be divisive. Please be fair and restrained in how you engage others in the class. If a problem does occur, allow me to handle it first. 

Also, all of your communication should be edited and correctly formatted to the best of your ability. Do not use the sort of abbreviated vernacular that is useful for text messaging. Use a spellchecker. Address your audience, and sign off. In other words, I want you to adhere to the normal rules of polite but serious-minded conversation.  

 

Grading Criteria

 

• 10% In-class assignments, quizzes, homework
• 10% Student professionalism *See description below
• 65% Essays - rough and final drafts
• 15% Final Exam - in-class essay

 

 GRADING SCALE:

90-100 = A

  80-89 = B

  70-79 = C

  60-69 = D

59 and below = F

*Student professionalism: Part of your overall grade is based on your professionalism in the classroom. You are expected to attend class, come to class prepared to participate (have all reading and homework assignments complete before class), actively participate in class discussions without monopolizing all of the class time, respect the instructor and classmates, and actively participate in online and in class activities. Student professionalism also includes all information given in the Student Code of Conduct section listed in this syllabus under the section "Student Behavior".

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.  Attendance is part of the class participation grade, and more than two absences could have a negative effect on your course grade.  

If you miss class, it is your responsibility to check Blackboard for any new assignments.  Also, missing a class does not excuse you from any due dates.  If you miss class, you must turn in your work to Blackboard, email it to me, or drop it off in the main office of the English Department (Ordway 103) on the day it is due.  

If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in this course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.  Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is Nov. 20, 2012.

Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies.  Check with a counselor or advisor before you withdraw from any class.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

This course uses Blackboard for course content and for submitting work.