Basic Grammar and Writing I 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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ENGL-0301-007 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.

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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Real Writing Interactive: A Brief Guide to Writing Paragraphs and Essays. Written by Susan Anker. Bedford-St. Martins, 2014.  This class will use an online program called LearningCurve.  This book has an access code to the program. Do not sign onto the program until the instructor gives you class information to use to in the program registration process. 

Supplies

\ You will need a USB flash drive if you want to save your computer work in a writing or computer lab (highly recommended!). For class you will need a pen and lined paper.

Student Performance

\ Course Description:

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\ Development of college-level writing focusing on idea generation, drafting, organization, revision, and utilization of standard English.

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\ Learning Outcomes:

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\ Upon the successful completion of this course, students will:

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\ 1. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate clear focus, the logical development of ideas, and the use of appropriate language that advances the writer’s purpose.

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\ 2. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given writing situations.

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\ 3. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the

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\ ideas and words of other writers in student writing using established strategies.

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\ 4. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information to formulate and develop a claim.

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\ 5. Develop and use effective revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments.

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\ 6. Edit writing to conform to the conventions of standard English.

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\ Additional Course Information:

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\ English 0301 is an introduction to composition for students needing basic writing instruction and a comprehensive review of mechanics and grammar as these apply to their own writing. This course stresses clarity, organization, development, and correctness in writing.

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\ Additional Learning Objectives:

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\ Students will:

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\ ·         Analyze and write a variety of texts (200-400 words each) in different rhetorical modes focusing on grammatically correct sentence structure and well-developed, unified paragraphs.

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\ ·         Utilize basic computer technology including such things as composing a document in MLA style with a word processing program, communicating using email, and accessing course information on 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:

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\ 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. (There is also a link to the Student Rights and Responsibilities document in the online syllabus.)

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\ 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.

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\ ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

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\ 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 the instructor 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 the instructor.  (Some class notes will be available in AC Online under the lesson tabs.)  Laptops are also not permitted unless arrangements have been made with the disAbilities Services office and the instructor.

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          0-59= 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:

65% of your grade = exams, rough drafts and revised copies of written assignments

10% of your grade = homework, daily work, class participation, and peer review

15% of your grade = editing and grammar exercises

10% of your grade = final essay exam

FINAL EXAM:

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

MIDTERM GRADE NOTIFICATION:

At midterm, instructors will send a grade notice to students whose grades are under 70.  This form will let students know at midterm that they are not passing and why.  It will give students an opportunity to talk to their instructors and to seek help to improve their grades.

 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE:

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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.

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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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LATE WORK:

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All work is due on the date assigned. According to the discretion of the instructor, late work may not be accepted.  Under all circumstances, it is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation of an excused absence and make arrangements for making up any work missed during that absence. 

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WITHDRAWING FROM A CLASS:

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It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or 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: 4/24/14. 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.

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The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time in fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. There are certain exceptions to this policy and petitions for exceptions should be directed to the Registrar.

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If during the semester you consider dropping this class, please check with the instructor 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 4/24/14.  Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies.  Check with a counselor or advisor before you withdraw from any class.

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Calendar

Additional Information

 

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COMPUTERS:

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

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Blackboard

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AC Online is a program that is used in this class.  The class calendar will be posted there.  Some assignments will be posted under the lesson tabs there. Quizzes may sometimes be taken there.  The grade book is in AC Online.  Email is available in this program, too.

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TUTORING:

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        Free tutoring is available through three sources: The Writers’ Corner, Lynn Library Room 016 (basement), 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. and some evening hours (varies per semester).  You can call for an appointment at (806) 345-5580. The library tutors have irregular hours (including some evening hours), so see this semester’s posted hours.

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            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. 

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TUTORING POLICY:

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This is the tutoring policy for this class. When you turn in a paper and you receive a grade below 70, you still have a chance to make a passing grade.  The instructor will return a copy of the paper to you.  You can take the paper and meet with a tutor in The Writers’ Corner (WC).  After you meet with a tutor, the tutor will send the instructor a form explaining what he or she 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 return the original paper and the revised paper to the instructor.  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. If your schedule does not allow meeting a WC tutor during its posted hours, talk to the instructor about other options.)

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INSTRUCTOR FEED BACK AND GRADING TIMELINE:

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Feedback is a response to an inquiry.  An example of feedback is when a student sends a question to an instructor, and the instructor answers the question for the student.  You can reach me (your instructor) in three ways: in person, by phone, or by email.  You can visit with me after or before class, during my office hours, or by appointment. You can leave a message for me on my voice mail.  It will be at least 24 hours for me to respond to you when I receive your voice mail.  I usually answer voice mail Monday through Thursday and sometimes on Friday. I look at my email several times a day.  I often also look at email on the weekends.  It might take as long as 24 hours to answer email during the week and 48 hours to answer on the weekend.  Email is the fastest way to receive a response from me.  You may use my regular work email or email me through Blackboard. I do not use Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace for my classes.

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Remember that when you have questions, you need to contact me well before an assignment is due.  For example, 11:00 p.m. may be too late to hear from me when a project is due at midnight or the next morning.  You might not get an answer to your communication until the next day.

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The grading response time is usually three to seven days for me to grade and return a paper or exam to you.  Homework and classwork are usually graded by the next class meeting.

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