Composition I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

ENGL-1301-025 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell.  The Concise Wadsworth Handbook with InSite (2 semester PIN).  34th edition.  Boston:  Cengage, 2014.*

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\ A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302. 2013.
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\ * Students need to purchase their textbooks new in the AC Bookstore to receive the InSite Brochure. (If you have questions regarding your textbooks call the AC Bookstore at (806) 371-5307.)
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Supplies

Spiral with pockets or notebook paper and binder (exclusively for notes and readings for English 1301)

 

Dictionary and Thesaurus (Optional, but strongly recommended)

 

Highlighter and Colored Pen

 

Student Performance

\ Learning Outcomes:

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\ 1.     Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.

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\ 2.     Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.

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\ 3.     Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.

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\ 4.     Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.

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\ 5.     Use Edited American English in academic essays.

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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

\ CELL PHONE POLICY:
\ Students are not allowed to use cell phones in class. If you must carry a cell phone for emergency reasons, it must be turned off or set to an inaudible signal that will not disturb the class. Texting, Facebook, and other activities are not permitted during class time.

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\ COMMUNICATION POLICY:

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\ When communicating with your professor using email, be sure to use a style that is befitting of an academic setting. In other words, avoid text speak. The way you present yourself in an email is just as important as the way you would present yourself in an office visit. Be sure to address the professor by name (Dr. Ferguson). Be sure to close by "signing" the email.

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Grading Criteria

Evaluation Essay	20%
Rhetorical Analysis Essay	20%
Research Paper	20%
Critiques	10%
Minor Writing Assignments/Homework	10%
Grammar	10%
Final Exam	10%

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

 

 

 

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.  More than two absences are considered excessive.  Students with excessive absences will find it difficult to pass the class.

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\ Late Work:

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\ Submissions to InSite will not be accepted late. If a situation arises that prevents students from complying with this policy, they must contact the instructor via email before the deadline of the assignment lapses.

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\ Make-up Work:

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\ If students are absent, they must contact the instructor via email before the next class in order to arrange for make-up work.

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\ If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan that proctects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it. 
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Additional Information

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