Composition I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

ENGL-1301-030 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.

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302. 2013.

Supplies

A flash drive is recommended for this course- Back up your work on multiple drives. Save frequently. Losing a paper after spending several hours working on it can seriously ruin your day.

Student Performance

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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

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.

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 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.

Grading Criteria

Writing Exercises/Journals/Group Writings Average- 30%

Essay 1: Narrative Essay- 10%

First Draft- 3%

Peer Review- 2%

Final Draft- 5%

Essay 2: Rhetorical Analysis- 15%

First Draft- 5%

Peer Review- 2%

Final Draft- 8%

Essay 3: Classical Argument- 15%

First Draft- 5%

Peer Review- 2%

Final Draft- 8%

Essay 4: Researched Proposal Argument- 20%

Proposal and Annotated Bibliography- 5%

First Draft- 5%

Peer Review- 2%

Final Draft- 8%

Final Exam: In-Class Essay- 10%

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.  

Calendar

Additional Information

Late Work: Generally any journals or daily writing exercises will not be accepted late. For the four major essay assignments, late work will be accepted at a penalty of a letter grade per day it is late. No late assignments will be accepted more than a week after the due date. If a situation occurs that prevents students from being able to turn in an assignment on time, they must contact the instructor via email before the deadline of the assignment lapses.

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