Basic Grammar and Writing II 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

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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-0302-005 Basic Grammar and Writing II

Prerequisites

RDNG 0301 and ENGL 0301-minimum grade of C or acceptable Accuplacer reading and writing test scores or equivalent on a state-approved alternative test

Course Description

A review of skills taught in ENGL 0301. Practice in writing compound and complex sentences; mastering subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage; using all punctuation marks; and overcoming major spelling problems. Emphasis on paragraph skills taught in ENGL 0301 and short essays in 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

Connect access card with ebook.  This class uses a program called Connect. An e-book for the course is in the program. You must buy an access card or buy access to the program through the Connect website to do the work to complete this class.

Supplies

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\ Jump/Flash/USB drive if you want to save your computer work in a computer lab.

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 0302 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 (500-750 words each) in different rhetorical modes focusing on the development of multi-paragraph texts and academic essays.

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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 publicationwill 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.

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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 lab.

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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.

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Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERA/GRADE SCALE AND PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT CLASS: 

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: 

A student who does not earn a "C" or above in English 0302 must re-enroll in the course.  To receive credit for English 0302, students must have a 70 average or above, according to the following scale:

Assignments

Daily Work/Minor Assignments                                                                                                 15%
(Pre- & Post-test [In Connect], Attendance Grade,
Diagnostic Writing [in Lab – O-101],
Daily In-class Work, & Home Work)

Learning Smart Achieve Modules (6 in Connect)                                                                15%

Reading Quizzes (5 quizzes in Connect)                                                                           10%
(In Week 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5)

Personal Essay (In Lab – O-101)                                                                                      10%

Analysis Essay (In Lab – O-101)                                                                                       10%

Argument Essay (In Lab – O-101)                                                                                       10%

Midterm Essay Exam (In Lab – O-101)                                                                               10%

 

Final Exam

Essay Exam (In Lab – O-101)                                                                                        15%

Reading Test Week 6 (In Connect)                                                                                   5%

 

The Writing Lab, located in Ordway 101 (O-101) will be used for this class.

MIDTERM GRADE NOTICIFICATION

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:

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.

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

Students are expected to sign in the attendance sheet in class every day, keep up with the class calendar, and do all assignments on time.  You need to email the instructor when an email is sent to you and requests information. Read your email at least twice a week.  Regular class involvement is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to sign the attendance sheet every class day and to complete all assignments.

A grade will be given for attendance. You are allowed two absences.  After these two absences, points will be taken away from you attendance/class participation grade.  Your grade will begin as 100 and be reduced with each absence after two.        

2 absences       no penalty, grade is 100
3 absences       grade reduced to 90
4 absences       grade reduced to 80
5 absences       grade reduced to 70
6 absences       grade reduced to 60
7 or more         grade reduced to 50

WITHDRAWING FROM A CLASS:

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: August 6, 2014. 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.

 

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.

 

If during the semester you consider dropping this class, 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 8/6/2014.  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

LATE WORK:

All work is due on the date assigned. The class calendar is usually followed, but it is always subject to change.  Regular viewing of the class calendar on Blackboard is necessary so that a student will be aware of any class changes.  No assignment, daily work, or homework will be accepted late.  Keep up with the class calendar, which is located on AC Online.  You can always turn in work early. 

COMPUTERS:

 

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 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 Microsoft Word, Blackboard, and Connect programs. Some of your grade is based on assignments turned in and/or done with these programs.

 

Blackboard

Blackboard is a program that we use in this class.  The class calendar is posted there.  The assignments are posted under the content tab there.  Quizzes are sometime taken with the program.  The gradebook and Email are available there too.

TUTORING:

            Free tutoring is available through two sources: The Writers’ Corner 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.  You can call for an appointment at (806) 345-5580

            In addition, AC subscribes to Smarthinking, an on-line tutoring service you may use free for 10 hours each semester. 

TUTORING POLICY:

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.  I will return a copy of the paper to you.  You can take the paper and meet with a tutor the tutoring center, The Writers’ Corner.  After you meet with a tutor, the tutor will send me a form explaining what they talked to you about. You will have two class days after the paper was originally returned to you to rewrite the paper with the advice you received from the tutor.  You will turn back in the original paper and the revised paper to me.  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.)

FEED BACK AND GRADING TIMELINE

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 back.  You can reach me 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 back when I receive your voice mail.  I usually answer voice mail Monday thorough 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 you during the week and 48 hours to answer you on the weekend.  Email is the fastest way to receive a response back from me.  You may use my regular work email or email me through AC Online. I do not use Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace for my classes.

 

Remember that when you have questions that you need to contact me well before an assignment is due.  For example, 11 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.

 

The grading response time is usually three to seven days for me to return a graded essay or exam to you.  Home work and class work is usually graded by the next class meeting.