Composition I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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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-1301-018 Composition I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

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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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 Services Center Room 119, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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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

Required Textbooks                                                                                                        

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Lunsford, Andrea. Easy Writer with Integrated Media access code. 5th edition. Boston: Bedford St Martin's, 2014.

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A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302: A Custom Publication for Amarillo College. Hayden McNeil, 2014.

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Jordan-Lake, Joy. Blue Hole Back Home. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2008.*

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                           *This book is AC's Common Reader selection for 2014-4015. You can receive a free copy by asking for it in the AC Student Center.

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If you have questions regarding your textbooks call the AC Bookstore at (806) 371-5307.

Supplies

Other Supplies

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• lined notebook or looseleaf binder with paper
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• pen, pencil
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• jump/flash/

  Student Performance

  Course Description

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  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. This is a co-requisite course with ENGL 0302.

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  Course Objectives

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  Upon the successful completion of this course, students will:

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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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  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.

  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

  Behavior

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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.

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  Respect others: As the instructor, I am committed to treating students with respect and dignity and maintaining a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to higher learning, including the exchange of ideas from all students.  I expect to be treated with respect and dignity, and I expect you as students to treat each other with respect and dignity.  Any behavior that is disrespectful, obnoxious, or disrupts the class by any means will not be tolerated and will be dealt with immediately.  Methods for dealing with disrespectful/disruptive students meet the level of the disrespectful/disruptive behavior and include, but are not limited to, filling an official campus report, removing the student from the class for a day or permanently, and/or contacting the campus police to come to the classroom, which includes the filing of an official police report. 

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  Be courteous to students and instructor:

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  • Please turn off all electronic devices before class. NO PERSONAL CELL PHONE USAGE IS PERMITTED IN CLASS.  PERIOD.  USE OF A CELL PHONE WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON YOUR COURSE PROFESSIONALISM GRADE.  If you have a legitimate reason for needing access to your cell phone, please notify me before class, put your cell phone on vibrate (no sound), and step into the hall to conduct your business should the need arise.  
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  • Please do not talk to classmates when the instructor is speaking or fellow classmates are speaking during a class discussion.  
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  • Please do not interrupt/talk over the instructor when she is speaking. 
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  Be prompt and attentive: Arrive before class begins, and stay until your instructor dismisses you.

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  Plagiarism

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  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.

  Grading Criteria

  Grade Criteria

  Final grades will be determined by successful completion of all assigned writing and reading projects. In order to pass this class, your final grade must at or above a 70 percent.  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

  Your final grade for this course will be calculated according the following weights:

  • 60%  Writing Assignments: essays, paragraphs, responses, summaries, and precis
  • 20%  Lab and Daily Work: TLC questions*, quizzes, grammar exercises, rough drafts, peer responses
  • 10%  Attendance and Participation
  • 10%  Final Exam

  *One component of this course is called The Library Connection (TLC). The purpose of TLC is to teach students to use library resources to find research to support their academic essays. A library instructor will provide lessons during TLC library days, and an assignment will follow the lesson. Attendance is very important during these days, as TLC instruction days cannot be made up.

  Students are responsible to keep copies of all their work. When you turn in an assignment, be sure you have saved a copy and/or a hard copy.  Save your work diligently and carefully.

  If you are unsatisfied with the score you received on an essay or any assignment, please meet with me to discuss your grade.

  Outlines:  Outlines must follow the format as specified in the assignment sheet and/or in the course lecture.  The outlines must also evidence your careful attention to the requirements of the assignment and contain specific and/or detailed information that addresses the components of the assignment.  

  Rough Drafts: In order to receive full credit for your rough drafts, they must meet all aspects of the assignment, including, but not limited to, typed in MLA format, meet the required word length, address the requirements of the assignment, and turned in by the due date and time. 

  Final Drafts:  In order to receive full credit for your final drafts, they must meet all aspects of the assignment, including, but not limited to, typed in MLA format, meet the required word length, address the requirements of the assignment, and turned in by the due date and time.  Also, the final drafts must evidence thoughtful revisions based on the assignment sheet, final draft checklist (if given for the assignment), and any feedback comments I have given in class or in writing, either to you specifically or to the class as a whole.

  Late Work

  Late Work:

  All work is due on the date assigned.  Again, you can turn work in early if you know you must miss a class, or you can turn in using Blackboard if you must miss class unexpectedly.  

  Homework and/or In-Class assignments:

  No homework or in-class assignments will be accepted late FOR A GRADE; HOWEVER, even if you miss the due date, you are still responsible for completing the assignment and turning it in.

  Major Writing Assignments:

  For the assignments that require an outline, a rough draft, and a revised final draft, no outlines or rough drafts that are part of the major writing assignment are accepted late for a grade.  

  Final drafts, with the exception of the last major writing assignment, are accepted up to five days late; however, the paper loses 10pts for each day.  Therefore, by the fifth day, the most the final draft is 50% of the total points possible for the final draft.  The 10pt late penalty begins immediately after the due time for the paper has passed.  For example, it a paper is due on a certain date by 10:00am, a paper turned in at 10:01am is late, and the 10pt late penalty applies.   

   

  Participation/ Professionalism: Ten percent of your grade is based on participation and professionalism.

  •  You will receive 100 points for participation in this 10% category if you miss no more than two classes. After two classes, you will be docked 10 points for each absence. After six absences, you will receive a zero for this category.
  • You are expected to come to each and every class with YOUR TEXTBOOK and any other required materials (assignments, pen, paper, flash drive, etc.).  You are also expected to complete any reading assignments assigned before the class. Coming to class without the required textbook and materials, or without completing any assigned reading will have a negative impact on your grade.  This includes not having a functioning login and user password for AcConnect.  
  • You are expected to participate in class discussions.  I encourage you to voice your ideas and professionally participate in class discussions and class activities.  However, you should not monopolize the entire discussion or activity or wander off topic.  I want to hear EVERYONE'S voice on the topics at hand.

  Late Work Policy

  Late assignments will receive a 10% penalty per day they are late (including weekends). Assignments are due at the beginning of class. I will not accept late work more than three days after the due date. If you turn in an assignment after class on the day it's due, it is late.  I understand that technical problems occur and life issues sometimes interfere with assignments, but I am counting on your commitment to this class despite life's setbacks. Work on assignments ahead of their due dates. Save work diligently and carefully. If a situation arises that interferes with your turning in work in a timely manner, please email or call me before the assignment due date.

  Assignment Due Dates:   Exact due dates for assignments are not specified on this syllabus. I will inform you of exact due dates. Also, check the class calendar regularly, which is located in Blackboard.

  Quizzes: Quizzes will be given regularly. If you miss a quiz due to being absent, you cannot make it up.  However, I do drop at least one quiz grade at the END of the semester.  

   

  Attendance

  Attendance Policy

  Student responsibilities:

  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. This class consists of two sessions that meet back-to-back two days a weeks.  To receive credit for attending class, you MUST attend both sessions of the class for each day the class meets.  Absences start on the first scheduled day on which the class meets.

  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Major writing assignments are explained in detail IN CLASS; you will not be able to "just read" your textbook to learn all aspects of each assignment.  Furthermore, writing issues that many students encounter are also explained in detail IN CLASS.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.

  It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for any make up work allowed (see late policy below) immediately after an absence. 

  If you know in advance that you must miss a class, please notify the instructor in advance AND turn in early any work that is due on the day you must miss.

  If you miss a class, YOU ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY WORK ASSIGNED IN CLASS OR DUE THAT DAY.  An absence does not excuse you from any due dates.  You can upload or email (check assignment sheet, assignment instructions in course content, etc. for information) your homework, papers, etc.

  AND check the course content area on BlackBoard, and your email for any new assignments (please note that I do not always send out emails with assignment information).

  Furthermore, please do not ask me to “re-teach” all information you missed during your absence.  Instead, ask a trusted classmate for assignment information and/or notes.  I will provide further clarification if needed.

  Withdrawal

  If you consider withdrawing, 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 November 18, 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.

  Students are responsible for official 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:  November 18, 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.

   

  Calendar

  Course Outline - This outline is tentative and may be changed at the intructor's discretion to better meet the needs of the students.

  • RH = Rhetoric Handbook
  • EW = Easy Writer
  • BHBH = Blue Hole Back Home
  • TLC = The Library Connection

  Week	Topic	Reading	Writing	Grammar (Integrated Media Learning Curve exercises)
  1	Introductions Course expectations Handbook scavenger hunt	Selected readings	Diagnostic	Sentence structure
  2	Paragraphs Narrative writing Discuss course theme	Washington Post: “More People Express Uncertainty in the Chance to Achieve the American Dream.” New York Times Article: “A Chance to Live, and Then Describe, Her Own American Dream”	Informal: Paragraph responses Assign: Essay 1	Simple, compound, complex sentences; coordination and subordination
  3	Narrative writing Expectations of academic writing	Selected readings RH: pg. 5-7 MLA Manuscript Preparation, RH: pg. 5 Words to Avoid in Academic Writing, Pg. 35-38 Basic Structure of an Essay	Informal: Paragraph response, introductory paragraph Due: Essay 1 outline and rough draft	Simple, compound, complex sentences coordination and subordination
  4	TLC: Step 1 -- Searching the Internet	Begin Blue Hole Back Home (BHBH)	Due: Essay 1 final draft Lab: Summary	Fragments
  5	Discuss BHBH TLC: Step 2 in library: Searching Opposing Viewpoints	BHBH   RH: pgs. 18-19 paraphrasing	Lab: Summary	Comma splices and run-ons
  6	Reading and responding to literature—the novel TLC: Step 3 in Library: Opposing Viewpoints	BHBH	Lab: Summary	Punctuation
  7	TLC: Step 4 in library: Academic Search Complete	Finish BHBH Selected readings RH: 11-14 Writing a Response Paper	Assign: Essay 2	Capitalization
  8	Rhetorical analysis: ethos, pathos, logos Paraphrasing and summarizing	Selected readings	Due: Essay 2 outline and rough draft Rhetorical precis	Pronouns Modifier problems
  9	Rhetorical analysis TLC: Step 5 in library	Articles for analysis RH: pgs. 22-29 Rhetoric	Due: Essay 2 final draft Assign: Essay 3 Rhetorical appeals paragraph(s)	Verbs
  10	Research for essay 4	Articles for research RH: pgs. 49-60 EW: 178-206	Due: Essay 3 rough draft	Subject-Verb Agreement
  11	Research for essay 4 MLA citation EW: 208-254	Articles for research RH pgs. 12-16 Incorporating quoted material	Due: Essay 3 final draft Assign: Essay 4	Parallelism
  12	Research for essay 4	Articles for research	Due: Essay 4 outline
  13	Edit and revise essay 4	Selected readings	Due: Essay 4 draft 1	TBD
  14	Portfolio reflection and catch-up TLC Step 6		Due: Essay 4 final draft	TBD
  15	Review for final exam			Review
  16			Final Exam

  The outline above is subject to change at the instructor's discretion and based on students' needs.

  Additional Information

  Instructor Feedback

  I understand that my feedback on your assignments is important, so I strive to return graded assignments as quickly as possible, but you should expect two weeks before they are return.  If you have questions about the score you received on an essay or any assignment, I expect you to thoughtfully review the assignment sheet, my feedback, and wait until the next class meeting to meet with me to discuss your grade.

  Feedback on your rough drafts may be given in several ways:  a final draft checklist that addresses the most common issues I see throughout the majority of the rough drafts, you and I discussing your paper in the lab while you are actually working on your paper, or individual comments made directly on your paper.  

  Computers

  This class utilizes Blackboard located on AcConnect.  Assignments, course announcements, emails, etc. will all be posted/sent through AcConnect; therefore, you MUST CHECK YOU COURSE EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS.  If I have posted or sent information on AcConnect, you are responsible for it.  No exceptions.

  If you do not have access to a reliable computer with internet, please note that AC has an open access area on the fourth floor of the library.  Some computers are also available for student use on the first floor of the library.  Ordway Writings Labs #101 and #104 are available for student usage when classes are not in session in these rooms.  Please check Ordway Writing Lab #101 for the hours of operation.  Furthermore, your AC student ID gives you access to Amarillo Libraries that have computers.  

  Again, YOU MUST KNOW YOUR AcConnect LOGIN AND PASSWORD BEFORE THE SECOND DAY OF CLASS, AND YOU MUST MAKE CERTAIN YOU ARE ABLE TO LOGIN.  Please have all issues with you Login name and password resolved before the second day of class.  If you are having trouble logging in, please contact ACHelp, IT or Student Services for help.

  Although in class we will cover some aspects of using BlackBoard, if you are having trouble navigating BlackBoard, please refer to the BlackBoard tutorial videos located online in Student Resources. 

  Tutoring

  You are always welcome to make an appointment with me, your instructor, to get help with your writing. However, if an appointment with me does not work for you, I encourage you to seek tutoring through one of Amarillo College's helpful and free services:

  • Writers' Corner:  The Writers' Corner is in Ordway Hall, Room 102. You can make an appointment with a tutor or walk in. The Writers’ Corner is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call for an appointment at (806) 345-5580
  • Smarthinking: In addition, AC subscribes to Smarthinking, an online tutoring service you may use free for 10 hours each semester. This service is available nights and weekends. Access instructions are located in Blackboard.

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM