Composition II Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Phone

Office Location

PDHS

Office Hours

Available via Google Meets with appointment.

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-1302-DC027 Composition II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ENGL 1301

Course Description

Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.

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 course description, the skills taught in this course will be primarily achieved through the study of literature. Also, in addition to the learning outcomes, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of literary genres and the basic vocabulary of literary analysis, as well as write a researched literary analysis paper that utilizes peer review.

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Amarillo College English Department. A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 & 1302. Plymouth, MI: Hayden McNeil, 2013. Print.

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Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell.  Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing.  Compact 7th Edition.  MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011.  Print. 

Supplies

A computer with reliable access to the internet and a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice .

OpenOffice and LibreOffice contain free word pr

Student Performance

1. Demonstrate an understanding of literary genres through reading a variety of literature representing different authors and time periods.
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\ 2. Reinforce and enhance writing skills learned in English 1301 by writing rhetorical and interpretive essays over works written in verse and prose.
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\ 3. Know the basic vocabulary of literary and rhetorical analysis.
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\ 4. Use the library, other computer resources available on campus, or other resources in researching a topic.
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\ 5. Evaluate sources, selecting appropriate evidence for a literary analysis research paper or several shorter researched essays on works of literature.

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6. Document primary and secondary sources in standard MLA form for citations and works cited; know the penalties for plagiarism

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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, literary analysis 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

Amarillo College English Department Plagiarism Policy (Revised 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.

\ \

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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Grading Criteria

Percent-weighted scores for Amarillo College:

Essays (including semester test essay): 60 %

In-Class Timed Writings (and Timed Writing Portfolio): 15%

Active Participation in Discussions (including Socratic circles and Roundtable Discussions): 15%

Daily Work (writing conference, quizzes, homework): 10%

For your Amarillo ISD grades, each assignment has a point value. More comprehensive and complex assignments are worth more points than daily grades and homework assignments. Your Amarillo ISD and Amarillo College grades may differ. 


Amarillo College Grading Scale:

90-100% = A

80-89% = B

70-79%=C

60-69%=D

59% and lower=F
 

It is the responsibility of the student to request make up work when absent.

Work must be turned in on the assigned due date in class or no later than 11:59 PM to AC Connect.

https://amaisd.ebackpack.com/login

Missed work must be made up within three days of the absence unless you make arrangements with me during your absence or immediately upon your return. Please be aware that failing to make up missed work in a timely manner puts you at risk of failling further behind. This impacts your overall grade.

Remember: Stay current with the daily lesson—if you fall behind it is easy to keep up via email.

Late Work Policy:

I do not accept late work on major assignments. Deadlines are posted well in advance. However, if it becomes apparent that you will not meet the deadline for some unforeseeable reason, you must contact me before the due date. In this case, you will agree to a new deadline after which no work will be accepted. Should you choose this option, be aware that 70 will be the highest grade you can achieve. Use this option only in an emergency.

I would highly suggest keeping up with your Amarillo College email and monitoring your grade through AC Connect:

https://acconnect.actx.edu

Monitoring your college grade is entirely your responsibility. I cannot contact your parents/guardian about your Amarillo College grade. I also cannot discuss your Amarillo College grade with your parents without your express written consent.

If you have difficulties with using Amarillo College’s online systems, you can contact the CTL HelpDesk at (806)371-5992 or at ctl@actx.edu

Attendance

Students attend this class at Palo Duro High School and must abide by AISD attendance policy.

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments. If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan, one that protects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.  Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is April 23, 2015. 

 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.

Calendar

Course Calendar

Required Assignments and Exams

Since this is a composition class, learning is assessed through writing.

  • Timed Writings (will also include a Timed Writing portfolio)
  • Socratic Circles with Reflections(approximately every week)
  • Poetry Portfolio (3 poems: 1 closed form, 1 open form, and 1 choice of author)
  • Short Story (2-7 pages)
  • Poetry Analysis (3-5 pages)— with research (MLA format)
  • Literary Analysis (5-7 pages)—with research (MLA Format)
  • Writing conference for in-progress writing to be completed no later than May 8 during office hours. Writing should be as complete as possible, meaning that it will have an introduction, a body, a conclusion, and a Works Cited page, if applicable.
  • Final Exam: Two-hour, in-class final exam that assesses course objectives outlined in syllabus.

Extra Credit: Self-selected Dystopian novel from list provided—or cleared with me—and book conference completed no later than May 5 during office hours. You may do this at any time in the semester and apply it to the current or a future six weeks.

Selections Available:

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Cat’s Cradle  by Kurt Vonnegut

1984 by George Orwell

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Objectives:

Students will be able to

  • read and think critically
  • annotate various texts and reflect upon meaning
  • analyze text for evidence and effectiveness of rhetorical elements 
  • apply rhetorical elements in spoken and written products
  • write and speak clearly and effectively in standard American English
  • utilize the library’s online databases; effectively embed research into a research paper using correct MLA format; and understand what constitutes plagiarism
  • understand point of view and use of third person
  • improve timed writings

Required and recommended reading

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302: pages 3-60.

Selections from: Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell.  Literature:           Reading, Reacting, Writing.  Compact 7th Edition.  MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011.  Print.

Additional non-fiction and fiction readings as assigned.

Literature: Frankenstein; Hamlet; Heart of Darkness; Dystopian book for Book Conference

Major assignments, required reading, and subject matter of each lecture and discussion:

Unit 1: Values and Choices Part 2 (1/2-2/20)

Essential Questions:

  • What is poetry? Why use poetry?
  • How can I express my values?
  • Is knowledge power?
  • What responsibility do we have with our own knowledge?
  • Does knowledge change our values? How? For better or worse?

1/5: Intro to course

1/6: Read pages 712-724 (skip PS1-PS8 for now) in Kirszner and Mandell’s Literature

  • Roundtable discussion
  • Introduce Poetry Portfolio (Due March 8)

1/7-8: Find a piece of art that you like, copy a small picture of the piece if possible, document the artist, title and location of the piece. Using it as inspiration, draft a poem about it and put it in a safe place for now.

1/9: Introduction of Concepts and Active Reading Strategies

1/12: Introduction to American Poetry

         p. 1010-11 “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins

      p. 789-90 “Royal Palm” by Hart Crane

      p.  790-91 “Dog Fight” by Charles Bukowski

1/13:    Whitman

      p. 1067-68  Excerpt from “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman

      p. 775 “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer” by Walt Whitman

       p. 993-4 “Defending Walt Whitman” by Sherman Alexie

       p. 842-3 “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

1/14: Breaking Down Poetry Prompts/ How to Achieve a 9

1/15: Introduce Poetry Analysis: Poetic Analysis— Minimum 3 pages, 12 point font, double spaced, plain text, with documentation (research).  Remember—the works cited page does not count into the page count. Due February 8

-Read pages 724-741 in Literature

1/16: Socratic Circle 1: American Poetry

1/20:  Unconventional Women

        p. 1013 “’Faith’ is a fine invention,” “I dwell in Possibility—,” p. 1015                                              “Wild Nights—Wild Nights!” by Emily Dickinson

        p.826-8 “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath

        p. 780 “Living in Sin” by Adrienne Rich

        p.836 “You fit into me” by Margaret Atwood

1/21: A Look at Paired Poetry/ Timed Writing Prewriting Strategies

1/22: Using Four Square for Poetry Analysis

1/23: Socratic Circle 2: The Voice of Women

1/26-27 What ever became of poetry? Music: True Modern-Day Poetry and Analysis

  • Read music lyric handout for discussion
  • Bring printed out music lyrics for in-class assignment

1/28: Timed Writing 1: Free Verse Poetry

1/29: Poetry Portfolio: Work on Free-verse poem

1/30: Socratic Circle 3: The Evolution of Poetry
2/2: Point of View Activity: “Tale Tell Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe (p. 677-80)

2/3: Introduce Frankenstein

2/4: Tackling Essay C/ How to Get a 9

2/5: Doing a Lot with a Little: A Guide to Analysis with Frankenstein

2/6: Socratic Circle 4: Point of View/Perspective

2/9-10: Frankenstein Roundtable Discussions

2/11: Timed Writing 2: Essay C

2/12: Peer Review: Poetry Analysis

2/13: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: Poetry Reading

2/16-17: Frankenstein Roundtable Discussions

2/18: Tackling Multiple Choice on the AP Test

2/19: Developing Theme from Frankenstein

2/20: Socratic Circle 5: Frankenstein

Unit 2: Reality and Identity (2/23-4/6)

Essential Questions:

  • What makes text realistic?
  • What is reality?
  • How does form affect meaning?
  • What is the different between perception and reality?

2/23-4: Tentative Mock AP Exam

2/25: An AP Break, Back to Poetry

-Read and annotate Literature p. 869-880

2/26-7: Poetry Portfolio: Writing Sestinas

3/2: Other Forms

-Read and annotate Literature p. 880-884

3/3: Newer Old Dead British Guys

W.H Auden “The Unknown Citizen” (767)

T.S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi” (919)

Dylan Thomas’s “Do not go gentle . . .” (930)

Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est” (942-43

3/4: Timed Writing 3: Form Poetry (Timed Writing Portfolio Option 1)

3/5: Peer Review for Poetry Portfolio

3/6: Socratic Circle 6: Form and Purpose

3/9: Older Old Dead British Guys

Donne’s “A Valediction: . . .” (823)

Herrick’s “To the Virgins . . .” (761)

Shelley’s “Ozymandias” (765)

3/10: Translated and Transcontinental: Poetry from the East

Rabindranath Tagore’s “Colored Toys” (handout)

Xuan Dieu’s “To Love” (handout)

Basho, Kobayashi Issa, and Yukio Mishima Haikus (handout)

3/11: Assessing Timed Writing 3

3/12: Introduce Literary Analysis: Literary Analysis— Minimum 5 pages, 12 point font, double spaced, plain text, with documentation (research).  Remember—the works cited page does not count into the page count. Due 5/10.

-Read pages 173-189 in Literature

3/13: Socratic Circle 7: Old School Poetry

3/16-3/20: Spring Break!

3/23: Introduce Heart of Darkness, Psychoanalytical Criticism

3/24: Roundtable Discussion: Heart of Darkness

3/25: Timed Writing 4: Fiction (Timed Writing Portfolio Option 2)

3/26: Literary Analysis: How to Start/Prewriting

3/27: Socratic Circle 8: Symbols/Archetypes in Heart of Darkness

3/30-3/31: Roundtable Discussion: Heart of Darkness

-Introduce Debate and Achebe text (3/30)

4/1: Assessing Timed Writing 4

4/2: Preparing for Conrad vs. Achebe Debate

4/6: Conrad vs. Achebe Debate

Unit 3: What I Expected

  • How are truth and verisimilitude different?
  • How do expectations play into a story’s ending? How do expectations play into the future?
  • Are we merely poor players who strut and fret our hour upon the stage?
  • What does it mean to be a good person?
  • Does my existence matter? (Do I dare disturb the universe?)

4/7: Verisimilitude: Creating Believability Over Reality

  • Introduce short story (2-7 pages), Due 4/26
  • Read provided article

Read “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (p.394-405)

4/8: Timed Writing 5: Prompt C (Timed Writing Portfolio Option 3)

4/9: Literary Analysis: How to use a 4-square to analyze prose.

4/10: Socratic Circle 9: Expectations and Verisimilitude

4/13: Discuss “A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings” (p. 628-33) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

4/14 Very Short Fiction (Flash Fiction)

•           Read “The School” by Donald Barthelme (handout)

•           Read “The Man Who Shouted Teresa” by Italo Calvino (handout)

•           Read “The Blue Boquet” by Octavio Paz (handout)

4/15: Assessing Timed Writing 5

4/16: Dialogue Workshop Using “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway (p. 145-9) and other examples

4/17: Socratic Circle 10 Shorter Short Fiction

4/20: Introduction to Shakespeare/ Hamlet

4/21: Hamlet Act I

4/22: AP Multiple Choice Guided Practice

4/23: Conclusion, So what?: Making Your Conclusion Count in Analytical Writing

4/24: Socratic Circle 11: Hamlet Act I

4/27: Hamlet Act II

4/28: Roundtable Discussion: Hamlet Act II

4/29: AP Multiple Choice Individual Practice

4/30: Hamlet Act III

5/1: Socratic Circle 12: Hamlet Act III

5/4: Hamlet Act IV

5/5: Writing Activity: Hamlet Act IV (Doing a lot with a little revisited)

5/6: AP Literature and Composition Test

  • For those not taking the test, we will be doing a Timed Writing which will count as part of your semester test

5/7: Peer Review: Literary Analysis

5/8: Socratic Circle 13: Hamlet Act IV

5/11: Hamlet Act V

5/12: Debriefing Hamlet

-Introduce Parodies, Select Groups

5/13-14: In-class parody writing/rehearsing

5/15: Parody Performance

5/18: Review for Semester Exam

5/19-20: Final Exam for all students

5/21: Senior FUN Day!

 

 

 

Easier to Find Due Date Calendar:

Poetry Analysis: 2/8

Poetry Portfolio: 3/8

Timed Writing Portfolio: 4/10

Short Story: 4/26

Writing Conference (required): 5/8

Literary Analysis: 5/10

Hamlet Parody: 5/15

Book Conference (extra credit): 5/5

 

Additional Information

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Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM