Composition II Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Course

ENGL-1302-006 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.

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Department Expectations

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 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 & 1302: A Custom Publication for Amarillo College.  First Edition.   

     Amarillo College English Department. Plymouth, MI: Hayden-McNeil Publishing, 2013. Print.

Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell.  LIT. MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012.

Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell.  The Concise Wadsworth Handbook with InSite Card  

     (2 semester card).  4th  Edition.  MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2014.  

Supplies

\ A word processing program and a computer with reliable Internet access would be great.  Students may use the English Writing Lab in Ordway Hall, Room 101, at the Washington Street campus during regular hours of operation.

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Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

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

\ 2. Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic arguments, including one or more research-based essays.

\ 3. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses of evidence.

\ 4. Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and inspires belief or action.

\ 5. Apply the conventions of style manuals for specific academic disciplines (e.g., APA. CMS, MLA, etc.)

\ 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 that utilizes peer review.

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

 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.

 ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Please turn off your iPods, iPads, MP3 players, and cell phones before class starts and leave them off.  Because these devices are disruptive, do not answer the phone or text during class.  Should there be a family situation, which requires your attention, please inform me before class, set your phone on vibration, and sit near the exit. Laptops and audio recorders are not to be used in the classroom unless you have made arrangements with disAbilities Services Office and me.  Audio recorders tend to prevent some students from asking questions or making comments in class.  Your listening and note-taking skills will come in handy in recording class lectures and discussions.

 E-MAIL ETIQUETTE: Should you choose to communicate with me through e-mails, please use standard American English. Like all academic work, you should examine your e-mails since your credibility as a writer, who is enrolled in a composition course, is reflected in the grammar, spelling, and sentence structure of the e-mail.

Grading Criteria

20%  Quizzes  
\ 60%  Paragraphs and essays (in-class and out) and research exercise 
\ 20%  Final Exam: In-class writing

89.5-100 = A,   79.5-88.5= B,   69.5-78.5 = C,    59.5-68.5 = D,    Below 58.5 = F

LATE WORK:    Late work means "work is turned in after the due date."  Work turned in late will receive point deduction: 1 day late - 15%, 3 days late - 30%; one week late - 50%, and anything turned in after one week will not be graded and will receive a zero.

Attendance

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.

Regular attendance is required and is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments. Three or more absences in a class will be considered excessive and could contribute to a failing grade. It is imperative that you communicate with me when an emergency arises.   If you must stop attending, withdraw officially by the deadline; otherwise, I must record an F for the semester.

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Additional Information

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