Composition I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Shelby Amiro-Wilson (Curriculum Vitae)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-1301-DC027 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):
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.
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.
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
Dual Credit Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
\ Amarillo College English Department. A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 & 1302. Plymouth, MI: Hayden McNeil, 2013. Print.
\\ Faigley, Lester, and Jack Selzer. Good Reasons: Researching and Writing Effective Arguments. Amarillo Coll. ed. New York: Pearson, 2010. 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 processing applications and can be found here:
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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
\ Students must be in compliance with all Palo Duro High School Rules and Code of Conduct.
\\ No Cell phones visible or in use (including text messaging)
\\ No behaviors which interfere with other students' learning
\\ As Palo Duro High School Students, you are expected to follow the D-FORCE guidelines:
\- \
- \ Be focused, organized, respectful, and consistent every day \
\ Amarillo College English Department Plagiarism Policy (Revised 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.
\Grading Criteria
|
Percent-weighted scores for Amarillo College: Essays (including semester test essay): 60 % Active Participation in Discussions (including Socratic circles and Roundtable Discussions and Reflections): 20% Daily Work (in and out of class writings, book conference, writing conference, quizzes, homework): 20% 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 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 of the due date in digital format to AC Connect or AISD Blackboard at: 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, I will assign a new deadline. 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: 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 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 November 28, 2014.
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
Major assignments and exams:
- Essay over summer reading texts (The Shallows or Stumbling on Happiness). Self-selected topic. Rhetorical Analysis.
- Visual text analysis
- College Portfolio
- Annotated bibliography of "wide reading" in preparation for research paper.
- Researched Argument (long) with MLA documentation
- Class Participation (class discussions, roundtable discussions, Socratic Circles)
- Timed Writings (in class)
- Book conference (one, during office hours)
- Writing conference (one, via Google drive)
- Semester Exam
Required and recommended reading
Selections from: Good Reasons: pages 9-21, 22-29, 30-51, 52-65, 69-89, 90-106; readings: 458-61,462-65, 329-31,332-33; choice from 406-414, 415-25, 428-432, 433-35, 436-449 406-449,450-57, ,484-85,514-21.
A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302: pages 3-60.
Additional non-fiction readings as assigned.
Literature: Catcher in the Rye; The Importance of Being Earnest; various poetry and short stories as assigned
Major assignments, required reading, and subject matter of each lecture and discussion:
Unit 1: The Building Blocks of Argument approximately 7 weeks: 8/24-10/9):
Theme: The Individual in Society
Essential Questions:
- Who controls the message?
- Who SHOULD you trust? Why?
- What is YOUR message and do you know how to take control of it?
- Who is your audience? What do you know or not know about them? How can you find out?
- What is your purpose? How do you separate YOUR goals, needs, dreams, plans from everyone else’s?
Major Assignments and Due Dates:
Summer Reading Rhetorical Analysis of The Shallows or Stumbling on Happiness: (Due Aug. 28)
Write a rhetorical analysis of the summer reading book that you selected—either Stumbling on Happiness or The Shallows—analyzing the effectiveness of the author’s argument. You should identify and state the argument that the book is trying to make before beginning the analysis as well as stating a position on the efficacy of the book. Keep in mind all aspects of argument that you have studied thus far including rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos), rhetorical choices, author’s use of language, claims, reasons, audience, purpose, etc. Please keep in mind that you are not agreeing or disagreeing with the author, only pointing out the effectiveness and ineffectiveness found in the argument itself. The paper should be 2-3 pages in MLA format (page count never includes Works Cited page).
College Portfolio: (Due Sept. 28)
College portfolio will consist of a minimum of 1500 written words for college application essays or scholarship essays. Compositions should be well-edited and submission-ready.
Visual Analysis: (Due Oct. 12)
Students will analyze a visual argument, noting the creator’s intent and the devices the creator utilizes to communicate the message. Students should also assess the effectiveness of the piece. Responses should be 2 page, double-spaced in MLA format).
Week 1
Objectives:
- Students will review the writing process and practice prewriting and revision techniques.
- Students will understand the objectives for the course.
Readings:
- “S***** First Drafts” (Good Reasons pp.458-461)
- “The Maker’s Eye” (Good Reasons pp. 462-465)
Week 2- Week 5
Objectives:
- Students will understand audience and purpose.
- Students will learn techniques for improving style from other writers.
- Students will learn new techniques for writing introductions and conclusions.
- Students will understand the peer review and conferencing processes.
Readings:
- What Makes a Good Argument? Good Reasons pp. 9-21
- Rhetoric Handbook p. 23
- Good Reasons pp. 22-29
- Rhetoric Handbook pp. 24-29
- “El Doctor” by Julia Alvarez (406-414)
- “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” by Gloria Anzaldúa (415-25)
- “The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named María” by Judith Ortiz Cofer (428-432)
- “Hearing Voices” by Linda Hogan (433-35)
- “What Means Switch” by Gish Jen (436-449)
- Good Reasons p. 69-89
- “Snow” by Julia Alvarez
- “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid
- “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan
- Exemplary Scholarship and Admittance Essays
Week 6-Week 7
Objectives:
- Students will understand rhetorical appeals.
- Students will understand rhetorical choices.
- Students will be able to analyze the effectiveness of an argument.
Readings:
- Good Reasons, pp. 30-51: How do I find and build an effective argument?
- Rhetoric Handbook p.42-44
Unit 2: Time for a Change (approximately 6 weeks).
Theme: Discovery and Relationships: How do you relate to the world around you?
Essential Questions:
- What drives you? Do you have a passion, a cause?
- What are the limits of personal responsibility? Can one person save the world?
- How can you change the world?
Major Assignments and Due Dates:
Annotated Bibliographies (Due Nov. 9)
After students have selected a topic for research related to social change, students will complete ten annotated bibliographies while completing wide-reading for research purposes. Bibliographies should contain the correct MLA citation, students will summarize their source, evaluate its effectiveness, and reflect on the source’s possible usefulness in the research paper.
Week 1-4
Objectives:
- Students will review literary techniques.
- Students will understand the concept of revolution.
- Students will be able to make connections between non-fiction and fiction readings.
- Students will be able to use prewriting topics in order to flesh out a topic about social change.
Readings:
- “Franny” by J.D. Salinger
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Poetry by Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and other Beat poets
Week 5-6
Objectives:
- Students will understand source reliability.
- Students will understand how to correctly paraphrase, quote, and summarize.
- Students will understand the purpose of annotated bibliographies.
- Students will understand the research process.
Readings:
- Good Reasons p. 52-65
- Good Reasons p. 90-106
- Other non-fiction pertaining to social change from the 1940s-1960s
Unit 3: Searching for Self Amid the Chaos: Finding Answers for Some of the Questions and More Questions for Some of the Answers (approximately 4 weeks).
Theme: Values and Choices: Understanding beliefs and values of characters and exploring the choices the characters make to uphold or compromise those beliefs
Essential Questions:
- What do I really believe? What are my core values?
- When am I willing to compromise my beliefs and values?
Major Assignments and Due Dates:
Researched Arguments (Due Dec. 7)
Students will then select a topic based on the type of social, economic, ecological, or political change about which they are passionate. Students will take a rhetorical approach in composing an argument convincing an academic audience to agree with their position. Students will receive direct instruction on annotated bibliographies. They will use the bibliographies in order to reflect their own thoughts about the reading they conduct for research. The writing and revision of this essay will take place inside and outside of class.
Book Conference (Due Dec. 9)
Students will read a novel or play from the list provided. They will be required to complete an organizer for use in the Spring semester for the AP test. Students will also conference with the teacher outside of class to discuss the book.
In-class Final (Dec. 9-11)
Students will take an in-class final exam. The exam will take place over three days. It will include a vocabulary/terminology component, an in-class rhetorical analysis, and a written argument.
Week 1-2
Objectives:
- Students will understand different forms of irony, and analyze how writers use irony.
- Students will be able to compose original examples of irony.
- Students will understand passive voice.
- Students will be able to polish essays.
- Students will understand MLA format.
Readings:
- The Important of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
- Biographical information about Oscar Wilde
- Examples of MLA formatted essays
Week 3-4
Objectives:
- Students will review rhetorical strategies.
- Students will review vocabulary.
- Students will read and annotate passages for the semester exam.
Readings:
- Passages for the semester exam
Additional Information
No additional information available
Syllabus Created on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM
Last Edited on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM