Composition II Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Course

ENGL-1302-004 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

\ Required textbook:

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\ Carter, Judith, et al., ed. A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302.

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\ Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell.  LIT.  Student edition. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2012.

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Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

\ Student Performance / Learning Outcomes (minimum competencies):

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\ 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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\ Amarillo College English Department Expectations:
\ 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.

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

\ 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

\ Grading criteria / Grading scale:

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\ \ Annotated Bibliography \	\ \ 25% \
\ \ Short Story Analysis \	\ \ 25% \
\ \ Poetry Analysis \	\ \ 25% \
\ \ Daily Quizzes \	\ \ 15% \
\ \ Final Paper \	\ \ 10% \

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\ 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; Below 60  = F

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\ If you know you will have to miss a class, please check with me in advance. I cannot give assignments or reteach the material to everyone who misses, so jot down the phone number of a classmate who can share notes and assignments with you when you have to be absent. If you cannot attend on a day when an assignment is due, send your work with someone else. All late work is penalized one letter grade per day it is late. In addition, all essays must be completed. Failure to complete an essay will result in a failing grade in the class. (If you have a special emergency, please talk with me as soon as possible. Don't wait until it is too late to get help.)

Attendance

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. You are responsible for providing evidence to substantiate any absence I consider excusing. If you know in advance that you will be absent, you would be wise to inform me. More than two unexcused absences will result in your final grade being lowered two points per incident. If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it. Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is Thursday, November 21, 2016.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

\ Overview of assignments:

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\ Annotated bibliography:
\ You will collect and compose an annotated bibliography of 10 sources (professional articles with a brief summary and critical analysis of each). These can serve later as sources for your short story and poetry papers. The annotated bibliography will account for 25% of your grade.

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\ Short story analysis:
\ You will write a critical analysis of a short story found in the textbook.  Successful papers will choose a particular literary element or theme, develop it beginning with an arguable thesis, and support it with at least two secondary sources in a 2-3 page, typed and double-spaced document. The short story analysis will account for 25% of your grade.

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\ Poetry analysis:
\ You will write a critical analysis of one or more poems found in the textbook. Successful papers will choose a particular literary element or theme, develop it beginning with an arguable thesis, and support it with at least two secondary sources in a 2-3 page, typed and double-spaced document. The poetry analysis will account for 25% of your grade.

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\ Drama paper:
\ Your final paper will be related to one of the dramas we study in class. It will be written during Final Exams Week and will account for 10% of your grade.

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\ Paper drafts:
\ All papers except the final one require typed drafts to be turned in before the actual papers are due.  Failure to produce these on time will result in a reduction of one letter grade on the assignment.

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\ Daily quizzes:
\ I will give periodic, unannounced quizzes over your reading assignments.  These will be averaged and will account for 15% of your grade.

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