Composition I Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time 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. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-1301-055 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.

 

 

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Textbooks        

                                                                                                

The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings. by Richard Bullock and Maureen Daly Goggin.

• ISBN-13: 978-0393264371
• ISBN-10: 0393264378

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302: A Custom Publication for Amarillo College.

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

Supplies

Other Supplies

• Lined notebook or composition book for journal writing
• pen, pencil
• jump/flash/USB drive for saving work

Computers:

Course content will be accessed through Blackboard.

Student Performance

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. This is a co-requisite course with ENGL 0303.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will . . .

1. Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, and evaluate the information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths.
2. Comprehend and use vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing.
3. Identify and analyze audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts.
4. Describe and apply insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts.
5. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate reading comprehension, clear focus, logical development of ideas, and use of appropriate language that advance the writer's purpose.
6. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing situations.
7. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and words of other wriers instduent writing using established strategies.
8. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a claim.
9. Develop and use effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen teh writer's ability to compose college-level writing assignments.
10. Recognize and apply the conventions of standard English in reading and writing.

Additional Learning Objectives

1. Analyze and write a variety of texts (500-750 words each) in different rhetorical modes focusing on the development of multi-paragraph texts and academic essays.
2. Utilize basic computer technology including such things as composing a document in MLA style with a word processing program, communicating using email, and accessing course information on the college's learning management system.

 

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

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.

Respect others: As the instructor, I am committed to treating students with respect and dignity.  I expect the same treatment in return, and I expect you as students to treat each other with respect and dignity. Disrespect will not be tolerated.

Be courteous to students and instructor: Please turn off all electronic devices (like cell phones) before class.

• Please do not text during class. Use your cell phone and other devices only as instructed. If you are expecting an important call, please let me know ahead of time, set your phone to vibrate, and sit next to the door so you can take the call without disrupting class.
• Please do not talk to classmates when the instructor is speaking.

Be prompt and attentive: Arrive before class begins, and stay until you are dismissed.

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 (all paragraphs, essays, and rough drafts)
• 20% Misc. (journals, quizzes, reading strategies)
• 20% Final Exam (Reading = 10%, Writing = 10%)

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

Attendance

Attendance Policy

Student responsiblities:

1. Attend all classes.  Since meet only twice a week, your attendance is important to your success in this class.  We will do a number of in-class writing assignments, and longer essay assignments will be explained and clarified in class. Absences adversely affect grades. 
2. Inform your instructor of an anticipated absence before the date.
3. If you do miss class, it is your responsibility to get make-up work and notes. Please do not ask me after your absence what you missed. Instead, ask a trusted classmate, and I will provide further clarification if needed. For assignment due dates, please refer to the calendar available through AC Online--not this syllabus. 

Withdrawal

If you consider withdrawing, you must contact your instructor.  Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies. 

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 22, 2016. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Late Work

Late assignments will receive a 10% penalty per day they are late (including weekends). I will not accept late work more than three days after the due date. 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.

Tutoring

Tutoring is mandatory for one essay. After that, tutoring is optional, but highly recommended.

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.