Composition II Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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
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-1302-DC018 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
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.
Occupational License Disclaimer
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. Hayden McNeil, 2013.
Meyer, Michael, editor. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. 8th ed., Bedford, 2008.
Recommended Text (I highly recommend getting your own copy):
The Modern Language Association of America. MLA Handbook. 8th ed.,
The Modern Language Association of America, 2016.
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 may use the computers in room 213 at Palo Duro High School or in the PDHS Library.
- Students may also use the computers in room 101 at Ordway Hall on the Amarillo College campus (make sure you know your AC ID).
- Students may also seek outside assistance on their writing at Writer’s Corner in room 102 in Ordway Hall on the Amarillo College campus.
Three-ring binder (from previous semester)
Planner
Student Chromebook
Student Performance
1. Demonstrate an understanding of literary genres through reading a variety of literature representing different authors and time periods.
2. Reinforce and enhance writing skills learned in English 1301 by writing rhetorical and interpretive essays over works written in verse and prose.
3. Know the basic vocabulary of literary and rhetorical analysis.
4. Use the library, other computer resources available on campus, or other resources in researching a topic.
5. Evaluate sources, selecting appropriate evidence for a literary analysis research paper or several shorter researched essays on works of literature.
6. Document primary and secondary sources in standard MLA form for citations and works cited; know the penalties for plagiarism
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 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 %
In-Class Timed Writings: 10%
Active Participation in Discussions (including Socratic circles and Roundtable Discussions): 15%
Daily Work (writing conference, quizzes, homework): 15%
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 or Google Classroom (AP only students)
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 falling 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 or Google Classroom.
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:
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 April 21, 2017.
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
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Required Assignments and Exams Since this is a composition class, learning is assessed through writing.
Extra Credit: Self-selected novel from list provided—or cleared with me— THAT YOU HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY READ, book conference, and organizer completed no later than May 12 during office hours. You may do this at any time in the semester and apply it to the current or a future six weeks. Objectives: Students will be able to
Required and recommended reading Selections from: The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. 8th ed. Additional non-fiction and fiction readings as assigned. Literature: Pride and Prejudice; Hamlet; Heart of Darkness; book for Book Conference Major assignments, required reading, and subject matter of each lecture and discussion: Unit 1: Reality and Identity (1/9-2/3) Essential Questions:
Major Assignments and Due Dates: Practice AP Timed Writing (Throughout the Unit) Students will begin practice AP writing from released exams during this unit. Questions will focus on prose and poetry. Mind Map (Due: Feb. 6) Proposal for Mind Map Due Jan. 27 Students will create a mind map for Heart of Darkness. The map can choose to focus on a central topic, symbol, character, or explore the text through a psychoanalytical lens. The mind map should be colorful, arresting, extensive, and memorable. The mind map may be submitted on paper or digitally, but should be neat and professional. The mind map should be free of grammatical errors. Students will be required to submit a well-developed paragraph (about 8-12 sentences) exploring the significance of their mind map.
Objectives:
Weekly Breakdown:
Unit 2: Values and Choices Part 2 (2/6-3/24) Essential Questions:
Major Assignments and Due Dates: Practice AP Timed Writing (Throughout the Unit) Students will begin practice AP writing from released exams during this unit. Questions will focus on prose, poetry, and open-ended responses. Poetry Portfolio (Due: Feb. 27) Rough Drafts due for Peer Review Feb. 24 Three Original Poems
Poems should be well-crafted, keeping in mind all choices such as symbols, figurative language, imagery, theme, tone, punctuation, form, rhyme, etc. Each poem should have a minimum of 12 lines. All elements of the poem should contribute to meaning and add layers to the poem. Poetry is subjective, but well-crafted poetry will have certain elements in common. The provided rubric should be your guide for your writing. Poetry Analysis (Due: Mar. 27) Proposal Due Feb. 17 Rough Draft Shared in Google Docs Mar. 6 Students will select two to three poems and compare/contrast a thematic topic, structure, style, or literary device found in each poem. Students will analyze these elements, discussing the artistry of their chosen works. The conclusion the poems draw about the subject may be complementary or at odds with one another. From the poems selected, at least one needs to be a poem read and discussed for class. Students will also find a minimum of two pieces of additional research (literary, sociological, or psychological criticism) through academic databases to incorporate in their analysis. Students will complete this writing outside of class. Essay should be 3-4 pages in MLA format with MLA citations.
Objectives:
Weekly Breakdown:
Unit 3: What I Expected (3/27-5/26)
Major Assignments and Due Dates: Practice AP Timed Writing (Throughout the Unit) Students will begin practice AP writing from released exams during this unit. Questions will focus on prose, poetry, and open-ended responses. Short Story (Due: April 17) Rough Draft shared in Google Drive April 7 Write a 2-7 page short story. Your story should have a beginning, middle, and end. It should also contain believable dialogue and characters. Make sure to be specific about selection to detail, including only that which adds meaning and complexity to the story. The story should have conflict/tension whether external and internal and reveal a universal truth (theme). Make sure to mind verisimilitude in the story. Literary Analysis (Due: May 15) Proposal Due April 21 5 Annotated Bibliographies Due May 1 Rough Draft Shared to Google Drive by May 5 Why read literature? “A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.” –Italo Calvino
“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” – Maya Angelou “Without literature, life is hell.” – Charles Bukowski Prompt: You will select one of the novels or plays you have read/will read in class (Catcher in the Rye, The Importance of Being Earnest, Pride and Prejudice, Heart of Darkness, Hamlet, self-selected book conference book from 1st or 2nd semester). Identify a theme or a character that has opened up new doors you had not previously considered, doors that push you to become “more” human. You should consider how the author communicates this message, including exploring motifs, symbols, archetypes, point of view, figurative language, etc. You should also incorporate a minimum of three pieces of additional research (literary, sociological, or psychological criticism or another relevant piece of literature) through academic databases to support your assertions. This research should be used and extended upon in your own writing.(5-7 pages) Parody (Due: May 16 and 17) Choose a group and select a scene from Hamlet. Make sure that you have an appropriate number of people to reenact the scene. Begin by thinking what exactly you want to satirize: the language, the genre, the characters, Shakespeare himself, the events, or a combination therein. Remember: you have to have a deep understanding of the scene before you can parody it. Reread it. Use additional resources for your understanding if necessary (No Fear Shakespeare is free on Sparknotes). You and your group compose a script that will take 4-6 minutes to perform.
Objectives:
Weekly Breakdown:
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Additional Information
No additional information available
Syllabus Created on:
12/20/16 3:58 PM
Last Edited on:
12/20/16 4:05 PM