Composition I Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

ENGL-1301-011 Composition I

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: RDNG 0331 and ENGL 0302-minimum grade of C or scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading and writing skills</p>

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Student Performance:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.
2. Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.
3. Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.
4. Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.
5. Use Edited American English in academic essays.

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 that follows the MLA format for citing sources and utilizes peer review. 

Students are expected to complete all work in order to pass the class.

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

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302

Supplies

Regular computer access with Internet

Student Performance

Essays:

You will write four out-of-class essays and two in-class essays (one is the final exam), which together will account for 85% of your grade.  Later, I will give detailed explanations for each of these, but, for now, following are brief descriptions and the relative point values of the essays:

Essay #1	Narrative about a person	12.5%
Essay #2	Descriptive about a place	12.5%
Essay #3*	Evaluative (subject to be announced)	15.0%
Essay #4	Instructions about a job or procedure	12.5%
Essay #5	Persuasive, research paper about an issue	17.5%
Essay #6*	Subject to be announced (final exam)	15.0%

*Indicates in-class essays.  If grades on in-class papers vary greatly from out-of-class papers, the in-class ones will receive greater point values.

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

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 Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

Journals:

On regular lined paper, you will write four one-half-page entries each week.  You may write about issues, events, and ideas of your choice.  I will give some examples in class to get you started.  Journal entries will be collected periodically, usually every two weeks.  These pieces are not graded for correctness or grammar.  Here is your chance to try out new ideas and styles of writing. Your journals will account for 15% of your grade.

Essay drafts:

All out-of-class essays will require a first draft, which you will bring to class (typed) to review with your peers.  Failure to produce this on time will result in a reduction of one letter grade on your final paper (The persuasive research paper will require several preliminary works.  I will explain the point value of these when I give the assignment later in the semester).

Absences and late work:

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.)

Grading Criteria

89.5-100 = A

79.5-89.4 = B

69.5-79.4 = C

59.5-69.4 = D

0-59.4 = F

Attendance

Excessive absences may result in the administrative withdrawal of a student or failure.

Calendar

Additional Information

My new office location is Ordway 100. Also, the office phone on this form is incorrect. The best way to contact me is my cell (806-674-7023) or email (mikebellah@hotmail.com). I don't mind receiving calls (texts are best) after hours and on weekends/holidays.