Composition I Syllabus for 2018-2019
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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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1301-004 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

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 clas

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Required Textbooks                                                                                                        

   The Little Seagull Handbook with Exercises, 3rd Edition. by Richard Bullock, Michal Brody, and Francine Weinberg.

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302: A Custom Publication for Amarillo College. 3rd Edition. Hayden McNeil, 2017.

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

Supplies

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.

Course Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this course, students will:

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 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 Students' Rights and Responsibilities publication will be followed in this course. (Please see link above.)

Please show respect and courtesy to your instructor and your classmates. Appropriate behavior includes:

• Arriving to class on time.
• Staying in class until you are dismissed.
• Listening to and interacting with your instructor rather than your phone.
• Listening to and interacting with your classmates when you've been asked to do so and when it's appropriate.

Other responsibilities include

• Checking your grades regularly in Blackboard.
• Communicating with your instructor if you have questions about your grades or about any assignment.
• Communicating with your instructor about any absences.
• Reading the plagiarism policy at the top of this syllabus and avoiding plagiarism. If you are concerned about plagiarism or are not sure if you've cited sources correctly on an assignment, please schedule a visit with me or with a Writers' Corner tutor.

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 Assignments: 3 essays and rough drafts
• 30%  Journals, quizzes, peer reviews, and other assignments
• 10%  Final Exam

Essay rough drafts are worth 10 points. You receive full credit for your rough draft if you turn in a complete typed draft on the due date and if the draft meets assignment requirements.

Essay final drafts are worth 100 points. Please view the essay rubric in Blackboard to see how your essays are graded.

• Essay 1: Personal
• Essay 2: Analytical
• Essay 3: Researched Argumentative

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

Attend class every day. When you miss class, you miss important instruction time. You may miss in-class assignments and quizzes that cannot be made up. You also miss clarification about assignments and due dates.

Check your AC Gmail every day, as I often send information or updates through email.

Withdrawal

If you consider withdrawing, please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in this course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.   Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies.  Check with an advisor before you withdraw from any class.

Calendar

Additional Information

Late Work

Late assignments will receive a 10% penalty per day. 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

You are required to seek tutoring for at least one essay.

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. OR You can emaill them at writerscorner@actx.edu. Be sure to include the assignment description in your email.

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.