Composition I Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Course Information

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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.

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Course

ENGL-1301-050 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 & 1302. Third edition Hayden McNeil, 2018. 

Supplies

A USB flash drive to save work in the computer lab. (optional)

Student Performance

 

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.

 

GRADES:

Final grades will be determined by exams, quizzes, exercises, and successful completion of all assigned writing, research, and reading projects. In order to pass this class, students must turn in all of their assignments. 

GRADE BREAKDOWN:

All work is due on the date assigned. The class calendar is usually followed, but it is always subject to change.  Regular viewing of the class calendar on AC Online/Blackboard is necessary so that a student will be aware of any class changes.  No assignment, daily work, or homework will be accepted late.  Keep up with the class calendar, which is located in Blackboard on ACConnect.  You can always turn in work early.

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

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.

The class environment is based upon a simple principle: the instructor commits to treat you with respect, and you commit to treat each other and the instructor with respect. Everyone is equally responsible for maintaining a respectful dialogue and attitude. Disrespectful behavior towards anyone will not be tolerated in this class.

Grading Criteria

 

Minor Assignments (journals, peer reviews, rough drafts, annotated bibliographies) 20%

Essay 1 -15%

Essay 2-20%

Researched Argument-25%

Grammar-10%

Final Exam- 10%

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

Attendance

 

Students are expected to attend all classes. Since this is an eight week course, it is imperative that you attend all classes.  If you have to miss, please contact the instructor prior to the absence.

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.

Students are expected to sign in the attendance sheet in class every day, keep up with the class calendar, and do all assignments on time.  You need to email the instructor when an email is sent to you and requests information. Read your email at least twice a week.  Regular class involvement is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to sign the attendance sheet every class day and to complete all assignments.

 

It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or 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: February 25, 2019. Students MUST contact the instructor to withdraw. There is a form that must be signed by the instructor and the student before submitting it to an advisor to process the withdrawal.

If during the semester you consider dropping this class, please check with the instructor first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in this course and that gives you an opportunity to complete it.  Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is February 25.  Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies.  Check with a counselor or advisor before you withdraw from any class.

The time on returning work might be 5-8 days for major assignments. Minor work should be returned in 2-5 days.

Calendar

Additional Information

 

Computers are available in the library for individual student use for word processing and Internet work. Students who use the lab are required to sign in for each visit. Students will do some writing on computers as a part of this class.  Students will need a USB (jump or flash) drive if they want to save their work in the labs.  This class also uses MS Word and AC Connect/Blackboard..

Blackboard:

Blackboard is one program that we use in this class.  The class calendar is posted in Blackboard.  Assignments are posted under the content area.  The grade book and Email are available for you through Blackboard too. Assignments will be completed here too.

TUTORING:

        Free tutoring is available through two sources: The Writers’ Corner  and Smarthinking. . It is suggested that you make an appointment at the Writers’ Corner, but you can also drop by for tutoring.  

        In addition, AC subscribes to Smarthinking, an on-line tutoring service you may use free for 10 hours each semester. This service is available nights and weekends. Access instructions are located in AC Online.

OFFICE/WRITERS' CORNER HOURS

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-10:00 am

 Mondays and Wednesdays 3:15-4:00 PM

Writers' Corner Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00-12:00