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Composition II Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Mary Dodson (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

mldodson@actx.edu

Phone

<p>Contact me either through Blackboard email or cell: 806 (206-0310).</p>

Office Location

Ordway Hall 100D

Office Hours

By 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 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-1302-020 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

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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Students will use the electronic text in the Blackboard course.

Supplies

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative research processes.

2. Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic arguments, including one or more research-based essays.

3. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses of evidence. 

4. Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and inspires belief or action.

5. Apply the conventions of style manuals for specific academic disciplines (e.g., APA, CMS, MLA, etc.)

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

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 All sophomore literature classes will include at least one writing assignment designed to connect the literature being studied to an ethical dilemma, demanding that students communicate their critical thinking as they consider both personal and social responsibility issues.

 

Decorum is an important aspect of any college course. Please use language that appeals to your audience--professor and college-level peers.  Email correspondence should evidence clear understanding of the Engoish language. 

Grading Criteria

60% major essays

20% discussion postings

20% drop box assignments

 

 

Attendance

An online class requires self-discipline.  Please set aside time to devote to this class as if you were attending it on campus.  Getting behind will limit your chance of success.  If at any time, you want a conference, please call me at 806-206-0310.  The official drop date this semester is April 30th.

Calendar

For technical assistance, contact Buster Bonjour at 371-5992 or Richard Stephenson at 371-5932.   

 

I do not use a calendar. This course runs on a weekly basis; unless otherwise specified, assignments are due at the end of each week—Sunday, by midnight.  This allows students to budget their time throughout the week as best fits their individual schedule.  A bit of advice: look over the work at the beginning of each week and make yourself a time schedule! Accepting late work will be the exception, not the rule, and a doctor’s note may be required for such consideration.  Below is a tentative schedule of assignments.  Do not hesitate to call or text if you have questions, okay? (206-0310)

Week One Assignment: 

This week's work is intended to get you acquainted with course layout and introduce literary terms we will use this semester.  You will look at your first piece of literature (a short poem) and begin analyzing literature. 

a.Print out and read all Introductory Materials pages and answer "Exploring Course" Questions (Drop Box). 

b.Study Literary Terms (Content) and take corresponding quiz (Term Quiz: Drop Box). 

c.Study the poem, "Dystopia" (poem is located in the Electronic Text). Then, answer questions on the poem (Drop Box) and post in the Discussions Folder (Discussions--Tooolbar Menu).

This introductory three-part assignment work is due by Sunday at midnight. (Please note: if not completed, I will have to note non-attendance on AC Roster that must be completed on Monday for the Registrar. You will be administratively dropped from the course.)

Week Two: "The Machine Stops," Critical Thinking,

This week's assignments focus on clarification of work done last week and study and analysis of of  "The Machine Stops.".

 

  1. Be sure to read Weekly Commentary posting reviewing last week's assignments (this section is in Content Folder). You will be held responsible for this clarification material.
  2. Read the short story, “The Machine Stops” (Electronic Text). (This is your longest piece this semester--don't wait until the last minute.)

         a.Read carefully the scholarly research article indicated just below the story.

         b.Then, respond to accompanying Discussion Post.

         c.Answer questions on story in Drop Box assignments.

      

 

Week Three:

This week we will focus on literary analysis and critical thinking as we tackle two short stories, "Harrison Bergeron," and "We Ate the Children Last."

 

  1. Be sure to read Weekly Commentary posting, reviewing last week’s assignments. You will be held responsible for this clarification.
  2. Read the short story, “Harrison Bergeron”. (Electronic Text)
    1. Read carefully the scholarly research article indicated just below the story.
    2. Then, respond to the accompanying Discussion Post.
    3. Answer the questions on the story in the Drop Box.
  3. Read the short story, “We Ate the Children Last”. (Electronic Text)
    1. Watch the video posted just below the story.
    2. Then, respond to the accompanying Discussion Post.
    3. Answer the questions on the story in the Drop Box.

 

 

Week Four: 

This week we will focus on all aspects of MLA Style”: formatting, in-text/parenthetical citations; works cited entries..

Go to Content -- Scroll down to Research/MLA

         a. Read the first two entries on Research/MLA; they are:

           "Research — Two Types" and "MLA — What is it?"

         b.Then, watch the Youtube on "MLA Formatting.”  Go to Drop Box: MLA: Types and Formatting and describe what you learned by reviewing “Research—Two Types,’ “MLA-What is it?” and the youtube discussing formatting: Drop Box.

  1. Then, go to the youtube on "In-Text Citations.”  Complete corresponding assignment  in Drop Box.

  1. Watch Youtube "Works Cited Entries.”  Carefully study "Works Cited Helps."  Complete corresponding assignment in Drop Box.. 

All work due by Sunday at midnight.





 

Week Five:


This week we will review weekly commentaries and write Major Essay One.

 

  1. Be sure you have thoroughly read all Weekly Commentary postings. Again, you will be held responsible for this clarification. 

Then, address Discussion Posting regarding a specific commentary!

  1. Study Major Essay Assignment One (Content--Essay Assignments). On Tuesday, submit sample essay answers to questions in Drop Box. If youd' like input on your introductory paragraph, submit it by Wednesday in Drop Box. Check for feedback! Essay is due by Sunday at midnight. Do not hesitate to call or text if you have any questions. Let me know if you want to come in for help. Per assignment, use tutors, too! See Tutoring options described on menu bar, including online tutoring options. Read now!

 

Week Six: 

This week we will begin working on Major Essay Two and accumulating scholarly research per specifics of assignment.

  1. Take a couple of minutes and google Purdue OWL University sample works cited page. Take time to note that works cited entries directly reflect in-text citations. That is the purpose: in-text citations take the reader directly to the source!
  2. Study Major Essay Assignment Two. If you'd like input, submit a tentative introductory paragraph by Thursday, so I can provide feedback. By Sunday evening, submit a works cited page, including entries you intend to quote in your essay.
  3. Arrange for tutoring and send me an email notifying me how and when you will work with tutors (Writer’s Corner face-to-face, Writer’s Corner Online Tutoring, or Buckthal Tutoring Center).

 

Week Seven:

This week is devoted to revision work and submission of essay two.  Check that you have met all "musts" of assignment.  Let me know early in the week if you want to come in for a conference.


Essay is due Sunday night by midnight!

 

Week Eight: Final Exam 

Final exam writing. (You will receive an email describing this writing. Your work needs to be submitted no later than Wednesday, AT NOON.)

Additional Information

Accepting late work will be the exception, not the rule, and may require a doctor's note for such consideration.  The final exam indicates completion of course.  No work will be accepted after the final exam is submitted per date due.  This course may address adult subject matter.

Syllabus Created on:

03/14/19 4:35 PM

Last Edited on:

03/14/19 4:37 PM