Composition I Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Ordway Hall 103B</p>

Office Hours

Spring II

Mondays and Wednesdays -- 10:30 - 12:30

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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-1301-036 Composition I

Prerequisites

Corequisite: INRW 0303 Prerequisite: 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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

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

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301, 1302, and 2311: A Custom Publication for Amarillo College, 4th Edition. Hayden McNeil, 2019.

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

We will use a free online program called NoRedInk for grammar exercises and practice. The log-in information will be provided in Week 1 of your Blackboard course.

Supplies

Computers / Laptops: You may need frequent and regular access to a computer and the Internet. If your computer or Internet are not working, there are computer labs in the Underground of the Ware Building that you can use to complete your work.

You may rent a laptop from the AC Bookstore. Please call 371-5304.

If you have technology problems or questions, please call 371-5992, or visit the Student and Faculty Help Center on the second floor of the Ware Student Commons.

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 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.

Departmental expectations:

6. Write a third person, argumentative research paper following the MLA format for citing sources.

7. Use the library's online databases and other computer resources for research and word processing.

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

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT: 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. (See “Rights and Responsibilities” link above.)

Please be respectful of classmates and your instructor. Being respectful includes the following behaviors:

  • Use class time constructively. Come to class prepared to learn and contribute. Focus on the task at hand.
  • Use words that are appropriate for a classroom situation. No cursing, personal insults, or disrespectful language will be tolerated.
  • Contribute to class discussions and provide classmates with meaningful feedback during peer reviews.
  • Be ready to share your writing, and be open to constructive criticism and helpful suggestions.

Other Responsibilities

  • Check your grades regularly in Blackboard. If you have any questions or concerns about your grades, please talk to me as soon as possible.
  • Read the plagiarism policy on the top of this syllabus. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result in a zero on the assignment. If you are concerned about plagiarism or are not sure whether you’ve cited sources correctly, please schedule a visit with me or with the Writers’ Corner.

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:

  • 50%  Writing Assignments: paragraphs and essays
  • 30%  Misc: NoRedInk exercises, Quizzes, Journals
  • 20%  Midterm and Final Exam

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 on the days face-to-face class is scheduled. Arrive on time and stay until class is dismissed (unless you've made prior arrangements with the instructor). If you arrive more than 10 minutes late or leave announced before class is over, you will be marked absent.

Check due dates regularly.

Calendar

Course Outline

Below is an outline of the course. Please check the Course Calendar in your Blackboard course for specific due dates and assignments. This outline is subject to change.

Week 1

  • Introductions—Discussion
  • Diagnostic writing assignment
  • Syllabus quiz
  • One video and two reading tasks: Becoming a better learner
  • Journal assignment
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 1

Week 5

  • Submit final draft of essay 2
  • Begin argumentative writing
  • Begin research for essay 3
  • Research assignment
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 5

Week 2

  • Video and Discussion: Essay structure
  • Developing a Thesis statement
  • Assign Essay #1
  • Submit thesis statement and outline for essay 1
  • Two reading assignments
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 2

Week 6

  • Internet research assignment
  • Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
  • MLA documentation
  • Submit outline for Essay #3
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 6

Week 3

  • Rough draft essay 1
  • Edit and revise
  • Submit Final Draft Essay #1
  • One reading
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 3

Week 7

  • Submit rough draft of Essay #3 for Peer Review
  • Avoiding Plagiarism
  • Submit final draft of Essay #3
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 7

Week 4

  • Summary vs. analysis writing
  • Complete outline for essay 2: analysis
  • Submit rough draft for essay 2
  • Peer review discussion
  • Grammar: NoRedInk week 4

Week 8

  • Review and Final Exam
  • End-of-course survey

Additional Information

Late Work

Please submit work on time. You are allowed one late assignment. The late assignment must be submitted no later than 3 days after the due date. 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

Tutoring from the Writers' Corner is required. You must visit the Writers' Corner with an essay draft at least once in this course. This tutoring session is will be considered an assignment grade.

Also, if you receive a grade below 70 on an essay, you will be asked to take your essay to the Writers' Corner to receive tutoring and resubmit the 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.

Syllabus Created on:

08/19/21 11:43 AM

Last Edited on:

08/21/21 9:44 AM