Composition II Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Phone

Office Location

Office Hours

 

As I am a part-time instructor, I do not have an office.  You can reach me at any point using either AC email:  carogers@actx.edu OR carogers@amarillocollege.com.  If you go through our Blackboard class, the email will go straight to my AC account and will contain our class section number.  Unless I notify you otherwise, I will check the AC email several times a day.

I will be at AC every morning at least 30 minutes before class begins to offer help as needed.  Please feel free to come early.  If I'm not in the room, check in the office or around in the tutoring center, as sometimes I need to go either place.  

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-1302-040 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 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

The Rhetoric Handbook  Available from AC Bookstore only.  You should have one from 1301.

Supplies

Supplies:  Working computer with access to Google Docs, and in addition, a standard word-processing program (preferably Word).

Access to the Internet is imperative. 

Lost documents are not the responsibility of the instructor.  (The “Dog (or computer) ate my homework” is not an excuse.  If it’s on Google Docs, it’s there.)

Student Performance

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 multimedial texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking aobut evidence and conclusions.  These skills will primarily be achieved through the study of literature.

Prerequisite:  ENGL 1301 or its equivalent

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student 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 and style manuals for specific academic disciplines (e.g., APA, CMS, MLA, etc)

6.  Demonstrate an understanding of literary genres and the basic vocabulary of literary analysis.

In addition to the course description, the skills taught in this course will be primarily achieved through the study of literature. Also, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of literary genres and the basic vocabulary of literary analysis, as well as write a researched literary analysis paper that 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".

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

This course is built on the calendar.  If the calendar tells you something is due, it's due.  There are no exceptions.  While the subject matter of the class period may change based on class needs, the due dates are as permanent as I can make them.  I rarely change a due date.  If I do, I will tell you repeatedly, both verbally and in writing.

No late work is acceptable.  Major assignments are due when assigned.  If there is an emergency, I will accept a major assignment late, but that will occur on an individual basis only.  This includes trying to finish papers at the beginning of class periods.  Please note that I can tell when you post your essays for me on Google Docs.

Per the Student Code of Conduct (linked above), you are expected to behave in the classroom in a way that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to:

  1. talking during lecture
  2. cell phone noises or use in class- including texting
  3. walking out during lecture
  4. tardiness
  5. abusive, offensive, or disrespectful demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students, and/or property

We may talk about a variety of issues in this class that contain adult subject matter.  Please remember to remain polite and respectful at all times to everyone in the classroom. 

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating will not be tolerated in this class.

Cheating includes but is not limited to: copying or leaving the class with a test or questions from a test, helping or attempting to help other students cheat on a test or plagiarizing on a paper.  Included in this is revising or re-editing an assignment after its due date has passed.  Infractions of any of the above (or anything not expressly detailed here) WILL result in a severe penalty on the grade of that assignment, up to and including a zero.  In addition, serious or blatant infractions will be reported to the administration of the Hereford campus and of the English Department.

English Department Plagiarism Policy (Revised 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 instruct

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

 

10%--"Daily grades"--peer editing and mechanics/form grades on the poetry essay and the mini-research, timed writing on evaluation of sources, and other such assignments ("little" or "daily" grades for lack of better terms).  These may be "small" grades, but they are not "give-away" grades--there aren't many of them, so each grade is important.

35%--poetry essay

45% researched essay

10% Final essay

90-100=A

80-89=B

70-79=C

60-69=D

Below 60=F

Attendance

This is a FACE-TO-FACE class--you MUST attend in person.  I DO take attendance every day,  I don't give a grade on attendance; however, students who are habitually late or absent never do as well as students who are in class--not because of anything I do--because they simply don't fully understand the material.  

 

Student Withdrawal Procedures: Students who wish to withdraw from a class must fill out the form for withdrawal (see "student forms" in the "forms" section of the ACconnect opening screen--Academic Withdrawal Request), have me sign it, and return it to the office before the final date.  The drop date for this class is Dec.4.

 

Administrative Drop Policy: Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

 

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 Dec. 4.

.

Calendar

  1.  

Tuesday                                                                       Thursday

Oct 24

Introduce course.  Begin poetry.  

Assignment:  Read “Introduction to Poetry,”  “Instructions for Introductions, AND “Citations instructions for Poetry,” all found in the Poetry folder in Content.

Common Assessment instructions, too‼

Oct 26

Poetry for Fall 2023.

Introduce Poetry Analysis-Research.  

Review analysis process (if time)

Assignment:  Read all of the poetry assignment for Tuesday.

Oct 31

Finish Poetry.

Discuss evaluating sources and practice looking at them.

Review citation forms/placement

Discuss annotated bibliography

Assignment:  Continue working on Analysis.  Timed writing on Thursday.

Nov. 2 (el Día de los Muertos)

Continue discussion from Tuesday on evaluating sources.

Assignment:  Continue working on analysis.  Read the researched essay on Seeger poem. Peer edit next Thursday Nov. 9

Complete Common Assessment forum by midnight 11/4 (original post) and 11/10 (both original post and commenting on two classmates’ posts)

Nov 7

Discuss Primary Sources—what they are, why they’re important to research.  

Assignment:  Complete rough draft of poetry analysis for Thursday. 

[Do paper on Google docs--share and allow edit with BOTH me AND your partner BY 9:00 a.m. Thursday.]

 

Complete Google survey about the Common Assessment.

Nov 9

Continue discussion on primary sources.  

Peer edit essay—daily grade.  You will complete this portion by editing the shared Google Docs file.  I will grade your work by looking at the editing that you accomplish after the deadline agreed upon. [shared Google Docs file due by 9 a.m. that day]

Assignment:  Prepare Final Copy of poetry analysis for Thursday, Nov. 16 and review material for timed writing.

Nov 14

Discuss Works Cited for poetry analysis.

Review evaluation of sources prior to timed write.

Timed Writing—last 45 minutes of class

Annotated bibliography due Sunday by 11:59 p.m.

Nov 16

Poetry analysis due.  Share/edit with ME only by 9:00 a.m.(Reminder:  35% of final  grade)

Introduce Research assignment.  Explore topics.  Look at databases

Assignment:  Look for potential topics.

Annotated Bibliography due Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Nov 21

Work the library databases.  Discuss style’s place in formal research.  Assignment:  

Choose topic and email it to me by Nov 23

(Yes, that’s Thanksgiving.  Do it early and enjoy your holiday)

Nov 23

THANKSGIVING—NO CLASS

Use the rest of the weekend to find sources.

Nov. 28

Review research process, especially primary sources and evaluating sources.

Individual work finding sources/creating Works Cited forms.

Using Google search in research.

 

Assignment:  Keep researching your paper.

Working Works Cited with citation forms due Thursday, Nov 30.

Begin writing.

Nov. 30

Ask questions about research.

 

Submit Works Cited w/citation forms.  (daily grade)  (Share/edit with me by 11:30). 

 

Assignment: Keep reading/writing.  Peer edit Tues., Dec. 3.  Share/edit with me AND partner by 9 a.m.  (At least 2/3 of paper—2 1/2 pages AND Works Cited).

Dec. 5

Peer edit paper (share/edit with me AND partner by 9 a.m.).  Discuss questions, especially regarding citations.

Last day to drop a 2nd 8 weeks class is tomorrow

Dec 7

Final instructions on research

Assignment:  Submit paper by 11:30 a.m. Dec 12

Dec 12

  Explain final.  Work on final copies of research.

Final research assignment due by 11:30(Reminder:  This paper is worth 45% of your total grade).

Assignment:  Study for final exam.

Dec 14

Final essay, in class.  (10% of grade)

Just to make things clear regarding your essays—Every essay you write for this class must be in 3rd person.  That means that you may NOT use 1st or 2nd person pronouns unless those words are a part of a quote. 

 

1st person pronouns (pronouns that the speaker uses to refer to him/herself):

I, me, my, mine, myself

We, us, our, ours, ourselves

2nd person pronouns (pronouns that the speaker uses to refer to the person/persons the speaker is addressing):

You, your, yours, yourself, yourselves_______________________________________________

Contractions that contain one of these pronouns are also included:

I’m, I’ve, I’ll, I’d

We’re, we’ve, we’d, we’ll

You’re, you’ve, you’d, you’ll

Let’s

(That’s all I can think of—there may be others)___________________________________________

The way to fix that?  Use the following computer commands (whatever version you have, this works on Google Docs, too):

For Macs—command f    OR click the magnifying glass icon at the top right of the screen.

For PCs—control f

Put in each of the pronouns and check (hint—you, I, we, and our are the most common ones)

The penalty for using one?  -10 points for EACH infraction

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

COLLEGE CONTENT NOTE:
In the college experience, students will encounter diverse views and new subject matter, which expand their knowledge and perspective.  In this college English class, we might read and discuss some literary works with subject matter that could include (but not be limited to) death, violence, sexuality, examples of racism / discrimination, potentially offensive language, and political or religious viewpoints different from your own.  If this is a concern for you, please meet with me. 

Syllabus Created on:

10/18/23 8:14 PM

Last Edited on:

10/19/23 10:07 AM