Composition II Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Phone

Office Location

<p>PDHS</p>

Office Hours

Available via Google Meets with appointment.

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-DC017 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Amarillo College English Department. A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 & 1302, and 2311: A Custom Publication for Amarillo College. 4th ed., Macmillan Learning, 2019.

Meyer, Michael, editor. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. 8th ed., Bedford, 2008.

ONE of the following:

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan, The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez, or Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Recommended Text:

The Modern Language Association of America. MLA Handbook.

            8th ed., The Modern Language Association of America,            

            2016.

Supplies

A computer with reliable access to the internet and a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, or Google Docs.

  • Students may use the computers in room 213 at Palo Duro High School or in the PDHS Library.
  • Students may also use the computers in room 101 at Ordway Hall on the Amarillo College campus (make sure you know your AC ID).
  • Students may also seek outside assistance on their writing at Writer’s Corner in room 102 in Ordway Hall on the Amarillo College campus.

Three-ring binder (from previous semester)

Planner

  • Student Chromebook

Student Performance

  1. 1. Demonstrate an understanding of literary genres through reading a variety of literature representing different authors and time periods.

    2. Reinforce and enhance writing skills learned in English 1301 by writing rhetorical and interpretive essays over works written in verse and prose.

    3. Know the basic vocabulary of literary and rhetorical analysis.

    4. Use the library, other computer resources available on campus, or other resources in researching a topic.

    5. Evaluate sources, selecting appropriate evidence for a literary analysis research paper or several shorter researched essays on works of literature.

    6. Document primary and secondary sources in standard MLA form for citations and works cited; know the penalties for plagiarism

    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, literary analysis 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

Students must be in compliance with all Palo Duro High School Rules and Code of Conduct.

No Cell phones visible or in use (except with teacher permission)

No behaviors which interfere with other students' learning

As Palo Duro High School Students, you are expected to follow the D-FORCE guidelines:

  • Be focused, organized, respectful, and consistent every day 

Amarillo College 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 instructor’s discretion.

 

Grading Criteria

Percent-weighted scores for Amarillo College:

Essays (including semester test essay): 60 %

In-Class Timed Writings: 10%

Active Participation in Discussions (including Socratic circles and Roundtable Discussions): 10%

Daily Work (writing conference, quizzes, homework): 20%

For your Amarillo ISD grades, each assignment has a point value. More comprehensive and complex assignments are worth more points than daily grades and homework assignments. Your Amarillo ISD and Amarillo College grades may differ. 


Amarillo College Grading Scale:

90-100% = A

80-89% = B

70-79%=C

60-69%=D

59% and lower=F
 

It is the responsibility of the student to request make up work when absent.

Work must be turned in on the assigned due date in class or no later than 11:59 PM to AC Connect (Dual Credit Students) AND Canvas (ALL students)

Missed work must be made up within three days of the absence unless you make arrangements with me during your absence or immediately upon your return. Please be aware that failing to make up missed work in a timely manner puts you at risk of falling further behind. This impacts your overall grade.

Remember: Stay current with the daily lesson—if you fall behind it is easy to keep up via email or Canvas.

Late Work Policy:

I do not accept late work on major assignments. Deadlines are posted well in advance. However, if it becomes apparent that you will not meet the deadline for some unforeseeable reason, you must contact me before the due date. In this case, you will agree to a new deadline after which no work will be accepted. Should you choose this option, be aware that 70 will be the highest grade you can achieve. Use this option only in an emergency.

I would highly suggest keeping up with your Amarillo College email and monitoring your grade through AC Connect:

https://acconnect.actx.edu

Monitoring your college grade is entirely your responsibility. I cannot contact your parents/guardian about your Amarillo College grade. I also cannot discuss your Amarillo College grade with your parents without your written consent.

If you have difficulties with using Amarillo College’s online systems, you can contact the CTL HelpDesk at (806)371-5992 or at ctl@actx.edu.

Attendance

Students attend this class at Palo Duro High School and must abide by AISD attendance policy.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments. If during the semester you consider dropping, please check with me first for an alternate plan, one that protects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.  Remember that the deadline for drops this semester is April 20, 2023.  


 The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time in fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. There are certain exceptions to this policy and petitions for exceptions should be directed to the Registrar.
 

Calendar

Required Assignments and Exams

Since this is a composition class, learning is assessed through writing.

  • Timed Writings 

  • Socratic Circles with Notes (twice per major work)

  • Poetry Portfolio (3 poems: 1 closed form, 1 open form, and 1 choice of author)

  • Poetry Analysis (3-5 pages)— with research (MLA format)

  • Literary Analysis (5-7 pages)—with research (MLA Format)

  • Final Exam: In-class final exam that assesses course objectives outlined in syllabus.

Extra Credit: You may do one extra credit assignment per 6 weeks. (Counts AISD only)

Self-selected novel from list provided on my library page—or cleared with me— THAT YOU HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY READ, book conference, and organizer completed no later than May 13 during office hours. You may do this at any time in the semester and apply it to the current or a future six weeks.

Objectives:

Students will be able to

  • read and think critically

  • annotate various texts and reflect upon meaning

  • analyze text for evidence and effectiveness of rhetorical elements 

  • apply rhetorical elements in spoken and written products

  • write and speak clearly and effectively in standard American English

  • utilize the library’s online databases; effectively embed research into a research paper using correct MLA format; and understand what constitutes plagiarism

  • understand point of view and use of third person

  • improve timed writings

Required and recommended reading

A Rhetoric Handbook for English 1301 and 1302: pages 3-60.

Selections from: The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. 8th ed.

Additional non-fiction and fiction readings as assigned.

Literature: Pride and Prejudice; Twelfth Night; Choice of: The Kite Runner, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, Midnight’s Children, Love in the Time of Cholera, or The Sympathizer; book for Book Conference

Major assignments, required reading, and subject matter of each lecture and discussion:

Unit 1: Values and Choices Part 2 (1/10-2/10)

Essential Questions:

  • How can I express my values?

  • How should I make decisions?

  • How do decisions affect the rest of my life?

  • How do my values reflect who I am?

Major Assignments and Due Dates:

Practice AP Timed Writing (Throughout the Unit)

Students will begin practice AP writing from released exams during this unit. Questions will focus on prose and poetry. 

Objectives:

  • Students will effectively analyze diction.

  • Students will effectively analyze tone.. 

  • Students will increase timed writing skills.

  • Students will understand literary theme.

  • Students will understand and analyze irony.

  • Students will enhance vocabulary.

 

Weekly Breakdown:

 

Week

Dates

Primary Focus

Major Readings

1

1/10-1/13

Character/ Style

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lizzie Bennett Diaries

2

1/17-1/20

Character/ Style



 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lizzie Bennett Diaries

3

1/23-1/27

Comparing/ Contrasting Texts

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lizzie Bennett Diaries

4

1/30-2/3

Comparing/ Contrasting Texts

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lizzie Bennett Diaries

5

2/6-2/10

Universality of Theme

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Lizzie Bennett Diaries

 

Unit 2: Reality and Identity (2/13-3/24)

Essential Questions:

  • What is poetry? Why use poetry?

  • What makes text realistic?

  • What is reality?

  • What do I really believe? What are my core values?

  • When am I willing to compromise my beliefs and values?

  • Who am I? How does it change? How can I make myself better?

Major Assignments and Due Dates:

Practice AP Timed Writing (Throughout the Unit)

Students will begin practice AP writing from released exams during this unit. Questions will focus on prose, poetry, and open-ended responses. 

Poetry Portfolio (Due: Mar. 6)

Rough Drafts due at the beginning of class for Peer Review Mar. 3

Three Original Poems

  • One must be an open-form poem

  • One must be a closed-form poem (any form or multiplied form equaling at least 12 lines)

  • One is the author’s choice (open or closed)

Poems should be well-crafted, keeping in mind all choices such as symbols, figurative language, imagery, theme, tone, punctuation, form, rhyme, etc. Each poem should have a minimum of 12 lines. All elements of the poem should contribute to meaning and add layers to the poem. Poetry is subjective, but well-crafted poetry will have certain elements in common. The provided rubric should be your guide for your writing/revision. 

Poetry Analysis (Due: April 10)

Proposal Due Mar. 10

Rough Draft Shared on Mar. 24 

Students will select two poems and compare/contrast a thematic topic, structure, style, or literary device found in each poem. Students will analyze these elements, discussing the artistry of their chosen works. The conclusion the poems draw about the subject may be complementary or at odds with one another. From the poems selected, at least one needs to be a poem read and discussed for class. Poems must be of literary merit, from a published author, not from Reddit, Tumblr, etc. Students will also find a minimum of two pieces of additional research (literary, sociological, or psychological criticism) through academic databases to incorporate in their analysis. Students will complete this writing outside of class. Essay should be 3-5 pages in MLA format with MLA citations.

Objectives:

  • Students will effectively analyze diction.

  • Students will effectively analyze tone.

  • Students will understand universality of theme.

  • Students will have a deep understanding of figurative language.

  • Students will understand character development and interpretation.

  • Students will analyze author’s style.

  • Students will compare/contrast two interpretations of the same story.





 

Weekly Breakdown:

Week

Dates

Primary Focus

Major Readings

1

2/13-2/16

Sestinas: Form and Meaning 




 

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Poetry Reading (2/14)

Poetry:

“Sestina” by Swinburne (p.1017-18), “Sestina” by Elizabeth Bishop (handout) 

Independent Reading: Bonesetter’s Daughter, Kite Runner, Midnight’s Children, Love in the Time of Cholera, or The Sympathizer

2

2/21-2/24

Romantic/Victorian Poetry



 

Poetry:

 “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley(p. 1026-28)

“She Walks in Beauty” by Byron (p. 1318)

“To one who has been long in city pent” by Keats (p. 1334)

“The Haunted Palace” by Edgar Allan Poe (p.925-7)

“Promises Like Pie-Crust” and “The World”  by Christina Rossetti(p. 1342-3)

 (p. 1318)

Independent Reading: Bonesetter’s Daughter, Kite Runner, Midnight’s Children, Love in the Time of Cholera, or The Sympathizer

4

2/27-3/3

Metaphysical Poetry: Syntax/Paradox/ Conceit









 

Poetry by John Donne:

“The Apparition” (p. 1323)

“Death Be Not Proud”

(p.1058)

“The Flea” (p. 1323)

“A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” (p. 916)

p.820-828

 

Independent Reading: Bonesetter’s Daughter, Kite Runner, Midnight’s Children, Love in the Time of Cholera, or The Sympathizer

5

3/6-3/10

Poetry Analysis: In-class writing and instruction

 

Spring Break Mar. 13-17

 

Independent Reading: Bonesetter’s Daughter, Kite Runner, Midnight’s Children, Love in the Time of Cholera, or The Sympathizer

6

3/20-3/24

Independent Reading Assessment Week

Independent Reading: Bonesetter’s Daughter, Kite Runner, Midnight’s Children, Love in the Time of Cholera, or The Sympathizer


 

Unit 3: What I Expected (3/27-5/26)

 

  • How do expectations play into a story’s ending? How do expectations play into the future?

  • Are we merely poor players who strut and fret our hour upon the stage?

  • What does it mean to be a good person?

  • Does my existence matter? (Do I dare disturb the universe?)

  • Parody: insult or highest form of praise?


 

Major Assignments and Due Dates:

Practice AP Timed Writing (Throughout the Unit)

Students will begin practice AP writing from released exams during this unit. Questions will focus on prose, poetry, and open-ended responses. 

Literary Analysis (Due: May 8)

Proposal Due April 7

5 Annotated Bibliographies Due April 17 @ 11:59 PM

Rough Draft shared by May 1, Optional Writing Conferences May 1-May 5

Why read literature? 

“A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.” –Italo Calvino

“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” – Maya Angelou

“Without literature, life is hell.” – Charles Bukowski

Prompt: You will select one of the novels or plays you have read/will read in class (Catcher in the Rye, Pride and Prejudice, The Kite Runner, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, Love in the Time of Cholera, Midnight’s Children, The Sympathizer, 1984, Brave New World, The Handmaid’s Tale, Player Piano, Twelfth Night, self-selected book conference book from 1st or 2nd semester). Identify a theme or a character that has opened up new doors you had not previously considered, doors that push you to become “more” human. You should consider how the author communicates this message, including exploring motifs, symbols, archetypes, point of view, figurative language, etc. You should also incorporate a minimum of three pieces of additional research (literary, sociological, or psychological criticism or another relevant piece of literature) through academic databases to support your assertions. This research should be used and extended upon in your own writing. You must also quote and cite the text you are analyzing. (5-7 pages)

Parody (Due: May 17)

Choose a group (no larger than 5) and select a scene from Twelfth Night. Make sure that you have an appropriate number of people to reenact the scene. Begin by thinking what exactly you want to satirize: the language, the genre, the characters, Shakespeare himself, the events, or a combination therein. Remember: you have to have a deep understanding of the scene before you can parody it. Reread the scene many times. Use additional resources for your understanding if necessary (No Fear Shakespeare is free on Sparknotes). You and your group compose a script that will take 5-10 minutes to perform. Filming your performance is encouraged.

 

Objectives:

  • Students will effectively analyze diction.

  • Students will effectively analyze tone.

  • Students will understand universality of theme.

  • Students will have a deep understanding of figurative language.

  • Students will understand and create parody.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week

Dates

Primary Focus

Major Readings

1

3/27-3/31

Shakespeare and Dramatic Elements

 

EOC Testing may effect this week’s schedule


 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

2

4/3-4/6

Shakespeare and Dramatic Elements and Figurative Language 


 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

3

4/10-4/14

Shakespeare and Dramatic Elements and Figurative Language

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

4

4/17-4/21

Theme, Parody and Satire

Mock Exam: April 18-20 (TBD)

Twelfth Night  by William Shakespeare

5

4/24-4/28

AP Test Boot Camp

 

6

5/1-5/5

Literary Analysis/Parody Work Week

 

AP Literature Exam: May 3

Twelfth Night  by William Shakespeare

7

5/8-5/12

Literary Analysis/Parody Work Week

 

(Students in and out for AP tests)

 

Final Exam: May 9, 2022

Twelfth Night  by William Shakespeare

8

5/15-5/19

Parody Showings

 

Senior Fun Day: May 19, 2022

 

9

5/22-26

May 22: Graduation!

 

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

01/05/24 10:43 AM

Last Edited on:

01/05/24 10:43 AM