Composition II Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Ordway Hall 102 (The Gnome&#39;s Den)</p>

Office Hours

Monday: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.  Tuesday: By appointment. Wednesday, by appointment, reserved for online course. Thursday: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.  Friday: no contact, my time. 

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-1302-002 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, 5th Ed.  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 knoweldge 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, in addition to the learning outcomes, 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

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.

Additionally, AC takes seriously its responsibilities as a Title IX campus.  Please see this link for additional information: https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ix

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.

COVID-19 Requirements:

Although we are starting the  semester with no specific requirements for avoiding the spread of COVID-19, students should be mindful that variants are spreading in Amarillo as well as other areas. If you feel sick, let me know in advance for an excused absence. 

Learning outcomes

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.
 

Amarillo College English and Cultural Studies Department 

Plagiarism, Collusion, and Cheating Policy, Revised Spring 2024

 

The English and Cultural Studies Department takes academic integrity seriously.  Scholastic dishonesty, punishable as prescribed by Board policies, shall include, but not be limited to plagiarism, collusion, and cheating on a test or written assignment.

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as “using exact words from any outside source without using quotation marks or properly citing them; paraphrasing words from any outside source without citing them; or using research from any outside source without citing it.” 

 

Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism is defined as turning in your own previous work to meet a current assignment.  This policy will be amended at the discretion of each individual instructor.  

 

Collusion

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing  work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Bard) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. 

 

Cheating

“Cheating on a test” shall include:

  1. Copying from another student’s test paper.

  2. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.

  3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.

  4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a pending test.

  5. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the pending test.

  6. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.

  7. Bribing another person to obtain a pending test or information about a pending test.

 

Statement of Consequences

If you plagiarize, cheat, or collude, you will face consequences. Ignorance of the policy is not an excuse. Any work produced in part or in whole through plagiarism, collusion, or cheating may receive a penalty up to and including a zero for the assignment.  After assigning a zero, a subsequent infraction will result in a meeting the head of the Department and possible expulsion from the class. Another incident will result in a referral to the Vice President of Enrollment Management. 

 

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

 

90-100=A

80-89=B

70-79=C

60-69=D

Below 60=F

Final grades will be determined by daily work, 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:

Daily work, homework, attendance, & participation         20%

Poetry essay                                                 20%

Short story analysis                                         20%

Research paper                                           25%

Final Exam                                                      15%

All work is due on the date assigned. The class calendar is usually followed, but it is always subject to change.  I will adjust the schedule according to class needs and announce this in class and through email.  Work must be started on the start date according to the calendar. Because each assignment has a specific learning objective, I would rather you do the work properly even if it means starting over, rather than simply turning something in to meet a due date. 

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all class sessions.  We focus on the process of writing and revision, which means that if you miss one or more sessions, your ability to understand writing at the college level will be bumpy at best or grinding to a halt later on. Think of this the way you think of a job. No job has an optional attendance policy. Because of the collaborative nature of this course and the fact that success in this course depends on continuous practice and constant direction from the instructor and work with each other, missing even one class can interfere with your grade. Absences start on the first scheduled day on which the class meets.

Regular attendance is  is the strongest indicator of earning an A or a B for the course.   Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and to complete all assignments.

Students are expected to keep up with the class calendar, and start all assignments on time. If work obligations or family emergencies prevent you from arriving on time,  join the class session as soon as you can. Because we are a hybrid course, we meet twice a week for intensive instruction within the classroom. Much of the work is completed during the week outside of the classroom; the working week runs from Monday through the following Sunday.

Attendance counts toward your final grade. Thus, regular attendance is expected because we are learning a process of academic writing, which is learned incrementally. If you miss a session, you will be expected to continue your work regardless of the reason.  Contacting other students in this class is your best bet for the quickest response, simply because I have other courses that I am responsible for with my time.   Because  writing involves a variety of skills, this course is considered the foundation for later success in your college career. We not only learn to express our thoughts in a professional manner, but to also think critically and analytically, which is developed through regular practice, not simply by reviewing a study guide.      

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 listed on the online course calendar. Students may withdraw via WebAdvisor, by meeting with their academic advisor, by meeting with Advising Department staff, or at any of the Assistance Center counters. Withdrawal requests will not be accepted by telephone.

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.   Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies.  Check with a counselor or advisor before you withdraw from any class. Withdrawing from the class may delay your enrollment in your major courses. Thus, the best course of action is to attend regularly, and complete this course.

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.Please check with me first for an alternate plan that protects your investment in the course and gives you an opportunity to complete it.  The drop date for this class is Feb. 27

Administrative Drop Policy: Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date of Jan. 23 will be administratively dropped.

 

Calendar

 RH: Rhetoric Handbook.

1302-002 Calendar   Classroom: Ordway Hall 211   Days: Mon, Tues., Wed. Friday 9-10:15 a.m.

Because we meet in the classroom, much of the daily work is done in class. For essays, , our work week will run from Monday through Sunday. With in-class work, if it is missed because of absence, students are responsible for catching up on a timely basis.

Week 1: Jan 16-18 --  (No class on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Review Syllabus, Reflective writing on your expectations and other short writing daily work, review the information posted in the Week 1 Poetry folder on analyzing poetry. Read the poems, and annotate them. Submit first draft of poetry analysis by Sunday.

Week 2: Jan. 22-25 –  Complete peer review of first drafts with at least two peer reviews. In-class poetry exercise. After my comments and peer reviews submit final revised draft of the poetry analysis by Jan. 28. Reflection on poetry assignments.

Week 3:  Jan. 29-Feb. 1 –    Read all of the stories in the fiction folder. Reflective writing. Post first draft of literary analysis in the peer review forum by Feb. 4. 

Week 4: Feb. 5-8 --  Reflective writing. Provide at least two peer reviews by class time Wednesday. After my comments and the peer reviews complete your final revised draft of the literary analysis..  

Week 5: Feb. 12-15 – Introduce research assignment.   Use the library databases to gather three sources for your research paper, plus reliable web search sources to supplement the information.  Prepare an annotated bibliography.

Week 6: Feb. 19-21. In-class writing improvement workshop. First draft of the research paper  will be due in the peer review forum by the end of the week,Feb 25.. I will not be in class on Feb. 22.

Week 7: Feb. 26-March 1 – After my comments and peer reviews, work on your revisions for the final revised draft of the research paper.

Week 8: March 4-8 –. Finals week. Grade improvement work on previous assignments due on Dec. 13. Our final will be on Thursday, and final grades are posted by 11 a.m. Friday.

The schedule will be adjusted according to needs and circumstances.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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:

01/11/24 12:15 PM

Last Edited on:

01/12/24 12:56 PM