Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Name & Number

Composition I

ENGL 1301

Semester & Year

 Fall 2017

 

Catalog 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.

[Rev. Fall 2012 THECB]

 

Prerequisite:  Satisfactory placement test score or passing grade in ENGL 0305.

Instructor’s Name

Erica C. Thompson

Office Phone #

972-899-8773

Instructor’s Office #

FM 107

Office Fax #

 

E-mail Address

ecthompson@nctc.edu

Office Hours

MTWR:

8:30-9:30am

MW:1-2:30pm

TR:2-3:30pm

M: 6-8pm

(online)

 

Textbooks &  Materials

Required

Latterell, Catherine G. Remix: Reading and Composing Culture, 3rd ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s.

ISBN: 978-0-312-68167-8

 

Lunsford, Andrea A. EasyWriter. 6th ed. With 2016 MLA. Bedford/St. Martin’s.

ISBN 978-1-319-05076-4

 

 

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete English 1301 will meet the following learning outcomes:

  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.

[Rev. Fall 2017 THECB]

 

 

Core Objectives

Foundational Component Area:  Communication

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.  Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.

 

  • Critical Thinking Skills (CT)- to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

 

  • Communication Skills (COM)- to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.

 

  • Teamwork (TW)- to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.

 

  • Personal Responsibility (PR)- to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making      [Rev. 5-2014  THECB]

 

Grading Policy & Procedures

Two Major Essays:                                    

Final Project

Discovery Writing:

Annotated Bibliographies

Inquiry questions, In-class work, quizzes

 

50%

15%

15%

10%

10%

Grading Scale:

89.5-100  =  A

79.5-89.4 =  B

69.5-79.4 =  C

59.5-69.4 =  D

Below 59.5 = F

 

 

Scholastic Integrity

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.  See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct [FLB- (LOCAL)]” #18.

 

Disciplinary Actions [Student Handbook, #5] “When cheating, collusion, or plagiarism has occurred beyond any reasonable doubt, the instructor may give the student or students involved an “F” on a particular assignment or in the course. [See Scholastic Dishonesty FLB (Local)] The instructor shall make a written report of the incident and of the planned action to his Department Chair.  The Department Chair shall report the incident and action to appropriate instructional dean who shall review the case, notify the student and, if necessary, take further action.  This may involve either probation or suspension of the student or students in question. If such disciplinary action is deemed necessary, the Dean of Student Services shall be notified, and the action shall be taken through that office.”

 

Plagiarism, which should be avoided at all costs, includes the following student actions:

 

  1. Turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own;
  2. Unintentionally or inadvertently turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own as the result of failing to document sources both internally and in the Works Cited;
  3. Copying words, ideas, or images from someone without giving credit; Failing to put a quotation in quotations marks;
  4. Giving incorrect information about the source of information, quotations, or images;
  5. Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit;
  6. Copying so many words, ideas, or images from a source that it makes up the majority of the student's work, whether or not the student gives credit.

 

Consequences: An assignment in ENGL 1301 that the instructor considers to be in whole or in part intentionally plagiarized will receive a zero, the student must meet with me to discuss the incident, and the incident will be reported to the college.

 

Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. 

 

Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Nov. 9.

 

Attendance

**Students who miss more than two weeks of class (i.e., four class days) must meet with the me during office hours before continuing in the course and may be asked to drop the course, at my discretion. **

 

  • If you must be absent, you are expected to be prepared for class in the same manner as those students who were present.
  • DO NOT email or phone me to get homework or missed assignments. Get contact information for a classmate and request information from that classmate.  I will not respond to “what did I miss?” emails
  • If something major occurs that will require more than one absence EMAIL ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE A PLAN.

 

Punctuality and Professionalism

  • Class begins on time. Please pay your classmates and me the respect of coming to class on time.
  • Use the restroom before class starts. Once class starts, do not leave class except in a real emergency.
  • You may bring drinks (WITH LIDS) to class, but leave the food outside.
  • If cell phone/tablet/laptop use becomes distracting to me or your classmates, I’ll ask you to put your device away and may ask you to leave the class, at which point you will be counted absent.
  • If you leave class early without approval, you will be counted absent.

Make-Up Work Policy

  • There will be NO make-ups or late acceptance in-class work (including workshops), reading quizzes, inquiry questions, or annotated bibliographies.
  • I will accept ONE discovery draft late (no more than 24 hours), but you will not be able to make up the workshop/revision grade.
  • I will accept ONE major essay late (no more than 24 hours), but you MUST contact me beforehand.  

 

 

ADA Statement

North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission or access to its programs.  The College is committed to providing equal access to its students with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations; a variety of services and resources are made available through the ACCESS Department.  Students are responsible for notifying the ACCESS Department of their need for assistance.  Students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, hearing or visual impairment, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. 

 

Disability Accommodations

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness, or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction-reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.

On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration Building (100) or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices/DisabilitiesFacultyResources.aspx

 

[Rev. 7/25/2012 per Brent Wallace/Mary Martinson] 

 

 

EEOC Statement

North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.

 

 

Course Outline

Units of Study

  • Block I: Readings

     Students will read and analyze a variety of selections from the adopted textbook.

  • Block II: Quizzes, Examinations, and the Final Exam

     Students may be required to take quizzes or tests over assigned readings and/or related materials. The class MUST meet during the final exam week. A final exam, if given, may count no more than 25% of the semester grade.

  • Block III: Compositions

          Students will write a minimum of 5,000 words (20 pages) in a variety of compositions—formal and informal. As part of this required writing, students will produce a minimum of four graded assignments. At least two of these must use the complete writing process, which may consist of the following:

Ø  Invention

Ø  Drafting

Ø  Peer Review

Ø  Revision

Ø  Final Draft

  • Block IV: Grammar and Mechanics

     Students will study grammar and mechanics in the adopted handbook in order to meet departmental standards. This study may be done by examination of units in the handbook or through writing as a process, according to the discretion of the instructor.

  • Block V: Research

     Students will utilize library and electronic resources. They will submit a written assignment, such as an annotated bibliography, a documented essay, or several short compositions, using MLA style documentation. Pages generated as part of this research block are included in the required writing stipulated in Block III.

 

Course Calendar

NOTE: Reading assignments for the the first two weeks of class have been scanned and posted on Canvas in PDF file format. Make sure to have your textbooks for Week 3 and forward.

 

Week 1

Day 1: Course intro; thinking like a culture critic

HW:

·         Remix: Read Ch. 1 (3-12); Read “High School’s …” (14-17); Read “Tokens …” (23-28); Respond: Qs 1 & 2 pg 17 and Qs 2 & 4, pg 28. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 1

Day 2:  Apply critical reading, discussion; choices we make when writing

HW:

·         Remix: Read “Bobos” (34-40); Qs 2 & 3, pg 40. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 2

·         Discovery Writing 1: Due on Canvas by Sun, 9/3 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

 

Week 2

Day 1: Workshop DW 1; Apply critical reading, discussion; pre-writing and drafting concepts

HW:

·         Remix: Read “Forfeit Your Soul” (29-32); Read “Fifth Flavor” (42-48); Respond: Qs 2 & 3 pg 32 and Qs 1, 4, & 5, pg 48. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 3

Day 2:  Apply critical reading, discussion; media analysis; design in writing

HW:

·         Remix: Read “Masks” (52-58); Read “Color Lines” (59-66); Respond: Qs 2 & 4 pg 58 and Qs 1 & 3, pg 66. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 6

·         Discovery Writing 2: Due on Canvas by Sun, 9/10 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

 

Week 3

Day 1: Workshop DW 2; apply critical reading, discussion (incl, “Garfield w/out Garfield”; why low-stakes writing?

HW:

·         Remix: CHOOSE ONE: Read “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” (70-76) OR Read “’The F-Word’” (77-80)

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 7

·         Begin drafting/pre-writing for Major Essay 1

Day 2:  Apply critical reading, discussion; media analysis

HW:

·         Discovery Writing 3: Guided pre-writing/planning for Major Essay 1. Due on Canvas by Sun, 9/17 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues.

·         Continue drafting Major Essay 1

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 4

 

Week 4

Day 1: Writing and questions for ME 1; Attendance will be taken and a daily grade given.

HW:

·         Complete Rough Draft for Major Essay 1 and bring a printed copy to class on Wed/Thurs.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 5

Day 2:  Workshop and questions/conferences for ME 1; Essay reading days assigned

HW:

·         Revise and complete Major Essay 1; Upload on Canvas by 11:59 pm, Sunday, 9/24. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

·         Bring TWO printed copies PLUS rough draft and workshop worksheets to class on your assigned reading day.

 

Week 5

Day 1 & 2: Reading and critique of Major Essay 1. Bring TWO printed copies PLUS rough draft and workshop worksheets to class on your assigned reading day.

HW:

·         Complete Annotated Bibliography 1; Upload on Canvas by 11:59 pm Wednesday, 9/27. (LO: 2)

 

Week 6

Day 1: Reading and critique of Major Essay 1. Bring TWO printed copies PLUS rough draft and workshop worksheets to class on your assigned reading day.

HW:

·         Remix: Read Ch. 4 (256-266).

·         Write a ~1-page response/reflection: What are YOUR thoughts on love, romance, dating, monogamy, marriage, and so on? Unpack your own assumptions about the topic. This may be handwritten. Bring to class on Wed/Thurs.

Day 2: Reflect on the reading/critique process, discuss revision strategies and guidelines, introduce Romance research and essay assignment.

HW:

·         Remix: Read “The Arranged Marriage …” (267-272); Read “Once Upon a Time” (274-282); Respond: Qs 2 & 3 pg 273 and Qs 1 & 2, pg 282. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 13

·         Discovery Writing 4: Due on Canvas by Sun, 10/8 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

 

Week 7

Day 1: Workshop DW 4; Apply critical reading, discussion; start talking about research

HW:

·         Remix: Read “The End of the Affair” (286-288); Read “A Millennial’s Guide …” (290-293); Respond: Qs 2 & 3 pg 288 and Q 1, pg 293.  For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         Identify your interview subjects and write five open-ended questions. Bring to class on Wed/Thurs.

Day 2: Apply critical reading, discussion; workshop your interview/dialogue questions  

HW:

·         Remix: Read Science of Attraction pair (294-303); Respond: Qs 3 & 4 pg 297 and Qs 2 & 4, pg 303. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 14

·         Discovery Writing 5: Due on Canvas by Sun, 10/15 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

 

Week 8

Day 1: Workshop DW5; apply critical reading, discussion; evaluating sources

HW:

·         Remix: Read “Marriage and Love” (301-310); Read “Know What to Get …” (311-318); Respond: Qs 2 & 3 pg 310 and Qs 1 & 4, pg 318.  For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         Complete your interview. Bring written notes/transcription of interview to class on Wed/Thurs.

Day 2: Apply critical reading, discussion; workshop and discuss your interview notes

HW:

·         Remix: Read Science of Attraction pair (294-303); Respond: Qs 3 & 4 pg 297 and Qs 2 & 4, pg 303. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         Discovery Writing 6: Due on Canvas by Sun, 10/22 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

 

Week 9

Day 1: Workshop DW6; apply critical reading, discussion; research questions

HW:

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 15

·         Begin work on pre-writing/research tasks

·         Research workshop on Wed/Thurs; If you have a laptop, bring it to class

Day 2: Research workshop; avoiding plagiarism

HW:

·         Discovery Writing 7: Guided pre-writing/planning for Major Essay 2. Due on Canvas by Sun, 10/29 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues.

·         Complete research and begin drafting

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 16

 

Week 10

Day 1: Writing and questions for ME 2; Attendance will be taken and a daily grade given.

HW:

·         Complete Working Draft for Major Essay 2 and bring a printed copy to class on Wed/Thurs.

Day 2:  Workshop and questions/conferences for ME 2; Essay reading days assigned

HW:

·         Revise and complete Major Essay 2; Upload on Canvas by 11:59 pm, Sunday, 11/5. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM, PR)

·         Bring TWO printed copies PLUS rough draft and workshop worksheets to class on your assigned reading day.

 

Week 11

Day 1 & 2: Reading and critique of Major Essay 2. Bring TWO printed copies PLUS rough draft and workshop worksheets to class on your assigned reading day.

HW:

·         Complete Annotated Bibliography 2; Upload on Canvas by 11:59 pm Wednesday, 11/8. (LO: 2)

 

Week 12

Day 1: Reading and critique of Major Essay 2. Bring TWO printed copies PLUS rough draft and workshop worksheets to class on your assigned reading day.

HW:

·         Remix: Read “Inviting Love …” (284-285); Read “What Facebook is Doing …” (131-137—Including the Louis C.K. sidebar); and Read Ch. 6 (410-420).

·         Write a 1.5-2-page response/reflection: What are YOUR thoughts on the technology, particularly with regard to how it may affect identity/self-perception and love and/or romance. Unpack your own assumptions about technology and refer to the Tinder and Facebook readings as you do so. This may be handwritten. Bring to class on Wed/Thurs.

Day 2: Reflect on the reading/critique process, discuss revision strategies and guidelines, introduce Technology team research and presentation assignment.

HW:

·         Remix: Read “Chat History” (429-434); Read “Technological …” (436-441) Respond: Qs 2 & 3, pg 434 and Qs 1 & 2, pg 441. For responses, make written notes to guide discussion.

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 8

·         Discovery Writing 8: Due on Canvas by Sun, 11/19 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

 

Week 13

Day 1: Workshop DW8; apply critical reading, discussion; what is argument?

HW:

·         Remix: Read “The Psychology of People” (463-471); Read “The Microcomplaint …” (477-480)

·         EasyWriter: Read Ch. 11

·         Discovery Writing 9: Due on Canvas by Sun, 11/26 @ 11:59 pm; Bring a printed copy to class on Mon/Tues. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM)

Day 2: Thanksgiving Holiday—College is closed 11/22- 11/26.

 

Week 14:

Day 1: Workshop DW9; apply critical reading, discussion; presentations and group work

HW:

·         Complete individual planning and research question worksheet for group project; Bring to class on Wed/Thurs.

Day 2: Synthesize planning and research questions; select topic; begin research

 

Week 15

Day 1 & 2: Team project work; assemble sources for annotated bibliography 3

 

Week 16

·         Present team project during final exam period. (LO: 1-5; CO: CT, CM, PR TW)

·         Complete Annotated Bibliography 3. Bring printed copy to class during final exam period. (LO: 2)

 

 

Abbreviations: LO = Learning Outcomes; CO: Core Objectives

 

Other readings and videos will be assigned at instructor’s discretion. The instructor reserves the right to adjust and amend this calendar as necessary.

 

 

 

 

Tobacco-Free Campus

 

NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students, which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at 940-668-4240.

 

[Rev. 5-2014]

 

*Policies, procedures, and calendars may vary with and must reflect the specific practices of the individual instructor.

 

Measurements must be made according to the Learning Outcomes and Core Objectives listed above and the departmental standards, which are attached. Essays, tests, oral or written assignments are graded according to departmental standards and the criteria publicized by the instructor.

 

The instructor will decide upon and publicize the method of arriving at the final grade, allowing no more than twenty-five percent of the final grade to be the value of the final exam.  Actual weighting of these grades is left to the discretion of the instructor.