Course Syllabus- ENGL 1301

The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB):

1. a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination;
2. the learning objectives for the course;
3. a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and
4. any required or recommended readings. 

Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students. 

Course Name & Number: ENGL 1301 (Composition I)

Semester & Year: Spring 2020

Instructor's Name: Kristen Weinzapfel, M.A., M.Ed.

Office Phone #: 940.668.3342

Instructor's Office #: 502

Email Address: kweinzapfel@nctc.edu or contact me via Canvas

Office/Student Visiting Hours: Monday and Wednesday- 9:30-11am, 2-4pm (Includes online)

Tuesday- 9:30-2:30pm

Or by appointment- Just stop by!

Textbooks & Materials

• Package Components
  • Custom Textbook--Joining the Conversation
  • Custom LaunchPad Solo for Readers and Writers (with eBook) Access Code
  • Unnaturally Delicious, Jayson Lusk
  • Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist, Paul Kingsnorth
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-319-31917-5

COURSE AND COLLEGE INFORMATION

ENGL 1301 Composition I: 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. Note: ENGL 1301 is a pre-requisite for all 2000-level literature courses.

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.

Foundational Component Area:  Communication

Core Objectives. 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]

Institutional Learning Goals. A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.

• Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.
• Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees.
• Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.

Course Type: Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core). Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course. WECM Course

Program Purpose Statement. NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences that parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare a student for transfer to a university.

Departmental Purpose Statement. The Department of English, Speech, and Foreign Language provides quality instruction to students pursuing their academic and career goals.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

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)

 

Attendance is required. If a student is absent five (5) times or more, the instructor reserves the right to drop the student from the course. Since this is a “hands on” environment, you will miss important information and will miss assignments if you are absent from class. If you are absent from class because of a school-related event, it is your duty to inform me so that arrangements can be made. Arrangements cannot be made after the absence has occurred.

Disability Accommodations: 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 psychological disorders are eligible for services.

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.  OSD can be contacted at 940-668-3300.

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/student-services/disability-services/index.html  (Links to an external site.)

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.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services: The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.  The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA.  For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office: http://www.nctc.edu/financial-aid/index.html.

Last day to Withdraw: Last day to drop a class with grade of “W” is April 3rd.

Scholastic Integrity – Plagiarism: 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 the planned action to his Department Chair. The Department Chair shall report the incident and action to the 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.

Please be aware that I take plagiarism very seriously.  You may not have another person write, type, edit, or revise any parts of your Writing Assignments.  You may not use someone else’s Writing Assignment or buy one from a “professional” source.  You may not use the material on the internet or in print sources without documenting it.  Failure to follow the proper guidelines for documentation constitutes plagiarism. 

Considering the severity of the issue, if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding plagiarism, please consider this an open invitation to visit with me about the issue. If I discover that a student has committed intentional plagiarism, the Writing Assignment that has plagiarized materials will receive a zero, and I reserve the right to recommend to the English Department Head that the student fails the course.

Student Rights & Responsibilities: NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.  All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.

Student Success: The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals.  This program also links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.  The Student Success Center is located just inside the library on the Gainesville campus.

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.

Grading Policy & Procedures.

Final grades in ENGL 1301 will be calculated in this way:

Major Assignments- 50%, Minor Assignments- 40%, Letter of Reflection (Final)-10% =100%

A= 90-100, B= 80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F= 59 or below

All grades are recorded in Canvas. If you need to know your current grade, it is reflected in Canvas. The lowest minor assignment grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. 

Calendar or Course Outline:

Module One: Beginning Conversations- Outcomes: LO 1-4, Com, CT

Module Two: Emerging Conversations- Outcomes: LO 1-4, Com, CT, PR

Module Three: Emerging Arguments- Outcomes: LO 1-5, Com, CT, TW

Module Four: Working with Arguments and Research-  Outcomes: LO 1-5, Com, CT, PR

Module Five: Research and Writing-  Outcomes: LO 1-5, Com, CT, PR

Module Six: Collaboration- Outcomes: LO 1-5, Com, CT, TW

Module Seven: Letter of Reflection- Outcomes: LO 1-4, CT, Com, PR

Due dates will be provided when the assignment is given and can be located in Canvas.

Other Notes:

Welcome to Composition! In this course, you will read, write, research and collaborate. There is, however, some useful information that you need to know in order to be successful:

1. You're going to have to READ assignments.  Skimming won't cut it.  Scanning someone else's notes won't do the trick.  You will need to find and utilize designated time to read the assigned materials.  This course also incorporates articles, message boards, Internet links, videos, etc. in addition to the text.  Therefore, students must log in to Canvas frequently in order to keep up with readings and assignments. Don’t be afraid to search for additional resources on your own.
2. You will have to log in at specific times in order to complete assignments and assessments.  There will be weekly due dates that you will need to follow. 
3. You will study other materials vital to your performance on essays and/or assessments.  Therefore, your attendance and participation are important to your grade and success in this course.
4. You will need a technology "back up plan."  For example, if your computer crashes or you lose Internet access on the day an assignment is due, give yourself an alternative plan.  Library use computers are available at ALL NCTC campuses.  Local libraries also have public computer access.  If you are a dual-credit student, your school has computer labs and/or workstations available.  Once an assignment is closed, it cannot be re-opened.  For any reason.  Therefore, it's critical that you give yourself ample time to complete assignments and that you have a back up plan.  NOTE:  Not having a working computer or not having Internet access will NOT be considered as an acceptable reason for not completing course activities at a scheduled time.

If you lose contact with me completely via Canvas or email, please leave a message on my office phone: 940.668.7731 x. 3342.

5. Read the syllabus. This will give you a more complete list of NCTC policies, as well as course policies. 
6. Keep a calendar.  Organize your reading, exam dates, and other assignments in some place outside of your computer.  Use your phone, your planner, or whatever works best for you!
7. Ask questions.  If you have any questions or concerns, please send me an email. However, make sure that you read all directions carefully before asking questions.  Most questions can be readily answered if you just simply read the instructions and/or course materials. Don’t rely on a class “spokesperson” to ask questions. If you have a question, you can ask me.
8. Do not rely on the course stream/checklist in Canvas to keep up with updates.  Always move through the modules in order to get all of the instructions, information, and assignments.
9. Student Services are your friends. Take advantage of library resources and the writing center. Our library staff and student success staff are here to help you find the help and resources that you need. Make an appointment to meet with me if you need to!

Frequently Asked Questions:

*I’m a dual-credit student and will have to miss class because of (insert one of a ridiculously long list of reasons). Will I still be counted absent?

Yes. If you miss class, you are absent. In college, there are no “excused” or “unexcused” absences. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to ask questions about any assignments or materials.

*What if I forgot to submit an online assignment?

Most of the time, you can still complete the assignment. However, it is possible that points may be deducted because the assignment is late.

*I worked really hard on my essay, but my grade isn’t so good. Can I re-do it to improve my grade?

Most of the time, yes. This is something that you will have to arrange with me. There are times when this is not possible, such as the very end of the semester. 

*English isn’t my strongest subject. What can I do to be successful?

Remember that you have many resources available to you. You can always meet with me to ask questions. You can work with a writing tutor at the Student Success Center, and you can give yourself the time necessary to complete assignments. Procrastination is the devil’s work in composition. So my best advice? Don’t procrastinate. Ask questions. Revise your work.

*I really want to make an A in the course. How can I do that?

Show up. Do your work. Revise. Read and read again. Follow the models. Ask questions. It’s possible!