Course Title: Composition I
Course Prefix, Number, and Section Number: ENGL 1301.0340
Semester/Year of course: Fall 2025
Semester start and end dates: 8.25.25 - 12.13.25
Modality: Online - Asynchronous
Class meeting location, days, and times: Online - Asynchronous
Semester credit hours: 3

Course 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.

Required course materials:

For both ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302, you will use the Everyone's an Author with Readings (Lunsford, et al) eBook bundle from Norton. Digital access can be purchased from a link in the course.  

If you wish to purchase a hard copy of Everyone's An Author with Readings, you can purchase this from your favorite online bookstore/reseller. 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of instructor: Nathan Conard
Office location: Online - Webex
Telephone number: 940.268.9620
E-mail address: nconard@nctc.edu 
Office hours for students: Monday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER

The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.

COURSE POLICIES

Academic Integrity Policy: 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.” Please see the preface to the textbook for a more complete description of what constitutes academic dishonesty and/or plagiarism.

Please be aware that the department takes plagiarism very seriously. You may not use someone else’s writing assignment, generate an essay using AI, or buy one from a “professional” source. 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 discuss the issue with me. Suppose I discover that a student has committed intentional plagiarism. In that case, the Writing Assignment with plagiarized materials will receive a zero, and I will recommend to the English Department Head that the student fails the course on the second offense.

AI Writing and Acceptable Use: Submitting work generated by ChatGPT or any other AI language tool is considered academic dishonesty, even if cited as a source. In addition to your instructor's experience with student writing, NCTC's English Department uses AI detectors to enforce this policy. The writing assignments in NCTC English courses require generating new knowledge rather than just recombining existing information.  AI does not generate original research, and the information may contain factual errors. 

AI may be used in brainstorming or developing a research question. Generally speaking, students are not authorized to use artificial intelligence and related products like large language model applications to produce work for this class EXCEPT on assignments that the instructor has identified and for which the student will have received significant guidance on the appropriate use of such technologies. Students should not, however, construe this limited use as permission to use these technologies in any other facet of their coursework. Grammarly (or other grammar tools) can be used to assist in the correction of grammar and/or sentence structure errors. Still, it is not acceptable to use GrammarlyGo or any similar tool to revise/rewrite/rephrase student writing. Students who submit AI-generated content as original work will be subject to the same disciplinary actions listed above in the college's academic integrity policy. The English Department takes this very seriously, and we are experienced in recognizing the patterns of AI-generated text. You are expected to do the work of writing in this course, and submitting AI-generated work may result in removal from and/or an F in the course.

Source Use Policy: Any source used for an assignment must be verifiable and cited correctly using proper MLA formatting. This includes accurate attribution of the author’s name, the correct title of the article or text, and a working link if the source is digital. Failure to provide valid and traceable sources, whether due to fabricated information, incorrect attribution, or broken links, will result in a zero for the assignment and possible removal from the course. I will often give a first notice and meet with you on Webex. A second instance will result in your removal from the course.

Direct quotations and paraphrases are not interchangeable. A direct quote must be taken word-for-word from a legitimate, cited source, and a paraphrase must be your rewording of the source’s actual ideas. Inserting direct quotes from non-existent or fabricated sources and then attempting to “pivot” to a paraphrase after being caught is considered academic dishonesty. If you are caught using a direct quote that does not exist in the cited source, you will fail the assignment.

Attendance Policy: Attendance in both online and face-to-face courses is required. To be successful in an online course, students must "attend" by logging in to the course regularly, checking Canvas email and course announcements multiple times a week, and completing assignments on time. Students who do not complete online assignments for two or more weeks may be dropped from the course.

Late-Work Policy: All assignment due dates are explicitly posted in Canvas. I expect assignments to be submitted on time and encourage students to practice good time management and personal responsibility by meeting deadlines. Here is my default policy: I will accept submissions for assignments until 24 hours after the deadline; however, for assignments submitted after the deadline, a deduction equal to 25% of that assignment’s possible points will be applied. Students who submit assignments more than 24 hours after the deadline will receive a grade of 0. If you need a deadline extension for an assignment, please contact me.

I reserve the right not to give feedback on any work submitted more than three days late. Also, no final draft of an essay or project will be accepted without required drafts, and all signature assignments must be completed to pass the course.

• Need an extension? I understand that sometimes emergencies come up, so send me an email if there is something that is preventing you from submitting work so that we can make a reasonable plan. You can't proceed with the course until you complete the major assignments. I want you to be successful in this course, so keep me informed if you need a bit more support. We will work together to devise a plan for your success. Communication is key.  For my late work policy, be sure and read the course syllabus.  Being proactive about grades means taking control of your academic progress before issues arise, rather than reacting to problems after they occur. It involves regularly reviewing your syllabus and grades, as well as setting aside consistent study time, seeking clarification on assignments early, and actively engaging in class discussions. By staying ahead of deadlines, asking for help when needed, and addressing potential challenges promptly, you can avoid the stress and frustration of last-minute efforts.

• Proactive strategies empower you to maintain steady progress and make thoughtful decisions about your learning, fostering confidence and success. Waiting until you receive a zero and then contacting me frantically is an example of being reactive; addressing an issue only after it has already caused a problem. A more effective approach is to reach out beforehand if you foresee a potential issue, as this allows us to work together on a solution and prevent the situation from escalating.

Rough Drafts & Signature Assignments: Students must submit rough drafts as assigned. I will not grade students' final drafts if the rough drafts were not completed and submitted on time. In addition, all students must complete the four signature assignments (Literacy Narrative, Rhetorical Analysis of a Visual, Rhetorical Analysis of an Issue, and Collaborative Project) to pass the course, regardless of a student's overall course grade. Students who do not complete one or more signature assignments will not pass Composition I.

Instructor Feedback and Assignment Expectations:

Your success in this course is my ultimate goal; therefore, I will give you feedback on many of your writing assignments. Sometimes, writing comments on each student’s assignment can take several days, so please be patient. There are many of you and only one of me! In return, I expect you to read, reflect upon, and apply my comments to your future writing assignments. I also promise to respond to your emails promptly (within 24 hours on weekdays, at the latest).

Lesson scaffolding assignments (those smaller assignments that build the skills you’ll need for major, “signature” assignments) will be graded with rubrics and sometimes brief comments. I will usually explain what is wrong with the assignment so you can learn from mistakes. These activities are essential for building your skills, and it is important that you focus on learning in this course, NOT JUST THE GRADE.  I provide ample instructions and models whenever possible. There is no reason not to do well on assignments if you read each lesson introduction, review the course materials, follow the instructions, and look at the models provided.

Sometimes, students rush through an assignment or misunderstand the instructions. While that can be frustrating, it is also a valuable learning experience. Part of academic growth is understanding that not all mistakes can be “undone” for full credit. If every assignment could be corrected for a perfect score after grading, it would reduce the incentive to work carefully the first time and would remove the natural consequences that help build accountability. In life, and in this course, mistakes sometimes have a point value, and learning to slow down, follow instructions, and double-check your work is part of the process.

If you have questions about any daily or scaffolding assignments, please reach out. I am more than happy to discuss them with you further. I devote the bulk of my detailed, individualized feedback to major writing assignments and rough drafts, as these are the best opportunities for you to grow as a writer. This approach is intentional; it is a sustainable model for my courses that allows me to spend our time and energy where it will have the most impact on your learning. By giving more extensive feedback on the assignments that matter most to your development, we can engage in the most productive and meaningful way possible.

Withdrawal Policy: A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. The student is responsible for initiating and completing a Withdrawal Request Form. The last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is November 3.

Student 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.

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]

COLLEGE POLICIES

Student Handbook: Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.

ADA Statement: NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations.  See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.

Student Services: NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students.  See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

The student should first contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints specific to the class.  If the student and faculty are not able to resolve a specific issue, the student may contact the chair or coordinator of the division.  If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.

For general course questions, please contact your instructor, whose contact information can be found above in the "Instructor Information" section.

For general course questions, please contact your instructor, whose contact information can be found above in the "Instructor Information" section.

Name of Chair/Coordinator:  Lisa Smart
Office Location:  Corinth Campus - Office #171
Telephone number:  (940) 498-6282, ext. 4961
E-mail address:  lsmart@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional & Learning Support Dean: Mary D. Martinson
Office Location: Gainesville
Telephone number: (940) 668-4209, ext. 4377
E-mail address: mmartinson@nctc.edu

USEFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Basic Needs: Any student who faces challenges securing food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students, Dr. Roxanne Del Rio (rdelrio@nctc.edu) for support. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to direct you to additional resources for support.

Career Services Center. The NCTC Career Services Center is the place you can go for educational and career planning. Services include Career/Degree Exploration, Job Search Tools and Resources, Resume and Professional Portfolio Development, Interview Skills, and Preparation. Our Career Advisors partner with you in making your educational journey an efficient process towards a rewarding career.

Completion Center. The NCTC Completion Center is a comprehensive student engagement program that increases retention and completion rates of first-time, low-income students. Services include Success coaching to address students’ academic and non-academic challenges and issues; Success Seminars, and centralized career readiness and job placement program.

Counseling and Advising. Support Services, Counseling and Advising staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration) and much more. 

Course Content in Canvas: All course content is housed in this Canvas shell and all work must be submitted here. While dual credit students might use a different online course management system, all NCTC coursework must be submitted here.

Disability Accommodations: The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students with disabilities. OSD counselors and advisors also provide strategies for academic success; individual, career, and academic counseling services as well as referrals to campus and community services and assistance with admission and registration. It is not necessary that a student with a disability disclose his/her disability to college officials if he/she is not requesting any accommodations. OSD is federally funded through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Federal Grant. NCTC is committed to making its degree and certificate programs accessible to all qualified persons in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA Amendments Act, and The Rehabilitation Act (1973), Section 504. 

New Students: Accommodations require advanced preparation.  Please make your request before the semester begins. Documentation is required before any accommodations can be provided.  Depending on your diagnosis, this documentation should come from a medical doctor, psychologist, or other licensed or properly credentialed professional.

Current Students: Contact the OSD at the beginning of each semester well in advance of registration.

Contact Us: Please reach out to us to schedule an intake or if you have questions or concerns. Wayne Smith, OSD Manager, kwsmith@nctc.edu, (940) 498-6207 Yvonne Sandmann, OSD Advisor, ysandmann@nctc.edu, (940) 668-3300 

Early Alert and CARES. The NCTC Early Alert program assists students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Faculty and staff may refer students through the Early Alert process at any point in the semester in an effort to provide appropriate intervention and access to support services. Examples of behaviors that could prompt an Early Alert referral could be missing assignments, failing tests, excessive absences, or personal circumstances impacting academic performance. A student submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by an academic advisor or success coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges, as well as helpful resources and success strategies-we, want our students to finish strong and know that education is a partnership! The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. The CARES Team promotes a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff and is committed to taking a proactive approach in helping our students succeed by addressing the mental, emotional or psychological health and safety of the NCTC community. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior that could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student, such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. Visit the NCTC CARES site to also locate campus and community resources, or email counseling@nctc.edu to get in touch with a member of the CARES Team directly.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

Email Correspondence:

I will respond to student emails Monday–Friday. Emails sent later on Friday or over the weekend will receive a response on Monday. For Monday–Thursday emails, please allow up to 24 hours for a reply (responses are usually much quicker). I do not respond to emails on holidays or when the campus is closed (e.g., Thanksgiving break). Emails sent to me become my personal property, and I may disclose them to third parties if I determine it’s necessary.

Email Etiquette: Please ensure your emails are respectful and professional. Address your instructors with appropriate titles (e.g., "Professor" or "Dr." if applicable), use clear subject lines, and avoid informal language or tone. 

Writing emails like text messages can come across as terse or even rude (even when that is not your intent), as it implies a lack of formality and consideration. To avoid this, ensure your emails are thoughtfully composed, using complete sentences, proper grammar, and a courteous tone that reflects professionalism and respect for your recipient. Always maintain courtesy, and remember that effective communication reflects positively on you. Communication that is proactive rather than reactive is a more effective approach.

When communicating with your instructors, please use the Canvas inbox or send from your NCTC email address (only if Canvas is unavailable). 

Evaluation

• “A” Work: This writing is excellent and demonstrates excellence in development, organization, style and tone, and mechanics. There is clear evidence of the writing process (invention, drafting, revision, editing, and proofreading).  A = 95   A- = 92   A-/B+ = 90
• “B” Work: This is good work and delivers substantial information—that is, substantial in both quantity and interest-value. It is well-developed and unified around a clear organizing principle that is apparent early in the piece. There is evidence of the writing process. B+ = 87  B = 85  B- = 8  B-/C+ = 80
• “C” Work: This is an average piece that is generally competent in its development, organization, style, and tone, and mechanics. It meets the needs of the assignment, has few mechanical errors, and is reasonably organized and developed. This piece also shows some evidence of the writing process. C+ = 77  C = 75  C- = 72. C-/D+ = 70
• “D” Work: This is below-average work that lacks development and is not effectively organized to facilitate the reader’s understanding. The paper also shows little or no evidence of the writing process. D+ = 67  D = 65  D- = 62
• “F” Work: This work fails in all aspects of the evaluation criteria.  There is no evidence of the writing process, and the paper fails in all aspects of development, organization, style, and mechanics. F (work submitted and attempted) = 55. F (no work submitted or attempted) = 0

Financial Aid. Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.

Identity: This course affirms people of all expressions and identities. If you prefer to be called a different name than is what on the class roster, please let me know. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. If you'd like your name changed in the roster, please contact the Registrar's office.

Grade Appeals and Incomplete Grades: Students can read more about the college's grade appeal processes and procedures for assigning incomplete grades by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Library: Students can access online and physical resources from the NCTC campus library by visiting the library website. Students can access research databases and can locate research help including tutorials and study guides, information on the hours of operation for each of the campus libraries, our online catalog, our intra- and inter-library loan services, and NCTC library policies. 

Professionalism: Your college courses are also opportunities for you to learn what it means to be a “professional” in your field. Therefore, I expect you to act like a “professional” student in this course. Consider these suggestions:

• • Prepare and participate meaningfully in online discussion boards.
  • Be assertive. (An assertive student exhausts all available resources of information before contacting me. In other words, read the assignment sheet carefully before e-mailing me to ask how many sources are required in your paper, and if you are unsure how to cite a source, look it up in your handbook or a credible online source—such as The Purdue Owl or Scribbr.)
  • Consider the quality (and effort) of required drafts and weekly assignments.
  • Turn in assignments on time and as assigned.
  • Mind the quality and tone of email correspondence.

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 Center. The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring.  The program helps students acclimate to the college by providing free interactive online workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center. Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, and a Math Lab to assist new students to acclimate to the college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. First-generation students can also participate in TRIO, which offers specialized services.

Testing Service Center. The mission of NCTC Testing Services is to provide high-quality testing services that adhere to the professional standards and guidelines to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members. 

Timely Care. Get on-demand support from counselors, doctors, nurse practitioners, and more. 

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, and staff who wish to stop using tobacco products.