Course Name & Number

Composition II

ENGL 1302.409 & 1302.410

Semester & Year

 Spring

2017

Catalog 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.

[Rev. Fall 2012 THECB]

Prerequisite:  English 1301 or its equivalent.

Textbooks &  Materials

Required / Recommended

Schilb, John, and John Clifford. Arguing about Literature: A Guide and Reader. Boston and New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4576-6209-6

An English handbook:

Examples:

The Little Seagull Handbook with exercises. Bullock, Richard; Michal Brody, Francine Weinberg. 2014. ISBN: 978-0-393-93581-3 (Optional)

OR:

Aaron, Jane, Allyn & Bacon Longman, The Little, Brown Compact Handbook with Exercises, 8^th ed. ISBN: 0-205-21751-6 (Optional)

[Rev. Fall 2012]

Instructor’s Name

Lois Stevenson

Office Phone #

940-498-6282

Instructor’s Office #

Office Fax #

E-mail Address

lstevenson@nctc.edu

Office Hours

Mon. Wed. Fri. By Appointment

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.   Demonstrate knowledge 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 of style manuals for specific academic disciplines (e.g., APA, CMS, MLA, etc.)

[Rev. 8-2012 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

“A” point equivalent = 90-100     “D” point equivalent=60-69

“B” point equivalent = 80-89       “F” point equivalent=0-59

“C” point equivalent – 70-79

ASSIGNMENTS:

3 major compositions (20% each paper)      60%

In-class discussion; in-class writing             10%

Attendance; quizzes; homework                  10%

Presentations                                             10%

Final Exam                                                 10%

LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED.

April 6, 2017- LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM A CLASS WITH A GRADE OF “W.”

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.

[Rev. 3-20-2012–Plagiarism text added cb]

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

·          I WILL TAKE ATTENDANCE EVERY CLASS SESSION.

·          AFTER FIVE (5) UNAPPROVED ABSENCES, THE STUDENT MAY BE DROPPED FROM THE CLASS.

·          AFTER SEVEN (7) ABSENCES, THE STUDENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY FAIL THIS CLASS, REGARDLESS OF THE STUDENT’S GRADE AVERAGE OR SKILL IN WRITING.

·          Contact instructor in the event of an unforeseen absence.

·          Students are expected to participate in discussion of reading assignments.

·          If a student is absent, he/she will miss vital information that will aid in the preparation/writing of compositions.

·          Also, in-class writings make up 10% of the semester grade and cannot be made up if a student is absent.

·          [Rev. 5-2014]

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.

Calendar or Course Outline (REQUIRED)

§   SEE THE COURSE CALENDAR WITH ASSIGNMENTS AND DATES (AT END OF THIS SYLLABUS).

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.

Other Pertinent Information

ETIQUETTE/PROFESSIONALISM POLICIES:

·          Do not text or accept calls in the classroom.

·          Mute/Silence your phone.

·          Step outside to accept a call only if the call is an emergency.

·          Do not use ear buds in class, even if your device is turned off.

·          Use your laptop/tablet only when given permission.

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, and accumulates 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.  We would like to say “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.