Course Name & Number

Composition II

ENGL 1302

Semester & Year

 Spring 2018

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 /

Schib, Arguing about Literature. Bedford/St. Martin's.           ISBN #978-1-4576-62096

A recent standard college dictionary

[Rev. Fall 2012]

Instructor’s Name

Maggie Row

Office Phone #

MW 930-130pm

TTH 820-920am

Fri by appointment

Instructor’s Office #

Office Fax #

E-mail Address

mrow@nctc.edu

Office Hours

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

Methods for Assessing the Expected Learning Outcomes – The expected learning outcomes for this course will be assessed through:

• Discussion Initiation       15% of Final Grade – Various due dates
• Essay 1                                              15% of Final Grade – Due 3/2

• Essay 2 (research)                            20% of Final Grade due 4/13
• Reader Responses (4)            20% of Final Grade Various Due Dates
• Midterm                                 10% of Final Grade
• Final Exam                                         10% of Final Grade –
• Classroom Professionalism     10% of final grade

Explanation of Grading:

All assignments that are graded will be given a certain percentage score (0-100), and your final grade for the course will be converted to the college’s letter grade system, which is as follows:

• A = 100-90

• B = 89-80
• C = 79-70
• D = 69-60
• F = 59 or below

Submission of Assignments:

All assignments must be turned in by the date and time stipulated on this syllabus.  Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date specified.  If you must miss class on the day an assignments is due, you may either have a peer submit it at the beginning of class or turn it in early.  Assignments turned in after the class has begun will receive a ten point deduction unless I have agreed to the late submission of your work in advance of the due date.  Assignments are not accepted after five days of the original due date. If you are absent on the day that an assignment is due, your work is still due on the assigned date.  If you email your paper to me ahead of time, it must be in a format I can open. File formats I am unable to open will be considered late.

Class Participation Policy:

For this course, class discussions are fueled by your informed comments on the works.  Thus, you should be prepared to participate in these discussions by contributing your thoughts about the texts. Although the idea of sharing your thoughts with the class may seem intimidating, expressing your ideas on the works that we read will help you to develop your ideas about the texts.  Also, your informed comments show me that you are carefully reading the assigned texts and have given thought to them outside of class.  I expect that you carefully read all assigned texts in time for their discussion in class, and I encourage you to take notes as you read each work.  Read the work multiple times if you need to in order get an understanding of it and look up any unfamiliar words.  Pay attention to connections between texts and take note of how works correspond to the contextual issues that I introduce in class.  Write down questions that may come up when you read the material.   These methods will benefit you not only in your participation in class, but also in your analytical essays.

In-Class Writing Policy:

Because this course can be intense as you will be learning how to write analytically, it is imperative that you work on your papers in class.  You are expected to bring all of the necessary materials that will allow you to work on your assignments on the designated in-class writing days.  You will need to take full advantage of this time to write in class as it is a benefit to you.  Coming to class unprepared to work on your essays is unacceptable and may result in absences.

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

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

April 5^th

Attendance Policy:
Regular and punctual class attendance is expected at North Central Texas College. Student absences will be recorded from the first day the class meets. In case of absence, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor. Students absent on official school business are entitled to make up coursework missed. In all other cases, the instructor will judge whether the student will be permitted to make up work and will decide on the time and nature of the makeup. However, the student is expressly responsible for any work missed regardless of the cause of the absence. The student must discuss such work with the instructor and should do so immediately on returning to school.  Please note:  I require that you notify me ahead of time if you need to leave the class early, and you will need to give me an explanation for your leaving before class ends.  Schedule your appointments outside of class accordingly to ensure that you are not missing class time as this course, like all of your other college classes, is a priority.  Leaving class early excessively is unacceptable and may result in absences.  Thus, instances of leaving early should be kept at a minimum.

Communication between the student and instructor is most important, and it is the student's responsibility to initiate such communication. If students do not appear at the prearranged time or meet the prescribed deadline for makeup work, they forfeit their rights for further makeup of that work. Students who stop attending class for any reason should contact the instructor and the Registrar‘s office to officially withdraw from the class. Failure to officially withdraw may result in a failing grade for the course.

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)

• The instructor must indicate general blocks (or units) of study or supply a detailed calendar of activity.
• Numbers of the specific Learning Outcomes and individual Core Objectives associated with each unit of study must accompany each unit of study or appropriate calendar activity.

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

 Classroom Conduct: 

As college students, you are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner towards your fellow students and me.  The following behaviors are examples of conduct that is deemed unacceptable:

• Reading material unrelated to the class

• Using cell phones and other electronic devices that prove to be a distraction.  Cell phones must be turned to silent mode or turned off completely during class.
• Talking while others, including me, are speaking
• Acting belligerently or in a belittling manner towards me or classmates
• Challenging my authority
• Using any racially or sexual-oriented derogatory terms outside of the discussion of a text

Course Assignments

Discussion Initiation:

This assignment, which is worth 15% of your final grade, gives you and a classmate the opportunity to initiate the class discussion of one of the works that we will be reading for this class.  At the beginning of the semester, you both will choose which work you will be discussing by signing up for the day that the whole class will discuss the work.  Be sure to take some time to browse through the works that we will be reading so that you can choose a work that you think you will be interested in discussing.  Because it is possible that you may not get to discuss the text of your first choice, you will need to bring in a list of your top six choices on the day that you will be signing up for a date so that you can pick a text of your preference.  Please note:  the dates on which papers are due are not eligible for sign-up.   

For this assignment, you and your classmate will each write a 500-word paper in which you analyze/close read a literary, rhetorical, and/or thematic issue of the work that you chose. You may also choose to do some research on the author and inform the class about him/her.  Each of you will also need to formulate discussion questions about the text as well.  While you are not expected to thoroughly answer these questions, you will need to discuss your preliminary responses to these questions in the paper.   The paper and the discussion questions should pertain to a certain aspect of the work that you find particularly interesting and should prompt your classmates to analyze/close read the text.  On the day that the work that you chose is to be discussed, you each will take 3-5 minutes to share with the class the ideas about the text that you express in your paper and pose to the class your discussion question about the work.  You will need to be sure to communicate with your classmate in advance of the date for your Discussion Initiation to ensure that you both are not discussing the exact same aspects of the work. 

You will also need to choose the date of your Discussion Initiation carefully.  This assignment cannot be made up if a student fails to notify me of his or her need to change the date of the Discussion Initiation a week in advance of the due date for the assignment.  In order for the date for the Discussion Initiation to be changed, the student must have what I feel is a valid reason for the change, and he or she must notify me of the need for the change a week in advance of the date for the Discussion Initiation.  The student is only allowed to choose from the dates that are left over after the whole class has signed up for the Discussion Initiation date.

Please do not summarize the text in your Discussion Initiation.  For this assignment, you will need to analyze the work.  In other words, read in between the lines and look for a deeper meaning in the text.  Think of this assignment as a practice for your analytical essays. 

You can:

·         Discuss the author

·         Discuss a literary term in reference to the work

·         Discuss the meaning of the work in historical context

In-Class Writing

At times, we will discuss the readings in small groups instead of a larger group setting. Each group will be required to submit a record of the discussion. These will count for participation credit and cannot be made up.

Reader Responses:

You will complete 4 Reader responses over readings of your choice. Each Reader response will need to be at least 500 words and include quotes from the reading. You main purpose is to reflect on elements of the work you like and dislike and explain your reactions. You will need to connect the reading with your own experiences, current events, movies, other readings, etc. The purpose here is to synthesize the readings from this class with other materials.

Analytical Essays:

You are required to complete two analytical essays over the course of this class:  Essay 1  and 2 will need to be at least 800 words. I will distribute a list of paper topics well in advance of the due dates for each of the essays listed above.  

Essay 2 will include outside research

In each of these papers, you are expected to analyze the literary, rhetorical, and thematic elements of a work or group of works.  Please note that though you can touch on points raised in class, you should not merely paraphrase class discussion in these essays.  Instead, you should write papers that are centered around a distinct thesis statement that articulates your position on a particular issue in the work(s) that you are discussing.  As you read each work, think about the deeper meaning behind the various ideas and images that the author raises in the text(s).  These essays call for you to think about what is being said both directly and indirectly in the passages of the works that you read.  Thus, you will need to analyze, or close read “between the lines” to come up with what you feel is the significance of the work(s).  Think about what you feel are the implied meanings of what the author is putting forth.  Do not just repeat what the author is saying, but look for a deeper meaning of the text(s) instead.  Show how you reached your conclusions about the work(s) by calling attention to certain words and other details in the passages of the text(s).

Each essay is to be typed in black, 12 point Times New Roman font and double-spaced.  They will need to be in MLA or APA formats as you will have to include quotes from the work or works that you are discussing. 

Midterm and Final Exam:

The exams will be comprehension and will also require that you formulate and articulate your own conclusions about the various topics that we have discussed over the semester, and identify examples of topics from the list of readings.

The final exam will be more reflective while the midterm is comprehensive

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. 3/20/2012_Brent Wallace]