Syllabus 

 

INTEGRATED READING AND WRITING 0305

                                                                                       

 Instructor:  Gerriann Martinez                                                               Fall 2018

 

 

Catalog Description. This is a combined lecture/lab, performance-based course designed to develop students' critical reading and academic writing skills. The focus of the course will be on applying critical reading skills for organizing, analyzing, and retaining material and developing written work appropriate to the audience, purpose, situation, and length of the assignment. The course integrates preparation in basic academic reading skills with basic skills in writing a variety of academic essays. The course fulfills TSI requirements for reading and writing. This class does not count toward graduation at NCTC. Prerequisite: Pass READ 0300/ ENGL 0300 with a "C" or better, or earn satisfactory TSI Assessment placement score, or earn satisfactory placement score on other approved assessment.

 

 

Office Phone #:  English Department (leave a message):  940.668.3343

 

Instructor's Office:  Faculty workroom  201 – 207 offices on Corinth campus

 

Email Address: gmartinez@nctc.edu; best way to get a hold of me is Canvas Inbox

 

Office Hours: I will be available before and after class in addition to being available in the evenings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings

 

Class Hours:

Our class meets for 2 hours and 50 minutes.  I start promptly and go through the entire allotted time.

 

 

Textbooks & Materials: CP CONV 3E NCT&LPSACS6M&DEL&ENV

• 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: 978-1-319-22941-2

 

• Additional Materials recommended for success in this class

• Notebook paper (not spiral; recommended: spiral on top with perforations, wide left margin, space for summarizing at the bottom)
• Note cards (Recommended: colored cards 5x 8)
• Highlighters (Recommended 2 yellow)
• Folder(s) with pockets (Recommended 2 or a trifold folder)
• USB drive
• Quickstudy Laminated Grammar Guide or Writing Guide (highly recommended)
• Whiteboard/marker(s)/eraser

 

 

 

COURSE AND COLLEGE INFORMATION

 

Learning Outcomes. At the successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

 

1. Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, and evaluate the information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths.
2. Comprehend and use vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing.
3. Identify and analyze the audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts.
4. Describe and apply insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts.
5. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate reading comprehension, clear focus, logical development of ideas, and use of appropriate language that advance the writer’s purpose.
6. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing situations.
7. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and words of other writers in student writing using established strategies.
8. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a claim.
9. Develop and use effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments.
10. Recognize and apply the conventions of standard English in reading and writing.

 

TSI Compliance. At North Central Texas College, students who test but do not meet the passing scores in ALL sections of the TSI Assessment or any other THECB approved testing measurements are required by state law to obtain TSI advising and continuously enroll in a formal college preparatory studies (developmental) program every semester until all TSI requirements are satisfied. TSI program attendance is mandatory. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance may result in a student being withdrawn from the college preparatory course. Withdrawals are subject to college policies as set forth in the college catalog.

 

In the long term, a student that twice receives an F or W in a College Prep course based on non-attendance will be placed on academic hold and blocked from enrolling in any courses other than the required College Prep course.

 

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.

 

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’s 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 provided that the student is responsible 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)

 

 

Instructor’s Attendance Policy

• I take attendance at the beginning of each class period
• I keep a sign in sheet that must be signed each day of class
• Students not in the classroom at the beginning of the period will be marked tardy
• Students who leave before class is dismissed will be marked tardy
• Attendance can be viewed in Canvas in the Attendance tab
• If you arrive late or leave class early, be advised that I will not cover the material again.  (For example, if you miss a quiz, you will receive a zero.  If you miss instruction, you will need to get notes from a classmate.)

 

 

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.

 

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/student-services/disability-services/index.html 

 

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 November 8, 2018

 

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 will 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.  All students are invited to visit the Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus, rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus, rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound Campus, room 111; and on the Bowie Campus, room 124.

 

 

Grading Policy & Procedures:

• Canvas Discussion Board Assignments       15%
• Graded Homework                                         15%
• Quizzes                                                             10%
• Tests                                                                  15%
• Class Participation                                          15%
• Attendance                                                      15%
• Final Exam                                                        15%

 

Grade Scale:

90- 100  = A

80-89     = B

70- 79    = C

0-69       = F

 

LATE WORK and MAKE-UP POLICY:

Successful reading and writing skills develop in tandem with one another.  They require intentional and conscientious study and on-going review.  It is important for you, the student, to do the following:

• Read and follow all directions carefully
• Turn work in on time
• Do all assigned class work, homework, and discussions boards on Canvas
• Study notes taken during class
• Be sure you understand the concepts covered in class; if you find that you don’t understand concepts, please be sure to get in touch with me as soon as possible
• Review class notes frequently
• Engage in class discussions, activities, and partner/group work
• It is my discretion to accept late work; all late work will be lowered by a minimum of 11 points.  Put “LATE” at the top of the assignment.  Contact me as soon as possible if you need to turn in an assignment late

 

HOMEWORK:

I will verbally give assignments, and I will post a brief description on Canvas in the ANNOUNCEMENT tab (on the left navigation bar.)  It is your responsibility to find out what assignments are due if you miss class.  Contact me as soon as possible if you will miss a class.  If you miss a class, the assignment will be due the day you return to class. 

 

Written Homework:

• Final drafts MUST be typed and accompanied by pre-writing assignments and rough drafts with proof reading and editing marks
• Double or triple space (for my notes, corrections, and recommended changes)
• Size 12 font
• Choice of fonts: Cambria, Georgia, Times New Roman
• Proper heading for my class:  Upper RIGHT: name/class/date/assignment

 

 

QUIZZES and Final EXAM:

• I do not give make-up quizzes (for a low score)
• If you need to be absent on the day of the quiz, make arrangements with me PRIOR to when the test/quiz will be taken during class.  If necessary, make arrangements in the testing center for the test/quiz to be taken. It is your responsibility to make the appointment in the testing center and let me know the time of your appointment.  (Remember, Canvas Inbox is always the best way to contact me)
• If your ADA accommodations state that you may test in the testing center, be sure to let me know in advance, then schedule the time and let me know the time of the appointment

 

CLASS RULES and EXPECTATIONS:

• Treat the classroom as a professional environment
• Be courteous and respectful to your instructor and class mates
• Arrive on time with everything you need for class: assignment, textbook, pens/pencils, that includes colored marking pens or pencils), paper and/or note cards for taking notes
• Turn off electronic devices prior to class.  Your phones, earbuds, laptops, iPads should not be out during class unless I give directions to use them
• Plan your time accordingly for assignments and attendance.  It causes a disturbance if you arrive late or leave early

 

Calendar or Course Outline

 

I will hand out a course calendar and make sure it is uploaded to Canvas in the Announcement tab

 

 

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.