Course Syllabus
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB):
- a brief description of the course, including each major course requirement, assignment, and examination
- the learning objectives for the course
- a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion
- 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: INRW 0305 (Integrated Reading and Writing)
Semester & Year: Spring 2019
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.
Instructor's Name: Ms. Jennifer Boling
Office Phone #: 972-899-8334
Instructor's Office #: Flower Mound 107
Email Address: jboling@nctc.edu
Office Hours: MTWR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
MW 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
TR 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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
COURSE AND COLLEGE INFORMATION
Student Learning Outcomes. Students who successfully complete INRW 0305 will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, and evaluate the information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths.
- Comprehend and use vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing.
- Identify and analyze the audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts.
- Describe and apply insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts.
- 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.
- Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing situations.
- 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.
- Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a claim.
- Develop and use effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments.
- 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 who 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 means 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 judgment 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. A 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 will be taken at every class meeting. Regular and punctual attendance is expected. There are no excused absences. After a student has been absent from class 2 weeks (not necessarily consecutive days), the student may be dropped.
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 Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Students are responsible for notifying the OSD 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: The last day to drop a class with a grade of “W” is Apr. 4, 2019.
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 or her 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:
- Turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own;
- 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;
- Copying words, ideas, or images from someone without giving credit; Failing to put a quotation in quotations marks;
- Giving incorrect information about the source of information, quotations, or images;
- Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit;
- 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 fail 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.
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. 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.
Grading Policy & Procedures.
Grading Criteria:
5 Grammar Quizzes (50 points each) = 250
5 Reading Quizzes (30 points each) = 150
5 Book Responses (40 points each) = 200
1 Collaborative Project (100 points) = 100
1 Argument Overview (100 points) = 100
1 Argument Evaluation (100 points) = 100
1 Final Exam (100 points) = 100
Total = 1000
Grading Scale:
900 – 1000 points = A; 800 – 899 points = B; 700 – 799 points = C; Below 700 points = F
Late Work Policy and Class Rules:
Students who successfully develop critical reading and writing skills do each assignment conscientiously and turn their work in on time. If you are absent, you are responsible for finding out what assignment(s) you missed. All assignments and handouts will be posted on Canvas.
No late work of any kind will be accepted.
Email: I will reply to emails within 24 hours but usually much faster. Before emailing me, make sure you have exhausted all other resources. For example, you probably should not email me to ask about a due date when all due dates are listed on the course calendar. In addition, it is not necessary to email me to tell me that you are going to be absent. If you miss a class, you should ask a fellow classmate for his/her notes. It is not my responsibility to “fill you in” on everything you missed. In fact, never email me and ask what you missed or if you missed anything important. Finally, remember to be professional in your emails. Be polite and respectful, and use complete sentences.
If you’re having a crisis and think that you might have to be out of class for an extended period of time, please do email me before dropping the class. I make no guarantees or promises, but there might be a way for you to stay on top of everything without losing all the hard work you’ve already put in. Let’s at least discuss the matter and work together to see if there is a solution.
Silence all electronic devices prior to entering class. Be respectful of the instructor and your fellow classmates, and do not allow your electronic devices to be a distraction. Failure to abide by this policy may result in your being dismissed from class temporarily or permanently.
Above all, I ask that you be professional and positive and come to class prepared. Disruptions, distractions, and hostile attitudes will not be tolerated.
Course Calendar
Week 1 Course Introduction
Week 2 UD – Chapter 1 Discussion, Run-ons and Comma Splices, MLA Formatting, Reading Quiz #1 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 3 UD – Chapter 2 Discussion, Fragments, Writing (Invention), Grammar Quiz #1, Book Response #1 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 4 UD – Chapter 3 Discussion, Writing (Arrangement), Collaborative Project Discussion, Reading Quiz #2 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4; CT, COM, TW, PR)
Week 5 UD – Chapter 4 Discussion, Subject-Verb Agreement, Writing (Revising, Editing, and Proofreading), Grammar Quiz #2, Book Response #2 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 6 UD – Chapter 5 Discussion, Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement, Argument Overview Discussion, Grammar Quiz #3, Reading Quiz #3 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 7 UD – Chapter 6 Discussion, Argument Overview In-class Work, Book Response #3 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 8 UD – Chapter 7 Discussion, Pronoun Case, Argument Overview Peer Evaluations, Grammar Quiz #4, Reading Quiz #4, Argument Overview due (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, TW, PR)
Week 9 UD – Chapter 8 Discussion, Writing (They Say, I Say), Book Response #4 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 10 UD – Chapter 9 Discussion, Argument Evaluation Discussion, Writing (Sources), Reading Quiz #5 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 8; CT, COM, PR)
Week 11 UD – Chapter 10 Discussion, Commas, Writing (Integrating Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism), Grammar Quiz #5, Book Response #5 (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 12 UD – Chapter 11 Discussion, Writing (Documenting Sources: MLA), Collaborative Project Final Check-ins, Collaborative Project due (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, TW, PR)
Week 13 Argument Evaluation Peer Evaluations / Instructor Conferencing, Argument Evaluation due (LOs 1-10; CT, COM, TW, PR)
Week 14 Letter of Reflection Discussion (LOs 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, PR)
Week 15 Letter of Reflection Peer Evaluations, Letter of Reflection due (LOs 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; CT, COM, TW, PR)