COURSE INFORMATION

Course Title: Composition I
Course Prefix, Number, and Section Number: ENGL 1301.0315 and INRW 0310.0315
Semester/Year of course: Fall 2023 
Semester start and end dates:  Aug 28, 2023 - Dec 12, 2023
Modality: Online
Class meeting location, days, and times: Online
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 textbook bundle that is available at the NCTC bookstore that includes The Hub 2023 Revision for North Central Texas College & CM Achieve for The Hub (2-Term Access) for North Central Texas College with The Address Book by Dierdre Mask & Factfulness by Hans Rosling. (ISBN-13: 9781319551254)

The Address Book is also available on Audible to listen.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of instructor: Lauren Sullivan
Office location:  Online
Telephone number: 928-266-6715
E-mail address: lsullivan@nctc.edu
Office hours for students: M-F 5-6 PM and by appt.

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 in writing.

SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

List of graded assignments: See Course Summary below.

Final grade scale: See the right column (Group and Weight).

Late work policy:  A major writing task is due on the day listed on Canvas. However, if you need an extension, please visit with me privately to make those arrangements. I reserve the right not to evaluate any work submitted more than five days late.

After a two-day grace period, a penalty of five points per day will accrue on all late work. Communication is key! I know life happens. Just make sure to reach out so we can negotiate.

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.”

AI Writing and Acceptable Use: 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. 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.

Attendance Policy: Attendance, in both online and face-to-face courses, is required.  Because this course progresses very quickly, I reserve the right to block from this course students who fail to complete assignments for more than one week. Students who are blocked MUST contact the registrar's office and withdraw from the course, or they will receive a semester grade of F. 

Withdrawal Policy: A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form. The last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is November 6.

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 the 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 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 the 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.

Name of Chair/Coordinator: Kristen Weinzapfel
Office Location:  Gainesville 502
Telephone number:  940-668-3342
E-mail address:  kweinzapfel@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean: Dr. Rochelle Gregory
Office Location: Flower Mound 200
Telephone number: 940 496 6297
E-mail address: rgregory@nctc.edu

USEFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

CAREER SERVICES CENTER

Who will you become? The Career Services Center (CSC) provides career development & job readiness coaching for students and alumni. Services are free and available at all NCTC campuses by appointment. Our NCTC Career Coaches can work with you to develop your resume, practice for interviews, and provide guidance and coaching toward your employment and career goals. To book an appointment, access our online job board (CareerLion by Handshake), or view additional resources and platforms, visit NCTC’s Career Services website or send an email to careerservices@nctc.edu!

COUNSELING AND ADVISING  

Advisors/Success Coaches help students explore majors and programs offered, identify the best combination of classes to meet their goals, navigate how and when to transfer, and motivate students to continue on their journey to academic and personal success. Students are assigned to a specific Advisor/Success Coach based on their major and can schedule in-person, phone, or virtual appointments through their online calendar! 

Students also have access to FREE 24/7 telehealth counseling and medical appointments through TimelyCare and can contact one of our NCTC Counselors for help locating Community Resources or request assistance with housing, childcare, food, and other needs.

COMPLETION CENTER

The Completion Center provides a variety of services for first-time in college students. This includes academic success coaching, goal setting, course planning, and connecting to resources for all new college students. Free online Success Seminars are available through Student Lingo. New students will enroll in a First Year Experience (NCTC 1001) course to get started on the right track and can also qualify to join the National Society of Leadership and Success!

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

The Student Success Center helps 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, Study Groups, and online tutoring.  First generation students can also participate in TRIO whose mission is to equip historically underrepresented student populations with skills, experiences, and academic practices that assist them in achieving their educational goals. Student Success also offers a childcare assistance program for students who qualify! 

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations, academic, and career counseling for students. Disclosure of a disability to college officials is not required unless requesting accommodations.  

TESTING SERVICES  

Contact the Testing Center with questions or scheduling information for the TSIA2 placement exam, CLEP, GED, TEAS, or exams that must be proctored for NCTC courses. Email your closest NCTC Testing Center at Corinth Testing, Denton Testing, Flower Mound Testing, Gainesville Testing, Bowie Testing, or Graham Testing.

EARLY ALERT AND CARES

Faculty and staff may refer students who are struggling academically as an Early Alert in an effort to provide needed intervention and support services. Students submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by their Advisor/Success Coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful success strategies. Our Academic Recovery programs can also help you get back on track from Academic Probation or Suspension. We want our students to finish strong!

Additionally, the NCTC CARES Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success but also their emotional and physical well-being. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which 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. Download our Campus Safety app, and if you feel there is an immediate threat to your welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

FINANCIAL AID  

The Office of Financial Aid provides students with guidance regarding state and federal financial assistance, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Veteran’s Benefits. Students who have exemptions or tuition waivers will also work with the

Financial Aid Office to have these funds applied to their accounts. The NCTC Scholarship Office provides local scholarship opportunities through an online application process and our Business Office has payment plan options. Be sure to review all of the ways you can Pay for College or request assistance through our Emergency Aid fund.  

TRANSCRIPTS AND REGISTRAR SERVICES  

The Registrar’s Office is here to help if you have transfer coursework, AP, or CLEP test credit to be applied to your NCTC transcript, need to request official transcripts, or have questions about a course withdrawal. They also work with our Advising and Graduation Offices to make sure you have all the credits you need to graduate from NCTC!

LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Once you have purchased any required textbooks, access codes, and other supplies through the NCTC Bookstore or other textbook resource, then visit one of our NCTC Libraries for access to scholarly books, media, online databases, study guides, as well as a free Laptop and Calculator Loaner program! Contact our NCTC Library through their Ask a Librarian form or visit with one of our very helpful librarians in person during their campus hours. 

Students needing support for online classes and/or with Canvas specifically can visit our eLearning site for helpful tips or submit a ticket for Canvas support.  For any other technical issues related to your OneLogin or accessing your needed technology on or off campus, please contact our ITS (Information Technology Services) Help Desk! 

STUDENT LIFE

Enrich your life at NCTC by participating in the opportunities NCTC has to offer for you! 

Get involved with Student Government Association to help improve the student experience.  Connect with students and employee advocates within your Affinity Group.  Gain leadership skills by joining an Honor Society like the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success or Phi Theta Kappa! Make friends in a Student Organization, if your interest is not on the list, learn how to create your own.  Study Abroad and yes, payment plans are available.  Download the NCTC App to learn about upcoming activities, communicate with other students and get immediate updates and feedback about all things NCTC! Learn about additional student resources as well as your rights and responsibilities through your Student Handbook. 

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.

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 

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 a handbook.)
  • Consider the quality (and effort) of required drafts, notes, and daily assignments.
  • Turn in writing 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.

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.

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.

Timely Care. Get on-demand support from counselors, doctors, nurse practitioners, and more. For more information, refer to this handout.

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.

Writing Assignments: All major writing assignments are required.  If you fail to turn in one of the major tasks, you cannot pass the course. Additionally, evidence of the writing process must be presented before any final draft is accepted. No final essay will be accepted without evidence of the drafting and revision process. I reserve the right to administratively drop any student who does not submit all major assignments.

Mental Health Challenges and Crises Addendum: There are five steps that I’d like you to take in the instance of having a major mental health crisis: 

1. Reach out to medical professionals both on campus and outside of it. Please choose a possible mental health emergency contact (just someone you might be able to call on) and make note of that person in your journal. If you don't have that person, let me know.
2. Reach out to me: I am here for you. Please call/ text me asap. You can always approach me to discuss any challenges you might be facing. Our discussions will remain confidential unless I am uncertain about your safety. I am willing to provide flexibility when necessary.
3. Communicate directly with your advisor, me, or your emergency contact or the dean of your college about your current mental state. It is okay to ask for help.
4. Here are some of the accommodations I can make for you in the event of a mental health crisis: extended deadlines, alternate assignment options, or makeup exams/work. These are not all of them, and I am willing to work with you to find what works best for your situation.
5. Focus whole-heartedly on your recovery. You matter more than grades. 

Peer Support: Try to join affinity groups on campus or make friends with your peers. I understand that this is easier said than done. However, it will require you being more open to group assignments and socialization when opportunities arise in class. You cannot have old friends you can rely on without establishing new ones. handout Download handout.

Self-Care Reminders: Remember the importance of self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy, staying active, and taking breaks when needed. If you ever need a class break, please don't hesitate to contact me. NCTC provides no cost mental health services to NCTC students through Timely Care: https://www.nctc.edu/timelycare