ENGLISH 1301--COMPOSITION I COURSE SYLLABUS
Professor: Tina Buck buck@austincc.edu
Office Hours: W 1:30 - 4:30 (or by appointment) Riverside: 9136 Phone: During office hours only: 5122236039
COURSE DESCRIPTION ENGL 1301 - English Composition I (3-3-0)
A study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language, the mechanics of writing, the types of discourse, and research and documentation.
PREREQUISITES
One of the following must apply:
TSI exempt
TSI Assessment Scores: Reading (351); Writing (Essay 4 )
Grade of C or better in Writing Skills 3 (DEVW 0130, 0230, 0330, or 0331) and Reading Skills 3 (DEVR 0320)
Grade of C or better in Writing and Grammar 5 (ESOL 0384) and Reading and Vocabulary 5 (ESOL 0364) or Reading, Writing, and Grammar 4 for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (ESOL 0424).
SUMMARY OF STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
To successfully complete Composition I, students should enter with the following basic skills: critical reading; content development; organization of writing to include an introduction, appropriate thesis, coherent paragraphs, transitions, and a conclusion; grammar, mechanics, and sentence construction; and an initial understanding of documentation of sources.
Here is a link to a list of expectations and skills for students who are enrolling in Composition I: http://www.austincc.edu/english/ExpectationsOfSkills.php
REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS
There are no textbooks to buy. Everything is available online on Blackboard
USE OF ACC EMAIL
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY lonline lectures, readings, quizzes, journals, videos.
ESSAYS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Students will submit at least five essays over the course of the semester, including an essay known as the Departmental Exam, for a total minimum of 4000 words. Instructors will provide specific written guidelines for each assignment and may require part or all of at least one paper to be written under supervision. The Departmental Exam is an exit-level test graded Pass/Fail, which will be written in an ACC Testing Center. DIL, SAS, and Dual Credit students may be allowed other program-approved options.
Students will learn to develop a writing project through multiple drafts.
Essay assignments will achieve at least two rhetorical purposes (expressive, referential, persuasive, and/or literary) using rhetorical strategies such as narration, description, cause/effect, comparison/contrast, definition, illustration, process analysis, and evaluation.
The research process will be a significant focus of the class, with assignments sequenced to build facility with integration of outside source material using MLA format. Early assignments will involve work with one or two sources, building to a more substantial research project (parameters to be determined by individual faculty).
At least one essay will be a textual analysis in which students demonstrate the ability to identify an essay’s purpose, thesis, and rhetorical strategies and evaluate the essay’s effectiveness.
Students will complete the Academic Honesty/Plagiarism Research Tutorial (located at http://library.austincc.edu/help/Tutorials.php), and additional tutorials as assigned by the instruct
REQUIRED: readings, quizzes, journals will affect final grades.
GRADING (See Grading policy)
700-799= C
800-899= B
900-1000=A
You can stop with 799 points after the Departmental Exam. You can also stop with 899 points for a B after the B paper. To make an "A", you will need to do the Dept Exam, B Paper AND A PAper
THE DEPARTMENTAL EXAM
All eligible students must take the departmental exam. Given a selection to read, students will write an interpretive essay of at least 600 words analyzing the selection. The instructor will provide more detailed instructions about the test, which will be evaluated "ACCEPTED," "RETEST," OR “NOT ACCEPTED” only. Students who do not pass on the first try may retest once. Essays must demonstrate the following:
Coherence, analytical thinking, and an understanding of the selection’s thesis, purpose(s), and method(s) of development;
Adherence to stylistic, grammatical, and mechanical conventions of standard written English.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Itt is important to know that The Texas State Legislature passed a bill stating that students who first enroll in public colleges and universities beginning in fall 2007 and thereafter may not withdraw from more than six classes during their undergraduate college career. See ACC Student Handbook for further information.
WITHDRAWALPolicy: I DO NOT WITHDRAW STUDENTS. I DO GIVE “F’S” IF YOU FAIL TO WITHDRAW BY THE LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW. SEE CALENDAR.
AWARDING OF “INCOMPLETE” AS A FINAL GRADE
I DO NOT AWARD INCOMPLETES.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT AND PLAGIARISM
Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty (e.g., cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work). Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as (but not limited to) tests and quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.
Plagiarism can be defined as using the words and ideas of another writer without acknowledging the debt. Plagiarism takes many forms, including the omission of parenthetical citations, the failure to place quotation marks around direct or modified content taken from another source, and another person writing the essay for the student. It is of utmost importance for students to understand that in academic and professional life, plagiarism of any kind is absolutely unacceptable. Therefore, acts of plagiarism, major or minor, may have serious repercussions, which could include a failing grade, expulsion from the class, and/or disciplinary action on the part of the College. Specific policies can be found in individual faculty syllabi; College policies can be found in the ACC Student Handbook.
STUDENT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others both when expressed in classroom discussions or class-related writing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/RATIONALE
The goals of Composition I are to promote
critical thinking, reading, and writing;
clear, coherent, confident, and effective communication;
collaborative writing and learning; and
exposure (through reading or composing) to a range of genres, including genres incorporating visual design elements.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of English 1301, students should be able to
identify rhetorical purposes and methods of organization appropriate to topic, thesis, and audience;
collect, read, analyze, and use information from a wide range of sources;
write a coherent essay observing appropriate grammatical, mechanical, and stylistic conventions;
write competently in the informative, analytical, and persuasive modes;
evaluate, edit, and revise at all stages of the writing process; and
use composing processes as tools for inquiry, as a means to discover and reconsider ideas.
DISCIPLINE/PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following outcomes are developed in all English Composition I students regardless of student age or course location:
expanded critical reading ability;
ability to write to the specifications of a writing assignment in terms of subject, rhetorical purpose, method(s) of organization and length;
ability to form a research question, develop a thesis, locate and select credible sources applicable to the thesis, and write an essay of the specified length that responds to the thesis;
ability to analyze a piece of writing to detail the elements identified in the writing assignment;
ability to evaluate a piece of writing using specified or developed criteria for evaluation;
expanded ability to develop content for an essay and organize writing to include an introduction, appropriate thesis, coherent paragraphs with transitions, and a conclusion; and
expanded ability to use correct grammar and mechanics in every writing task.
GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the general education component of an associate’s degree, students will demonstrate competence in:
Critical Thinking—Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information.
Interpersonal Skills—Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
Personal Responsibilities—Demonstrating effective learning, creative thinking, and personal responsibility.
Technology Skills—Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information.
Written, Oral and Visual Communication—Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.
Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in this policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.
General Provisions: The purpose of this policy is to identify the rights and responsibilities of ACC students, to specify acts prohibited and standards of conduct required, and to set a range of appropriate penalties when rules are violated.
Due Process: College disciplinary procedures respect the due process rights of students.
Emergency Action: Provisions are included to protect the college and members of the college community in emergencies and other instances requiring immediate action. Even in such instances, the college will take reasonable steps to provide for due process.
Administration of Discipline: The campus dean of student services or the appropriate facility administrator shall have primary responsibility for the administration of student discipline. The campus dean of student services works cooperatively with faculty members in the disposition of scholastic violations.
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES (SAS)
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the SAS office on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.
SAFETY STATEMENT
Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs.
Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, students should become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
Please note, students are expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
TESTING CENTER POLICY
Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center. Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide. Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.
To request an exam, one must have:
ACC Photo ID
Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)
Course Number (e.g.,1301)
Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)
Course Section (e.g., 005)
Instructor's Name
Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
STUDENT AND INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/s4/
Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/
ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php
For help setting up ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.
GRADING POLICY:
Journals 100 points 4x 25 points each
Quizzes 200 points 4 x 50 points each
Paper #1 100 points
Paper #2 100 points
Paper #3 100 points
Paper #4 100 points
Department Exam 100 points
B Paper 100 points
A Paper 100 points
-------------------------------------------------
1000 points
AFTER THE DEPARMENT EXAM, YOU MAY STOP WITH A C IN THE CLASS.; TO GET A B THERE IS ONE ADDITIONAL PAPER
TO GET AN A ,YOU MUST COMPLETE THE B PAPER AT AN ACCEPTED LEVEL AND THEN COMPLETE THE A PAPER.
PAPER DESCRIPTIONS:
Paper#1
Expressive/Narration and Description (500-1000 word essay )
Topic: From your journal entry, please write a 1-2 page paper on a place which is important to you. Here are some suggested location types. Make sure you have at least 3 paragraphs including an introduction, a description of the place, and why it is important to you.
Topics: Where We Shop & Dine , That's Entertainment , In The Neighborhood , Where Things Grow ,The Natural World , Institutional Life , Byways ,Gathering Places , Landmarks , Where We Work No Place Like Home
Paper #2
Persuasive/Classification (500-1000 word essay )
Topic: From one of your journal entries, please write a 1-2 page paper convincing the reader of your stand on a political issue. Please use the personal, logical and emotional appeal in your paper. Use the classical argument structure for this paper
Introduction: state thesis
Give one supporting argument
Give another supporting argument
Give another supporting argument
Present and counter at least one possible refutation
Conclusion: Summarize and state your opinion on this issue (which side you agree with). Give evaluation and interpretation that explain how you made your choice.
Sample possible topics:
transgender issues including bathrooms; open carry gun permits; guns on campus; Uber and Lyft fingerprinting issues; rent control in Austin, the next president, distribution of condoms in high school; "no kill animal shelters"; animal testing; protection of endagered species vs. urban growth (e.g. the Barton Springs Salamander), school uniforms; global warming; military response to ISIS; immigration reform; PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON the DEATH PENALTY, ABORTION, MARIJUANA OR EUTHANASIA -- these are overused subjects. Thanks.
Paper #3
Aim: Referential/Interpretive
Mode: Classification and Evaluation (500-1000 words)
Topic: This I Believe- Please choose a quote . In your essay, please explain why the quote embodies "words to live by". You may use any quote, but you must document the author and source of the quote. One source for quotes: http://www.quotationspage.com/
Include a Works Cited page
According to the guidelines for This I Believe, please make sure you CLEARLY STATE a belief .Here is my quote: " I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy." J. D. Salinger (1919 - )
Paper #4
Referential/Classification and Evaluation (1000-1500 words) (3-4 page paper)
Topic: Now is the best of times and the worst of time.
Choose two things you think are great right now and two things you think are not great right now. You will need 4 sources for your paper. Choose sources that confirm your evaluation.
I. Introduction: Explain how this is the best of times and worst of times.
II. State one thing that is good about current times.
Explain and support with information gathered from your research + quote.
State a second good thing about current times
Explain and support with information gathered from your research + quote.
III. Present the “other side”- what you think is “bad” about current times.
Explain two things and support with information gathered from your research.
IV. Conclusion: Summarize
V. Works Cited 5-7 sources listed in PROPER MLA FORMAT
Department Exam- Allow 3 hours for this writing proficiency exam taken in the Testing Center.
The Department Exam must be taken in a Testing Center on any campus. You will be given an essay to read. You will write a 1-2 page paper (700 words) on the computer, analyzing the essay according to these instructions:
Summary
Mention the author and the title of the essay, and then provide a brief summary of the author’s key points. Include an interpretation of the author’s main point, which may be presented either directly or indirectly in the author’s work.
Analysis
The paper needs to include a discussion of the author’s rhetorical purpose (aim) and methods of organization (patterns). Some examples of purpose are expressive, referential (informative, interpretive), persuasive, and literary. Some examples of methods of organization include description, narration, cause and effect, classification, comparison-contrast, and illustration.
Evaluation
Applying established criteria for what constitutes a successful expressive, referential, persuasive, or literary essay, discuss 2-3 specific ways in which this essay is or is not successful. Also discuss whether the chosen methods of organization are effective or not and why.
B Paper 1000-1500 word paper with additional WORKS CITED section including at least four different web sites properly documented in MLA format. Also cite the movie itself in proper MLA format. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA. Only use IMBD for ONE of your sources. Do some research to find reviews of your movie!
1- Go see a movie (or rent one)
2- Write a five paragraph paper evaluating the following:
-Introduce and summarize the movie. PUT THE MOVIE TITLE IN ITALICS OR UNDERLINE IT. DO THIS FOR ALL MOVIE TITLES.
- Name and evaluate the actors/actresses of the movie
- Describe and evaluate the plot of the movie
- State the central idea of the movie and evaluate how well you thing the movie makes its point.
- Give an overall rating (like 1-5) and give your recommendation for the movie.
3 - Do research in support of your evaluation-- Find four movie reviews about the movie you saw.Use quotes from your reviews to back up your opinions.
PLEASE INCLUDE FOUR QUOTATIONS CITED CORRECTLY IN MLA FORMAT.
In other words, if you evaluate the actor in paragraph 2 and say --John Travolta did an excellent job playing the lead role of a petty gangster in Get Shorty... follow that with a quote that states ... According to Gene Siskel, "Travolta redeemed himself with his role as ___. Rather than see him as the disco dancing dude from Saturday Night Fever, Travolta stretched himself as both a tragic and comic actor in his role in Get Shorty" (Siskel 1). Continue this throughout your paper, supporting your opinions with expert opinions from your research (movie reviews).
4- List your sources in proper MLA format in your works cited section.
USE A Works Cited GENERATOR. DON'T TRY TO CREATE YOUR WORKS CITED ENTRIES BY YOURSELF!
A Paper: A paper of 1000-2000 words including an additional Works Cited section in proper MLA format. Include direct quotes from the texts that use proper MLA in line citation style. A LIST OF ESSAYS TO CHOOSE FROM WILL BE PROVIDED
A Paper Instructions
Please choose one essay (choices listed below) and search the World Wide Web and find an article on a similar subject. For example, if you choose the article on coffee, you might find another article on the history of beer or chocolate.
Then write a paper comparing and contrasting the two articles in terms of their use of the Aims and Modes and central ideas.
Have a works cited section where you list the reference for both essays. Also use proper MLA format for the quotes in your paper.
The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known asthe Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federallaw, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC PoliceDepartment by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.