SYLLABUS
Engl& 101 – English Composition I
Fall 2013
Instructor: Brent Todd Office: R-230 E-mail: btodd@bellevuecollege.edu Office Hours: By appointment |
Literature
and the Writing Process (7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th edition), Elizabeth McMahan et al.
("LWP"),
and A Writer’s Reference (4th,
5th, 6th, or 7th edition), Diana Hacker
("WR"),
are required. The earlier editions work just as well as the later ones for this
class. I also recommend The American Heritage College Dictionary,
4th edition. You can find all of these books at low prices by
entering the titles in searches at http://www.amazon.com/
or http://www.google.com/
.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In
this class you will be expected to improve your critical thinking and writing
by: (a) analyzing and discussing writing of classmates and professional
writers, (b) studying the fundamentals of the craft of writing and grammar, (c)
working as a member of a team on some assignments, (d) reading and taking
well-organized notes on a large number of stories, essays, and poems, (e)
taking detailed notes on class discussions, and (f) writing a lot. It’s not a
“warm body” class (one where you receive a passing grade for simply showing up).
You learn by doing and participating with others.
I
expect you to not only read and understand all the assigned reading, but to
question and evaluate it, and make well-reasoned arguments of your own in
response to it. The reading will be challenging (it‘s supposed to be). You
won't be able to cram. You will need to complete all reading assignments on
time in accordance with the class Calendar, and take thoughtful and well-organized
notes on the reading assignments and class discussions (you will lose points if
you don't). Your ability to complete the reading assignments on time,
understand what you read, and efficiently organize your notes on the reading
will be graded. The Calendar tells you the dates for tests and reading and
writing assignments. I may occasionally remind you of an upcoming test or
assignment, but you will be responsible for what's in the Calendar whether I
remind you or not.
Conduct
yourself in class the way you would if you were a new employee in a company you
hope to build a successful career with. Treat the class as a training ground
for a successful career (that is what it actually is). Bring a notebook and
pencil to class and take notes on class discussions every day. Take
responsibility for checking the Calendar often and completing all reading and
writing assignments on time. Come to class every day wide awake and fully
prepared to explain and discuss what you have been required to read. Actively
participate in class workshops and discussions. The effort you make to
consistently conduct yourself in a professional manner will open more doors in
the real world than you might suspect (that is why it will be graded in this
class).
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS,
PRESENTATION, AND PARTICIPATION
The
maximum possible points are set forth below:
2 SEs (Short Essays) |
150 each |
|
5 Grammar Tests |
50 each |
Paper 1 |
125 |
|
SEP Test (Stories,
Essays, Poems) |
150 |
Paper 2 |
250 |
|
Presentation |
100 |
English Journal |
100 |
|
Participation |
100 |
Writing Assignments & Tests The writing
assignments (SEs, Papers, and English Journal) and tests (Grammar and SEP) are
described in handouts posted in the Canvas class website. Go to
bc.instructure.com and log in to Canvas, then click the link to this class, then
click the Canvas_101_Fall 2013 folder. You can print the handouts in the
Writing Lab or Computer Lab (see “Resources” on page 3 of this Syllabus). The Calendar
tells you when: (a) writing assignments
are due, (b) tests are given, and (c) assigned reading should be completed. The
Calendar also tells you which grammar lessons to study in WR and Canvas/Grammar
before the “Grammar Reading” dates, and which stories, essays, and poems to
study in Canvas/SEP before the “SEP Reading” dates. Six grammar tests will be
given (the low grade will be dropped). Two SEP Tests will be given (the low
grade will be dropped).
Presentation At the end of the quarter you will be a
member of a Study Group (SG) that will make a “presentation” to the class based
on what we have done in class throughout the quarter. Your SG will be
responsible for conducting the class for approximately 45 minutes. We will
discuss the assignment in more detail in class. Most SGs elect to have the
entire SG receive the same grade, but you will have the option to be
individually graded. If you are absent
on the day scheduled for the presentation, you won’t be able to make it up.
Participation Your
Participation grade will be based on attendance, punctuality, timely completion
of assignments, academic honesty, attitude, and overall contribution to the
class, but attendance and punctuality will be heavily weighted. Absences will
be counted from the first day of the quarter, whether you are registered or
not. All absences will be counted, including those that occur for good reasons.
The first 3 absences will not cause point deductions, but 5 points will be
deducted for each subsequent absence. A 10th absence will automatically cause
you to receive an F for the class. If you come late or leave early, you will be
marked absent and treated as being absent for all purposes. The following chart
provides an example to clarify the consequences of coming late, leaving early,
or missing class entirely, and shows that if you come late or leave early you
will be treated as being absent:
If this happens this is the consequence
You
miss the first 4 days of the quarter because you are sick or traveling, or getting
married, or working on an important project, or for any other reason. |
All
4 absences are marked in my roster. The first 3 don’t cause point deductions,
but 5 points are deducted for the fourth absence. |
The
next day you arrive late. The day after that, you leave early. You have a
good reason each time. |
Two
absences are marked in my roster, and 5 points are deducted for each. |
You
miss 2 more classes. Then you arrive late one day and leave early another
day. You have a good reason each time. |
Four
absences are marked, increasing your total to 10. This causes you to
automatically receive an F for the class. |
The
calculation of your participation grade will be a 3-step process, as
follows: (a) you will begin with 85 out
of 100 possible participation points, (b) points may be added for extraordinary
positive contributions and deducted for negative behavior (attitude, effort,
and teamwork will be taken into account), and (c) points will be deducted for
“absences” as described above, with 10 “absences” automatically causing you to
receive a final grade of F for the class.
The “Format Requirements
Handout” in Canvas/Miscellaneous lists the format requirements for the SEs and Papers.
Work that doesn’t comply will have points deducted (and may not be accepted).
POLICIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS
Due Dates
Each
writing assignment is due in hardcopy form at the beginning of class on the day
shown in the Calendar (if attending class on an assignment due date is
impossible, send the assignment by e-mail—it will be deemed turned in on time
only if it arrives on my computer by the beginning of class on the due date). Deadlines
are important. Late assignments are generally not accepted. Make-up tests are
generally not given. If you believe extraordinary circumstances make it
appropriate and fair to both you and your classmates for you to turn in a late
assignment or take a make-up test, notify me as soon as possible, and I will
decide what is appropriate and fair. You normally won’t be able to make up more
than one missed assignment or test under any circumstances. Any late assignment
that is accepted, and any make-up test that is allowed, may receive a
significantly reduced grade, which may be
lower than the lowest grade earned by any student who turns the assignment in
on time or takes the test on the scheduled date.
Plagiarism & Cheating You are required to read “Plagiarism: What It
is and How to Recognize and Avoid It.” http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
Plagiarism occurs whenever you use
another's words or ideas, and represent or imply that they are your own.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses that will result in severe
penalties and may significantly adversely affect your grade and permanent
record. The first offense will result in a grade of "0" for the
assignment or test and may result in a “0” participation grade. A further
offense will result in more severe measures, which may include an "F"
for the class and dismissal from the college. BC subscribes to a plagiarism
detection service.
Electronic Devices Cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices
must be closed and turned off at all times during class unless I specifically
and expressly authorize you to turn them on. You will generally be authorized
to turn them on only when the class is divided into SGs that are working on a
team assignment (but you must still receive specific and express
authorization). Failure to comply with this requirement may, inter alia, result in your removal from
class and/or being treated as absent for the day.
Disruptive/Disrespectful Behavior You are
required to demonstrate respect for your classmates and instructor at all times
during class. Disruptive behavior and disrespectful behavior are both
prohibited. Examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to,
the following: (1) standing when your
classmates are sitting, (2) engaging in a private side conversation, (3) making
private side comments, (4) resting your head on your desk, (5) eating during
class, (6) having a cell phone, laptop, or other electronic device turned on without
specific and express authorization, (7) making an obscene or disrespectful
comment or gesture. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior may, inter
alia, result in your removal from class and/or being treated as absent for
the day.
Special Needs Students with disabilities who have
accommodation needs should meet with the Director of the Disability Resource
Center to establish their eligibility for accommodation, and should review
their accommodation needs with me as soon as possible at the beginning of the
quarter.
General Policies The “Student Procedures and Expectations” of
the Arts and Humanities Division apply to this class. http://bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/policy.html
RESOURCES
Writing &
Computer Labs
The Writing Lab (D-204 http://bellevuecollege.edu/asc/writing/
) is an excellent place to get tutoring, and you can type and print assignments
there. You can drop in any time the lab is open, but it is better to make an
appointment at least two days before an essay is due by calling 425-564-2200.
The Computer Lab
http://bellevuecollege.edu/stupro/handbook/programs/programs106.html
N-250)
is another good place to type and print assignments. Hey, your tuition and fees cover these
resources, so why not use them? Get some one-on-one help with your essays and
let BC pick up your printing tab.
How to Contact Me The best way to contact me is by e-mail at
the address indicated above. I usually check it every weekday and send prompt
replies acknowledging receipt (if you don’t hear from me within 24 hours you
should assume your message didn’t go through). You can also leave a voicemail
message at 425-564-2049.
Help is here if you
need it The rules are intended to make sure the
class is fair and runs smoothly for everybody.
If any problems arise, please let me know right away so I can help you
find a solution. I’ll do all I can to
help you succeed.
If
conditions occur that may cause the campus to close (e.g., a flu epidemic) check the BC homepage www.bellevuecollege.edu and the
Announcements folder in the Canvas class website for information.
Writing Responsibility
Your responsibility with respect to each writing assignment includes the
following:
1. Use a prewriting strategy (e.g., brainstorm, cluster, and outline)
to find a “main idea” and sort out the pieces it is comprised of.
2. Complete a 1st draft as soon as possible (don’t get bogged down
writing the introduction – you will rewrite it anyway as you come to understand
more clearly what you are trying to say).
3. Let your 1st draft sit a while (Hemingway called this a “cooling
out” period). When you come back with fresh eyes you will see your idea more
clearly and objectively.
4. Revise. Revise. Revise. This involves a lot more work than most
people realize. The first draft is for you (figure out what you think).
The revision is for your readers (explain to them as clearly, concisely,
and precisely as you can). Fixing a few punctuation errors and improving a few
sentences is not enough. You need to rethink the whole project from top to
bottom. Ask yourself questions such as these: Is the main idea clear and
insightful? Are the paragraphs in the best order? Are the transitions clear?
Does each sentence follow so logically and clearly from the one that precedes
it that readers feel they are seeing a single idea unfold? Are the steps from
sentence to sentence small enough? Are there enough specific and concrete
details for readers to “see” the idea instead of being “told”? Are you “writing
small”? Can sentences be tightened? Does each sentence support the main idea?
5. As you revise, sketch brief outlines from time to time to make
sure you say everything that needs to be said, don’t say anything twice,
include each logical step, stay on topic, and provide enough details.
6. Understand what an “essay map” is, and use one in the introduction
if appropriate.
7. During revision be willing to modify your main idea and your
strategy for explaining it. Let the writing process help you understand more
clearly and precisely what you are trying to say. Allow yourself the freedom to
change your views.
8. Weed out grammar mistakes. Apply the grammar concepts you are
learning in class. Revise one last time ignoring content and looking only at verb
tense.
9. Find a way to be genuinely excited about the insight you are
trying to explain.
10. Turn each assignment in on time.
Reading Responsibility
Your responsibility with respect to each reading assignment includes the
following:
1. Complete the reading in advance. Read everything at least
twice: once for details and a second
time for the big picture. Read for content, but also study the craft (how the
sentences and paragraphs are constructed). Pay attention to everything from
punctuation to overall organization.
2. Don’t just pass your eyes over the words, but understand and
remember their content well enough to explain it to others and argue against
it.
3. Question what you read. Have specific reasons for agreeing or
disagreeing with the ideas expressed, and for liking or disliking the way they
are expressed.
4. Post-it note key pages, underline key sentences, and write notes
in the margins. Do these things to help you organize and clarify your thoughts.
Class Discussion
Responsibility Your
responsibility with respect to class discussion includes the following:
1. Listen to, analyze, and evaluate what others say, and respect
their right to express their ideas.
2. Develop insights, claims, and arguments of your own, and share
them with the class.
3. Be a team player (make an effort to contribute to the discussion
without dominating it).
Study Group
Responsibility Your responsibility with respect to your SG
includes the following:
1. Be prepared. Do the reading in advance. Participate fully and
cooperatively in all SG assignments. Take responsibility for making sure all
assignments are finished on time.
2. Stay on task during discussions, and take responsibility for
making them worthwhile.
3. Help create a comfortable atmosphere that encourages everyone to
share ideas. Listen carefully. Be aware of non-verbal cues (yours and those of
others). Don’t allow one or two people to dominate a discussion or a SG
assignment.
4. Follow the “golden rule” (treat others the way you want to be treated).
5. Make arrangements to contact members of your SG regarding work
outside class (e.g., exchange e-mail addresses and telephone numbers).
Other Expectations
You are also expected to improve your ability to do the following:
1. Read college-level material written by a variety of writers.
2. See relationships and implications.
3. Learn to read in different ways for different purposes.
4. Make claims and support them with quoted passages and explanation
that uses logical reasoning.
5. Understand the difference between (a) fact and opinion,(b) subject
and object, and (c) subjective and objective.
6. Use advanced sentence techniques such as parallelism and
subordination.
7. Understand how to use topic sentences in paragraphs.
8. Understand what an essay is, and what its elements are (thesis,
purpose, audience, development, organization, coherence, diction, voice, and
tone).
9. Understand that writing is a process comprised of steps
(prewriting, writing, organizing, outlining, and revising).
10. Understand that the writing process is flexible (the steps are not
always the same, and are not always taken in a fixed order).
Arts
& Humanities Division Policy Regarding Values Conflicts Essential to a liberal arts education is an
open-minded tolerance for ideas and modes of expression that might conflict
with one’s personal values. By being exposed to such ideas or
expressions, students are not expected to endorse or adopt them but rather to
understand that they are part of the free flow of information upon which higher
education depends. To this end, you may find that class requirements may
include engaging certain materials, such as books, films, and art work, which
may, in whole or in part, offend you. These materials are equivalent to
required texts and are essential to the course content. If you decline to
engage the required material by not reading, viewing, or performing material
you consider offensive, you will still be required to meet class requirements
in order to earn credit. This may require responding to the content of
the material, and you may not be able to fully participate in required class
discussions, exams, or assignments.