SYLLABUS
English 101 – English
Composition I
Winter 2013
|
Instructor: Brent Todd Office: R-230 E-mail: btodd@bellevuecollege.edu Office Hours: By appointment |
Literature
and the Writing Process (7th, 8th, or 9th edition), Elizabeth McMahan et al.
("LWP"),
and A Writer’s Reference (4th,
5th, 6th, or 7th edition), Diana Hacker
("WR"),
are required. I also recommend The
American Heritage College Dictionary, 4th edition. I have found
the following websites useful for buying all three books at a low price: http://www.abebooks.com
and http://www.bestwebbuys.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 www.bellevuecollege.edu and log in to
Canvas, then click the link to this class, then click the Canvas_101_Winter
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 (B-132) 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. 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.