ENGLISH 1302                     COMPOSITION II COURSE SYLLABUS

 Prerequisite

Enrollment in ENGL 1302 requires credit for ENGL 1301, or its equivalent, with at least a grade of “C.”  Instructor will verify.

 Course Description

ENGLISH 1302is a continuation of English 1301 with emphasis on analysis of readings in prose fiction.  Students will use literary elements to interpret short fiction.

 Course Objectives

The goals of Composition II are to promote

• Critical thinking, reading, and writing within an intercultural context;
• Clear, coherent, confident, and effective communication;
• Collaborative  learning;
• Literary analysis.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of English 1302, students should be able to

• Think, read, and write critically;
• Effectively use referential (interpretive/analytical) writing;
• Critically analyze fiction;
• Appreciate and understand how the elements of fiction work together.

 Student Learning Outcomes

• Analyze and discuss parts of short story and how they relate to the story as a whole
• Write objectively, concisely and analytically about short stories
• Discuss central idea, character, conflict, setting, point of view, language and tone of short story
• Relate elements of fiction to short story as a whole

 Core Curriculum Outcomes

• Content – Uses compelling and relevant content to illustrate mastery of the subject.
• Organization – Presents information in a unified and coherent manner.  Thesis clearly stated and supported.
• Sources and Evidence – Effectively utilizes a wide variety of relevant and credible materials with exceptional citations (when required).
• Writing Conventions (grammar/spelling/usage/punctuation/formatting) – Uses language that communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency.

English Discipline Requirements

This course will focus on seven elements of fiction: central idea, character, conflict, point of view, setting, language, and tone.  These elements will be incorporated into five to seven writing assignments, varying in length from 200-1000 words (for a minimum total of 2500 words) and using either a cumulative or single-element approach.  To qualify for the Departmental Exam, in at least one paper students must demonstrate their mastery of MLA style for documentation by using parenthetical documentation and providing a list of works cited that contains at least one source other than the primary source.

Grading: Accept/Edit/Revise/Rewrite

All students in all sections must receive “Accepted” on the writing assignments to be eligible to receivea Test Permit for taking the Departmental Exam.  Additional assignments are required for the grades of "B" and "A." There are also readings, quizzes, and other activities which affect your grade.  In BLackboard you will find 1) a class activity schedule (calendar) with deadlines and 2) specific written guidelines for each assignment.

 Your final grade will be determined by the grade level you complete.  Each paper will be marked "ACCEPTED," "EDIT," "REVISE," or"REWRITE."   (You may submit only one paper at a time:  when one is ACCEPTED, you may submit the next one.)  In addition, compliance withdeadlines and activities may determine your eligibility for a grade of "B" or "A." 

 ACCEPTED:              The paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment and is relatively free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. 

REVISE:                     The paper needs improvement in style, organization, or development. 

 REWRITE:                The paper does not fulfill the objectives of the assignment.

 To earn a "B,"a student must receive "ACCEPTED" on all work for a "C" plus receive "ACCEPTED" on one of the following papers.  Paper "B" will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "REWRITE" only.    Rewrite must be on a different story.

 (B PAper)  Write an evaluative essay (with clearly stated criteria) on an assigned story. 

Minimum length:  1000 words

 To earn an "A,"a student must receive "ACCEPTED" on all work for both a "C" and a "B" plus receive "ACCEPTED" on one of the following papers.  Paper "A" will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "REWRITE" only.    Rewrite must be on a different story/different stories.

(1)  Write an analytical essay comparing/contrasting two short stories and following guidelines provided by your instructor.  Stress those elements of fiction most important to the central idea.  Minimum length:  1000 words

The Departmental Exam

The Departmental Examwill be taken under supervision in the Testing Center.  Given a story to read, you will write a critical analysis of at least 750 words.  Your instructor will provide you more detailed instructions about the test, which will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "RETEST" only.  If you do not pass on the first try, you may retest once.  Your essay must discuss three of the elements of fiction and must demonstrate the following: 

            •  Coherence, analytical thinking, and an understanding of the story. 

            •  Adherence to stylistic, grammatical, and mechanical conventions. 

Check the deadlines by which you must complete a specific number of assignments or be subject to WITHDRAWAL from the course. 

I do not withdraw students from this class. If you fail to meet the deadlines prior to the Dept Exam, you should drop the class to avoid an F.

Learning Lab Policy for “B” and “A” Papers

Departmental policy allows students to receive only very general assistance writing “B” and “A” papers in Composition I and II.  Examples of such assistance include pre-writing activities and review of writing principles and of grammar and documentation conventions in response to student questions.  In addition, individual faculty are free to prohibit students from seeking specific kinds of or any assistance on the “B” and “A” papers and may do so by sending a memo to the learning labs and by stipulating the restriction in class syllabi.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to 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.

Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities 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.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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 when expressed in classroom discussions.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count toward this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Incompletes

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent 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, we ask that you 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 in order to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all.  Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Use of ACC email

All College email communications to students will be sent to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely faction.  ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACC mail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.  Students are encouraged to check their ACC mail frequently.

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 for 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., 1302)
• 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 your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

Required Text:Analyzing Short StoriesANY EDITION
(You may buy a used copy. You may also check it out of the Riverside Library and/or read it in the library.)

The elements we study: Central Idea | Character|Conflict |Setting | Point Of View | Language| Tone
have chapters in ANALYZING SHORT STORIES. You must read the chapters.
All the stories we read can be found online as linked below.

Paper #1:Central Idea and Character

1. Read these stories: "To Build a Fire" and "The Lottery "
2. Print out these study questions to answer as you read the stories
3. Read Central Idea and Character chapter in ANALYZING SHORT STORIES
4. Read Introduction to Central Idea
5. Watch Introduction to Central Idea(follow link in Videos button)
6. Read and Listen to Introduction to Character
7. Write your journal response in the appropriate place in Blackboard.
8. Take Quiz #1 in the quiz section of Blackboard
9. Write Paper #1. CHOOSE ONE story : 1a. " Death By Scrabble " or 1b ." Tone" . Follow these directions

Paper #2 Conflict

1. Read these stories "The Yellow Wallpaper","A Clean Well Lighted Place"
2. Print out these study questions to answer while you read
3. Read Conflict chapter in ANALYZING SHORT STORIES
4. Read Introduction to Conflict
5. Watch Introduction to Conflict (follow link in Videos button)
6. Read Introduction to Ernest Hemingway
7. Write your journal response in the appropriate place in Blackboard
8. Take Quiz #2 in the quiz section of Blackboard
9. Write Paper #2. CHOOSE ONE assigned story 2a."The Lifestyle" OR 2b." The Cat's of Ulthar". Follow these directions.

Paper #3 : Setting and Point Of View

1. Read these stories: "An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
2. Print out these study questions to answer while you read
3. Read Setting and Point of View chapter in ANALYZING SHORT STORIES
4. LISTEN TO AND READ the character analysis OF WALTER MITTY: at National Public Radio (Audio)
5. Read Introduction to Setting
6. Watch Introduction to Setting (follow link in Videos button)
7. Read Introduction to Point of View
8. Watch Introduction to Point of View (follow link in Videos button)
9. Write your journal response in the appropriate place in Blackboard.
10. Take Quiz #3 in the quiz section of Blackboard
11. Write Paper #3: 3a. "Jealous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot"
    OR 3b."There Will Come Soft Rains" or 3c. "The Open Window". Follow thesePaper #3 directions.

Paper #4: Language

1. Read this story: Araby
2. Print out these study questions to answer while you read: "Araby"
3. Read Language chapter in ANALYZING SHORT STORIES
4. Read Introduction to Language
5. Read Introduction to Literary Criticism: What does it all mean?!
6. Watch Introduction to Language (follow link in Videos button)
7. Read Introduction to James Joyce
8. Write your journal response in the appropriate place in Blackboard.
9. Take Quiz #4 in the quiz section of Blackboard
10. Write Paper #4 "A Haunted House " or "A Ghost Story" . Follow these directions.

Paper #5: Tone Most will be exempt from writing this paper. You still need to read about tone.

1. Read these stories."The Cask Of Amontillado" and "Tobermory"
2. Print out these study questions to answer while you read
3. Read Tone chapter in ANALYZING SHORT STORIES
4. Read Introduction to Tone
5. Watch Introduction to Tone(follow link in Videos button)
6. Write journal response #5 even if you don't write Paper #5.
7. Paper #5 : " The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" Follow these directions.

C LEVEL Assignment : DEPARTMENTAL EXAM

1. Read directions for Departmental Exam
2. Take 2 forms of picture ID and permission slip, found at above link
3. Take Test in any Campus TESTING CENTER.
4. Allow three hours for the exam
   
   After receiving ACCEPTED on the Departmental Exam, you will have earned a "C".
   You must complete the B assignment for a "B" and the B + A Level Assignment for an "A".

B LEVEL Assignment : EVALUATION

1. Read directions forB Level Paper
2. Choose ONE story from the list below:
"Girls in Their Summer Dresses by Irwin Shaw"
"The Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka "
"Appearance by Kate Pearson"

A LEVEL Assignment: COMPARE AND CONTRAST

1. Read directions for A Level Paper
2. Choose ONE PAIR of stories to compare:
A Pair #1: Science Fiction: "26 Monkeys by Kij Johnson" and "The Star by Arthur C Clarke"
A Pair #2: Detective Stories: "The Yellow Face by Sherlock Holmes" and "Murders in the Rue Morgue" by Edgar Alan Poe