Syllabus
English Composition I

Syllabus Sections

Publish Date

06/19/2019 11:01:59

English Composition I

ENGL-1301

Credit Fall 2019
08/26/2019 - 12/15/2019

Course Information

Section 003
Lecture
T 12:00 - 13:15
RG30 3302
Judy Sanders

Section 052
Lecture
Th 12:00 - 13:20
RG30 3302
Judy Sanders

Section 135
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Judy Sanders

Section 155
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Judy Sanders

Office Hours

  • T Th
    9:00 - 12 noon
    RGC BLD 3000 #3120
  • W
    9:00 - 11am
    RGC BLD 3000 #3120

Course Requirements

Course:

Composition I Online
English 1301

Online orientation: email your instructor the following statement during the first week of class: "I have read the Engl 1301 syllabus and understand my responsibilities in the course. I will receive the course schedule when I email this orientation statement to my professor."

I do not use Blackboard.

Instructor: Dr. Judy Sanders (jsanders@austincc.edu)


Contact Information:

Office: Rio Grande Campus
Attache 110

Address: 1212 Rio Grande
Austin, Texas 78701

Telephone: (512) 223-3249
Fax: (512) 223-3049


Text:

Purpose, Pattern and Process
The Bedford Handbook


Course Description:

Online Composition I is the study of rhetorical purposes such as persuasive, referential and expressive. It also involves the study of patterns of writing such as description, narration, evaluation and comparison/contrast. An emphasis in the course is on process so students revise papers until they are free of errors and meet the paper assignment requirements. This 3-credit course is transferable and is a requirement for many majors.

Course outcomes: Students will be able to identify purpose and pattern of essays as well as write papers with a stated purpose and pattern. Students will be able to develop papers with a thesis and paragraphs to develop thesis.

Course Objectives: The goals of Engl 1301 are to promote critical thinking, reading and writing, clear, coherent communication and collaborative learning.

PREREQUISITE: Students must have a score of 4 and 340 on the Writing portion of Assessment  and 340 on objective portion, be TSI exempt or complete or have credit for Dev Writing 0330 to be enrolled in Engl 1301.Students will be withdrawn who do not have the prerequisite.


WARNING!

Your greatest enemies in this course are time (the passing of which you can do nothing about) and procrastination (which you absolutely must avoid or you will surely not succeed). If you are not prepared to work everyday on this course, even though there are no classroom meetings, be advised to withdraw from it.


Orientation:

Students must email orientation within first 7 days of class.

Online orientation: "I have read Engl 1301online syllabus and understand my responsibilities in the course. I will receive current schedule when I email this statement to my professor."


Incomplete Policy:

Incompletes are given only in cases of extreme and documented emergency and at the discretion of the instructor. Only when the student and the instructor have signed an Incomplete Form can an Incomplete be recorded.


Grades and Grading:

Your final grade will be determined by the grade level you complete, not by the average on your papers. A grade will not be put on individual writing assignments. Each paper will be marked "ACCEPTED", "REVISE", OR "REWRITE" (You may submit only one paper at a time, when one is accepted you may submit the next one.)

  • ACCEPTED means that the paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment and is free of grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.
  • REVISE means that the paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment but contains errors. You should confer with your instructor, refer to a handbook, or go to Writing Labs before correcting your errors and resubmitting the paper. Highlight all revisionon revised paper. You must avoid similar errors in subsequent papers in order to progress in the course. The revision process is designed to prepare you to meet the final objectives of the course without making serious writing errors.If you must revise a paper more than once, you must got to Writing Lab for assistance form a tutor.
  • REWRITE means that the paper does not fulfill the objectives of the assignment or that the paper contains serious writing errors. You should confer with your instructors before writing another paper.

 


Scholastic Dishonesty Statement:

Expectation:

    1. Academic work submitted by students shall be a result of their own thought, research or expression. Academic work is defined as exams, projects, papers.
    2. When students borrow ideas, wording or organization from another resource, they shall reference it using MLA documentation.

Academic Dishonesty Process:

  1. A faculty member who suspects academic dishonesty reviews the evidence with the student
  2. After conferring with the student, the faculty member will access the penalty.

If you take any information used in your papers from web sites or other students papers, you will be receive a grade of F in the course. All papers in this course must be derived from your own thoughts and analysis of the work being considered.

Check ACC email weekly.

If you have OSD accommodations, submit them to me the first week of class.

 


Turning papers in:

Your grade will be based on how many papers you complete and are accepted. You may turn paper in:

  • At my Office RGC Campus
  • By fax
  • By US mail or inter-campus mail
  • By attachment as a word.doc

You must contact me by phone,email or by coming to my office to find out if a paper is accepted before turning in the next paper. If a paper needs revision, the revisions must be made; the paper must be re-submitted and accepted before the next paper can be submitted. Only one paper can be turned in at a time.I require 48 hours not including weekends to grade a paper.Indicate your section # and paper # when inquiring about status of a paper.

Turn in all papers TYPED AND DOUBLE-SPACED with your name, section number a paper number on a cover sheet. I require 48 hours minimum (not including weekends) to grade a paper.Submit papers as a word doc.

English 1301 is a study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language, the mechanics of writing, documentation .

You will write six (6) papers. When six papers have been accepted, you may take Test C in the Testing Center. When Test C is accepted, you may turn in Paper "B". When the "B' paper is accepted, you may turn in paper "A". Paper "A" must be accepted to earn an "A" in the course. All papers are subject to deadlines listed on the schedule. If you turn in papers after the due dates, you may be unable to make and "A" or "B" in the course.


Test and Paper Due Dates:  Contact Instructor


Papers and Tests


Paper 1

After having read chapters on expressive and narrative writing,write a 500 word expressive/narrative paper. Using first person point of view, tell a story with characters about an event that happened to you that has affected you significantly. Your story will have a conflict and a resolution. It may have dialogue and you will use detail, to make your story vivid and specific. Choose an event that changed you, matured you or made you who you are today. Comment on the significance of the event in your life. Although your language can be informal, you must spell, punctuate and organize using standard English grammar.

A possible format would be:

  • Paragraph 1-brief discussion of event and its significance to you
  • Paragraph 2,3,4-retelling of event in chronological order
  • Paragraph 5-discuss how event affected you
  • Paragraph 6-conclusion with restatement of importance of event

Paper 2

After reading chapters on referential and descriptive writing, write a 500 word paper that is an informative description or definition. You will focus on giving information in a factual, objective manner and describing your subject clearly and thoroughly.Do NOT research assignment

1. Choose a subject you are familiar with from work, hobbies or an academic course.

2. You will describe your subject to an audience that has never seen or has no knowledge of it.

DO NOT USE FIRST PERSON, 2nd person OR GIVE PERSONAL OPINIONS. Do not write a process or how-to paper.

3. Divide subjects into parts and describe each part.

A possible format:

  • Paragraph 1 brief description of subject
  • Paragraph 2,3,4 description of several major aspects of topics
  • Paragraph 5 conclusion that sums up key aspects of subject

Paper 3

After reading chapters on referential writing and on analysis, write a 500-600 word paper in which you analyze a MAGAZINE article.

1. Choose an article in a magazine and identify the title of the article, title of the magazine and the article's author in the introductory paragraph. Magazine titles are italicized and article titles are in quotes.

2. In a thesis statement, state the main point made in the article and major supporting evidence for the main point. Underline your thesis statement.

3. The body of your paper contains a development of the aspects of the article that support your thesis.

4. In a paragraph, identify the PURPOSE (expressive, persuasive or referential) of the article you read. Give a characteristic of the purpose (referential: informs, objective, factual, precise; expressive: 1st person, feelings, opinions, experiences, informal language; persuasive: influences reader's action or opinions) and an example of the characteristic.

5. In a separate paragraph, discuss if author effectively develops his purpose. Give 2 examples to support your evaluation.

6. Do not give opinion or use first person in an analysis. Remember to put quotation marks around titles of magazine articles and italicize titles of magazines.

7. Turn in article with paper.


A possible paper structure:

  • Paragraph 1-main point made in article
  • Paragraph 2-discussion of one point made in the article with examples and quotes
  • Paragraph 3-discussion of another point made in the article with examples and quotes
  • Paragraphs 4 -purpose with characteristic of purpose and example of characteristic
  • Paragraph 5- discussion of whether author was effective in achieving purpose
  • Paragraph 6-sum up points and how they contribute to the article's thesis

Paper 4


After reading chapters on persuasion and evaluation, write a 500-600 word paper in which you review a book, concert, movie or restaurant.

1. You will be making a judgment on the quality of your subject and convincing your reader to agree with your judgment by giving evidence to support your evaluation. Underline a thesis which is a statement of your position on the worth of your subject. Discuss at least 3 criteria in introduction.

2. You must back up all opinions with specific examples that support whatever you say about your subject.

3. If you do a book or movie review, be sure to evaluate your topic and not write a plot summary. In a book review, look at characterization, writing style and setting, for example. In a movie review, evaluate acting, casting, cinematography, music, historical accuracy (if applicable), special effects (if applicable).

4. Do not use second person (you) in review.

You may want to read movie, concert, book and restaurant reviews in the local paper for examples of this type of writing.

A possible structure:

  • Paragraph 1-thesis is which you state your judgment of subject and at least 3 different reasons for your judgment
  • Paragraph 2-discuss with examples a reason for your evaluation
  • Paragraph 3 discussion and example of a reason for your evaluation
  • Paragraph 6-sum up evidence and restate your thesis

Paper 5

Write a 1000-1500 word research paper that is referential informative and uses classification as an organizing pattern. Use MLA 8 for documentation.

1. You must have at least 5 sources which may be books, journals, newspapers, brochures or encyclopedias. Three sources can be internet.

2. Choose for a topic a city or physical or emotional disease that interests you.

3. You will be giving information on your topic in objective and thorough manner (referential and informative) and organizing your paper into different categories (classification).

4. Paper 5 is similar to paper 2 except researched. Your paper must have a minimum of 5 paragraphs which will include an introduction, 3 separate paragraphs of discussion of parts of your topic and a conclusion. You must have a topic statement in your first paragraph which you underline. Include a cover page with your name, paper title and paper number.

5. You must use the MLA 8 system of documentation and have at least one citation for each of your sources. Your sources will be listed in the bibliography (works cited ) using MLA 8 format( see assigned pages in Handbook). You must document (cite) all specific information whether quoted or paraphrased that you use in your paper.

A possible paper format:

  • Paragraph 1--thesis and points to be made about subject
  • Paragraph 2--discussion of one point about topic
  • Paragraph 3--discussion of another point about topic
  • Paragraph 4--discussion of another point about topic
  • Paragraph 5--sum up points and relate them to thesis statement

Examples online works cited entry:

Sheppard,Lisa."Fathers Involvement Shows Positive Outcomes." Urban Programs                    Source.University of Illinois,April.2001.Urbanlives.com

"Why Fathers Are Getting Custody."Trends in Parenting. pg. 42 ,May 2014. Parenting.com

Grist, Stephanie. "Program Offers Help for Fathers." Austin American Statesman

       27April 1999:E4.InfoTrac Newspapers. April 2014. Austin- American.com

Example of citations from online sources:

(Sheppard)

(Why)

(Grist E4)

Print books

Last name, first name of author. Title of Book.Publisher. Date of Publication.

Print magazine

Last name,first name of author."Title of article." Title of magazine or journal. Vol. # or date of issue:pg.#.

Additional information on MLA format can be found at : library.austincc.edu/help/MLA

 


Paper 6

Write a 600 word paper that is persuasive and uses comparison and contrast an an organizing pattern. You will compare two people, places or things and show how one is better than the other.

1. You must use alternation of detail in your comparison and contrast and have at least 3 areas of comparison for your topic. Discuss likenesses and differences of your subject in each paragraph.

2. Underline a thesis in an introductory paragraph, have at least 3 paragraphs of comparison and contrast and a conclusion.

A possible format:

  • Paragraph 1--thesis which states a preference and 3 areas on which to compare and contrast topic
  • Paragraph 2--likeness and differences of one area of comparison
  • Paragraph 3--likeness and differences of another area of comparison
  • Paragraph 4--likeness and differences of another area of comparison
  • Paragraph 5--conclusion that sums up likenesses and differences and restates thesis. 

C Exam


You must have a test permit from instructor to take this test. In the Testing Center, you will be given an essay and instructions on how to analyze the essay. Your analysis will be like paper 3 assignment except you will also be required to discuss pattern used in article. Review purposes and characteristics listed on paper 3 assignment.

  1. You will be asked to discuss the thesis and major points the author makes in the essay.
  2. Additionally, you will discuss with examples how the author develops the essay in terms of the purpose and patterns that were studied in this class (Purposes:expressive, referential, persuasive and Patterns: description, narration, comparison/contrast, classification and evaluation).
  3. Finally, you will be asked to evaluate the quality of the essay and to give examples from the essay to support your evaluation.

You are allowed one retake on Test C and if you retest, you may only work for a C in the course.


Paper B


Write a 800 word paper that is a persuasive evaluation.

  1. Choose a specific person, place or thing to evaluate.
  2. Set up at least 3 stated criteria for judging your subject. Criteria must be general and apply to all members of the class. Example: A good restaurant should be cheap, clean and quiet.
  3. Evaluate the specific subject by the criteria you set up in introduction.

Paper Format:

  • Paragraph 1-Introduce subject and general criteria. Underline a thesis statement
  • Paragraph 2-4 Briefly define a criteria. Give specific examples of how your subject measures up to the criteria.
  • Paragraph 5 Sum up and repeat thesis.

You will receive either an accept or an unaccept on paper B. You may submit another B paper on a different topic if it is not accepted.


Paper A


Write a 1500-2000 word referential/classification research paper. Choose a profession or mental or physical disease or disorder for your topic. You may NOT use the same topic you wrote about on paper 5. If you choose a profession your research must include the following: educational requirements, places where one would be employed, duties, salaries and areas for advancement. You must have 8 sources and at least one citation for each source. Only 5 sources can be from the internet and you may not use Wikapedia as a source. Use MLA 8 format and have a bibliography (works cited), cover sheet and underline a thesis statement in the first paragraph. This paper is like paper 5 except longer and with more sources. You will receive an accepted or unaccepted on the A paper. You may submit another A paper on a different topic if it is not accepted.

*You must meet deadlines on syllabus to work on A and B papers. You have one opportunity to retest.