English 101-327, College Composition I, 3 credits
Tuesday 0930-1050, Laurel 305; Thursday 0930-1050, Laurel 305
William Patrick Wend, Instructor
Office, Laurel Hall 110
Monday/Wednesday 1230-1330
Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 1100-1200
I am primarily in my email during office hours except for Wednesday when I do "EOffice" hours (2100-2200) on Skype. If you send an email after about 1600, there is a good chance I will not answer it until the next morning.
SECTION 1: Course Information
Course Description:
This course develops skills in expository writing. It emphasizes the writing process, organization, methods of development, and diction. It requires a research essay using the MLA documentation format.
Required Texts and other Materials:
Bullock, Richard H., Michal Brody, and Francine Weinberg. The Little Seagull Handbook. New York: W. W. Norton, 2014. Print.
Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel K. Durst. "They Say/I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, with Readings. 3rd ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 2015. Print.
Course Learning Outcomes ~ By the end of English 101, you should be able to:
Apply the writing process: invent, draft, revise and edit using the conventions of academic writing.
Analyze and synthesize textual evidence to produce academic writing with attribution.
Express thoughts logically, clearly and coherently in a variety of essays.
Compose an argumentative research essay using MLA format.
General Education Outcomes:
Written and Oral Communication: Communication
* Students will logically and persuasively support their points of view or findings.
*Students will communicate meaningfully with a chosen audience while demonstrating critical thought.
*Students will conduct investigative research which demonstrates academic integrity, originality, depth of thought, and mastery of an approved style of source documentation
Society and Human Behavior: Social Science
*Students will demonstrate a general knowledge of political, social and economic concepts and systems and their effects on society.
Technological Competency or Information Literacy: Technology
*Students will demonstrate competency in office productivity tools appropriate to continuing their education.
* Students will use critical thinking skills for computer-based access, analysis, and presentation of information.
*Students will exhibit competency in library online database tools appropriate to accessing information in reference publications, periodicals and bibliographies.
*Students will demonstrate the skills required to find, evaluate, and apply information to solve a problem.
Global and Cultural Awareness: Diversity
* Students will be able to explain how communication and culture are interrelated.
Ethical Reasoning and Action
* Students will analyze and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives on an ethical issue or a situation.
Core Course Content:
Grammar
Brief review of parts of speech
Fragments, comma splices, and fused sentences
Prepositional phrases, main clauses, and subordinate clauses
Comma rules
Semicolons and conjunctive adverbs, colons, hyphens, and apostrophes
Subject-verb agreement and consistent tenses
Pronoun usage and agreement
Writing
Brief review of the components of a body paragraph (topic sentence, supporting details, restated topic sentence/concluding sentence)
Components of an essay (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)
Creating specific and articulate theses
Supporting the central idea by using effective personal examples
Supporting the central idea by using textual evidence
Identifying subject, audience, and purpose
Creating unity via usage of transitional words and phrases, key terms etc.
Paraphrasing verses quoting and parenthetical citations (MLA)
The Reading/Writing connection
Annotating a text for understanding
Summarizing a text by identifying the main idea and key supporting details
Responding to a text via written and oral analysis
Identifying and discussing the writer’s purpose when reading texts
Identifying and discussing effective writing strategies by reading applicable texts
Collecting and synthesizing evidence from texts in order to write persuasive essays
Research
Utilizing electronic databases to locate articles
Blending quotations into written analyses
Constructing correct Works Cited pages
SECTION 2: Course Information
Course and Classroom Policies:
ATTENDANCE: The following Board-approved Attendance Policy will be enforced. Students are required to attend all class sessions for the full duration of each such instructional session. Grade penalties for absences will be imposed when a student exceeds a ten-percent absence rate (in the case of 15-week English 101 courses, starting with the third absence). The policy can be accessed at http://my.bcc.edu/PDFFiles/Human%20Resources/Policy%20No%20206%20Academic%20Attendance%20Policy%2006
Student attendance is important. Students are expected to attend every session unless there is a legitimate reason for them missing class. Failure to regularly attend a class a class like this like this will greatly impede student success. Your grades will be determined by your writing, but attendance and what you contribute to the course are crucial. If you do not attend class or contribute actively, you are unlikely to comprehend the course material well enough to pass the course. Leaving early, without prior permission, is considered disrespectful and will not be tolerated. I will not tolerate frequent lateness. If this is a morning class and the student has difficulties staying awake or showing up on time, I would strongly suggest finding another section of this course to take.
Special Note for Students Receiving Financial Aid and/or Veterans Aid: Attendance will be reviewed by Financial Aid and Veterans Aid programs, and benefits will be contingent upon compliance with the program’s regulations. (Updated Spring 2014 by AL, SL, BL, VC With Administrative Addition Fall 2014)
COMMUNICATION: Students are responsible for communicating with instructors within 48 hours following a missed class to make arrangements for the completion of course requirements not completed due to absence. If a student does not communicate within 48 hours as stated above, the student forfeits his or her right to receive the missed work, and such assignment grades will be entered as zeroes.
PLAGIARISM (see Academic Integrity Policy, below) will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Be aware that plagiarism includes (but is not limited to) copying someone else’s words without crediting the source; paraphrasing someone else’s words without crediting the source; using someone else’s ideas without crediting the source (even if rephrased in your own words); using facts not universally known which are obtained from a source without crediting the source; asking someone else to write your paper, either in whole or in part; or obtaining a paper or portion thereof by any means and submitting it as an original document. The penalty for plagiarism is failure of the assignment and potentially failure of the course (at the instructor’s discretion), and it may result in suspension or expulsion from the College (at the discretion of the Student Affairs Committee)..
Assessment Methods:
Professional Email Assignment 5%
Citation Practice 5%
Source Blend 5%
Event Report 5%
Time Management Paper 10%
Reflections On Writing Paper 15%
Grammar Paper 15%
Term Paper 25%
Course Contribution 10%
=100%
There Is No Extra Credit
Criteria for meeting grade determination are as follows:
A: Meeting course goals by demonstrating perceptive understanding of readings and course concepts; excellence and originality in compositions; superior scores on exams and other assigned work; active participation in class discussion and small groups; and compliance with attendance and assignment requirements.
B+/B: Meeting course goals by demonstrating mastery of subject and concepts; above average quality in compositions and exams; good participation in class and small groups; and compliance with attendance and assignment requirements.
C+/C: Meeting course goals by demonstrating a satisfactory level of understanding of subject material and concepts; acceptable quality in compositions and exams; adequate participation in class and small groups; and compliance with attendance and assignment requirements.
D: Not meeting all of the course goals; minimal knowledge of subject material and concepts; marginal quality in compositions (poor quality of development, support, or grammar); poor performance on exams; passivity in class and small groups; non-compliance with attendance and assignment requirements.
F: Not meeting course goals; unsatisfactory progress in understanding and applying subject material and concepts; incomplete or unacceptable work in compositions (gross grammatical, developmental, and structural errors); failure of exams; non-compliance of attendance and assignment requirements.
SECTION 3: College Information
College Policies: In order for students to know their rights and responsibilities, all students are expected to review and adhere to all regulations and policies as listed in the College Catalog and Handbook. These documents can be accessed at http://www.bcc.edu/academic-resources. Important policies and regulations include, but are not limited, to the following:
College Attendance Policy
Grading Standards
Withdraw (W) and Incomplete Grades (I & X)
Withdrawal date for this semester
Student Code of Conduct
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism and Civility
Use of Communication and Information Technology
Office of Student Support and Disability Services: RCBC welcomes students with disabilities into the college’s educational programs. Access to accommodations and support services for students with learning and other disabilities is facilitated by staff in the Office of Student Support (OSS). To receive accommodations, a student must contact the OSS, self-identify as having a disability, provide appropriate documentation, and participate in an intake appointment. If the documentation supports the request for reasonable accommodations, the OSS will provide the student with an Accommodation Plan to give to instructors. For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Support at 609-894-9311, ext. 1208, disabilityservices@rcbc.edu, or http://www.rcbc.edu/studentsupport
Academic Integrity Policy: The following Board-approved Academic Integrity Policy will be enforced. Board definitions of cheating, fabrication or other misconduct in research, plagiarism, and facilitating academic dishonesty will be de determined according to the discretion of the instructor. Students found guilty of more than two offenses should expect to receive sanctions of disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal, depending upon severity of said offenses. Students have within five working days to appeal any sanction to the Chief Academic Officer of the College, or his/her appointed designee. The policy can be accessed at http://my.bcc.edu/PDFFiles/Human%20Resources/Policy%20No%20903-C%20Academic%20Integrity%20061714.pdf
Educational Technology Statement: Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) advocates the use of technology to enhance instruction. Students should assume that classroom and online technology will be used throughout their coursework at RCBC, as it will most certainly be used in their future education and careers. The College provides on-campus facilities for the convenience of the RCBC community. Various college departments, including the Office of Information Technology and the Office of Distance Education, provide technology training and assistance to faculty and students.
Student Success Services: RCBC offers a variety of free services for its students including those listed below. Descriptions of these services, as well as many others, can be found in the College Catalog and Handbook and on the RCBC website at http://www.rcbc.edu/pages/109.asp
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) (http://www.rcbc.edu/eof)
International Students Office (http://www.rcbc.edu/international)
Student Support Counseling (http://www.bcc.edu/cpit)
Tutoring Center (http://www.bcc.edu/tutoring)
Test Center (http://www.bcc.edu/testcenter)
SECTION 4: Instructor Policy
Technology Policy: Please mute your cell phone BEFORE entering the classroom. If your cell phone goes off more than once while class is in a session, you will be asked to leave. I fully encourage whatever technology suites your learning style, accommodations, or interests whether they are laptops, tablets, apps on smart phones, etc, as long as they do not distract from our purpose in the classroom. Paper is totally fine too.
With that being said, during opening and closing remarks in class focus should be away from technology and on discussing our goals and outcomes for the day. Please remove all earbuds before entering class and keep them removed until you leave the room at the end of class.
In my classes, I have an expectation students will have access to email and computers in general. All of your work will be submitted to via your RCBC Gmail account and returned, with annotated comments, via Google Drive. Given there are public and school libraries, the ILRC, coffee shops, etc, students need to budget their time better; I do not see any excuse for having “no access” to email outside of the classroom.
Students are expected to check their RCBC Gmail account on a regular basis. I do not accept the excuse, “I didn't check my email for two weeks” as a valid problem. Digital correspondence should be written using proper grammar and form. I will not reply to emails filled with texting speak (2, u, 4, lol, j/k) or poor grammar and/or misspellings. Please include a subject and "sign" your email with your name, student ID number, and course section. If you miss class, please check the syllabus for information about assignments, due dates, and outcomes from class. Do not email the professor and ask “did we do anything in class today?” or any variations on that theme. (Updated Spring 2013 by NC, MS, MM, LG)
Writing Policy: My expectation for this class is that all of your work will be free of errors. Papers, projects, etc should be proofread for spelling, mechanics, and grammar. I will mark down for these errors: Please do an exhaustive job of proofreading and revision. All papers should follow standard MLA 8 formatting: Typed; titled; double spaced; page numbers, with your last name, in the top right hand corner; and a page break before your works cited page. All papers will be digitally shared via Google Drive by 23:59 to my RCBC email (wwend@rcbc.edu) on the due date. I will not be accepting print copies of your papers. No matter the email students submit their work from, all work will be returned to their school email.
If you use Microsoft Works, please convert your file (.wps) to something more accessible (.odt or .doc is fine) before submitting your paper. Same goes for .pages files. Please do not submit a .pdf file.
Upon sharing your paper via Google Drive, do not consider your paper submitted until, if and only if, you receive a confirmation reply (usually within 24-48 hours). If you do not receive a confirmation email, it is the student’s responsibility to get in touch with me about their work. I am not responsible for making sure you hand in your assignments.
Please make sure you are backing up your work to an external hard drive, flash drive, cloud based source, or other backup method. I will not accept excuses involving crashed computer or broken files.
Please follow the “24 hour rule” for graded work. I do not discuss returned student work until 24 hours have elapsed since I returned them. There will be no discussion, in person or via email, until that time window has elapsed.
All submitted work should be completed by the due date. Please consult the extension policy for details about asking for, and receiving, an extension. With prior permission to submit late work, a full letter grade will be taken off for each day that it is late. (Updated Spring 2015 by AB, CD, and MW)
Revision Policy: I strongly believe one of the most important lessons I learned about writing was that quality work almost always entails rewriting, but also reflection on what lessons can be learned and implemented in future writing. In this class, in place of a straight paper revision, you will analyze the mistakes I noted in comments on your paper and write a response discussing the comments and how you would correct them in future writing. This means if you are not satisfied with your grade, you may submit a response (directions are below), shared to my school Google Drive (wwend@rcbc.edu), within 3-5 days after I comment on your paper.
My expectation that for every mistake you are fixing, there is a brief paragraph discussing how to correct your work. I would consider directly citing our book readings (and the writing manual from ENG101) or your notes from class discussions in this response. Please do not cite random writing from the world wide web. There should be a second paragraph discussing specifically how you would fix it in your own essay as well.
If you are unsure what to write about, you can always schedule an appointment during office hours whether in person or electronic. Regardless, I would strongly suggest meeting with me to make sure you understand your grade and how to improve it.
Anywhere between one (1) to three (3) points can be added to your paper proportionally depending on the overall point total of the paper.
Of course, there are no revisions on term papers. Also, you may not use your revision to correct a plagiarized paper (see academic honesty policy below). Finally, revisions on your citation practice and source blend assignments do not count towards your revision. (Revised Fall 2015 by HC, DH, TC)
Extension Policy: Extensions are gifts, not a right. College work involves responsibility and ownership over your individual situation. With that in mind, here are a few caveats about extensions. First, I need to know 48 hours before an assignment is due if you need an extension. This will be clearly addressed on the class schedule. To apply for an extension, we must speak in person or over email immediately. A rough draft of your paper in progress will be required to be handed in at this time. I will then determine whether to grant or deny the extension and how much time would be allotted for it.
To apply for an extension beyond the 48 hour mark for reasons of hospitalization, bereavement, military service, observance of religious holidays, legal reasons (jury duty, etc), or work related issues (ie: getting called into work at the last minute), written documentation not given before the due date must be in by Saturday night after the due date.
For the following reasons, extensions will not be permitted: short term illnesses and family vacations.
Only one extension will be granted per semester, although an "emergency" extension can be granted under certain circumstances. (Updated Fall 2011 by LD, EP, AF)
Course Contribution Policy: I have found in past semesters that "participation" isn't a sufficient means of assessing students. How do you grade shy, or otherwise quiet, students who do very well in your class? At the same time, does a student who does very poorly on papers/quizzes/etc, but "participates" in class deserve a high grade? Instead, I have switched this to an assessment of a student's contribution to the course. How do you do in group work? Are you always on task, or do you take others off task with your actions? Do you bring useful ideas and thoughts into class? Do you go beyond commentary that is intended to please me or make you look smart? Do you experiment, take chances, and offer untested commentary? Do you attend our peer review sessions to not only accentuate your own work, but also help your classmates? Are you punctual and always prepared? Do you do more than just listen to me? What about your presence in the class adds to it? These are some of the factors I will consider when assessing your class contribution grade.
Finally: Students in my classes are responsible for reading and understanding these course policies. Do you have questions?
Talk to me before or after class
Come to my office during office hours (Laurel Hall 110)
If you are a student who has progress reports for a sport, EOF, or anything else, I will only fill these out during office hours. I will not fill them out at the end or beginning of classes.
The syllabus is a living document. Sometimes, things might not work and we will need to make a change. This syllabus is subject to change at all times. Any changes will be discussed in class.
Just a reminder that all readings should be completed before class begins.
Finally, a matter of general respect: I do not tolerate homophobic, misogynistic, ableist, or racist language in the classroom.
Session One
Attendance Sheet
Class Introduction
Discuss Syllabus
Introduce Professional Email Assignment
Introduce Event Report Assignment
Log Into Your Email/Web Advisor/Set Up Signatures/Check Contact Information
For Next Week: Read about citation in Seagull (97-108 + 109-157). Also take a look at the reading in They Say/I Say (30-37) which we will discuss during Session Three. Please make sure you bring two copies of your citation practice for peer review. If you have not yet purchased the required texts for this class, please acquire them as soon as possible.
Session Two
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Introduce citation practice assignment
Second: Group work on citation
Third: Discussion of citation
Session Three
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Discuss reading from They Say/I Say
Third: Citation practice peer review
For Next Week: Read about evaluating sources in Seagull (92-97). Also read 42-51 in They Say/I Say. Your citation practice needs to be shared to my school account (wwend@rcbc.edu) by 2359 on Sunday.
Session Four
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Intro Source Blending Assignment
Second: Group work on evaluating sources
Third: Discussion of source evaluation
Session Five
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Discuss reading from They Say/I Say
Third: Source Blend Peer Review
For Next Week: Read about Writing Contexts in Seagull (2-6). Read about Academic Contexts in Seagull (6-9). Your source blend needs to be shared to my school account (wwend@rcbc.edu) by 2359 on Sunday evening.
Session Six
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Introduce Time Management Paper
Second: Group work on Writing Contexts
Third: Discussion of Writing Contexts
Session Seven
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Group work on Academic Contexts
Third: Discussion of Academic Contexts
For Next Week: Read about revision in They Say/I Say (139-144). Please bring two (2) copies of your Time Management paper to peer review.
Session Eight
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Time Management Paper Discussion
Second: Group Work on revision
Third: Discussion of revision
Session Nine
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Peer Review “Speed Dating” For Time Management Paper
For Next Week: Read about the Writing Process in Seagull (9-16). Read about Reading Strategies in Seagull (75-78). Your Time Management Paper Is Due To Be Shared To My School Account (wwend@rcbc.edu) by 2359 Sunday night.
Session Ten
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Introduce Reflections on Writing Paper
Second: Group work on Writing Process
Third: Discussion of Writing Process
Session Eleven
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Group work on Reading Strategies
Third: Discussion of Reading Strategies
For Next Week: Read “They Say” in They Say/I Say (19-29). Please bring two (2) copies of your Reflections On Writing paper to peer review.
Session Twelve
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Group work on “They Say”
Third: Discussion of “They Say”
Session Thirteen
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Peer Review “Speed Dating” For Reflections On Writing Paper
For Next Week: Read about pronouns (277-282), subject/verb agreement (272-277), and commas, semicolons, and colons (324-331). Your Reflections On Writing paper Is Due To Be Shared To My School Account (wwend@rcbc.edu) By 2359 On Sunday Evening.
Session Fourteen
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Introduce Grammar Paper
Second: Pronouns/Subject Verb Agreement Group Work
Third: Discussion of Pronouns/Subject Verb Agreement
Session Fifteen
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Group work on Commas/Semicolons/Colons
Third: Discussion of Commas/Semicolons/Colons
For Next Week: Read About Fragments, Splices, and Fused Sentences in Seagull (255-260). Please Bring Two (2) Copies of Your Grammar Paper to Peer Review.
Session Sixteen
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Group Work on Fragments, Splices, and Fused Sentences
Third: Discussion of Fragments, Splices, and Fused Sentences
Session Seventeen
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Peer Review “Speed Dating” For Grammar Paper
For Next Week: We Will Have Our Five Minute Meeting Day and Have a Visit From The Library. Depending On Their Schedule, We May Need To Swap These Dates. Your Grammar Paper Is Due To Be Shared To My School Account (wwend@rcbc.edu) by 2359 On Sunday Evening.
Session Eighteen
Five Minute Meetings
Session Nineteen
Librarian Visit
For Next Week: We Will Begin Discussing The Term Paper. Please Read About Argumentation (43-49) and Rhetorical Analysis (49-53) in Seagull.
Session Twenty
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements/Introduce Term Paper
Second: Group work On Argumentation
Third: Discussion of Argumentation
Session Twenty One
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Group work On Rhetorical Analysis
Third: Discussion of Rhetorical Analysis
For Next Week: We will have a “library day” and then a day to present and discuss term paper topics.
Session Twenty Two
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: “Library” Day
Session Twenty Three
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Term Paper Topic Discussion/Presentation Day
For Next Week: We Will Have A Built In Snow/Hurricane/Etc Day. If We Have Class, We Will Work On Annotated Bibliographies.
Session Twenty Four
Built In Snow/Hurricane/Etc Day
For Next Week: We Will Continue Working On Term Papers.
Session Twenty Five
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Lab Day To Work On Term Papers
Session Twenty Six
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Rough Draft Meetings
For Next Week: We Will Continue Working On Term Papers.
Session Twenty Seven
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Writing Workshop Day
Session Twenty Eight
First: Attendance Sheet/Announcements
Second: Peer Review
***During finals week we will meet on Tuesday December 13th at 1000 to discuss final grades***
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