Eng 101 Syllabus and Course outline

Division: Language Arts

Course name: English 101 College Reading and Composition I

Section: 3986 / Semester Fall 2016

Instructor Name: David Diaz                         School Website: www.wlac.edu

Class Hours: W                                                  Address: 9000 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230

6:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.                                              Location: GC 410

Office Hours: By Appointment                       Instructor E-mail: diazd4@lasc.edu Important Dates: Drop a Class with a refund/no fee owed Sept 9, 2016 Drop a Class without a "W" Sept 9, 2016 Drop a Class with a "W" Nov 18, 2016

Welcome

This semester, you will work to develop your writing, reading, vocabulary and critical thinking skills.  You will also learn and practice the fundamentals of grammar and mechanics.  The goal is for you to be a better reader, critical thinker and more confident writer by the end of this course.  The skills you learn here will help you succeed both in and out of class.  However, your education is YOUR responsibility.  YOU determine your level of success.  Successful college students are self-motivated.  Successful college students understand the importance of studying the material, coming to class prepared and practicing skills learned.  But we’re all in this together, and I’m here to help.

Course Description

This is a college-level freshman composition course, which focuses on expository writing and argumentation and requires the writing of a minimum of 6000 words in essays and a research paper. Students study a variety of texts written at the college level, including literature, that reflect current academic concerns relating to issues of language, ethnicity, class, gender, identity, psychology, and cultural studies. The course is intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Required Texts

They Say / I say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Cathy Birkenstein

            isbn: 9780393933611

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut isbn: 978-0385333849

All other Readings/Articles will be posted on the class blogspot:

english101wlac.blogspot.com

This is to save you the hassle of buying (an) extra textbook(s), BUT means that you must print the documents, or have/bring an e-reader. CELLPHONES ARE OK FOR A QUICK REFERENCE, BUT YOU NEED TO HAVE EITHER A DEDICATED TABLET, OR PRINT UP SPECIFIED DOCUMENTS.

Recommended Materials

Dictionary – Webster’s New World College Dictionary

Writing References-            A Pocket Style Manual by Diane Hacker isbn: 978-0312542542

                                    MLA Handbook 8^th Edition

Required Materials

• 8 ½ x 11 notebook paper (plenty)

• #2 pencils, blue or black pens, highlighters, and a stapler
• College Ruled Notebook

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply critical reading strategies to college-level texts in order to understand the writer’s  

     rhetorical intent and method of organization: inductive or deductive.
2. Read and evaluate college-level material from a variety of sources, ideally representing a  

     multicultural perspective.
3. Evaluate the validity and soundness of arguments, and distinguish fact from opinion in reading,  

    class discussion, and writing.
4. Develop skills needed for close reading and effective writing, such as attention to word choice and

    word placement.
5. Write college-level essays that argue a position in response to readings.
6. Produce essays that demonstrate analysis, and that are organized, logical and provocative.
7. Research and identify credible and relevant print and electronic sources to summarize, quote and  

    paraphrase in essays without plagiarism.
8. Write essays that are evidence-based, using detailed and specific support from credible sources.
9. Quote from a variety of sources that are formatted in different ways: poetry, drama, short stories,

    novels, non-fiction books, biographies, articles, essays, journals, publications attributed to  

    organizations and corporations, and publications with and without publication dates.
9. Practice proper attribution of all sources that are quoted and paraphrased in essays.
10. Draft, write, revise and proofread an essay that supports a thesis and counters a convincing

      antithesis by citing facts, expert opinions, relevant anecdotes, and descriptions of situations and   

      events.
11. Use appropriate MLA citations/works cited.
12. Demonstrate continued development in writing correct and sophisticated college-level English   

       prose.
13. Demonstrate mastery of English grammar, syntax and spelling through writing assignments.
14.Write six to seven full-length essays (4 to 6 pages in length) including an in-class midterm and final

      as well as a research essay of six to eight pages.

Student Learning Outcomes  (SLO)

1. Write effectively, using the conventions of standard English, with a clear focus, using appropriate support/evidence and logical organization.
2. Collect and organize research data, using credible sources to write a convincing/persuasive document.
3. Analyze, synthesize and evaluate information to assess the validity and usefulness of an argument.
4. At the end of the course, the successful student will be able to argue a point and support it in writing using extensive evidence from outside sources.

Course Requirements and assignment guidelines

Reading and Response Journal

Almost every day, we will start off by writing in journals. This will include free writes, responses, brainstorms, and other forms of writing. This is designed to get your thoughts on paper and get your minds running at the beginning of class, as well as begin discussion of the day’s topic. You must write the date on each journal entry.  

Short Responses/Drafts

These responses will be assigned as homework either as a reflection on an in class reading, or as a pre-writing stage to your essay. THESE MUST BE TYPED, AND MUST BE IN MLA FORMAT. These typed responses are to get you used to formatting, and help you generate ideas with the luxury of a Backspace button.

Essays

Essays provide you the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills learned in class. The majority of the class will consist of essay writing, revising, and critiquing. There will be 3 essays: three out of class, and two in class. All essays must follow MLA formatting, and all out of class essays must be typed. As prompts are distributed, you will also receive a rubric with detailed explanation of grading criteria.

Late Assignments

I accept late work, but points will be deducted for each class period an assignment is late. 1 class period late loses 5%, 2 class periods late loses 10%, and 3 or more class periods late will result in a 0 for the assignment.

2 College Related Learning Activities

West LA College offers so many great learning opportunities for students.  You will earn points for attending two of those learning activities this semester.  You may attend a One College, One Book Event; a Learning Center Workshop; go see the College Guest Speaker; interview a participant in the Student Poster Showcase; or you may propose another college-wide learning event that you want to attend.  These events are worth 25 points each, and you must provide evidence that you attended the entire event.

Grading

TRACK YOUR GRADES
Email Assignment	5%	/50
Essays 1-3	30%	/300
Research Project Section Drafts	10%	/100
Final Research Project	20%	/200
Reading and Response Journal	10%	/100
Short Responses	20%	/200
2 College Related Learning Activities	7.5%	/50
Total	100%	1000

Class Policies

Attendance 

Because class discussions and group work are an integral part of this course, attendance is mandatory.  Up to 3 absences are allowed.  After that, you could be dropped.  Students are expected to attend every class meeting, to arrive on time and stay throughout the class period.  Because we only meet once a week, if you miss two consecutive classes (two weeks), you WILL be dropped from the course. 3 tardies = 1 absence.  Students may be dropped from class for excessive tardiness, or for failure to attend class the first day or during the entire first week of the class. 

Preparedness

You are expected to arrive on time.  You will come to each class session prepared.  You will have your books, binder, pens/pencils, any work that is due, and you will be prepared to discuss all readings/assignments. 

Cell Phones, iPods, etc.

Turn them off and put them away when class begins!  Although it may not seem possible, you can survive without talking and texting on your cell phone, or listening to your iPod, for a little over an hour.  Talking and texting on cell phones not only distract you, but they are a distraction for me and your peers.  Distractions interrupt/disrupt the class and I will not tolerate interruptions.  You will be asked to leave if this occurs.

Contacting Me

E-mail is the best and quickest way to contact me. If you have a question or a problem that might be able to solve, do not let it snowball.  Contact me immediately. Students are expected to ask questions and obtain help from instructor via email and/or during office hours.

College Policies:

Academic Integrity (Plagiarism)

In accordance with code 9803.28, academic dishonesty is prohibited and will not be tolerated in this class.  Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade.  Academic dishonesty of any type, such as cheating or knowingly furnishing false information, by a student provides grounds for disciplinary action by the instructor or college. In written work, no material may be copied from another without proper quotation marks, footnotes, or appropriate documentation.

o    Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment, possible dismissal from the class and disciplinary action from the college.  You will not receive credit for any essay missing previous drafts, citations and/or a Works Cited page.

Student Conduct

According to code 9803.15, disruption of classes or college activities is prohibited and will not be tolerated.  Refer to the catalog and the Standards of Student Conduct in the Schedule of Classes for more information.

Recording Devices

State law in California prohibits the use of any electronic listening or recording device in a classroom without prior consent of the instructor and college administration.  Any student who needs to use electronic aids must secure the consent of the instructor. If the instructor agrees to the request, a notice of consent must be forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for approval (WLAC College Catalog).

Campus Resources

As stated earlier in this syllabus, if you are having problems, don’t let them snowball.  Come and talk with me and check out some of the campus resources available to you.

Office of Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSP&S)

Student Services Building (SSB) 320| (310) 287-4450.

West Los Angeles College recognizes and welcomes its responsibility to provide an equal educational opportunity to all disabled individuals. The Office of Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) has been established to provide support services for all verified disabled students pursuing a college education.  DSP&S students may qualify for: priority registration, registration assistance, special parking permits, sign language interpreters and assistive technology (WLAC College Catalog).

Instructional Support (Tutoring) & Learning Skills Center

Heldman Learning Resources Center (HLRC) | (310) 287-4486

Improve your reading, language, vocabulary, spelling, math fundamentals and chemistry knowledge with convenient, self-paced computer-aided courses in the Learning Skills Center. Increase your knowledge and learning success: sign up for tutoring in various college subjects (WLAC College Catalog).

Library Services

Heldman Learning Resources Center (HLRC) | (310) 287-4269 & (310) 287-4486

The WLAC Library provides instruction on how to use the online catalog, periodical and research databases. In addition to a large collection of books, periodicals and videos the WLAC Library has course textbooks which students may use while in the Library. Web access is available in LIRL as well as meeting rooms. The upper floors provide a beautiful view ideal for study (WLAC College Catalog).

English 101 Class Schedule (First 8 weeks) – Fall 2016                    6:45 – 10:00 p.m. NOTE: This syllabus and class schedule is subject to change if circumstances warrant it (e.g. student performance, etc.).  Expect revisions and divergences.

Week 1:

·       Introductions. Syllabus discussion. Ice Breakers. Diagnostic essay.

·       Journal. Joys/Annoyances and their details.

·       “What Makes a Good Paragraph/What makes a good essay”

·       Explain E-Mail Assignment

·       Read Curbed Article “Activists submit signatures for ballot measure to stop Los Angeles         development”. Short Response #1 due next class.

Week 2:

·       Turn In Responses

·       Journal

·       MLA Fundamentals – Things you may know, and those you may not

·       Building a strong Outline

·       Assign Essay #1 Details to consider for next class

·       Read They Say / I say chapter. Short Response #2 Due Next week. Thesis Statement and outline due next class meeting.

Week 3:

·       Turn in Responses.

·       Read “How to write with style” by Kurt Vonnegut in class

·       Read They Say / I say section

·       Journal : Prewriting for Essay - Idea / Thesis Development

·       Work on Intro Paragraphs and Topic Sentences. Explain a proper conclusion.

·       Complete Rough Draft to turn in next class meeting

·        

Week 4:

·       Turn in Rough Draft

·       In class conferences / Peer Discussions

·       Journal

·       Finish Essay for next class considering peer / instructor comments

Week 5:

·       Essay #1 Due

·       Introduce class to Slaughterhouse-five.

·       Discussion of themes and ideas to come - Journal

·       They Say / I say section

·       Comparison Contrast guidelines

·       Assign Essay #2. Thesis Statement and outline due next class meeting. Read First section of Slaughterhouse. Write Short Response #3.

Week 6:

·       Submit Thesis Statements/Outline and Short Response #3

·       Discuss major themes occurring at this point in the story – Journal

·       Work on Expanding Thesis into an intro, and expanding topic sentences into functional paragraphs.

·       They say / I say

·       Complete Rough Draft for next class meeting. Read Next Section of Slaughterhouse.

Week 7

·       Turn in Rough Draft

·       Discuss last night’s readings: Journal Entry

·       In class conferences / Peer Discussions

·       Journal

·       Finish Essay for next class considering peer / instructor comments. Read Next Section of Slaughterhouse

Week 8

·       Essay #2 Due

·       Discuss last night’s readings and more themes: Journal Entry

·       They Say / I Say

·       Writing a Persuasive Essay

·       Assign Essay #3. Thesis Statement and Outline due next class meeting. Read Next Section of Slaughterhouse. Short Response #4 due for next class.

***Following 8 weeks will be available by 4^th week (depending on class progress)

Student Acknowledgment

(Please return this sheet to the instructor)

“I ______________________________________, have completely read this syllabus and understand and agree to the course requirements.”

Please indicate below, any special needs or circumstances that may have some impact on your work in this class, and for which you may require special accommodations, including but not limited to physical or mental disabilities, inability to arrive in class on time or need to leave class early, observance of religious holidays, ect.

Special needs or circumstances: