English 846 AD; CRN # 89862 - MWF 10:10-11:35
English 846 AI; CRN # 90442 - Daily 8:10-9:00
PURPOSE:
In English 846 you will be asked to explore and analyze the world around you through increasingly challenging reading and writing assignments appropriate for the academic and professional world. At the end of the class, you should be ready for the challenges of English 100, and other courses which require more advanced writing skills.
ELIGIBILITY:
Five lecture hours and one lab hour by arrangement per week. WRITING PREREQUISITE: Completion of ENGL 826, ESOL 840 or ESOL 841/842 with a grade of C or better, or eligibility for ENGL 836, ENGL 846 or ESOL 400 on approved college placement test and multiple measures. READING PREREQUISITE: Completion of READ 826, ESOL 840 or ESOL 841/842 with Credit or a grade of C or better, or eligibility for READ 836, ENGL 846 or ESOL 400 on approved Reading Placement Test and multiple measures. Prepares students to write college-level essays and teaches effective reading strategies to improve comprehension, analysis and vocabulary. Plus one hr/wk by arrangement.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students completing the course will be able to:
- Write focused, coherent, well-developed largely text based essays appropriate to the developmental level and which are organized into effective paragraphs with major and minor supporting details, and which support a clear thesis statement.
- Demonstrate competence in standard English grammar and usage.
- Demonstrate critical reading, writing, and thinking skills through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of important ideas from multiple points of view.
- Apply basic research and documentation skills.
- Determine and apply appropriate text study-reading strategies: e.g. previewing/reviewing, annotating, note-taking, mapping, outlining, summarizing, test-taking, and assessing reading rate.
- Perceive themselves as competent college level readers and thinkers and writers.
REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR THIS CLASS:
Reader of handouts and readings (in bookstore
Strapped by Tamara Draut (book)
Rules for Writers by Diane Hacker (Handbook from a previous class ok).
2 Folder with 2 pockets on each side to hand in papers and accompanying materials.
Pocket Dictionary
REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS (THINGS YOU WILL BE GRADED ON):
MAJOR PAPERS - Total worth 62%:
There are five graded papers. Intro paper (2-3 pages) written within the first 2 weeks of class will be evaluated credit/no-credit as homework; Paper #1 (3-4 pages) 12%; Paper #2 (3-4 pages) 14%; Paper #3 (4-5 pages) on Strapped 16%; Paper #4 (5-6) on social issue and which will require some research 20%. For each essay I will hand out a sheet with all the requirements. Extra copies will be posed on the “handouts” page on website.
- Format: All first drafts and final papers must be typed and double spaced. Use 12 pitch Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins on all sides. Start the title 3" from the top, double space once, then start the essay. Number your pages. Include all drafts and prework in your folder when you hand it in. If you go to a tutor, have him/her sign the draft.
- First and final drafts cannot be emailed.
- Editing Log: All final papers must be accompanied by an editing log (see handbook for copies)
- Policy on Late Final Papers: The first late paper will get no penalty up to a week. The second late will be docked a grade. The third late paper will be docked 2 grades. After a week us up, and the paper is not handed in, it is counted as a missing paper which can be written but must follow the policy below.
- Missing Papers: Papers handed in a week after the due date is counted as a missing paper. These papers can be turned in when it is clear the student is otherwise passing the course. Missing papers will get a one grade deduction. In the event of an extreme emergency, please consult privately with instructor. Students must do all graded papers to pass the course.
- Rewrites: Papers which receive a C, D or F may be rewritten. The rewrite grade will be a grade which reflects the value of the paper. (In other words, I don’t combine the old grade with the new grade. If your new paper is of B quality, it receives a B). Rewrites are due the last day of class or finals day, depending on the schedule. To get credit for a rewrite, you must turn in, 1) the graded draft and grade sheet and 2) the rewrite permission slip which I will sign once you have conferenced with me. Copy is in handbook. Rewriting doesn’t automatically guarantee a better grade. The paper has to “advance” significantly.
MIDTERM 7%; FINAL EXAM 12%
There will be a midterm, and a final exam. All exams are in class essays. No make-ups on final exam..
HOMEWORK/ SHORT ASSIGNMENTS: 11 % . These include:
- Outlines/prework of essays.
- First drafts ready for peer group on the day assigned. They must be typed and at least 3 full pages long. They must also include a self-evaluation sheet which is in your handbook. If your first draft is not ready on the due date, you cannot get homework credit but you are still encouraged to see me in my office for a conference. Papers which are ready for the peer group as per the requirements will get my typed comments and will be handed back the day indicated on the syllabus. Peer grouped first drafts will get 2 homework points.
- Homework pertaining to skills and readings. Homework is marked “credit / no credit.” For every unit, you will have homework which pertains to the skill being taught. In general, I will put homework on the schedule itself. However, there are times where I may change the homework. I will explain homework at the end of class. If you do not understand what you need to do, please ask me (not your neighbor. What if he/she is confused, too?). Here are the main points you need to know: 1) Homework must be handed in on the day assigned. No lates accepted. I will be give a couple of make-ups, 2) Homework must be complete, 3) It must be readable, I prefer it typed (unless it is a graphic organizer).
- Vocabulary list. Each week, you will need to submit in writing 3 vocabulary words which you got from the reading. It must include 1) the reading, 2) the meaning in context (what you think it means just from reading the text, 3) the dictionary definition and 4) use the word correctly in a sentence. Keep the list with you to refer to it. The goal is to increase your vocabulary.
- All homework must be in hard copy and handed in during class. Do not email homework. I will have at least one make up for a missing homework assignment. Make-up quizzes by prior arrangement only. Quizzes cannot be taken after material is covered in class.
- Homework is graded cumulatively. You must turn in 70% of the above to get a passing short assignment grade.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION - 8%:
The participation grade is awarded at the discretion of the instructor at the end of the semester. Participation credit will be given for quality of non-graded work (homework, drafts, etc.); quality of participation in class discussion; preparation (which means keeping up with the reading); professional conduct (arriving on time, appropriate classroom behavior) .
Attendance policy:
- Absences: For classes which meet 3 times a week, students can miss 3 classes with no grade penalty. For daily classes, students can miss 5 classes with no penalty. Subsequent absences I may dock 2 points from the final grade. (Grade has a 10 point spread). Walking out of class without explanation before or after the fact may be counted as an absence. Absences DO affect your participation grade, quality of work, and ability to pass.
- Tardies: Those who are habitually late (at least one tardy per week) will get counted as absent if the habit persists by mid-semester. Make sure you mark yourself tardy in my gradebook.
- If you are going to be absent, I’d prefer that you let me know. If there is something big going on in your life that prevents you from coming to class, or if the work seems overwhelming, discuss it with me. It is possible to get back on track and work things out if you come to see me on time.
Grade Breakdown
Homework 11%
Graded Papers 62%
Final Exam 12%
Midterm 7%
Participation 8%
LEARNING CENTER
The Learning Center (Building 5) provides support for writing, reading, math, and other subjects for a small fee and enrollment in LSKL 853. Learning Center main page is: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/skytlc/index.htm/. The Writing Resource Center’s page is:
http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/skytlc/wrl%5Cindex.htm
CHEATING POLICY:
Anyone who is caught intentionally plagiarizing a paper will receive an F for the paper. An F for the paper will mean you won’t pass the course because one zero grade will average out total grade to at least a D. Chronic cheating can result in expulsion from Skyline College.
Plagiarism is any text which is 1) copied from someone else, be it the Internet, another student, books, magazines, 2) written or extensively edited by someone else, 3) a rewrite of an existing text using the same ideas and arrangement. To prevent “cheating” suspicion, Do the following:
- Keep all materials, drafts, pre-writes, etc. until the end of the course.
- Do consistent work in class so I know your writing.
- Follow the directions on the assignment sheet. All assignments will ask for your opinions and analysis and are designed to make cheating almost impossible.
- Communicate with me if you have any problems so you don’t panic.
- Do not use sources unless instructed. When using source, cite correctly. When you use an article, xerox the article, mark where you have paraphrased and put it into your folder.
Remember: Your writing voice is most precious. Use it!
BEHAVIOR POLICY
Classroom behavior is important in the learning process and most students conduct themselves well in class. However, here are things which will not be tolerated: Listening to ipods or other devices during class, text messaging or taking cell phone calls, looking at cell phones during class, using laptops for non-classroom purposes, incessant chatting with friends about non-class topics, coming to class under the influence, disrespecting me or fellow students. In other words, if your behavior continually disrupts others who are trying to learn, I will have you removed from the class.
OTHER THINGS:
I may not pass you to the next level if: Your collective score is not at least 70%; Your collective score on your papers is not at least 70% and if your final project and final do not reflect the skills gathered in the semester; You miss one unit or one month of class (over 10 absences); Only appearing when you have an assignment or paper due and disappearing the rest of the time. (The latter would put you over 10 absences anyway).
I may change schedule as appropriate. Keep track of all classroom announcements. Consult my webpage for any breaking news. As consideration to you, if I change major paper due dates, I will give a week’s notice.
No extra credit will be given.
In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodation will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office at (650) 738-4280.
If you need to drop yourself from the class, please do it yourself.
This syllabus is like a contract. You are responsible for knowing the material. The rules are explicit in order to be fair to all.
