English 1101: Composition I

3:30-4:50 p.m. MW • Academic Building 354 • Michelle Kassorla, Ph.D.

Required Text:	Ramage, John D., et. al. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing (Sixth Edition). Boston and New York: Longman Pearson, 2012. Wysocki, Anne F. and Dennis A. Lynch. The DK Handbook (Second Edition). Boston and New York: Longman Pearson, 2011.
Dashboard	http://www.netvibes.com/drkassorla
Office Location	Academic Building 351
E-mail	mailto:mkassorla@atlm.edu
Skype ID	Dryaelkassorla
Second Life	Yael Myrtle
Twitter	@drkassorla
Class Website	https://drkblog.wordpress.com
Office Hours	MW 12-3:30, TR 12-2 (You can also Tweet, Voxer, Message on D2L, or Text)

SCHEDULE

Course Number/Section		Course Title	Credit Hours	Semester	Time/Location
English 2111	101	World Literature	3	Fall 2013	MW 3:30-4:50	A260
English 1101	123	English Composition I	3	Fall 2013 (12 Week)	TR 8-9:45	A354
English 1102	116	English Composition II	3	Fall 2013 (5 Week)	TR 2-4:45	A254
English 1102	118	English Composition II	3	Fall 2013 (12 Week)	TR 10-11:45	A320
English 1102	119	English Composition II	3	Fall 2013 (12Week)	MW 10-11:45	A144

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITE:

Course Description: English 1101 (ENGL 1101)

English 1101 “focuses on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation.”

Prerequisite(s): The prerequisites for this class are exit or exemption from Learning Support English (ENGL 0099) and Reading (READ 0099). Students must earn a C or higher in order to successfully pass the course.

Additional Information for This Course

Students must use technology (computer labs are free on campus).
You must turn in work via Desire2Learn
Students must have alternate storage to back up class work (Dropbox, Evernote, etc.)
Students must work in groups when group-work is assigned.
Occasionally you will be required to read supplemental materials for this course. Dr. K will find these online so you don’t have to pay for them! J

COURSE OBJECTIVES

In English Composition 1 (ENGL 1101), students will:

demonstrate rhetorical contexts by establishing the writer’s role, the audience, and the purpose of the project;
use recursive processes that include collecting information, focusing, ordering, drafting, revising, and editing;
approach writing as a way to think and communicate ideas to others;
adjust writing to a variety of contexts, including electronic environments;
demonstrate the techniques and skills of research, integration of source material, and documentation;
read and respond to various texts for purposes of interpretation, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and judgment; and
use conventions of writing mechanics, usage, and style to communicate effectively for the given audience, purpose, and format.

AMSC ADA STATEMENT (Americans With Disabilities Act)

Atlanta Metropolitan State College is committed to providing support for all students and making their college experience an enriching opportunity. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American Disabilities Act of 1990, The Office of Disabilities Services, located on the second floor of the Academic Building in room 228, oversees the coordination of services for students with documented disabilities. The Coordinator of Disability Services collaborates with faculty and staff to offer provisions for reasonable accommodations to students who meet the requirements.

Accommodations cannot be provided until a reasonable accommodation plan is in place. To the greatest extent possible all college representatives shall observe confidentiality.

COURSE DELIVERY METHOD

Class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays for face-to-face contact at the time appointed above. Additional instruction and assignments may be posted to Desire2Learn (D2L). You are required to use D2L in this class. If you do not have a D2L password, you must get one on the 3rd floor of the library building. Classroom delivery methods include short lecture, group discussion, online discussion, video, audio, collaborative learning, and peer response.

CLASS POLICIES

Withdrawal

Students who need to withdraw from class have the responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process. If you fail to withdraw from any class you do not attend, you will receive a grade of F in the course. If you wish to withdraw from the class, you must withdraw by the “last day to withdraw without penalty” which can be found in the AMSC Academic Calendar.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to be present and on time for all scheduled class meetings and to remain for the duration of the class. Once the student comes to class he/she is expected to remain in the classroom until the class is over. Leaving class early or getting up in the middle of class is considered disruptive behavior and should happen only in emergencies. If you need to leave before class is officially dismissed, please let the professor know. Leaving early counts the same as being tardy. If you leave before class is officially dismissed and do not notify the professor, you will be counted absent for that class period. Students unable to attend class should contact me regarding their absence in advance or see me as soon as they return to class.

In any academic or other discipline, attendance and punctuality are important. Tardiness and poor attendance have an adverse effect on the class and the student’s overall academic performance. Poor attendance is a contributing factor to many student failures. Class discussions and collaborative group assignments are designed to aid in the development of critical and analytical skills necessary for clear, logical thinking in the student’s written work, reading assignments, essay examinations and oral presentations. As a student, you cannot be aware of assignments and class activities, or participate in discussions if you are not in class! Discipline is an important attribute in developing an academic habit of mind; consistent tardiness and lack of attendance is a failure of discipline.

Attendance is taken at the beginning of the class; the class begins at the stated time. Students who arrive late assume the responsibility of notifying the instructor immediately after class to be added to the day’s attendance roll. These students are counted present, but tardy.

Missing class will negatively impact the student’s final grade. Two tardies equate to one absence. A student may, without penalty, miss TWO class meetings during the semester, provided that all work necessary is turned in when due. If more classes are missed, students run the risk of receiving a lowered grade; excess absences can result in grade reduction and even failure.

Class Abandonment

Students who abandon the class, that is, stop attending the scheduled classes for ENGL 1101 without obtaining an official Withdrawal from the Registrar’s Office, will receive a Final Grade of F.

Class Cancellation

Procedure regarding long-term emergency closure of AMSC: In the event of an emergency that forces the college to close for an extended period, students must contact the instructor of this class within 48 hours using the contact information (e.g., email address or telephone number) on the syllabus to obtain directions for continuing the course. The instructor will provide directions for the transmission and submission of course assignments and course assessments, including due dates.

Academic Honesty:

As stated in the Atlanta Metropolitan College Catalog:

“Plagiarism is a particular form of academic misconduct that will not be tolerated. It includes copying materials directly from a source and/or using someone else’s work or ideas without acknowledging the source. In short, plagiarism is claiming another person’s words or ideas as one’s own. Essays, term papers, and tests must be the work of the student. If the student uses someone else’s ideas, words, computer program, or other works, the student must acknowledge the source. Even in an oral presentation, the speaker should give credit to the source of the information. The college may take other actions for plagiarism, such as expulsion.

In cases where a student is found guilty of cheating or exhibiting academic misconduct, the instructor may impose a penalty. Types of penalties may include, but are not limited to, the instructor assigning a grade of “F” for the assignment; the instructor not accepting the work; the student being assigned additional work; or the student receiving a grade reduction for the assignment. The maximum penalty the instructor may impose is a grade of “F” for the course.”

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assignments

Assignment	Possible Points	Grade Percentage
Chapter 6: Autobiographical Narrative	100	10%
Chapter 5: Critical Response	100	10%
Chapter 1: A Letter to the Professor	100	10%
Chapter 10: Description	100	10%
Chapter 12: Compare and Contrast	100	10%
Quizzes/Projects/Homework	100	10%
Oral Communication	100	10%
Technology	50	5%
Preparation and Participation	50	5%
Final Exam/Essay	100	10%
Final Exam/Reading	100	10%
Total	1000	100%

Take-Home Essay

In-Class Essay

Misc. Work

Exam

Grade Distribution

Assessment: You must obtain a grade of C or better to pass this class. All papers/essays must be completed in order to pass this course. A grade of “C” at midterm indicates you are passing, but you still have a significant portion of grades to acquire, so do not relax your efforts. A grade of “D” at midterm indicates that you are failing. If you find yourself in this position, you should see me for further counseling.

Assignment Type	%
5 essays; 10% each (Papers 1 & 2 are out if class, and 3, 4 & 5 are in class)	50%
Quizzes/Projects/Homework.	10%
Oral Proficiency	10%
Technology	5%
Participation	5%
Final Exam Essay	10%
Final Exam Reading	10%
Total	100%

Grade Scale

The following University-wide 10 point scale will be used in evaluating work:

A	B	C	D	F
90-100	80-89	70-79	60-69	59-below

Assignments

Papers

The two out of class writing assignments (Autobiographical and Critical Response) will be submitted via D2L. Essays should be written in 12-point type (Times Roman, Palatino, or Georgia please) with 1.5 inch margins. Do NOT put an extra space between paragraphs, and indent the first line of every paragraph. Please use MLA Style. Papers are due on the assigned date. If you are not present on the in-class essay date, please make arrangements to make up the essay with Dr. K.

Drafts

Essay drafts aid the writing process. Each draft for the two out of class writing assignments should be a complete version of a paper. It should have an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Drafts must be typed into D2L for peer response. Drafts without peer response will not receive credit. Incomplete typed drafts (e.g., introduction only), notes, or outlines do not constitute a draft.

You MUST complete drafts in time for online Peer Response Group.

Essay Tests

The three (3) in-class writing assignments (Essay Tests) should be written on 8.5”x11” lined paper in blue or black ink. These tests are timed and will count as rough drafts (i.e. if you aren’t there, you will not be able to revise them for a final grade!!) If you arrive after class has started, you may forfeit part or all of the time allotted. No use of books, notes, dictionaries, or other paper or electronic devices is permitted for the essay tests as they are practice for your final exam. Students are not permitted to leave class during the Essay Tests unless there is an emergency.

Each of the five (5) assignments, the two out of class writing assignments and the three essay tests, will be graded by the rubric posted on D2L.

YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR ESSAYS TO PASS THIS CLASS!

Homework, Quizzes, etc.

Each student is expected to complete all assigned homework assignments (reading, grammar, syntax, etc.) on D2L. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and may be given in or out of class. If you arrive late to class or if you leave early, you may forfeit part or all of the quiz time allotted. There is no make-up of quizzes. Homework, projects, quizzes, and other assignments will be graded in D2L. Together, these assignments will count for 10% of the final grade. (100 points)

Oral Proficiency

Ten percent of your semester grade will be based on your ability to communicate effectively through speaking. I will assess this based on an oral presentation you will give to the class. There will be an oral presentation by each of you that will be graded on individual performance, and a question and answer session following each presentation. This project will be due mid semester, though we will be working towards it during the semester. (10%)

Two-Part Final Exam (Essay and Reading)

Each section counts as ten percent of your semester grade (20% total). Students must take both parts of the Final Exam to pass the course.

Exams will be given on the scheduled days. Exams will also be timed. If you arrive after class has started, you may forfeit part or all of the time allotted. Students will not be permitted to leave class during an exam unless there is an emergency. No use of books, notes, dictionaries, or other paper or electronic tools will be allowed during the Reading Exam. Final Exams must be completed by students individually, with no collaboration.

Technology

Five percent of your semester grade will be based on your ability to use technology. I will assess this based in part on your attention to following the presentation format given for typed assignments. (5%)

Class Preparation and Participation

Reading the assigned chapters and completion of homework assignments is important. You must purchase the required textbooks and allow ample time to read the assignments twice. You should be more judicious. For example, some readings may be especially difficult and require two readings. As you read, take notes in your English 1101 notebook, underline main ideas and use a dictionary to define unfamiliar terms and concepts. Bring your textbooks and other required assignments to class.

Collaborative and group assignments require that you read the material prior to class and be prepared to participate in discussions or in-class writing assignments. Your participation grade will be influenced by a number of factors. A major component of the grade comes from being in class, on time, with the required assignments completed. A regular part of daily class activities will include discussing homework and class work. Students will be expected to share their ideas. Additionally, ungraded in-class writings and activities are part of participation. My own observations of your involvement in group and class discussions as well as peer review workshops also count. This grade counts as five percent of your semester grade. (5%)

Other Miscellaneous Policies

Technology policy

You are encouraged to use technology in my classroom, but please be polite:

If you are expecting an important call, please let me know before class starts and leave briefly while you talk (this should happen rarely).
Please keep all texts brief (for example “I’m in class, text me later.”)
If you use your phone to take notes, please contribute to the communal class notes.
Feel free to take pictures of the board, your paper, or notes. Do not take pictures of people without their expressed permission. Do not videotape unless it is directly related to a class assignment.
Keep your browsing related to class materials. Please don’t post anything during class unless you are posting notes or class-related information.
Please do not use any technology during examinations unless Dr. K expressly allows its use.

Class Discussion

Please express yourself politely during class discussion, feel free to express your own ideas or take a “devil’s advocate” position. No one is allowed to ask whether you are taking your own opinion or a “devil’s advocate” position. No one should discuss, post, or otherwise share the opinions of others outside class discussion with people outside the class unless you are recording and posting for the purpose of taking notes on a class note-taking site.

Study Tips/Suggestions

There are resources available to help you succeed in this course. Use them!

Some things you SHOULD do:

Do visit me during my office hours.
Do message me with your questions. I am very interested in your progress and will do my very best to help you to achieve your goals.
Do notify me, as far ahead of time as possible, if you’re going to miss class for a court date, jury duty, death in the family, surgery etc., so we can plan, beforehand, how to get completed the work that you will miss.
Do try to participate in communal notes so that you may record information while you are in class, and receive support from those when you must miss class.
Do go to the Academic Support Center (ASC) to get help with reviewing your essay.
Use the SMART-THINKING FREE online tutor center available through D2L!!

Syllabus Day by Day
Day	Date	In Class	Homework for Next Class
Week 1 Tuesday	9/10	Course introduction and overview, introduction to class technology Discussion of prewriting.	Purchase books, familiarize yourself with D2L.
Thursday	9/12	How to write an essay: Introductions	Collage homework. Due Tuesday!!
Week 2 Tuesday	9/17	Introduce Autobiographical Essay. Assign Peer Response Groups.	Read Chapter 6 in Allyn and Bacon. Complete Rough Draft of Autobiographical Essay to turn in to D2L by Friday 9/20 for Peer Response.
Thursday Class Via D2L	9/19	No Class. Watch 2 Videos: How to do the Autobiographical essay, and how to do Peer Response on D2L.	Do Peer Response between Friday and Tuesday. Revise your essay to turn in final draft to D2L on Tuesday, 9/24
Week 3 Tuesday	9/24	Introduction to reading critically, and writing about reading.	Read Chapter 5 in Allyn and Bacon.
Thursday Class Via D2L	9/26	No Class. Watch video on critical response. Participate in Class Discussion on D2L.	Complete Reading Quiz on D2L
Week 4 Tuesday	10/1	Introduction and Thesis for Critical Response Essay.	Write introduction and thesis for Homework and turn in to D2L.
Thursday	10/3	Group work and in-class writing on intro and thesis. Dr. K’s Great Punctuation Lecture!	Write rough draft of critical response essay for 10/8. Do Peer Response.
Week 5 Tuesday	10/8	MEET IN THE LAB!! Introduction to WordPress. Discuss blog. Set up Blog.	Work on Blog. Post Autobiographical Essay. Include pictures, media.
Thursday	10/10	Introduction to writing the in-class essay.	Read Chapter 1, “Letter to Teacher.” Prepare for Midterm.
Week 6 Tuesday	10/15	Midterm In-Class Essay: Letter to Teacher.	Midterm Quiz in D2L. Due Thursday!!
Thursday	10/17	Work in pairs on midterm essay.	Revise Letter to Teacher and turn in to D2L.
Week 7 Tuesday	10/22	Introduction to show-don’t-tell and descriptive writing.	Read Chapter 10 in Allyn and Bacon. Take Quiz.
Thursday	10/24	In-Class Essay: Descriptive	Post Critical Response essay to blog along with media, pictures.
Week 8 Tuesday	10/29	Work in pairs on descriptive essay.	Revise descriptive essay to turn in to D2L.
Thursday	10/31	Introduction to Compare and Contrast.	Read Chapter 12. Take Quiz in D2L.
Week 9 Tuesday	11/5	Write Compare and Contrast Essay in Class.	Read about revision.
Thursday	11/7	Work in pairs to revise Comparison and Contrast essay.	Revise Comparison and Contrast essay and submit to D2L.
Week 10 Tuesday	11/12	Introduction to oral reports.	Work on oral reports.
Thursday	11/14	Discussion and in-class work on oral reports.	Finish oral reports.
Tuesday	11/19	Oral Reports.	Post essays to blog.
Thursday	11/21	Oral Reports.	Post essays to blog.
Week 12 Tuesday	11/26	Last Day of Class!	Make sure everything is done for the year. Look over checklist in D2L.
Thursday	12/5	FINAL 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Happy Holidays! See You Next Year!!

Dr. K's Blog

Syllabus–Rules and Regs

English 1101: Composition I

SCHEDULE