English 1A: College Composition, Summer 2007
Instructor: Jacalyn McNamara
M/T/W/Th
9:00 am- Noon
McNamara@siskiyous.edu
530-340-1851
3 units/4 hours
Videoconference: Weed DL8, Yreka 5, Butte Valley, HCHS
Course #D5130, D5131, D5132, D5133
Description: This composition course focuses on unity, clarity, coherence,
and vitality of expository communication within the sentence, paragraph, and
essay. Students will increase skill in diction, syntax, style, thesis development,
information competency, and research skills. The course requires frequent
writing assignments totaling a minimum of 8,000 words. A support hour is also
required.
Prerequisite: ENGL 52 and READ 10 or qualification through assessment.
Objectives:
To understand the stages of the writing process and use them to construct
effective, well-structured paragraphs and essays free from elementary errors
in grammar, mechanics, and spelling.
 To identify, analyze, and compose paragraphs and essays in several rhetorical
modes.
 To identify, analyze, and assess individual strengths and weaknesses in
his/her writing, including thesis development, organization and structure,
development of details, coherence, clarity, pacing, diction, stereotyped
thinking, and syntax.
 To identify and verify facts, draw and assess inferences, distinguish between
fact and opinion, and recognize the distinction between assumptions and
opinions.
 To discuss the distinctive qualities of works written by writers from diverse
backgrounds.
 To develop information competency and skills in library research techniques.
 To understand how to avoid plagiarism through proper documentation of
sources.
Required Texts:
A Writer’s Reference, Hacker
St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, 8th ed. Axelrod & Cooper
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley. Oxford University Press. 1818 edition.
Required materials:
Plenty of loose leaf paper for in-class exercises, quizzes, and Journal
Favorite writing pen, pencil, and yellow highlighter.
Good college dictionary
Thesaurus
Access to a reliable computer with Microsoft Word
A plain paper, folder with pockets for Journal
You must bring texts and writing materials to each class session.

Method of Evaluation:
Formal Writings/Essays
400 points
Journal
200 points
Quizzes/in-class exercises
up to 200 points
Midterm & Final Exams
200 points
Grading Scale:
90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; 0-59% = F
ALL ESSAYS MUST BE TYPED, DOUBLE-SPACED, AND PRESENTED IN MLA
FORMAT. You will need to submit your research essays to www.turnitin.com.
Attendance & participation: This is a discussion and workshop class. I
expect students to attend classes regularly. Many of the writings for the Journal,
along with quizzes and exercises, will be written in class and cannot be
reproduced. Students engaged in special activities (sports, theater, etc.) should
bring to me a schedule of events to me at the beginning of the semester listing
dates they will be unable to attend.
Late Assignments: Absolutely no late work will be accepted.
Cheating: Plagiarism or any kind of cheating will result in failure of the
assignment. Repeat offenses will be reported and will result in failure of the
course.
Schedule Changes: Your course schedule is tentative. It is your
responsibility to keep track of assignments and due dates. Check with me or
other students about changes.
Fourth Hour: Students are required to spend at least one hour a day in
addition to class time in the Writing Lab.
Withdrawals: YOU must pick up and return all necessary forms from Student
Services before the posted drop date for the semester. If you miss three or more
classes in a row, you may be dropped from the class.
Incompletes: There will be no incompletes given in this class.
Exams: In-class essays and presentations.
Students with Disabilities: If you anticipate the need for reasonable
accommodations to meet the requirements of this class, you must register with
the Disabled Student Services (Eddy Hall). If you qualify for services through
DSS, bring your official notification to me as soon as possible.
Common Courtesy for College Classrooms:
 Class starts promptly at nine. Be on time.
 Turn of all electronics--cell phones, blackberries, I pods, etc.
 Use the restroom before class begins.
 No racist, sexist, homophobic or other disparaging comments
Final: Your final exam will be on Tuesday, August 7 at 9:00 am.