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Western Nevada College
English 101 – Composition 1 -Fall 2015
Dr. Ryan Stryffeler
Ryan.Stryffeler@wnc.edu
Number of Credits: 3
Prerequisites: appropriate scores on an approved placement test and/or completion of ENG 099
Transferability of Course within Nevada: This course transfers within Nevada.
Course Description
Study expository writing with special attention to the modes, arrangement and style. Students learn to write
essays which are unified, thorough, clear and convincing. They learn the research, reasoning and organizational
skills necessary for effective academic and research writing.
Course Objectives and Linkage to General Education
The purpose of this course is to provide instruction in the procedures and skills necessary to write clear and
effective college-level prose for the academic environment. The information in the parentheses after a course
objective refers to the specific general education (GE) learning outcome that the objective meets. Objectives
without this information are not linked to WNC’s general education program.
Students who pass this course must demonstrate they can:
1. Approach writing as a process.
2. Present substantially error-free prose suitable in style and content to the purpose of the document and
the audience (GE 2).
3. Establish a thesis about a contemporary or enduring social issue and support the claim with appropriate
reasoning and evidence (GE 10).
4. Locate, evaluate, and correctly use information from multiple, appropriate resources to complete an
argumentative research paper (GE 4).
5. Write quality essays and assignments that demonstrate knowledge of either the Modern Language
Association [MLA] or the American Psychological Association’s [APA] style manual (GE 2).
Required Textbooks
Kirszner, Laurie and Stephen Mandell (Eds.). Patterns for College Writing. Brief Edition. Bedford/St. Martins,
2015.
Microsoft Office or Open Office word processing program (free from http://www.openoffice.org/)
INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY:
Instructor: Dr. Ryan Stryffeler (it’s pronounced Dr. STREEf-ler)
Office: BRIS 350 M
Phone Number: 775-445-4284.
Email: Ryan.Stryffeler@wnc.edu Please use email to contact me.
My office hours for student concerns are:
Tuesday:
2:30 - 4:00 pm
Thursday:
2:30 - 4:00 pm
These are the times that I should generally be available to meet with students. Please feel free to stop in any
time during these designated hours. Other office hours are by appointment only; I am willing to make time for
you, but please talk to me in advance.
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COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
Rhetorical Analysis Essay (150 pts)
Cultural Analysis Essay (150 pts)
Research Project: (500 pts total)
Proposal - 50 pts
Annotated Bibliography– 100 pts
Opposing Argument – 100 pts
Final Research paper – 250 pts
Attendance/ Daily quizzes over the reading and/or homework (200 pts)
Accumulated course grade will be taken out of 1000 points total.
EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA:
For average work, you will earn an average grade, which is a "C". A further important item of note: in general,
papers that do not meet the minimum page/word count requirements will earn a grade no higher than a "C-".
All major assignments (the 2 analysis essays and the entire research project,) must be completed in order
to pass the class. Students will be expected to turn the papers for the research project in via Turnitin.com.
ROUGH DRAFTS:
I am willing to look at rough drafts via email or in person, provided they are submitted to me at least 1 week
prior to the due date of essay. However, I will only provide commentary and feedback - I will not engage in
grade speculation.
REVISIONS:
Students will often be given the opportunity to rewrite their essays for a higher grade. I will announce these
opportunities in class and give you a time frame for completion (generally one week after the paper has been
returned to you). Please note that revision does not simply mean correcting a few sentence errors here and
there. Revisions should show significant rethinking of your essay. Also, be aware that I do NOT mark every
single error on your papers, especially grammar and mechanical errors. I will point out major and recurring
errors, but there will be others that I will not mark. Revised essays must be turned in with the original essay(s)
- NO EXCEPTIONS. Revision scores REPLACE the original scores unless lower than the original (in which
case there is no change).
COURSE POLICIES
Students are expected to abide by the policies established in the WNC Policies and Procedures manual
(available online). However, here I attempt to provide greater specificity about my personal expectations.
ATTENDANCE
While the temptation to skip class is a common one, I would strongly advise against that mentality.
Most days you will be given a reading activity or a homework sheet to complete before the next class. When
you arrive to class, you will have a 10 point quiz over the reading from the textbook (or I will assess your
completed homework sheet, etc.). The quiz will merely ensure that you have read the assigned materials and
pay attention in class. Quizzes cannot be made up; you must be in class when the quiz is given in order to have
a chance to earn those points. No Exceptions!!!
Participation weighs in more heavily in this course than in most others - you are expected to contribute to class
discussions regularly. I am here to guide you. When you have questions, ask. But I also place great
responsibility on your shoulders. You must take an active role in your education. Sitting here, trying just
to "absorb" what is going on is not likely to help you much. Learn to read carefully and ask questions as
soon as you feel lost.
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LATE WORK
I will not accept late work. There are absolutely no exceptions to this policy!
If an emergency arises, please contact me ASAP. Communication with me before an essay is due provides you
the only means to explain unforeseen circumstances and exercise other options. PLEASE NOTE: Print out your
work at least the day before and/or email it to yourself so that you are able to retrieve it anywhere. Computer
and/or printer failure are NO excuse. If it is not turned in during the class period in which it is due, the
paper will receive “0” points for the assignment. But all major assignments (the 2 essays and the entire
research project,) must be completed in order to pass the class. This means that if you choose to not to
complete an assignment by the due date and receive zero points, you will still need to complete it before the
end of the semester in order to attempt to pass the course via the points you have earned.
WITHDRAWAL PROCESS AND RESPONSIBILITY:
In order to withdraw from a class, a student must fill out the requisite paperwork before the final withdrawal
date. I will not withdraw you from this course; you must do it yourself! You will not be given a grade of “W” if
you stop attending class. If a student simply stops attending class, or fails to turn in major assignments, a grade
of “F” will be issued as the final grade.
I encourage any student needing to request accommodations for a specific disability to contact the DSS
coordinator, Susan Trist (445-3275), at your earliest convenience to ensure timely and appropriate
accommodations.
CELL PHONES/PAGERS/OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
While cell phones and iPods are convenient, their presence in the classroom can be distracting. All devices of
this type should be turned off or switched to a vibrate setting while you are in class. Failure to do so will
initially result in a warning; subsequent violations of this policy will result in loss of quiz points for the day
and/or dismissal from the classroom. This policy includes texting during class or using laptops for Facebook!
COMMON CIVILITY
Entering a college classroom demands that you treat others in a manner that is supportive of academic inquiry,
curiosity, and shared learning. By respectfully acknowledging your similarities and differences with other
students, you will learn a great deal about yourself. Furthermore, if you are able to argue and discuss topics in a
civil and reasoned manner (even those you feel most passionate about), you will have empowered your own
voice and increased the likelihood that you will be heard and taken seriously by a professional audience.
Furthermore, common respect involves being adult enough to not disturb others with side conversations. In this
class, only one person should be talking at a time. Whether it is the instructor or a classmate, please give the
individual speaking your full attention, as we will do when you wish to speak. Failure to be civil and courteous
to your colleagues and/or professor will result in a loss of quiz points or dismissal from the course.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
The College is committed to academic integrity in all its practices. Cheating on papers, tests or other academic
works is a violation of College rules. No student shall engage in behavior that, in the judgment of the instructor
of the class, may be construed as cheating. This may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism or other forms of
academic dishonesty such as the acquisition without permission of tests or other academic materials and/or
distribution of these materials and other academic work. This includes students who aid and abet as well as
those who attempt such behavior. BUYING an essay or willfully submitting someone else's work as your own
are instances of academic dishonesty that will result in failure of the class, at the very least. In a word – do not
even consider it. In addition, you may not turn in papers written for another class to fulfill the assignments for
this one. Acts of academic dishonesty will result in an F grade for an assignment or for the course, based upon
the discretion of the instructor. Please refer to the student handbook for more information of the College’s
academic dishonesty policies.
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RIGHT OF REVISION STATEMENT:
The instructor and Western Nevada College reserve the right to make reasonable changes to this syllabus and/or
schedule as necessary.
Continued enrollment in this course indicates that you have read and agree to follow the course policies
and procedures discussed herein.
*This schedule is just a rough estimation of our activities this semester and may change substantially and for
any reason as the semester dictates*
**All assignments refer to the Patterns For College Writing textbook, unless otherwise noted**
Monday, August 31st – Introduction to the Course: review of syllabus, course expectations, and policies.
Wednesday, September 2nd – Introductory remarks and grammatical background: sentence-level review and
punctuation
September 7th – Labor Day. No Class!!!
o Read Chapter 3: Arrangement on p. 51
o Complete paragraph worksheet (handout given in class)
September 9th – Assign 1st essay: Rhetorical Analysis. Discuss introduction and conclusion paragraphs
o Read Hasselstrom”s “A Peaceful Woman Explains Why She Carries a Gun” on p. 272
o Read Orwell “Shooting an Elephant” on p. 123
Sept. 14th – Discuss the Rhetorical Triangle
o Read MLK’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” on p. 434
o Complete the fill-in-the-blank activity on the last page of the rhetoric handout packet
Sept. 16th – Discuss the Rhetorical appeals
o Read Tannen “Sex, Lies, and Conversation” on p. 320
o Read Ericsson “The Ways we Lie” on p.358.
Sept. 21st – Discuss Rhetorical language
o Read Swift “A Modest Proposal” on p.516
Sept. 23rd - Wrap-up discussion of the Rhetorical analysis. Common Do’s and Don’ts of college writing.
Sept. 28th –Rhetorical Analysis Due!! Assign Cultural Analysis.
o Read Chapter 1: Reading to Write: Becoming a Critical Reader
Sept. 30th – In-class group activity: writing a plot summary.
o Read Hemingway “Hills like White Elephants” (handout provided in class or available for free online)
October 5th - Discuss the reading selections and their themes.
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o Read Malcolm X “My First Conk” on p. 229
o Read Nguyen “Goodbye to my Twinkie Days” on p. 155
October 7th – Discuss readings and how to quote from a text to support an argument.
o Read White “Once More to the Lake” on p. 164
o Read Smith-Yackel “My Mother Never Worked” on p. 118
October 12th – Discuss the readings and wrap-up discussion on cultural analysis assignment.
o Finish the essay.
Oct. 14th – Cultural Analysis Due! Assign Proposal.
o Create a list of 4 topics for the future research paper – bring to class
Oct. 19th – Brainstorm research paper topics
o Read Chapter 2: Invention
Oct. 21st – Final discussion of Proposal assignment and final research topics. Discuss sample proposals in
groups.
Oct. 26th – Proposal due!! Assign Annotated Bibliography
o Complete the Library assignment sheet (handout given in class).
Oct. 28th – Appropriate sources of undergraduate research material.
o Read Chapter 16: Finding and Evaluating Sources
November 2nd - Evaluation of websites and non-peer-reviewed material. Discussion of sample
bibliographies.
Nov. 4th – Annotated Bibliography Due! Assign Opposing Argument Essay.
o Read Chapter 14: Argumentation
Nov. 9th - Library research day.
Nov. 11th – Veteran’s Day!!1 No class! The College is closed.
o Read both articles in “Debate: Is the Student Loan Crisis a Myth?” beginning on p. 449.
Nov. 16th - Compare/contrast organization methods and argumentative philosophies.
o Complete your essay!
Nov. 18th - Opposing Argument essay due! Assign final research paper.
o Read Chapter 17: Integrating Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
Nov. 23rd – Discuss the reading and MLA citation
November 25th – Thanksgiving Break! No Class. The college is closed.
o Read all 4 articles in “Casebook: Is Football too Dangerous?” beginning on p. 462.
Nov. 30th – Discussion of argumentation: compare/contrast viewpoints in articles.
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o Complete an outline of your paper in sentence form and bring it to class.
December 2nd : Review outlines
December 7th – Class activity: TBA
o Complete a rough draft of the final essay and bring it to class
December 9th – Peer Review of final research paper.
Dec. 14th – Final Research paper due!~!!!
Dec. 16th – Return of final papers. Have a great holiday!!!
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