Harrisburg Area Community College: Gettysburg Campus
Spring Grove Area High School
College in the High School (CHS)
ENGLISH 101 : English Composition I
SYLLABUS
Fall Semester 2012
Instructor: Steve Perago 225-4731 (x7322)
E-mail: peragos@sgasd.org
COURSE
Class
Meeting Times
Classroom
Lab
ENGL 101
CRN 22990
Period 3
Room 322 (MWF)
Room 320 (T/T)
ENGL 101
CRN 22990
Period 11
Room 322 (MWF)
Room 320 (T/T)
NOTE: Classes will follow the Spring Grove High School bell schedule. In a week with a regular schedule (five 43
minute classes), classes will generally be held every day except one which may be used at the discretion of the
instructor as either a partial and/or full day. Students will always be required to be present in the assigned room
whether class is officially in session or not. Delayed openings will follow the Spring Grove School District schedule.
(See attendance policy below)
Required Materials:
Eschholz, Paul and Alfred Rosa. Subject and Strategy. 12th ed., Boston: Bedford
Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual. Sixth Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.
Computer access to Spring Grove Area School District Moodle, an online course management system for Writer’s
Flash drive
Catalog Description:
English 101 is designed for the development of fluency in writing clear, forceful, effective prose.
Prerequisites:
Placement through College Testing and Placement Program or completion of English 051
with a grade of “C” or higher. English 003 is a pre- or co-requisite.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of English 101, students will be able to:

Respond appropriately to the needs of different audiences and rhetorical contexts in terms of voice, tone,
level of formality, format, and structure

Connect critical thinking with reading and writing activities by summarizing, analyzing, critiquing, and
synthesizing information from various texts

Integrate their ideas appropriately with the ideas of others in discussion and writing

Demonstrate flexible recursive writing strategies for generating ideas, planning, drafting, revising, and
editing drafts

Develop strong writing that focuses on a purpose and demonstrates clear organization and coherence

Work collaboratively with others to develop written work or to respond critically to other students’ work

Demonstrate the ability to write under pressure and with time constraints

Demonstrate the basic ability to locate, summarize, synthesize, critique, and cite college-level resources

Demonstrate a knowledge of writing conventions ranging from structure and paragraphing to tone and
mechanics

Demonstrate the ability to edit writing for clarity, style and adherence to conventions
POLICIES
Attendance/Absence:
HACC Administrative Policy 661 will be followed regarding attendance and absence. See your Student Handbook
for the full Procedure.

The policy states that “students are expected to attend all scheduled classes/laboratories and are responsible
for all class work and assignments.”

An excused absence is defined as “beyond the student’s control to prevent,” and “significant enough to
reasonably prohibit attendance in class.”

An unexcused absence is “within the student’s control to prevent, or “not significant enough to reasonably
prohibit attendance in class, even if controllable.”

A student’s course grade may be lowered after unexcused absences exceed 10% of total class hours.
(Approximately six 43 minute classes)

Additionally, students may be dropped from the course if unexcused absences exceed 15% of total class
hours. (Approximately nine 43 minute classes)

Finally, “the determination of what constitutes an excused versus an unexcused absence shall be made by
the instructor.”
My Attendance Philosophy:

Prior arrangements for an excused absence are common courtesy. If you know that you will be absent from
class, it is your responsibility to inform me in advance by email (peragos@sgasd.org) with your name, the
date(s) you will be absent and the reason for absence. Assignments due during that absence must be
submitted on time despite your absence (via email or otherwise).

Upon returning to class, it is your responsibility to be prepared for class that day. You should contact me or
another student for assignments.

I will accept valid medical substantiation accepted by the Spring Grove School District as an excused
absence. I will make the determination of what is or is not excused for anything other than a medical
reason. It is crucial that you discuss an absence with me in advance or immediately upon your return. If I
do not hear from you, I will consider the absence unexcused. Acknowledgement of your absence on my
part does not automatically assume that the absence is excused.

Failure due to absence will result in an “F” although you may have the option of withdrawing with a “W.”
See your HACC Student Handbook for the following:
“W” eligibility
“I” eligibility and requirements
Absences resulting in an “F.”

The instructor may reduce the course grade after unexcused absences exceed 10% of the total class hours
that will take place throughout the semester (nine days).

Instructors may drop a student from a class with the concurrence of the division/campus administrator
when absences exceed 15% of the total class hours that will take place throughout the semester and when
excessive absences preclude the possibility of the student attaining the stated learning outcomes for the
course.

Students arriving late will be marked as tardy. Three tardy violations will be considered as 1 day’s absence.

Students assigned to ISS (In-School Suspension) for a high school offense seriously jeopardize their
investment in this class as this will be considered an unexcused absence.

A high school class or high school activity shall not supersede this class. This is a college-level course that
happens to be held in a high school; it is a wonderful opportunity but should not be mistaken for the
secondary level. When you are assigned to English 101, you become a student of HACC. Exceptions may
be made by the instructor on an individual basis.
Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work
or effort of another person, or uses unauthorized material or fabricated information in any academic work. It
includes, but is not limited to:
A.
Cheating – giving or receiving answers on assigned material, using materials or aids forbidden by
the instructor, unauthorized possession of examinations, or any other intentional use or attempted use
of unauthorized materials, information, or study aid.
B.
Plagiarism – the offering of someone else’s work, words, or idea as one’s own or using material from
another source without acknowledgement.
C.
Interference – interfering without permission with the work of another student either by obtaining,
changing or destroying the work of another student.
D.
Buying or selling of term papers, homework, examinations, laboratory assignments, computer
programs, etc.
E.
Falsifying of one’s own or another’s academic records, or falsifying of admissions, registration, or
other related college materials.
F.
Knowingly assisting someone who engages in A-E above.
Faculty may impose the following disciplinary actions within the context of a course,
a.
lowering of a grade or failure for a particular assignment,
b.
lowering of a grade in the course,
c. failure and/or dismissal from the course.
Withdrawal Policy:
According to policy AP667: No grade will be recorded for students who withdraw during the refund period.
The refund period ends the second Friday from the first day of class. This date will be August 31, 2012.
A W grade will be granted by the instructor upon request of the student from the end of the refund period until the
midpoint of the course as defined in the College calendar.
In order to be eligible for the W grade, the student must have
1.
attended class in a manner consistent with the instructor’s attendance policy
2.
completed the required graded material
3.
not been dishonest in completing the work
From the midpoint of the course through the conclusion of the course, which is the last class period, the student will
receive a grade of W or F, depending upon the instructor’s assessment of the student’s performance, which may take
into account extenuating circumstances.
Incomplete (I) Grades:
The instructor reserves the right to determine whether an I grade will be granted for incomplete work. An I grade
will only be considered for this course when extreme circumstances have arisen which unreasonably limits the
student’s ability to complete the course within the designated terms of the semester.
Incomplete work must be completed within a time period determined by the instructor, not to exceed eight weeks.
Class Expectations:
This is your education and your investment. Punctual attendance and active participation are important factors in
your academic success. Common sense dictates that it is in your own best interest to remain current in your
preparations. Your education is your responsibility. I expect you to give a sincere effort.
Having materials necessary for class and meeting deadlines can only help your success. Disregarding either will be
considered as failure of thorough preparation.
All written work must be typed and should adhere to the MLA format unless otherwise specified. Format models
will be given within the first two weeks of class and can be found in the Pocket Style Manual.
Students should check the syllabus and Edline and/or the instructor’s website on a regular basis for assignments and
due dates. A DUE DATE IS A DUE DATE; assignments will be considered late if they are not received at the start
of class on the day it is due. If you are not in school the assignment is still due (via email) at the time of the
beginning of class. Assignments received after the class period but on the same day will lose 5% of the total grade.
Assignments received after the day due will lose 10% of the total grade per day.
Since we have access to a computer lab, I expect that you will be using the computer for class work. If you are not
working on your class essays or other assigned work for this class, I will assume that you have finished and reserve
the right to ask you to submit your work for evaluation at that time.
OFFICE FOR DISABILITY SERVICES STATEMENT:
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) / (717) 337-3855 x 3021 determines what accommodations are appropriate
for students with disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to make any necessary contacts to the ODS and to
notify me of any special needs.
EEOC Policy 005:
It is the policy of Harrisburg Area Community College, in full accordance with the law, not to discriminate in
employment, student admissions, and student services on the basis of race, color, religion, age, political affiliation or
belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, disability, place of birth, General Education Development Certification
(GED), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic history/information
or any legally protected classification. HACC recognizes its responsibility to promote the principles of equal
opportunity for employment, student admissions, and student services taking active steps to recruit minorities and
women.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (‘PHR Act’) prohibits discrimination against prospective and current
students because of race, color, sex, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, record of a
handicap or disability, perceived handicap or disability, relationship or association with an individual with a
handicap or disability, use of a guide or support animal, and/or handling or training of support or guide animals.
The Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (‘PFEO Act’) prohibits discrimination against prospective and
current students because of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, record of a
handicap or disability, perceived handicap or disability, and a relationship or association with an individual with a
handicap or disability.
Information about these laws may be obtained by visiting the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission website
at www.phrc.state.pa.us.
http://www.hacc.edu/StudentServices/DisabilityServices/Contact-Us.cfm
English 101 – FALL 2010 Course Syllabus
Course requirements may include (time permitting):
Usage Quizzes: 50-100 points combined
Short Response Pieces: 60 points (10 points each) (reader responses/reactions/reflections)
6 throughout semester ; 3 per marking period
You may choose which essays to respond to, but each is due on the day we discuss the
selection. These will not be accepted late for reduced credit.
Grades for these responses will be entered at the end of each marking period.
Responses should be submitted on paper when possible.
Essay #1 - Essay of Description: 200 points
Essay #2 - Essay of Narration: 200 points
Essay #3 - Essay of Illustration: 200 points
Essay #4 - Essay of Process Analysis: 200 points
Outline for each essay: 10 points
First Draft for each essay: 50 points
In-class final essay exam: 50 points
Grading Scale:
Grades will be determined by the following scale:
A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 0-59
Essay Requirements:
Adhere to MLA Papers format (A Pocket Style Manual 103-154)
Please use 12 point Times New Roman font
Length should be 4-8 pages; to ensure 4 complete pages you should have at least one word on the 5th page.
Students will submit essay drafts in the instructor’s Completed Work folder on the SG common drive.
(If you are not in school you can email the draft to me.)
General Activities – All Information Here is Tentative
Inclement weather may force changes to our schedule
Although this class follows the high school yearly calendar and daily schedule, I am attempting to align it
with the hours as reflected in the HACC setting. Therefore, our high school 20 week semester with 5 class
meetings per week will be adjusted to equate it to HACC’s 16 week semester with 3 one hour classes per
week. In general, plan on class responsibilities 4 days a week with the fifth day which may or may not be used
for independent study; I reserve the right to use this 5th day if necessary. These 4 days will vary from week to
week dependent upon the high school schedule and activities.
Note: The weekly activities listed below are subject to slight changes if we should get ahead or behind the
proposed schedule.
Week One
Syllabus Preview
“Introduction For Students” (Handout)
Review Parts of a sentence, phrases and clauses (to prepare for usage concepts)
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 30 “Use Pronouns with Care”
Week Two
Read and discuss Chapter 1: Reading Subject & Strategy pg. 1 - 15
Read, discuss and practice pg. 42 in A Pocket Style Manual “Revise Run-on Sentences”
Read, discuss and practice pg. 55 in A Pocket Style Manual “The Comma”
Practice pronoun and comma usage; practice finding and fixing run-on sentences
Phrase, clause, pronoun and comma quiz
Week Three
Read and discuss Chapter 2: Writing Subject & Strategy pg. 16 - 40
Read and discuss Chapter 3 : Six Writers on Writing
“Sh*tty First Drafts” Subject & Strategy pg. 47-51
“Writing for an Audience” Subject & Strategy pg. 52-55
“Simplicity” Subject & Strategy pg. 56-59
Practice pronoun and comma usage; practice finding and fixing run-on sentences
Phrase, clause, pronoun and comma quiz
Read, discuss and practice pg. 2-3 in A Pocket Style Manual “Tighten wordy sentences”
And pg. 3 “Prefer Active Verbs”
Week Four
Read and discuss Chapter 5: Description Subject & Strategy pg. 121 - 132
Read and discuss “A View from the Bridge” Subject & Strategy pg. 133 – 137
“Rock Dust” Subject & Strategy pg. 139 - 143
Creating an outline for an essay
Prewriting and first draft for Essay # 1: Description
Discuss MLA format (heading, spacing, font, etc.) Pocket Style Manual p. 155-162
Read, discuss and practice Pocket Style Manual pg. 5 “Balance Parallel Ideas”
Week Five and Six
Read and discuss “Remembering Lobo” Subject and Strategy pg. 144 - 149
“The Barrio” Subject and Strategy pg. 150 - 155
“Sister Flowers” Subject and Strategy pg. 156 - 162
Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)
Revise and write 2nd draft of Description Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 6 “Add Needed Words”
Week Seven
Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts
Write Final draft of Description Essay (Due ____________)
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 8 “Eliminate Confusing Shifts”
Week Eight
Read and discuss Chapter 4: Narration Subject & Strategy pg. 73-84
Prewriting and first draft for Narration Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 9 “Untangle Mixed Constructions”
Week Nine and Ten
Read and discuss “Coming to an Awareness of Language” Subject & Strategy pg. 85-89
“From An American Childhood” Subject & Strategy pg. 90-95
“Stranger Than True” Subject & Strategy pg. 96-101
Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)
Revise and write 2nd draft of Narration Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 10 “Repair Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers”
Week Eleven
Read and discuss “Not Close Enough for Comfort” Subject & Strategy pg. 102-107
“Vernon Can Read” Subject & Strategy pg. 108-116
Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts
Write Final draft of Narration Essay (Due __________)
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 13 “Provide Sentence Variety”
Week Twelve
Read and discuss Chapter 6 : Illustration Subject & Strategy pg. 167-181
Prewriting and first draft for Illustration Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 15 “Find an Appropriate Voice”
Week Thirteen and Fourteen
Read and discuss “Be Specific” Subject & Strategy pg. 182-185
“If You Had One Day . . .” Subject & Strategy pg. 186-191
“Breaking the Rules” (handout)
Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)
Revise and write 2nd draft of Illustration Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 20 “Make Subjects and Verbs Agree”
Week Fifteen
Read and discuss “Blue Collar Brilliance” Subject & Strategy pg. 202-212
“In Full Bloom” Subject & Strategy pg. 213-219
Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts
Write Final draft of Illustration Essay (Due _________________)
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 24 “Be Alert to Other Problems With Verbs”
Week Sixteen
Read and discuss Chapter 8: Compare and Contrast Subject & Strategy pg. 281-332
Read and discuss “Neat People vs. Sloppy People” Subject & Strategy pg. 318-322
Read and discuss “Two Ways of Seeing a River” (handout)
Prewriting and first draft for Compare and Contrast Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 38 “Use Adjectives and Adverbs Appropriately”
Week Seventeen and Eighteen
Read and discuss “Of Weirdos and Eccentrics” (handout)
Read and discuss “Who Was More Important: Lincoln or Darwin” Subject & Strategy pg. 307-317
Read and discuss “Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts” Subject & Strategy pg. 323-329
Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)
Revise and write 2nd draft of Compare and Contrast Essay
Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 40 “Repair Sentence Fragments”
Week Nineteen
Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts
Write Final draft of Compare and Contrast Essay (Due _________________))
Week Twenty
Final Essay Exam – in-class timed essay question response