Instructor:
Office:
Dr. Patricia A. McEvoy-Jamil Office Phone: HCC English Department
English Department Office Hours: By Appointment
Instructor
E-mail: patricia.mcevoyjamil@hccs.edu
p.mcevoyjamil@hccs.edu
Course Subject:
Course Catalog Number:
Course Number:
Course Section:
English
1301
84611
400
Semester and Year:
Class Days & Times:
Spring 2014
Tuesday 9:30 AM-11:00 A.M.
Thursday 9:30 AM-11:00 A.M.
Credit Hours: 3
Total Contact Hours:
(All hrs. x 16) 48
Class Location:
–Hayes Room 123B
Course Prerequisites: A satisfactory assessment score, completion of English 0310, or (for non-native speakers) English 0349
.
Course Overview
ENGLISH 13O1 Course Catalog Description
“A course devoted to improving the student‘s writing and critical thinking. Writing essays for
a variety of purposes from personal to academic, including the introduction to argumentation, critical analysis and the use of sources.
Core Curriculum course.” (HCCS Catalog)
Required Materials

Maimon, Elaine P., et al. The McGraw-Hill Handbook. 3rd. ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. Web.
(MH), available via McGraw-Hill Connect Composition 2.0

The current edition of the English 1301 Study Guide, available in PDF format via McGraw-Hill Connect Composition 2.0 (S)

Peterson, Linda H., et al. The Norton Reader: An Anthology of Nonfiction.
13th ed. New York: Norton, 2012. Print.
(NR)
English 1301: Composition I/Tuesday/Thursday Spring 2014 p age 1 of 16

McGrawHill’s Connect Composition 2.0
This site includes an adaptive diagnostic and personalized learning plan. The Connect Composition 2.0’s adaptive diagnostic assesses student proficiency in grammar and editing skills, and then it presents the student with an individualized learning plan designed to enhance writing proficiency in precise areas of study, ultimately saving the instructor time and increasing students’ confidence in their own writing.
NOTE : Access to this course’s Connect website is through the following instructor link: http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/p_mcevoyjamil__alief_spring_2014_84611_tuesday__thursday_930_-_1100
Technical support is available: Please call McGraw-Hill at (800) 331-5094 (Central Time)
 Monday: Thursday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
 Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
 Sunday: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Other Recommended Materials
Notebook paper, pens, and a collegiate dictionary
Intellectual Competencies / Educational Objectives HCCS Curriculum ENGL 1301
 Reading: Reading material at the college level means having the ability to analyze and interpret a
variety of materials -- books, articles, and documents.
 Writing: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose
adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing correct grammar, spelling, and
punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process, including how to discover a
topic, how to develop and organize it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities are
acquired through practice and reflection.
 Speaking: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
 Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms
of spoken communication.
 Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods of applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.
 Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.
Minimum Writing Requirement
Minimum of 5000 words during the semester
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Course Goals
English 1301 is part of the Core Curriculum and, as such, emphasizes all of the Core Competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy. Successful 1301 students will:
 communicate thoughtfully and clearly
 read and listen actively and critically
 develop flexible strategies to persuade
 analyze facets of issues and relate them to his/her life
Academic Discipline / CTE Program Learning Outcomes
 Write in appropriate genres to explain and evaluate rhetorical and/or literary strategies employed in
argument, persuasion, and various genres
 Analyze various genres of writing for form, method, meaning, and interpretation
 Employ research in academic writing styles and use appropriate documentation style
 Communicate ideas effectively through discussion
 Write in appropriate genres using varied rhetorical strategies
Student Learning Outcomes for ENGL 1301
 Demonstrate knowledge of writing as a process
 Apply basic principles of critical thinking in analyzing reading selections, developing expository essays, and writing argumentative essays
 Analyze elements such as purpose, audience, tone, style, strategy in essays and/or literature by professional writers
 Write essays in appropriate academic writing style using varied rhetorical strategies
Synthesize concepts from and use references to assigned readings in their own academic writing
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
 Demonstrate writing as a connected and interactive process which includes planning, shaping, drafting,
revising, editing, and proofreading
 Demonstrate critical abilities when discussing texts in class and in writing assignments by delving
into the meanings and implications behind the issues, theses, or themes
 Analyze texts by professional writers and write critical essays breaking down rhetorical elements into
parts, examining the parts, and showing their effect
 Apply various methods of development and organization, and / or rhetorical appeals in written
assignments
 Demonstrate effective use and documentation of sources in support of student ideas in informative
and/or persuasive essays
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The instructional methods in this course include lecture/demonstration, as well as having students participating in class discussions, reading textbook assignments, responding critically to the essays in the textbook through oral and written assignments, writing reflective journals, and using computers to perform internet searches and visit web sites related to this academic course. Students also conduct library research and watch clips from videos/DVDs in the classes in this course. Students intensively study and practice their writing skills in this course through in-class and out-of-class writing assignments and activities. by focusing on the writing process in class and out of class through a series of four major extended academic essay assignments. These assignments and activities are designed to achieve the learning outcomes and objectives of this course.
The instructor incorporates elements of active learning, as well as collaborative/cooperative learning strategies, into this course. As defined in the Greenwood Dictionary of Education , active learning is “the process of having students engage in some activity that forces them to reflect upon ideas and how they are using those ideas. Requiring students to regularly assess their own degree of understanding and skill at handling concepts or problems in a particular discipline. The attainment of knowledge by participating or contributing. The process of keeping students mentally, and often physically, active in their learning through activities that involve them in gathering information, thinking and problem solving.”
Your daily attendance is vital to your development as a student, reader and writer. It is also important to your success in the class. Because my class is active-learning oriented with daily in-class reading and writing, your mental presence and your physical presence are required.
Attendance is required in this class. Every class or lab period you will sign-in. The sign-in sheet will be the official record that you were in class that day; therefore, it is critical that you sign-in. If you must be absent, please talk to me in advance. Talking to me during class does not constitute “prior notice.” If you find it necessary to stop attending class, you must process an official drop in the Registrar’s Office before the withdraw date. You may go to
Student Services to complete the proper documentation to drop the class. As a courtesy, please notify me that you will not return to class.
Please note that there is no distinction between “Excused” and “Unexcused” absences. Each absence will count towards the limit of 20% of the class, regardless of the reason for the absence . (If a student misses 20% of a class, which is three days of class, the instructor has the right to fail the student based solely on attendance.).
The tardy policy will also continue to be enforced.
Late Arrival and Early Departure
Instances of arriving late to class and leaving class early will be documented. Three instances of arriving to class 10 minutes or later or leaving before the end of class more than 10 minutes early without prior notice will result in one absence. You are “late” to class if you arrive any later than the posted class/lab “start” time, regardless of whether instruction has started. You are leaving the class early if you leave before the posted class/lab “end” time, regardless of whether instruction has stopped.
Positive and Productive Class Participation
Students are expected to take a consistently active role in class discussions, in pairs, and in groups.
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Late Paper/Missed Assignment Policy
To do well in this course, you must keep up with assignments. You cannot make a satisfactory grade without studying and participating. If you have to miss an assignment due date, you must notify me before that date. If you have contacted me regarding your absence and have a valid reason, you may turn in the assignment by the date we will agree upon. If you do not contact me before the assignment is due, I will consider your absence unexcused, and you will get a zero for that assignment.
Do not email late essays unless you have gotten the instructor’s permission in advance, and do not ever turn them in to clerical staff.
Make-up Essays and Exams
Make-up essays and exams will be allowed only in dire or emergency situations. A simple, no-call / no-show will result in a zero. If an emergency situation arises and you cannot take the exam or turn in the essay, I will need documentation as proof of an “excused” absence such as a receipt from a doctor’s office, paperwork from jury duty, etc. I reserve the right to determine any reduction in points.
Except for in-class essay exams, all other in-class essay assignments are not final drafts of your papers. All final drafts of your papers must be typed and printed in a 12-point font (Times, Arial, or Times New Roman), double-spaced with one-inch margins. All final drafts of your papers must follow the assigned format, i.e.,
MLA, format and documentation guidelines (See McGraw-Hill Handbook and Comp I Study Guide.).
Your essays will receive major reductions in points, and your grade on the final drafts of your papers will be lowered by one letter for violation of formatting guidelines.
Final Portfolio
The final portfolio is composed of the four major extended essays from a variety of rhetorical modes.
Instructor Guidelines / Policies on Academic Integrity: HCC Policy Statement
Definition of Scholastic Dishonesty
According to the Student Handbook for the Houston Community College System: “Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by college district officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
‘Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion” (14).
“Cheating” includes:
 Copying from another student‘s paper
 Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authority
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an non-administered test
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
 “Plagiarism” means the appropriation of another‘s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work one‘s own written work offered for credit.
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 “Collusion” means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit.
Please note the possible consequences of such dishonesty, as stated in the Student Handbook: “Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” for the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the college district. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the college Dean of Instruction for disciplinary disposition. Students have the right to appeal the dec ision” (14).
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarized papers or projects will receive a grade of “0” (zero) -- no exceptions. Cheating or collusion will also result in a grade of “0” (zero) on that paper or project. Plagiarism or collusion on a second major assignment will result in a zero in the course. Dual-credit students need to be aware that Dr. Jamil, the instructor, will be utilizing plagiarism software and internet sources to check their work for potential plagiarism. This will be discussed in more detail during class lecture. For more on plagiarism, see “Plagiarism” in The New McGraw-Hill Handbook, on the HCC
Library site, on the Northwest Writing Center‘s site, or in the HCC Student Handbook.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Receiving a W in a course may affect the status of your student Visa. Once a W is given for the course (after you have submitted withdrawal form officially), it will not be changed to an F because of the visa consideration. Please contact the International Student Office (713-718-8520) if you have any questions about your visa status and other transfer issues.
Reasonable Accommodations - HCC ADA Policy Statement
Any student with a documented disability (such as physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, and so on) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office for Northwest College at the beginning of the semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Service Office. For Northwest College, the Accommodations Center is located at the Spring
Branch campus in RC 14. Only those accommodations specified by the Center, in accordance with Texas law, may be provided.
For questions, contact the Disability Counselor at Northwest College (713-718-5422) or go to www.hccs.edu
and click on “Campus Services” under “Campus Life.” Then scroll down the page and click on “Disability Support
Services.”
FERPA Policy
The academic, financial, and non-directory information on your student account is confidential and protected by the
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). We cannot release certain information to another person without your written authorization. The privacy of student academic progress, grades, and records are all protected under
FERPA. Simply stated FERPA means that instructors only discuss student academic progress with students. with their parents or
Free English Tutoring
Free tutoring is available at one of the local HCC writing centers. Tutors can help you organize and develop ideas for your writing assignments and can help you work on your problems with grammar and sentence structure. Tutors do not write, rewrite, edit, or correct papers for you, but they can help you do the tasks better . (However, anyone other than your instructor, such as the tutor, your mother, your high school teacher, your friend, etc. is NOT the final judge of your work.) For information on the HCC Northwest Writing Center locations and hours go to www.hccs.edu
, click on “Northwest.” Then click on “Campus Services” under “Campus Life,” and then click on
“Writing Center.”
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On-line Tutoring is also available through askonline.
net which is a useful resource for all students. However, plan in advance and submit your work well before its due date in order to receive timely advice. The URL for the online tutoring option is: http://hccs.askonline.net
. First register. To do that, you must use an email account. You may use your personal email account or your HCC email account. To activate the HCC e-mail, students should go to the HCC Home Page, click on “For Students.” From the right column of choices, click on “Student E-Mail” and follow the directions.
HCC Libraries
The HCC libraries provide useful research materials and offer assistance in finding resources. For more information about HCC Northwest library locations and hours of operation, go to www.hccs.edu
, click on “Northwest,” and click on “Library” under the section titled “Student Life.”
HCC Student Services Information
HCC Northwest has academic advisors , at both the Master’s and doctoral-level, who are available at each campus to assist students in creating class schedules, evaluating college transcripts, and completing degree/certificate plans. For more information, visit the following link: http://northwest.hccs.edu/northwest/campus-services
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
Instructors who belong to the HCC System believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. HCC students are asked to take an online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to instructors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy for Students
You are expected to attend class. In accordance with HCCS policy, students with more than 6 hours of absences (4 classes) may be dropped for excessive absence, and a daily record of attendance will be maintained throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to keep updated on course information if you miss class.
NOTICE: The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively. For example, if you take the same course more than two times, you have to pay extra tuition. (Students who enroll for most credit CEU classes for a third or more times will be charged an additional $50.00 per semester credit hour and $3.00 per contact hours.) In 2007, the
Texas Legislature passed a law limiting new students (those starting college in fall 2007) to no more than six total course withdrawals throughout their academic career in obtaining a baccalaureate degree. There may be future penalties imposed.
NOTE: Once you stop attending this class, you must officially withdraw from the course by the deadline for withdrawal. The deadline for withdrawal is March 31, 2014.
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Classroom Etiquette
 All students are responsible for following the rules and guidelines related to student conduct as outlined in the HCC Student Handbook.
 Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on college property or in a college environment. Students may receive disciplinary action up to and including suspension, if they violate
System or College rules, disrupt classes, or interfere with the opportunity of others to obtain an education. Students who pose a threat to the safety of others will be subject to immediate withdrawal from the classroom, campus environment, and/or online environment, as well as face subsequent criminal charges, as appropriate.
 Students must not chat with classmates on topics not related to class discussions. If I have to call attention to anyone more than once for talking out of turn during the class, I will ask him/her to leave class and meet with me outside the classroom after class to resolve the problem. I will also inform the appropriate authority about students who chat and disrupt the class so that they can be counseled.
 Students are not permitted to work on any other activity not related to ENGL 1301 assignments during the class.
 Students are not permitted to sleep in class! Students who cannot remain awake during the class will be asked to leave the class.
I will also inform the appropriate authority about students who cannot remain awake for the class so that they can be counseled.
Recording Devices Policy
Using recording devices of any kind in the classroom is not permitted.
Cellphone/Beeper Policy
Cell phones and text messaging are disruptive and, therefore, they are prohibited in class. Please turn off cell phones and put them away out of sight before class starts.
If electronic or communication equipment disrupts class, then appropriate deductions will be made toward the student class participation grade. Please note that I document all instances of cell phone/beeper distractions. In addition, s tudents with ringing cell phones or students who are text messaging will be asked to leave or to give their cell phone to the instructor for the duration of the class. I reserve the right to answer any cell phone that rings in class. Instructor claims no responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones or computers .
Laptop/Tablet Policy
No laptops/tablets are allowed to be used during class without permission from the instructor. With the instructor’s permission, laptops/tablets/computers may be used during class strictly for class activities; otherwise, they must be turned off during class. Any non-class use of a computer, including (but not limited to) checking email, instant messaging, internet browsing, game playing, etc. will result in confiscation of personal laptops or loss of computer privileges for the duration of the class period or loss of privilege of the lab computers or removal from that day’s class.
Page 8 of 16

Grade Determination
Pre/Post-Diagnostic and PLP
Written Reflections on Connect Topics
In-class Essay on Assigned Topic
In-class Essay on Assigned Topic
Typed Final Draft on Assigned Topic
Extended Essays on the Assigned Readings
Letter Grade Assignment
Final Average in
Percent
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59 & below
The Early Alert system allows an HCC instr uctor to “alert” a student who is close to failing a class due to excessive absences and / or poor academic performance.
Page 9 of 16

Week Number
1
T, 01/14 & TH, 01/16
 McGraw-Hill Connect
Discuss Course and HCC Policies
Introduction to McGraw-Hill Connect: Policies
 Rhetorical Theory: Narration Writing Personal Narrative Academic Essay
2
 Maya Angelou “Graduation,” pp.15-24, p. 1137 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
 MLA Format (OWL Website)
T, 01/21 & TH, 01/23

Rhetorical Theory: Description
 N. Scott Momaday
N . “The Way to Rainy Mountain,” pp.119-125, p.1156
disNorton
[Discussion Questions]
Personal Narrative/Descriptive Academic Essay


Page 10 of 16

3
4
5
T, 01/28 & TH, 01/30
 M. L. King Jr “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” pp. 818-831, p. 1152 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
 Rhetorical Theory:
Comparison/Contrast
Comparison/Contrast in Academic Writing
T, 02/04 & TH, 02/06
 Joan Didion
 Rhetorical Theory: Illustration
“ On “Going Home,” pp.1-3, p. 1142 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
Illustration in Academic Writing
 Discourse Communities and
Academic Writing
Language Variety/ Register/Diction
[Connotation, Denotation, Figurative
Language]
T, 02/11 & TH, 02/13
 Stephen King
“ On Writing” pp. 443-445, p. 1152 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
 Rhetorical Theory:
Process Analysis
Process Analysis in Academic Writing

Page 11 of 16

6
7
8
T, 02/18 & TH, 02/20
 Rachel Carson
 Rhetorical Theory:
Cause/Effect
T, 02/25 & TH, 02/27
 William Zinsser
 Rhetorical Theory:
Classification
T, 03/04 & TH, 03/06
 In-class Essay Exam
T,
“Tides,” pp. 519-525 , p. 1141 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
Cause/Effect in Academic Writing

“College Pressures,” pp. 380-386, p. 1169 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
Classification in Academic Writing
Topic as Assigned

Page 12 of 16

9
10
11
T, 03/11 & TH, 03/13
NO CLASS
T, 03/18 & TH, 03/20
 Vladimir Nabokov “Good Readers and Good Writers,” pp. 973-978, p. 1157 Norton
[Discussion Questions]
 Rhetorical Theory:
Definition
Definition in Academic Writing


T, 03/25 & TH, 03/27
McGraw-Hill Handbook: Part 3/Part 4
 Conducting Research
 Choosing Topics and Writing
Research Questions
Practical Writing Activity on Planning and
Writing Research Papers: Topics and
Research Questions

Page 13 of 16

12
T, 04/01 & TH, 04/03
McGraw-Hill Handbook: Part 3/Part 4
Practical Writing Activity on Finding and
Evaluating Sources and Resources
 Finding and Evaluating Sources and Resources: Primary and
Secondary Sources
 Making an Annotated
Bibliography and References
Page
 Avoiding Plagiarism: Integrating
Quotations, Summaries, and
Paraphrases
Practical Writing Activity on
Documenting Sources for the Research
Paper
Practical Writing Activity on Integrating
Sources Using Quotations, Summaries, and Paraphrases

13
T, 04/08 & TH, 04/10
Research Paper
Discussion/
Workshop
McGraw-Hill Handbook: Part 3/Part 4
 Outlining and Drafting the Research Paper
Practical Writing Activity on Outlining and Drafting the Research Paper


Page 14 of 16

16
14
15
T, 04/15 & TH, 04/17
Research Paper
Discussion/
Workshop
PEER REVIEW
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY:
Using a Checklist for
Editing and Revising
McGraw-Hill Handbook: Part 3/Part 4
Practical Writing Activity Revising and Editing the
Research Paper
T, 04/22 & TH, 04/24
Research Paper
Discussion/
Workshop
PEER REVIEW
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY:
Using a Checklist for
Editing and Revising
McGraw-Hill Handbook: Part 3/Part 4
Practical Writing Activity Revising and Editing the
Research Paper

T, 04/29 & TH, 05/01
Research Paper
Discussion/
Workshop
 Presentations of the
Research Papers
 FINAL DRAFTS OF ALL ESSAYS

Page 15 of 16

17
T, 05/06/2014
LAST CLASS/FINAL EXAM
at 9:00 A.M.

Assigned Topic
Page 16 of 16