ENGL 1301: Composition and Rhetoric I
Semester: Summer II 2011
E-mail address: martin.hcc@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/hccengl1301/
Office hours: by appointment
Course Days/Times: M, T, W, Th 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Section: 0100
Instructor: Bruce Martin
See also
Classroom: Spring Branch 308
Catalog Description: A course devoted to developing and improving the student's writing and critical reading. Writing essays for a variety of purposes
from personal to academic, including the introduction to argumentation, critical analysis, and the use of sources.
Credit: 3 hours
Prerequisites: A satisfactory assessment score, completion of ENGL 0310, or (for non-native speakers) ENGL 0349
Required Materials
1. Peterson, Linda H, and John C.Brereton. The Norton Reader. 12th edition. New York: Norton & Company, 2008.
2. Maimon, Elaine, et al. The New McGraw Hill Handbook. New York: McGraw Hill: New York 2006.
How to Approach the Materials
The reading assignments should be read at least twice – perhaps once immediately to get the “gist” of the material, and a second time to
focus on structure and details. Take notes – either in your texts or in your notebooks – of what you read. Discussion areas in the course Web
site will be open for all readings so that you may discuss the pieces with other class members before and after the due date.
Educational Outcomes:
By the time students have completed 1301, they will:
 understand writing as a connected and interactive process which includes planning, shaping, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading
 apply writing process to out of class writing
 apply writing process as appropriate to in-class, impromptu writing, thus showing an ability to communicate effectively in writing in a variety of
writing situations
 apply suggestions from evaluated compositions to other writing projects
 understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking in analyzing reading selections, in developing expository essays and writing
argumentative essays
 apply concepts from and use references to assigned readings in developing essays
 analyze (for elements such as purpose, audience, tone, style, writing strategy), in writing, essays by professional writers
 complete short writing assignments, journal entries, reading quizzes, and other activities to strengthen basic thinking and writing skills
 understand and appropriately apply various methods of development in writing assignments
 avoid faulty reasoning in all writing assignments
 fulfill writing requirements of the course, writing at least 5000 words during the semester
ADA accommodations: If you are in need of accommodations for physical or learning disabilities, you must have this need formalized through the office
of Dr. Nancy Russell at the Spring Branch campus. We accommodate students willingly and on a regular basis through Dr. Russell’s office. If you
suspect that you have some difficulties that have yet to be diagnosed, she is the lady to see—or call— at 713-718-5430. The official HCCS statement is
as follows: "Any student with a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable
accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office."
Academic Integrity
The College upholds the core values of learning: honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability. We promote the importance of personal and academic
honesty. We embrace the belief that all learners – students, faculty, staff, and administrators – will produce their own work and must give appropriate
credit to the work of others. No fabrication of sources, cheating, or unauthorized collaboration is permitted on any work submitted within the College.
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preclude a professor or academic unit from issuing guidelines giving examples of plagiarism or other forms
of academic dishonesty and academic misconduct which are pertinent to the subject matter of the class.
Possible consequences for academic dishonesty to be determined by the professor, or the professor and Academic Dean can include but are not limited
to:
1. Having additional course requirement imposed
2. Receiving a grade of zero of “F” for an exam or assignment
3. Receiving a grade of “F” for the course
4. Being withdraw from the course or program
5. Being expelled from the college
Professors retain the primary responsibility for matters relating to Academic Integrity within their classes. Professors should clearly explain how the
student’s actions violated the academic integrity policy, how a grade was calculated, and the actions taken.
HCC Northwest College ENGL 1301 Section 0100 Summer II 2011 Syllabus – Martin
Page 1/5
Students who wish to appeal inappropriate penalties imposed for an academic integrity violation related to classroom instruction should use the
academic appeal process.
Students who wish to appeal sanctions imposed for an academic integrity violation that is related to general student conduct should use the student
discipline committee.
Turnitin.com
The Houston Community College District subscribes to Turnitin.com which supports faculty in their quest to uphold academic integrity. Student
coursework will be submitted to the scrutiny of the Turnitin software. Please note that these submissions of assignments to Turnitin do not necessarily
constitute an accusation or suspicion of plagiarism on the student’s part, but assist the student in identifying proper use of published materials.
Attendance Policy
Attendance to all classes is required. Should you anticipate an absence, please notify the instructor in advance. After two (2) absences, the student will
be dropped from the course. If you should miss a class, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain lecture notes and assignments from a classmate.
Missing class and not turning in work are the two main reasons for students doing poorly in this class, and you do have a responsibility to your
classroom community to participate in it. In addition, since this class incorporates several small group activities, you have a responsibility to your working
group to attend and constructively participate in discussion and assignments.
Please arrive to class on time every day. Being tardy over five minutes will be considered an absence. Beginning-of class activities and discussions are
important for your learning. No in-class activities missed because of absence or tardiness may be made-up, and a zero will be posted for that grade.
NOTICE: The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses excessively. A course taken a third time requires higher tuition
and course fees. In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law (SB 1231) that limits students to no more than six total course withdrawals
throughout their entire undergraduate academic career.
Late Work
Attendance is expected on due dates regardless of whether or not your work is ready to submit for evaluation. Assignments are turned in to me during
class or on-line before class begins. Fifty percent of the grade will be deducted for homework assignments turned in late, and two days late will result in
a zero grade. Illness is not considered an “excused” absence and work is still considered late, regardless of circumstances. Major papers have a 10
point deduction per day. All major grades must be submitted to pass the course and no assignments will be accepted after the last instructional day. Inclass assignments may not be made up or resubmitted.
Grading Schedule
Assignment
Class Participation, Reading Responses & Reflections
Writing Assignment 1 Personal Narrative
Writing Assignment 2 Compare and Contrast Literary Analysis
In-class Mid-term Essay
Writing Assignment 3 Collaborative Community Research Report
Final Exam Essay
Total
Percent of Final Grade
15
15
15
15
25
15
100
NOTICE – The final exam essay must be passed with a grade of C+ or above to receive credit for the course.
All major writing assignments and the final exam must be submitted to pass the course. No exceptions.
Components of the Course
1. Reading and independent reading responses, summaries, and quizzes
2. Multiple drafts of three papers (all major writing assignments must be completed to pass the course).
3. In-class mid-term essay
4. Peer reviews of other classmates’ papers; proof of feedback (on-line or writing center tutor)
5. Small group collaborative projects
6. Independent writing strategy tasks
7. Writing responses to readings from the course text and other outside reading selections
8. Library research and source documentation formats
9. In-class final exam and essay
Grading Scale
The evaluation of a student’s course progress and final grade is based upon the degree of mastery and of course outcomes. The grade breakdown for
this class is as follows:
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
0-59
Teaching Philosophy
A successful teacher appreciates the initial level of understanding of the student, the student’s learning styles, and how to best match these attributes to
the learning goals of the curriculum. I believe everyone can learn, and in the community college environment, the adult learner can have one of several
motivations; if both the instructor and the student recognize this motivation, and if the teacher values this motivation, the process is a collaborative and
scaffolding one. Though some of the in-class time is lecture, this is balanced with in-class writing activities, class and group discussions, and personal
reflections to enhance the learning experience.
HCC Northwest College ENGL 1301 Section 0100 Summer II 2011 Syllabus – Martin
Page 2/5
Methods of Instruction
This course is based on reading and writing – very verbal and very linguistic. However, alternate instructional methods will be implemented to address
various other intellectual strengths, such as visual/spatial, inter- and intra-personal, aural, and others. Students should expect to identify their own
learning strengths and use those methods which best assist them in mastering the reading materials and writing strategies.
Methods of Assessment
Students will be assessed in multiple ways as well. Informal assessment includes discussion, observation, and anonymous submissions. Formal
assessment will also include class discussions (as part of the participation grade), group projects, assigned homework, in-classes quizzes on assigned
readings and writing methods, exams, and major papers.
Further, the student is expected to learn effective self-assessment methods to build life-long learning habits. To this end, regular anonymous feedback
instruments will be gathered to evaluate the class time, instruction, and mastery of topics. This is a chance for you to show where our class instruction is
working for you, and where we need to change focus for you to be successful. Effective assessment – of self and of the instruction – builds a more
profitable and satisfying learning experience.
For your assistance and feedback, each writing assignment will have a grading rubric provided as part of the paper requirements
Classroom Respect
As college students you are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner toward your instructor and fellow students at all times. You should
avoid sleeping during class, reading non-1301 relevant material in class, talking or interrupting while others have the floor, acting belligerently or in a
belittling manner, openly challenging the instructor’s authority, or otherwise displaying disruptive behavior. Verbal harassment of instructors or fellow
students orally or on-line will not be tolerated. Should any of these occur, I will have a conference with the student and referral may be made to the Dean
of Students for further disciplinary action.
It will be tempting from time to time to check/send e-mail, surf the Web, or any other computer activity not related to our class. Unless you are
completing a computer assignment that is given by the instructor to be completed during the class period, any extraneous computer activity will NOT be
tolerated and you may be asked to leave the class and/or receive a zero for that assignment.
NOTE: all beepers, pagers, cellular phones, Blackberries, or any other electronic device MUST be turned off prior to your
entrance in the classroom. Once class has begun, students are not to send or receive text messages, phone calls, or
engage in any other disruption. Should this occur, the student may be asked to leave class and, if so, will be counted
absent for that day.
Conciliation
It is hoped that the class structure and its process will be seen as constructive to both student and instructor and fair to all class members. If, however,
any student feels some grievance needs to be heard, I hope that you will address all concerns to me first confidentially and privately. This is the
professional and adult means of conciliation. If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, then you may contact the English Department Chair or
other administrative resources at the College (see Student Handbook). It is hoped that as adults and as a community of scholars we will work together
for constructive resolutions to any concerns.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available to all students at Northwest College. If you feel you may need tutoring for this course, please visit the Writing Center
in order to sign up for a tutor, or use the AskOnline system for other assistance < http://www.hccs.askonline.net/>
Writing Center
The Northwest College Writing Center has as its major goal to produce skilled, confident writers. To this end, the Writing Center provides students with
individual, tailored instruction. Through discussions with talented, professional tutors, students garner assistance to improve their writing. Additionally,
students have access to computers with useful web site links plus current grammar and composition software programs. See Room 321, M-F 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Learning Schedule
All reading and writing assignments are published weekly on the Course Web site <https://sites.google.com/site/hccengl1301> as well as presented
daily in class. It is the student's responsibility to monitor assignments and complete them on time.
Changes to Assignment Schedule and Course Policies: The instructor reserves the right to update the course policies, assignments, and schedule at
any time. Changes may be made throughout the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with changes as they are announced.
Learning Schedule
Monday 11 July
Introduction to college-level writing. Review of course.
Tuesday 12 July
Reading: Angelou, “Graduation”; Eighner, “On Dumpster Diving”; Didion, “On Going Home”; White, “Once More to the Lake”
Writing: Personal response to one of today's readings, 300-500 words. E-mailed to martin.hcc@gmail.com before class.
See Web for specific instructions.
Wednesday 13 July
Reading: Rios, “Green Cards”; Selzer, “A Knife”; Soto, “The Guardian Angel”; Buzzell, “Killing Time in Iraq”
Writing: Personal response and connection to community. See Web for specific instructions.
In-class review of paragraph from Paper 1
Thursday 14 July
Reading: Dillard, “from American Childhood”; Wolfe, “from Yeager”; Lopez, “American Geographies”
Writing: Paper 1 Due
HCC Northwest College ENGL 1301 Section 0100 Summer II 2011 Syllabus – Martin
Page 3/5
HCC Northwest College ENGL 1301 Section 0100 Summer II 2011 Syllabus – Martin
Page 4/5
Monday 18 July
Reading: Atwood, “True North”; Guterson, “Enclosed. Encyclopedic. Endured: The Mall of America”; Cofer, “More Room”
Writing: Local writing. See Web for specific instructions.
Tuesday 19 July
Reading: Theroux, “Being a Man”'; Sanders, “Looking at Women”; Roach, “How to Know if You're Dead”
Writing: Personal identity. See Web for specific instructions.
Wednesday 20 July
Reading: Staples, “Black Men in Public Space”; Pilardi, “The Immigration Problem Is About Us, Not Them”;
Writing: Groups. See Web for specific instructions.
In-class peer review of Paper 2.
Thursday 21 July
Reading: Chesterfield, “Letter to His Son”; Twain, “Advice to Youth”; Ephron, “The Boston Photographs”
Writing: Paper 2 Due
Monday 25 July
Reading: Whitman, “Death of Abraham Lincoln”; Arendt, “Deportations from Western Europe”
Writing: Family history I. See Web for specific instructions.
Tuesday 26 July
Reading: Bai, “He Said No to Internment”; Corbett, “Saved by Strangers”; Bergner, “Chasing Evil”
Writing: Family history II. See Web for specific instructions.
Wednesday 27 July – Mid-Term Exam
Thursday 28 July
Reading: Swift, “A Modest Proposal'; Jefferson, “Declaration'; Lincoln, “Gettysburg Address”; Lincoln, “Second Inaugural Address”;
White, “Democracy”
Writing: Individual and the State; See Web for specific instructions.
Monday 1 August
Reading: King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Writing: Justice. See Web for specific instructions.
Tuesday 2 August
Reading: King, “I Have a Dream”; Hughes, “Salvation”
Writing: American Now and Future. See Web for specific instructions.
Wednesday 3 August
Reading: Dove, “Epistle of Paul”; Graves, “Mythology”
Writing: Faith and Reason. See Web for specific instructions.
Thursday 4 August
Reading: Dillard, “Sight into Insight”; Dennett, “Common-Sense Religion”
Writing: Big Picture Community. See Web for specific instructions.
Monday 8 August
Reading: Texas and Houston. See Web for documents.
Tuesday 9 August
Writing: Paper 3 Due
Presentations of Collaborative Report
Thursday 11 August – Final Exam
HCC Northwest College ENGL 1301 Section 0100 Summer II 2011 Syllabus – Martin
Page 5/5