DEVELOPMENTAL ENGLISH
ENGLISH 0300 - Fundamentals of Grammar and Composition
CRN 81450—Spring 2012
West Loop Campus – Room C244 | Saturdays| 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
3 hour lecture/1 hour lab/64 hours per semester/16 weeks
Instructor: Keith Thomas
keith.thomas@hccs.edu
405.628.7116 mobile
713.396.2422 mobile
Please feel free to contact me to discuss concerns about course issues.
Learning Website— http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/keith.thomas
Office Hours—by appointment
ACGM-Course Description
Developmental Writing
Development of fundamental writing skills such as idea generation, organization, style, utilization of
standard English and revision
Approval Number ...................................................................................... 32.0108.53 12
CIP Area ..............................................................Reading, Literacy, and Communication
maximum SCH per student ............................................................................................. 9
maximum SCH per course .............................................................................................. 3
maximum contact hours per course .............................................................................. 96
HCC-Course Description
English 0300 is designed to prepare students for English 0310 or English 1301. English 0300 provides a
basic review of the principles of grammar, usage, and mechanics and utilizes the writing process to teach
students to write short essays (2-4 pages).
Prerequisites
Students are responsible for registering for and taking the correct courses to meet department, institutional
and state requirements. A student who is taking developmental English, Reading or Math to meet minimum
standards as set by the state government will be blocked from registering for certain college level courses
based on a lack of prerequisites. Example: A student tries to register for History 1301; however, the student
has not passed the Reading and Writing sections of the Placement Test. The student also has not completed
GUST 0342 and ENGL 0300. The student will be blocked from registering for HIST 1301 because
prerequisite requirements have not been fulfilled.
Student Learning Outcomes
After completing English 0300 you will be able to:

Use a variety of sentence patterns in writing

Comprehend and respond to assigned readings

Understand and execute all parts of the writing process: prewriting, planning, writing, revising and
editing

Write a variety of essays using appropriate rhetorical modes

Incorporate the ideas and words of other writers in their own essays utilizing proper and established
source citing procedures
1
Learning Objectives
After completing English 0300 Students will:

Identify and demonstrate use of varied sentence types in assigned readings and writings

Demonstrate comprehension of assigned reading through discussion, quizzes & journals

Respond to assigned readings through journals and/or essays in similar rhetorical mode

Submit essay packets for examination and evaluation of student understanding,
utilization of and proficiency with all stages of the writing process

Demonstrate the steps of the writing process for class assignments & collaborative work

Write in three to four rhetorical modes during the course of the semester

Write an in class essay as component of final exam utilizing one rhetorical mode or a
combination of rhetorical modes to demonstrate understanding and proficiency

Effectively use outside sources in assigned writing projects

Analyze and synthesize material from readings
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards
The Objectives relating to Developmental English 0300 as listed above include and incorporate federally
mandated SCANS SKILLS in both curriculum and classroom instruction and applications. Skills associated with
SCANS include listening, speaking, reading, writing, computer literacy, critical thinking and other skills
associated with or related to vocations and tasks common in the workplace.
HCC Calendar
January 17—Classes Begin
February 20—Offices Closed, Presidents Day
March 12-18—Offices Closed, Spring Break
March 29, 4:30 PM—Date and Time Deadline for Administrative or Student Withdrawals
May 7-13—Final Examinations
Course Procedure
Some class time may be allotted for work on lab and assignments but most course work (reading
assignments, journaling, essay preparation and My Writing Lab) will be completed outside of class.
Required Texts
The Little Brown Handbook, Fowler and Aaron
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Required Website Enrollment:
*My Writing Lab: www.mywritinglab.com
Course: Developmental English 0300 West Loop
Section: CRN 81450
Course ID: Thomas393428W
Instructor: Keith Thomas
*Turnitin.com: www.turnitin.com
Class Name: CRN81450
Course ID: 4770429
Enrollment password: outline
2
Essay and Written Materials Policy
Essay Turn in procedure is as follows:
All essays must be uploaded to turnitin.com. Your essay is not 'completed' and/or 'turned in' until it is
uploaded to turnitin.com. A timestamp will document the date and time at which you uploaded the essay.
That timestamp is official. If you would like instructor to write comments and suggestions on your essays
you must print them and turn in a hardcopy. If you do not wish or care for instructor comments or
suggestions uploading your essay or paper will complete assignment remission.
Materials Policy
Students who have not purchased or procured all texts and completed registration at mywritinglab.com and
turnitin.com by Saturday February 3, 2012 will be dropped from this course by the Instructor.
Student Assignments/Assessments (Grading Metrics)
10%—Essay #1
10%—Essay #2
10%—Essay #3
10%—My Writing Lab
10%—Class Participation
10%—Tests on Assigned Reading
10%—Journaling
20%—Final Essay (In Class)
10%—Final Exam
Essay Length and Format
Essays and Papers should be 2-4 Pages
Typed, Double Spaced, Front-Side Only
Times New Roman 12 Point Font,
1 inch Margins: Top, Bottom, Left, Right
With Typed Cover Page Including the Following:
Name/Title/Date/Essay Assignment/Draft Version: Rough Draft/Final
Essay Must be at least 2 Full Pages
Paragraph One Must Start at the Top of the Page
(Not 1/3 of the way down the first page)
No Names, Dates, Assignment Designation or Title on Page 1 of Essay
The Preceding Information goes on Cover Page.
Journaling
You will keep a journal. You are required to make two journal entries each week. The content of the entries
is entirely up to you. You can journal on the Fountainhead, the assigned reading in the Little Brown
Handbook or anything else that you have read that week. You can journal about anything you have read in
any fashion. How did you feel about it? What did elicit? What did you think? Did it remind you of
something that happened to you personally? Do you agree with what you read? What did you learn? What
do you think about it? Is it right? Is it bullshit? Anything.
Journals will be collected and examined by instructor two times during the course of the semester. One day
during class I will ask you to bring the journal to the next class session. If you bring the journal as requested
to the next class session and have completed the required three entries per week you will get full credit for
your work. 50% of the grade for this component of the course (10% of the overall grade for the course) will
be assessed, scored and recorded each of the two times the journals are handed in and assessed.
Ask Online & Lab/Tutor Policy
These services are a very helpful and beneficial to all students at each and every stage of the writing process
and for all students at every level of English, Grammar, Reading and Writing proficiency. Don’t be scared or
embarrassed to go if you are not entirely sure about something discussed in the class or something in the
3
book. That’s why you’re here! At one point, each and every one of us, were exactly where you are. These
Tutors are there to serve you and help you. These services and resources are provided to HCC Students free
of charge. I strongly encourage you to utilize them.
Dictionary Policy
Use of a dictionary is encouraged for out of class assignments; however, no dictionaries, cell phones,
e-readers, I-tablets or any other digital device are to be utilized while completing in-class writings.
Punctuality Policy
Punctuality is expected of all students. If you are more than half fifteen minutes late, you will be marked
absent. Three tardies of 15+ minutes will be recorded as one absence. If you leave early, you will also be
marked either absent or tardy, depending on when you leave.
Program/Discipline Requirements
Completion of course: Students must write a minimum of five essays (two in class) and must earn a
minimum of 70 on: 1) the final in class essay and 2) an overall course average of 70 to successfully
complete this course.
HCC Grading Scale
A = 100 – 90:…………………………………4 points per semester hour
B = 89 – 80: ………………………………… 3 points per semester hour
C = 79 – 70: ………………………………… 2 points per semester hour
D = 79 – 70: ………………………………… 3 points per semester hour
F = 69 – 60: ……………………………… 0 points per semester hour
FX/W….…...………………………………… 0 points per semester hour
W (Withdrawn) receive 0 or no grade points. You are expected to attend this course and stay current with
all assignments. Class attendance is checked daily. All students are permitted 4 excused absences for the
semester. Designate and utilize these absences at your discretion. They are permitted and need not
accompany an explanation. To put it more simply: You don't need to tell me why you can't make it.
Unforeseen things happen. I understand. I trust your judgment. (Honestly, I'd rather you didn’t tell me)
Handle your business. See you next time.
FX: Students will be dropped from a course with an “FX” after accumulating more than 4 absences and/or
not submitting essays, taking quizzes or participating in chats or discussions on a timely basis. If your
situation changes to the degree you feel will be unable to attend class regularly and complete the assigned
work I urge to take the initiative to withdraw yourself from the class. Speak to any counselor in registration
at any point before 4:30 PM March 29. See below: HCC Course Withdrawal Policy.
Students attending HCC on a student visa or those students who must maintain a certain number of course
hours to remain eligible for college funding/scholarships, will lose their visa or funding when an “FX” is
issued. In these situations, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class and maintain their status for a visa
or funding.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities: Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are
encouraged to report to Dr. Becky Hauri in the Disability Support Office at 713-718-7910 to make
necessary arrangements and accommodations.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned,
and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for
measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level
playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. Be familiar
with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. If you are charged with an offense,
pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with
4
honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be
initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic
dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes: 1) Copying from another students’ test paper; 2) Using materials not authorized
by the person giving the test; 3) Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization: 4)
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test
that has not been administered; and 5) Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work
in one’s own written work offered for credit. Collusion is the unauthorized collaboration with another person
in preparing written work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a
grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or
dismissal from the College System. (See Student Handbook)
Classroom Conduct
According to student conduct policy Houston Community college views college-level students as adults who
subscribe to a basic standard of conduct. No student may disrupt or otherwise interfere with any educational
activity being performed by a member of the College System. No student may interfere with his/her fellow
students’ right to pursue their academic goals to the fullest in an atmosphere appropriate to a community of
scholars” (HCC Student Handbook, p. 34). http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/student-handbook

This is an adult learning environment and you are expected to be able to conduct yourself in an adult
manner. If you are unable to monitor your actions and you are repeatedly (more than three
instances) disruptive to class instruction (talking to classmates during lectures, shouting out to others
during lectures, repeatedly walking in and out of class, interrupting the instructor to ask questions,
etc.), you will be withdrawn from the class.

If you arrive to class late and a scheduled assignment is being or has been graded in class, your work
will not be accepted for a grade.

Do not work on materials for other classes during this class.

Get handouts and returned work before class begins or after the class ends. DO NOT walk up to the
instructor’s desk during the class. Don't interrupt class if you're late. Don't be a RUDY JUDY :)!!

Turn off IPODs and cell phones prior to entering class. No calls, text messages, photographs, or any
other electronic communication should be sent or received during class.
HCC Policy Statements
Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this class and in life. Research has shown that the single
most important factor in student success is attendance. Going to class greatly increases your coolness. You are
responsible for materials covered during your absences. If you are not attending class you are not learning,
reading, becoming more interesting or get any cooler, hipper, doper or more fly. Poor attendance often leads to
poor grades, criminal behavior and in some cases: extreme uncoolness. Class attendance equals coolness. Class
attendance equals class success. Success also equals coolness.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course before 4:30 PM
March 29. Before officially withdrawing please take the time to meet with me to discuss why you feel it is
necessary to do so. I might be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.
Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than
six total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by
which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive
absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor
to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care,
financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance. If you plan on
5
withdrawing from your class, you must contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing
(dropping) the class for approval and this must be done before 4:30 PM, March 29 to receive a “W” on your
transcript. Allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and telephone with a professor and
counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do
not withdraw before the deadline you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To increase
student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The
purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006,
HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are
considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor
as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course
participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve
teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of researchbased questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your
professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the
Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
New Meningitis Vaccination Requirement
Texas Senate Bill 1107 passed in May 2011, requires that new HCC students and former HCC students returning
after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under the age of 30 are required to present a
physician-signed certificate showing they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. The immunization
must be administered at least 10 calendar days before the start date of your classes and must have been received
within the last five years.
CLASS CALENDAR
**************************
Week 1. Week Beginning 1/21
Diagnostic Tests
Introduction to Course
Writing Process
Prewriting
Freewriting
Week 2. Week Beginning 1/28
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 1-4
The Writing Process
Freewriting
Idea Generation
Five Senses
Finding Your Voice
Introduction Function and Strategies
Planning Process
Begin Narrative
Week 3. Week Beginning 2/4
The Fountainhead Part I Chapters 1-3
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 6, 9, 10
Exam
6
Narrative Structure/Essay Structure
Essay Planning
Topic Statements
Thesis Statements
Thesis Explication
Essay Integrity
Enrollment in Masterclass Laboratory
Week 4. Week Beginning 2/11
The Fountainhead Part I Chapters 4-10
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 8, 12
Narrative Due with Outline
Begin Compare and Contrast
Week 5. Week Beginning 2/18
The Fountainhead Part I Chapters11-14 (End of Part I)
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 14, 15
Week 6. Week Beginning 2/25
The Fountainhead Part II Chapters 1-5
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 10, 17-18
Compare and Contrast Essay Due
Begin Definition Essay
Week 7 Week Beginning 3/3
The Fountainhead Part II Chapters 6-9
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 43, 44
Week 8. Week Beginning 3/9
The Fountainhead Part II Chapters 10-12
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 47, 50
Journal Inspection #1: Bring Journals to Class
Definition Essay Due
Week 9. Week Beginning 3/17
Spring Break
Campus Closed, No Class 3/17
The Fountainhead Part II Chapters 13-15 (End of Part II)
The Fountainhead Part III Chapter I
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 27, 28, 29
Week 10. Week Beginning 3/24
The Fountainhead Part III Chapters 2-6
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 51-53
(Select one and read comprehensively)
Begin Criticism/Persuasion Essay
Week 11. Week Beginning 3/31
The Fountainhead Part III Chapters 7-9 (End of Part III),
The Fountainhead Part IV Chapters 1-2
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 38, 39, 55
7
Business Correspondence
Week 12. Week Beginning 4/7
The Fountainhead Part III Chapters 3-10
Little Brown Handbook Chapters 31, 32, 34, 36
Criticism/Persuasion Essay Due
Week 13. Week Beginning 4/14
The Fountainhead Part IV Chapters 11-20
(End of Novel)
Lab Knockout
Week 14. Week Beginning 4/21
Journal Inspection #2
Exam Prep
Week 15. Week Beginning 4/28
Final Exam Component #1: In-Class Essay
Week 16. 5/4
Final Exam Component #2: Multiple Choice Test
Week 17. 5/11
Class Celebration
Music, Food, Mythology and Folklore from Your Native Countries
The Irish call this a Céilí
Participation and Attendance Optional
8