Developmental English
Northwest College
Instructor contact information
Instructor:
E-mail:
Mrs. Katherine Williams
katherine.williams@hccs.edu
Course Title:
Course Prefix:
Course Number:
Class Room Location:
Fundamentals of
Grammar &
Composition II
ENGL*0310
0041 (79780)
Semester and Year:
Spring 2012
Class Days & Times:
M/W 7:30- 9:30 PM
Spring Branch Campus
Rm 313
Course overview
English 0310 is an advanced course for students who already demonstrate writing skills sufficient to address complete and
comprehensive use of Writing Process. Students develop multiple strategies for essay writing and the use of both persuasion and
argument construction. While the focus of English 0310 is primarily at the paragraph and essay level, it does include address of word
and sentence writing elements for revision and editing strategies.
Catalog Description: A course designed to prepare students for ENGL 1301. Students will ordinarily proceed to ENGL
0310 after taking ENGL 0300. Some students may, however, test directly into ENGL 0310 (ENGL 0300 is not a
prerequisite for ENGL 0310). ENGL 0310 provides a basic review of the principles of grammar, usage and mechanics and
utilizes the writing process to teach the students to write short essays (350-500 words).
Course Objectives: The primary objective of English 0310 is to teach students the central components of academic
writing and prepare them for future English composition and other college course writing as well as career writing.
Students will gain extensive experience using Writing Process, rhetorical modes, structural strategies, and standard
conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Successful students will master these writing techniques with sufficient
skill to address freshman level English composition and any state testing requirements including the THEA.
Developmental English 0310 Objectives include and incorporate federally mandated SCANS SKILLS (workplace skills)
in both curriculum and classroom instruction and applications. SCANS SKILLS include skills development in listening,
speaking, reading, writing, critical thinking skills, and computer literacy.
Support: Please contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course, and remember that you do
not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. I am available. Feel free to speak
to me before and after class (or make an appointment) to discuss things with you. Also, be sure to take advantage of the
tutors (see additional support) who are available during much of the day, five days a week.
Additional Support:
 Tutoring and Writing Centers
o On-Campus tutors in the Katy Campus Writing Center, Room 321, which is located across from the third
floor Library. Look for posted hours or call 713-718-5841.
o Writing Center at Spring Branch Campus, South Hall, Room 703. Look for posted hours or call 713-7185889.
 On-Line Tutors: http://askonline.net
Getting ready
Prerequisites: English 0300 or English 0349. Students may also place into English 0310 with specified scores on SAT, ACT,
THEA, or Asset or placement alternative test like Compass or Maps and the diagnostic essay evaluation by designated HCCS Faculty.
Required Material:
The New McGraw-Hill Handbook: Elaine P. Maimon et al. McGraw-Hill, 2007.
Seventy-Five Readings: Plus, Eighth Edition: Santi Buscemi and Charlotte Smith.
McGraw Hill, 2007.
My Writing Lab access code (details will be given later in class)
Binder, pen, highlighter, notebook paper (loose-leaf), flash drive
Instructor guidelines and policies
Attendance: Class attendance is absolutely necessary for your success in this course, therefore attendance to all
classes is required. A student who anticipates an absence should notify the instructor in advance, either in person or by
email. An excessive number of absences will prohibit the successful completion of this course. In case of absence, it is
the student’s responsibility to obtain lecture notes and assignments from a classmate. Anyone who has
missed 4 class days may be dropped from the course. A lot of important events (discussions, class
assignments, tests, etc.) occur at the beginning of class, so arrive on time! You will be counted abscent for any of the
following reasons :over 10 minutes late to class, texting, emailing, using Facebook or other social media sites,
leaving early, and/or sleeping. This is a participatory class, so be prepared to participate.
Assignments: All assignments are to be completed and submitted electronically via www.engrade.com to the
instructor on the scheduled due date. Assignments are due before the beginning of each class or can be submitted by
the next day for a 10 point deduction. It is each student's responsibility to prepare the proper assignments. If you are
absent, always contact a classmate to find out what assignments were made or look at the syllabus. I will not accept late
homework; you may turn in papers late for a 10 point per calendar day deduction.
Class Participation: The college classroom is a place for adult men and women to come together with the common
purpose of improving their intellectual and academic skills. All students deserve a classroom environment that is free of
interruptions or distractions that impede learning. Because active participation in class discussions is essential, it is
important that all students are fully prepared for class each day. Any student who arrives unprepared, sleeps in class, or is
disruptive will be asked to leave class and will be counted absent.
Academic Dishonesty:
The instructor reserves the right to take appropriate action in the event of plagiarism. Plagiarism in any form will result in
a final course grade of F and possible withdrawal from the course.
Exams: Periodic exams will be given during the semester. Exams must be taken on or before the scheduled time and
date. Students with special needs or circumstances must contact the instructor BEFORE the scheduled exam in order to
make different arrangements. A student who misses one exam and who has no other zeros on projects or lab grades may
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be allowed to take a makeup exam during the last week of the semester. ALL EXAMS FOR THIS CLASS WILL BE
ESSAYS!
Make-up exams:
Students should contact the instructor prior to missing a scheduled examination by e-mail, or in-person. All
make-up exams will be held in the Testing Center- you will need to check with them for hours of operation.
Cell Phones and other devices: As a courtesy to others, please turn all cell phones to silent, vibrate, or off before
entering the classroom. All other electronic devices (iPods, iPhones, etc) need to be off and put away.
Withdrawl Date: if you plan on withdrawing from the class, you must do so by March 28th.
GRADE DETERMINATION:
Your grade will be
determined by the following
Details
Homework/Participation
All homework, quizzes, daily work, as well
as participation in class discussions
15%
Essays/ Writings
All essays and other paper or writing
assignments
20%
My Writing Lab
The online component to your class- see
syllabus for detailed due dates
15%
Tests
Various tests given throughout the
course- see syllabus for dates. All tests
are essay tests.
20%
Collaborative Project
Group presentation project as assigned
by teacher
10%
Final Exam
The Final Exam for the class- see
syllabus for date
20%
Percent of Final Average
Total:
100%
LETTER GRADE ASSIGNMENT:
Letter Grade
A
Final Average in Percent
90 -100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
N/A
IP
See policy below
F
69 and below
IP: A student in good standing (all work completed and attendance-compliant) will have the opportunity to
repeat the class without receiving an “F”.
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Tentative Instructional Outline:
CLASS DATE
LECTURE TOPIC AND ACTIVITY
Jan
16M
NO CLASS- MLK HOLIDAY
18 W
Go over instructional outline and syllabus
Discuss writing process, especially pre-writing strategies
HW: read “Why I Want a Wife” p. 449
Review pre-writing
Topic/ Thesis statement
Outlines
Go over Reader Response Journal
HW: RRJ on : “Shooting an Elephant”, “Marrying Absurd”, and “Why Leaves Turn Color
in the Fall”
Lab day to set up My Writing Lab and Engrade accounts
HW: Pre-tests on My Writing Lab
RRJs DUE
Organizing Essay- 5 paragraphs
Go over Process Paper
Assign Essay #1
Nouns/Subjects, Verbs, Pronouns, Sub-verb agreement, Noun-pronoun agreement
HW: RRJ on: “The Serpents of Paradise”, “Fifth Avenue,Uptown”, Grant and Lee”, “Neat
People vs. Sloppy People”
Process Essay Due/HW DUE
Go Over Compare/Contrast Essay
Assign Essay #2
Assign the Project/ work day- due March 5
23 M
25 W
30 M
Feb
1W
6M
8W
13 M
15 W
20 M
22 W
Punctuation- commas, semi-colons
Go over how to do timed writings
HW: RRJ on : “The Company Man”, “Am I Blue?”, “Test Day”
Comp/Cont Essay Due/HW DUE
Review
Go Over Definition Paper
Assign Essay #3
TEST- read “The Men We Carry in Our Mind” prior to the test
HW: RRJ on: “What is Poverty”, “Meanings of a Word”
NO CLASS- PRESEDENT’S DAY
Definition Essay Due/HW DUE
Go over Classification Essay
Assign Essay #4
Project Work Day
HW: RRJ on : “ Where Have All the Parents Gone”, “If Hitler Asked you to …”
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27 M
29 W
March
5M
Classification Essay Due/HW DUE
Go over Argument Essay
Assign Essay #5
Project Work Day
HW: RRJ on “China’s Biggest Gamble…”, “A Modest Proposal”, “Mother Tongue”
Argument Essay due/HW DUE
Review
Project Due
7W
Mid-Term: read “DNA as Destiny” before test
FIRST HALF OF MYWRITING LAB IS DUE TODAY (by midnight)
12 M
SPRING BREAK- NO CLASS
14 W
SPRING BREAK- NO CLASS
19 M
21 W
Assign Essay #6- argument
Go over how to do on-line research
Assign Project #2/ Group Work Day- due April 9th
26 M
Group Work Day
28 W
Essay Due
Group Work Day
HW: RRJ on “Only Daughter”, “On Dumpster Diving”
Review
April
2M
4W
Test-read “Bilingual Education” before test
9M
Project Due/HW DUE
11 W
Practice timed writing essay (this will count in the essay category)
HW: read The Little Prince (assigned chapters only- will hand out in class)
Discuss critical analysis of a literary work
16 M
18 W
Second half of My Writing Lab is due
Test- read assigned chapters from Little Prince before test ( this will be a timed writing
as well)
23 M
Practice with in-class reader response “essays” on visual media
25 W
Review
30 M
FINAL EXAM/ Last day of class
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Early Alert: Please be aware that I will refer students to the Early Alert system that I notice having difficulties in
the classroom, whether they are academic or personal. To be successful in the college system (which is a
student’s goal and an instructor’s job to facilitate), handling academic and personal problems early in the
semester makes for an enjoyable and rewarding college experience. This is not a penalty but an attempt to get
you, the student, the free help and assistance you may need.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
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 is authorized
to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support
Services Office.
For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the Disability
Counselor at your college. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit
www.hccs.edu then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on
the words Disability Information.
District ADA Coordinator –
Central ADA Counselors –
Northeast ADA CounselorNorthwest ADA Counselor –
Southeast ADA Counselor –
Southwest ADA Counselor –
Coleman ADA Counselor –
Donna Price – 713.718.5165
Jaime Torres - 713.718.6164
Martha Scribner – 713.718.6164
Kim Ingram – 713.718.8420
Mahnaz Kolaini – 713.718.5422
Jette Lott - 713.718.7218
Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910
Dr. Raj Gupta – 713.718.7631
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. You are expected
to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you
are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for
conducting themselves with 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:





Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a
test that has not been administered;
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 in
one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean 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,
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failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the
Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in
this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply
put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs
regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily.
Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you
for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in class
is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of
12.5% hours of instruction. The eight hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive
tardiness or leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not to attend, you
do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this happens too many times, you may
suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week, you
are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing
to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date
of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to
discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that
would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important. 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 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 PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to
receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class
length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC
Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or 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
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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.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a positive
learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously and will inform
members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you
are asked to respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera, Recording Devices, and other Electronic Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the
learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off
your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive
permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with
disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for
Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations.
Cell phones are an increasing problem in the classroom. It is my policy that cell phones are not to be heard nor
seen. It causes a disruption in the classroom. All cell phones must be either turned off or on silent (not vibrate).
Accepting phone calls or leaving class to make them is not acceptable. If you have an emergency situation,
please discuss this with the instructor prior to class, not during class time. Repeated infractions will result in a
referral to the Early Alert system for intervention.
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or
assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
Grading
Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to determine how successful
you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills) outlined in the
syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you
study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able to
assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your performance
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