Dr. Gavin Schulz
English 1302, HCC--Southwest
Summer 2013
Distance Education Composition II Syllabus
Welcome to this DE Composition II course. Though we will not be meeting in a classroom, we will be “meeting” regularly online, using
the Eagle Online system.
COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. Gavin Schulz
Section: CRN# 46403
Eagle Online: http://hccs1.mrooms3.net
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
The purpose of this course is to prepare you for the short writing assignment one encounters in college. Developing
conscientious writing habits and mastering the various forms will provide a foundation for future writing tasks, even when they demand
alternative, or more sophisticated, forms. There will be an emphasis on organization, pre-writing, and revision skills in order to teach
you the connected and interactive process of writing. This approach is intended to foster in the student the recognition that all writing,
not merely poetry or fiction, is craft.
CONTACT INFORMATION
E-mail: Please use the email function in Eagle Online. I will check email at least every morning. For emergencies only, use my
HCC email address: gavin.schulz@hccs.edu. Treat all communication as if it were being conducted in the professional world.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
None. All readings will be taken from online sources.
GRADING SCHEDULE
1] 2 semester essays (roughly 1000 words each)
2] Research Paper (roughly 2000 words)
3] Online Exercises
4] Peer Evaluation Exercises
5] Take-Home Final Essay
25%
10%
15%
15%
25%
10%
EAGLE ONLINE
Technical Compliance: Things will go smoothly if you (1) install the free Firefox browser (not the beta version), (2) run the
latest Java script, and (3) allow pop-ups. You must use the Firefox browser for full compatibility with Eagle Online. Other web browsers
are not fully supported. Be sure to use Firefox for critical, timed tasks such as quizzes and assignment submissions. You will also need
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Eagle Online User ID and Login: Your login user ID is your HCC User ID (sometimes referred to as the “W” number). The
default password is the word “distance.” You will be asked to change your password after your first login. Contact the Eagle Online Help
Desk if you need help with your password (the number can be found on the login page).
Computer Access: It is the student’s responsibility to have dependable Internet access. Plan ahead—if your computer is
down, keep in mind that HCC campuses generally provide free access to the Internet and word processing in open computer labs. Check
the various campuses for availability and hours of operation. Note that a fee is charged for printed work (per page). Public libraries also
offer computer access.
Technical Help: Many technical questions can be answered when you click on “Technical Requirements,” a link in your Online
Orientation, which is required for the course. I am glad to help you, of course, with course content, but Tech Support is there to help you
with your technical questions. Technical Support can be found at http://smartipantz.perceptis.com/hccs, or by calling 1-855-836-3519.
In addition to your name, they will need your CRN number, your student ID, and my name. There are additional resources listed on the
Eagle Online login page.
Online Participation: You should log into Eagle Online daily to check for announcements and do the required assignments for
the week. Unless you have informed me of an emergency, failing to log in the first week, failing to log in regularly throughout the
semester, and failing to complete all the assignments will be regarded as not attending, and absences will be recorded.
Eagle Technical Problems: If technical problems occur, say, Eagle Online or the HCC network goes down, we will obviously
have trouble accessing the online platform and meeting deadlines. I will, then, adjust deadlines accordingly.
IMPORTANT DATES
June
2
Last Day for Drop/Add/Swap
June
June
July
July
July
July
3
24
2
3
4
12
First Day of Classes
Last Day to Withdraw
Instruction Ends (*No Late Papers & No Other Work Accepted*)
Take-Home Final Essay Due
Offices closed—Holiday
Grades Available Online: http://getgrades.com or www.hccs.edu
GRADING SCALE
Evaluation Rubric: Grades will be assigned in accordance with the “Evaluation Rubric,” to which you will be given access. Grades
will be assigned on a +/- scale (point equivalents are 88/85/82 for a B+/B/B-, for example).
Grading Scale: Final grades are on an A/B/C scale. A final average of 90-100 will earn an A for the course; 80-89 will earn a B;
70-79 will earn a C; 60-69 will earn a D, and 59 or below will earn F’s.
PAPERS
Submitting Your Papers: Save your files with a clear Word file name that includes your name and the assignment.
Rough Drafts: I am willing to read complete or partial drafts of essays at any time until the Last Day for Draft Check dates
listed on calendar.
Last Day for Draft Check: This is the last day that I will accept rough drafts for review.
Due Dates for Essays 1-2: Papers are due by Midnight on the days they are due. Failure to submit your paper by this time
will result in a 10 point penalty, with a further 10 points deducted for each 24 hours it is late.
Research Paper and the Take-Home Final Essay: These must be completed by Midnight on the dates assigned—no
exceptions except for documented emergencies. Failure to submit the Research Paper on the due date by Midnight or submit the TakeHome Final Essay on the final exam day by Midnight will result in 0’s for the assignments.
Returning Graded Papers: It will take about one week to grade a stack of essays.
Grading Late Papers: All essays turned in after the due dates, for whatever reason, will be placed in a separate pile and will
be graded only after all of the on-time essays have been completed.
Lost Papers: It is the student’s responsibility to back up files regularly. Do not get caught by a technical glitch. Keep a copy of
your papers for your own file; should a paper be lost, it is your responsibility to give me another.
Peer Evaluation Exercises: You must have all of the paragraphs requested to participate. No partial participation will be
allowed.
EXCUSES
Broken computers, printers out of ink, car running out of gas, etc. These may be reasons why you cannot turn in your paper
on time, but they are not excuses. If you wait until the last minute to turn something in and fate conspires against you, then you have
only yourself to blame. Always keep a backup copy of your essay.
EXTRA CREDIT
There is none. Your grade in this class will be determined by how well you do on the assignments themselves.
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
Essays that have failed to fulfill the assignment’s requirements will be penalized 5 points for each requirement that you have
failed to fulfill, or 10 points for ignoring a requirement.
GRAMMAR
Essays that do not meet the minimum grammatical requirements for college level writing in this class will be penalized; these
essays will earn an average of two grades: the grade for the essay and an F (50 points) for grammar. Students who fail grammar for
Essays #1 and/or #2 will be given an opportunity to remove that penalty.
ATTENDANCE AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Absences: Attendance (i.e. logging in to class) is required by the State of Texas and HCCS at all class meetings. This means that you
must be regularly participating in the online coursework. The State of Texas expects me to drop you after more than four (4) absences,
which in this case means that you have not submitted two weeks’ worth of online exercises, and I may drop you at any time after this
point. In addition, “attendance” means that you are submitting the major assignments. Therefore, any student who fails to submit both
of the first two semester papers (Essay #1 and Essay #2) may be dropped at any time.
However, instructor-initiated drops are not obligatory and it is ultimately your responsibility to drop the course if you are
failing the course or have accumulated an excessive number of absences. Should you fail because you have stopped attending, the State
of Texas now requires that you be given an “FX”—a failure for reasons of attendance.
* TEXAS WITHDRAWAL RULE *
Students who repeat a course three or more times, or who accumulate 6 or more “W”’s during their college career, face significant
tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. If you are considering course withdrawal, confer with your
instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring that might be available. HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and
DE counselors that you might fail a class because of absences and/or poor academic performance.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Receiving a “W” or an “FX” in a course may affect the status of your student visa. Once a “W” or an “FX” is given for the course,
it will not be changed to an “F” because of the visa consideration. Please contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you
have any questions about your visa status and any other transfer issues.
BOOKSTORE
Please note that the bookstore is not run by HCC. It is a Barnes and Noble facility. We, therefore, have no say in how it is run,
what books they stock, how many copies of each book they stock, or what they claim you will need for any specific class.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS/CIRCUMSTANCES
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychological, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office (713-718-7909) at the beginning of each semester.
COUNSELING
Both academic and personal counseling are available through HCC-Southwest. Please call the following numbers for more information:
713.718.7795 (Stafford); 713.718.8921 (West Loop).
NEW 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 research-based 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.
MENINGITIS IMMUNIZATION REQUIRED FOR SPRING REGISTRATION
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. Beginning with Spring registration, November 7, students will have to satisfy this
requirement prior to enrollment. For more information and a list of exemptions please go to
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/admissions-registration-center/new-student-general-admissions-steps/submit-meningitis-documentation
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM CONDUCT & EAGLE ONLINE LMS
As with on-campus classes, all students who log into Eagle Online courses are required to follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the
Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook (http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/student-handbook ), and relevant
sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with your professor and fellow
students. Students who violate these policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to
course-related email, discussion groups, and chat rooms, or even removal from the class.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Scholastic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
1] “Plagiarism”—using another person’s paper, words, or ideas without quotation marks (if exact words are used) or appropriate
citation.
2] “Collusion”--the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for credit.
A student guilty of a first offense will earn a grade of 0 on the assignment involved. For a second offense, the student will earn an F
for the course.
______________________________________________________________________________
ENGLISH MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the English Department is to provide courses that transfer to four-year colleges; introduce students to literature from
diverse traditions; prepare students to write clear, communicative, well-organized, and detaioled prose; and develop students’ reading,
writing, and analytical skills.
ENGLISH 13O1 COURSE DESCRIPTION
English 1301 is a course devoted to improving the student’s writing and critical reading. The course involves writing essays for a variety
of purposes from personal to academic, including the introduction to argumentation, critical analysis, and the use of sources. English
1301 is a core curriculum course.
COURSE PURPOSE
English 1301 is designed to help students write multi-paragraph expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that have the following
qualities:
·
clarity in purpose and expression,
·
appropriate and sensible organization,
·
sound content, including applications of concepts from and references to assigned readings,
·
completeness in development,
·
unity and coherence,
·
appropriate strategies of development,
·
sensitivity to audience,
·
effective choice of words and sentence patterns,
·
grammatical and mechanical correctness, and
·
appropriate MLA citations format.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES (COURSE OBJECTIVES) FOR ENGLISH 1302:
By the time the students have completed English 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 situations, thus showing an ability to communicate effectively
in a variety of writing situations (such as essay exams and standardized writing tests like the TASP);
·
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 elements of purpose, audience, tone style, and writing strategy in essays by professionals writers
·
complete short writing assignments, journal entries, readings quizzes, and other activities to strengthen basic thinking an writing
skills
·
understand and appropriately apply various methods of development in writing assignments;
·
avoid faulty reasoning in all writing assignments;
·
fulfill the writing requirements of the course, writing at least 6,000 words during the semester.
HCCS CORE CURRICULUM INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES AND EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES -- ENGLISH 1301 AND
1302
I. BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES IN HCCS CORE
·
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.
II. EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: FRESHMAN ENGLISH
·
To understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing, and
presentation.
·
To understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and to select appropriate communication choices.
·
To understand and appropriately apply modes of expression (descriptive, expository, narrative, scientific, and self-expressive) in
written, visual, and oral communication.
·
To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
·
·
To understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the development of
exposition and argument.
To develop the ability to research and write a documented paper and/or give an oral presentation.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR ENGLISH 1302
1. Demonstrate knowledge of writing as process.
2. Apply basic principles of critical thinking in analyzing reading
selections, developing expository essays, and writing argumentative
essays.
3. Analyze elements such as purpose, audience, tone, style, strategy in essays and/or literature by professional writers.
4. Write essays in appropriate academic writing style using varied rhetorical strategies.
5. Synthesize concepts from and use references to assigned readings in their own academic writing.
Dr. Gavin Schulz
English 1302, HCCS--Southwest
Summer 2013
DE Course Calendar
Class Exercise & Essay Submission Schedule
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**First Day Exercises**
Mon., June 3


Diagnostic Essay—Due by Midnight
Introductory Forum Post—Due by Midnight
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**Beginning of Essay Assignment #1 Module**
Tue., June 4


Syllabus Quiz—Due by Midnight
Thesis Quiz—Due by Midnight
Wed., June 5


Brainstorming Exercise— Due by Midnight
Plagiarism Exercise— Due by Midnight
Thu., June 6


APA Format Exercise— Due by Midnight
Logic Chain Exercise— Due by Midnight
Fri., June 7

Rough Draft Submission— Due by Midnight
Sun., June 9

Peer Evaluation Exercise— Due by Midnight
Mon., June 10

Essay Assignment #1 Submission— Due by Midnight
**End of Essay Assignment #1 Module**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Beginning of Essay Assignment #2 Module**
Tue., June 11
Wed., June 12

Brainstorming Exercise— Due by Midnight

Chicago Format Exercise— Due by Midnight
Thu., June 13


Extended Definition Exercise— Due by Midnight
Transition Exercise— Due by Midnight
Fri., June 14


Cause/Effect Chain Exercise— Due by Midnight
Conclusion Exercise— Due by Midnight
Sat., June 15

Rough Draft Submission— Due by Midnight
Mon., June 17

Peer Evaluation Exercise— Due by Midnight
Tue., June 18

Essay Assignment #2 Submission— Due by Midnight
**End of Essay Assignment #2 Module**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**Beginning of Essay Assignment #3 Module**
Wed., June 19
Thu., June 20

Brainstorming Exercise—Due by Midnight
Fri., June 21


Opposition Response Exercise— Due by Midnight
Title Exercise—Due by Midnight
Mon., June 24
** Mon. June 24: Last day to drop with a "W" **

Legitimate Sources Exercise— Due by Midnight
Tue., June 25

Incorporating Sources Exercise— Due by Midnight
Wed., June 26

MLA In-Text Citation Exercise— Due by Midnight
Thu., June 27

MLA Works Cited Page Exercise— Due by Midnight
Fri., June 28
Mon., July 1

Essay Assignment #3 Submission—Due by Midnight
**End of Essay Assignment #3 Module**
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**Take-Home Final Essay Module**
Tue., July 2
Wed., July 3

Take-Home Final Essay—Due by Midnight
(** Note: changes can and may be made at the Instructor’s discretion **)