Integrated Reading and Writing
Houston Community College
INRW 0410 – Integrated Reading & Writing I
CRN 47722– Semester Spring 2015
3 hour lecture /2 hour lab course / 72 hours per semester/ 16 weeks
Class Time: 8-10:30 Tuesday & Thursday Location: Rm. C225
Instructor:
Brandi Garza
Instructor Contact Information:
Brandi.Garza@hccs.edu
My Skills Lab/Aplia:
Registration Code well be given to you at a later time. Will be able to
access it through EagleOnline.
Office location and hours:
Before or after class and by appointment
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do not
need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your performance in my
class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics. Feel free to
come by my office anytime during these hours.
Course Description
This course is a combined 3 hour lecture/ 2 hour lab (1 hour technology lab & 1 hour writing lab), performancebased course designed to develop students’ critical reading and academic writing skills. The focus of the course
will be on applying critical reading skills for organizing, analyzing, and retaining material and developing
written work appropriate to the audience, purpose, situation, and length of the assignment. The course integrates
complementary reading and writing assignments with special emphasis given to reasoning and responding to
issues arising from class readings. This course is designed to prepare students for college level reading and
writing intensive courses including ENGL 1301. Students will learn to write effective, logical paragraphs and
essays, utilizing textual support to develop reading comprehension strategies, to analyze, synthesize and make
value judgments using critical thinking. Lab required. Students who successfully complete this course will
qualify to take INRW 0420.
Prerequisites
Students may enter this course who have received both of the following scores or have demonstrated
remediation needs in only one area (reading or writing) on the TSIA: WRITE: WS: 3 and/or READ: 342 – 346.
Course Goal
The goal of INRW 0410 is to prepare students to perform in INRW 0420 and/or to enter college-level courses
such as Freshman Composition, History, Government, Psychology, and other freshman college courses.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1.
Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, and evaluate the
information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths.
2. Comprehend and use vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing.
3. Identify and analyze the audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts.
4. Describe and apply insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts.
5. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate reading comprehension, clear focus, logical development of
ideas, and use of appropriate language that advance the writer’s purpose.
6. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing
situations.
7. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and
words of other writers in student writing using established strategies.
8. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a
claim.
9. Develop and use effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose
college-level writing assignments.
10. Recognize and apply the conventions of Standard English in reading and writing.
Instructional Methods
A variety of instructional methods are used throughout the semester. Examples may include class discussions,
lectures, readings, reflections, group projects, research, assessments, video/DVD, internet searches, and
presentations.
As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my responsibility to provide you with
knowledge and opportunities for critical thinking and applications as appropriate.
As a student wanting to improve your academic reading ability, it is your responsibility to do the assigned
readings, submit assignments on time, participate in discussions and other activities, attend class (face-to-face
and online portions), and enjoy this learning experience as you learn how to better your comprehension.
Student Assignments
Assignments have been developed that will enhance your learning. You will be required to successfully
complete the following assignments and actions (Revise as Needed):
Complete in-class reading & writing assignments and activities
Revise essays
Complete weekly MySkills Lab/Aplia Online Activities
Complete weekly reading assignments
Complete journal assignments
Student Assessments (Revise as Needed)
Knowledge checks will occur in the format of quizzes, essays, projects, online lab exercises, flipped lessons,
and exams.
Three-four essays and selected revisions
A midterm exam
A final exam
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.
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
Program/ Discipline Requirements
In this class you will be required to take a pretest and posttest as well as complete any supplemental lab
materials.
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
69 and below = F or IP…………………………..0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) …………………………………0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn)…………………………………..0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit.
COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To compute grade point average
(GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades “IP,” “COM”
and “I” do not affect GPA.
Grading Criteria
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.
Grading Percentages
Instructor’s Choice/Journal/Etc.
My Skills Lab/Aplia Online Lab Work
Essays/Assessments
Final Exam
20%
20%
30%
30%
Total
100%
Grading Break Down
Essay One: Descriptive
10%
Essay Two: Narration
10%
Essay Three (Collaborative Writing
Project) Illustration
10%
Essay Four: Final Essay 20%
Reading Journal/
Free writing Journal
Aplia
Course Book/Quizzes
Final Exam
10
10%
10%
10%
10%
My Skills/Aplia Lab Note:
You must complete all of the assigned sections in the My Skills Lab/Aplia.
Instructional Materials
Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book I (FN) By Dave Kemper et al:
Aplia Online Companion Resource (AP)
HCC Policy Statements
Access Student Services Policies on their website:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Access Distance Education Policies on their website:
http://de.hccs.edu/de/de-student-handbook
Access CE Policies on their Website:
http://www.hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
Useful Web Resources (You may add and delete as needed):
 Information: www.hccs.edu ; http://learning.hccs.edu
 Tutoring & Support: www.hccs.askonline.net
 My Skills Lab: http://myskillslab.com
 Eagle Online: https://hccs1.mrooms3.net/login/index.php
 Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
The Integrated Reading and Writing Program Statement
The Integrated Reading and Writing Program at Houston Community College provides opportunities for
students to refresh and advance their reading and writing skills in order to maximize their ability to perform
in college-level courses. The program offers courses for both native and non-native students who
demonstrate a need to develop the critical reading and writing skills that will be required throughout their
college careers and beyond by the TSI assessment. These courses focus on key reading and writing skills
with an emphasis on reading comprehension, composition, and critical reading and analysis of a variety of
texts.
TENTATIVE CLASS OUTLINE: This schedule is subject to changes throughout the semester.
INRW 0410 COURSE CALENDAR
Textbook: Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book I (FN) By Dave Kemper et al:
Aplia Online Companion Resource (AP)
Important Dates:
Presidents’ Day 2/16
Spring Break 3/16 – 3/25
Spring Holiday 4/3
Finals Exams 5/3-5/9
Course Content: Specific page assignments in Fusion, Aplia, essay assignments, and dates for assignments will
be made by the instructor during class time. The instructor may make additional assignments and/or change
assignments during the semester.
Week One
Diagnostic Essays; Introduction to Course and Text; Course requirements and
Syllabus and calendar; Course requirements; Writing Process and
Inventions; Purpose and Audience; HCC Email, Turnitin.com, Aplia.
FN
AP
Day One
Chapter 1
To be determined (TBD)
additional materials;
Day Two
Chapter 2
Week Two
Writing Process steps; Reading and writing strategies and key terms; Inventions;
Content development; Thesis/Topic Sentences; Grouping and Outlining; Revising
Strategy; Reading Strategies
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
AP
TBD
Begin Reading Journal (RJ) and Freewriting Journal (FJ)
and Editing
Week Three
Application of Writing Process concepts and steps; Revision and Editing technique; Writing Description
and developing details; Defining paragraph patterns; Parts of Speech; Reading strategies; main ideas and
support details
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay One: Begin Essay Assignment One with assignment, topics, and inventions
FN
AP
Chapter 4
TBD
Chapter 4
Week Four
Paragraphs as writing units; Using checklists; descriptive writing; Developing descriptive details;
description as support evidence; more on Parts of Speech and word function; checklists
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay One: Draft Essay One paragraphs in class, revise out of class
FN
AP
Chapter 5
TBD
Chapter 6
Week Five
Understanding Narrative; Using narrative and descriptive tools; Revision and editing checklists;
Understanding and editing nouns; Reading and reflecting for comprehension
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay One: Essay One is Due: edit and complete final copy (Eagle Online Drop Box)
FN
Chapter 6
Chapter 21
AP
TB
Week Six
Using Narration with Description; Identifying and using essay elements effectively; developing and
planning essay strategy; Focus on organization of details; Pronouns
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay Two: Begin Essay Two with assignment, topic, and inventions
FN
AP
Chapter 7
TBD
Chapter 22
Week Seven
More on using essay elements; evaluating thesis and topic sentences; evaluating and revising drafts;
Understanding Verbs: using and editing verbs tenses; Using and editing past tense verbs and other verb
forms
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay Two: Draft Essay Two, revise Essay Two
FN
AP
Chapter 7
TBD
Chapter 23
Week Eight
Intro to Illustration and Example; revising and editing verb errors: More on verb forms; effectively
editing verbs; Conjunctions and Prepositions; identifying fact and opinion
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay Two: Essay Two is Due: edit and complete final copy (Eagle Online Drop Box)
FN
AP
Chapter 8
TBD
Chapter 25
Week Nine
Using Illustration and Example effectively; Selecting a Subject and determining
and essay strategy; developing effective content and details;
Identifying basic Sentence Structures; Subjects and verbs; making inferences
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
groupings; examples
Essay Three: Begin Essay Three with assignment, topic, and inventions
FN Chapter 8
AP
TBD
Chapter 17
Week Ten
More on Illustration and Example development; essay elements; developing thesis and topic sentences;
developing effective examples; Simple and Compound sentences
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Essay Three: Draft Essay Three, revise Essay Three
FN
AP
Chapter 17
TBD
Chapter 18
Week Eleven
Understanding Argument
and Persuasion; Identifying a position and point of view; developing and evaluating effective support evidence;
drawing conclusion
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Week Eleven Cont.
Essay Three: Essay Three is Due: edit and complete final copy (Eagle Online Drop Box)
FN
AP
Chapter 14
TBN
Chapter 19
Week Twelve
Using Argument and Persuasion; Identifying effective persuasion technique; revising and editing checklist
review; Understanding and editing Subject Verb Agreement and Pronoun Agreement:
RJ and FJ Entries as assigned
Argument and Persuasion: Sample Topics and Outlines
FN
Chapter 14
Chapter 19
AP
TBD
Week Thirteen
Complete preparation for Final Essay: Argument and Persuasion; Commas;
editing strategies; Spelling and editing strategies; Revision and Editing
Run Ons, Comma Splices, and Fragments
Argument and Persuasion: Sample Paragraphs and One Draft
FN
Chapter 14
Chapter 20
AP
TBD
effective comma
Week Fourteen: IN-CLASS FINAL ESSAY: Two Hours and Thirty Minutes
FN
Completion assignments for semester
AP
Completion assignments for semester
Week Fifteen: Review and Preparation for Departmental Exam
Week Sixteen: Departmental Final Examination: Two Hours and Thirty Minutes
Instructional Methods
In INRW 0410, we use a variety of approaches to help students enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and
writing skills. These include lecture, lab, and writing workshop activities. Students will engage in pairs and
group activities, use online resources, and learn multiple writing styles. Students will have ample opportunities
to develop and improve their writing skills for both college and business world writing.
Textbook: Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book I (FN) By Dave Kemper et al:
Aplia Online Companion Resource (AP)
Course Materials:
1) A Three Ring, Hardback Notebook, six dividers, a highlighter, 250 sheets of loose-leaf paper, 2 Scantron
Sheets; 2) A pocket dictionary; thesaurus recommended; 3) one flash drive; 4) $2-3 for printing in labs/library
Student Assignments
Course Requirement: The base course requirements necessary in order for a student to receive a grade
are as follows: 4 Major Essays, Reading Journal, Freewriting Journal, Course Book and Quizzes, Aplia
assignments, and Final Exam. The minimum passing criteria for base course requirements is a grade of 70+
(a C or higher) on the Final Essay and a 70+ average in the course. The grade distribution is as follows:
Essay One: Descriptive
10%
Essay Two: Narration
10%
Essay Three (Collaborative Writing
Project) Illustration
10%
Essay Four: Final Essay 20%
GRADING SCALE: 90 - 100 A
80 - 89 B
(U=Unsatisfactory)
Reading Journal/
Freewriting Journal
Aplia
Course Book/Quizzes
Final Exam
70 - 79 C
10
10%
10%
10%
10%
Below 60 U/IP
60 - 69 IP
Business and Policy Information
Attendance: The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board charges colleges and universities to set
attendance standards for courses. The attendance requirement for HCC is 87.5%. This requirement allows a
12.5% absence maximum in a 4-hour course which computes as 8 hours. MW and TR classes have 4 absences.
A student who exceeds the maximum is dropped from the course. See the HCC Student Handbook for
specifics.
Tardies: A student who is tardy may sign the roll at the end of class. A tardy student who fails to sign the roll
will be counted as absent. Excessive tardies, either individual or as a class, are an interruption of instruction.
Official tardy count is recorded as follows: three tardies (or breaks or early leaves) count as one class absence.
IP (In Progress grade) is given to students who do not meet the minimum grading standards but who are
otherwise in good standing (complete all assignments on a timely basis, attend class, participate, etc.) An IP
does not affect a student's GPA but does require the student to re-take the course. A student may receive an IP
grade only once in any developmental course. When repeating the course, the student must receive a letter
grade (A, B, C, or F).
W (Withdrawn) is given to a student who exceeds the 12.5% maximum absence or to a student who withdraws
from the course before the last drop date. F may be given in cases of poor performance, scholastic dishonesty,
or other severe academic violations. An F or W grade requires that the student repeat the course.
Note: Students must be aware that failure to complete courses can affect financial aid.
Texas Law Change to Withdrawal Policy for Texas Institutions: In 2007, the Texas Legislature determined
to limit the number of withdrawals a student may receive in the course of a college career (four years for a
bachelor degree) to six withdrawals. Students who exceed this number may pay increased tuition. Students
who receive financial aid may also be affected. Students who stop attending class after the last day for
withdrawals will receive an F grade for the course. HCCS has determined that students must now receive
counselor advisement to drop a course. If you plan to drop a course, contact your instructor and/or a counselor
to determine the best course of action.
Scholastic Dishonesty: The Houston Community College System Student Handbook defines the following
criteria: "Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion."
Please refer to the Handbook for the specifics of cheating on a test. "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 means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for
credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 to F for the particular
assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System."
Course Overview: The dominant focus of INRW 0410 is on Writing Process, reading and thinking critically
for evaluation purposes, and the production of writing products that demonstrate both provocative reading and
effective presentation. Students will have ample opportunities to learn, apply, practice, and refine writing skills.
Course Objectives: The primary objective of INRW 0410 is to teach students the central components of
academic writing and prepare them for future composition and other college course writing as well as career
writing. Students will gain experience using Writing Process and standard conventions of grammar, usage, and
mechanics. Successful students will master these writing techniques with sufficient skill to address INRW
0410, freshman level English composition, and any state testing requirements. Developmental Studies
Objectives include SCANS SKILLS (workplace skills) in curriculum, instruction, and applications. SCANS
SKILLS includes skills development in listening, speaking, reading, writing, critical thinking skills, and
computer literacy.
Student Conduct: The guidelines for student conduct are specifically defined in The Student Handbook: [As]
“A student’s membership in the community of scholars is a privilege and carries with it obligations to
participate in and contribute to the educational mission of the College and to avoid any behavior that is contrary
to that mission. Therefore, no student may disrupt or otherwise interfere with any educational activity being
performed by a member of the College System.” Students are expected to demonstrate both courtesy and
cooperation in the classroom. A student who either cannot or will not extend both courtesy and cooperation
may not continue the course.
HCCS POLICY: The use of electronic devices in the classroom is strictly prohibited per the Chancellor’s
policy addition July 1, 2007: "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."
Ringing cellular phones or sounding beepers constitute an interruption of instruction. Students must remember
to TURN OFF phones and beepers when they are in class. A student who does not cooperate may be dismissed
from class. A second dismissal can result in withdrawal from the course.
Course Prerequisites and Placement: Students are responsible for registering and taking the correct courses to meet
department, system, and state requirements. A student who is taking developmental English, reading, or math to meet
state requirements is responsible for taking the correct courses. A student who registers for a class without meeting the
state and/or HCCS requirement will be dropped from the class. Example: a student registers for English 1301 (credit level
freshman composition). However, the student has not passed the Reading and Writing Sections of the TSI or a TSI
Alternative Test (Asset or Compass). The student has not completed INRW 0410 and/or INRW 0420 (or ENGL 0349 for
second language speakers). These course requirements were determined by the student’s test scores. The student will be
dropped from ENGL 1301 without a refund.
Repeating a Course: Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at
HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. 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. If you are attending on a student visa and withdraw from the class, your grade report will reflect
a W, not IP or F.
Grade Reports: Students may get their grades online at the HCCS homepage at hccs.edu. Students who require a paper or
hard copy of their grades must obtain an unofficial transcript from the Records and Admissions Office of their campus or
college.
Attendance Policy: Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has
full authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A student may be dropped from a course for excessive absences
after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory
time).
American Disabilities Act and ADA Compliance
HCCS is compliant with the ADA and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. “Any student with a documented
disability (e. g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations
must contact the Disability Service 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.” The Disability
Services Office number for Southwest College is 713-718-7910.
Sexual Harassment: It is a violation of HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual
harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47). Consult the Student Handbook for
specifics.
EGLS3 Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
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 HCC Student System online near the end of the
semester.