Fall 2015 / Course Syllabus
Composition I. - English 1301/ CRN 70402
HCC – Central
MW 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Room: SJC 173
About Your Teacher:
P. Stevenson
E-Mail: Philonis.Stevenson@hccs.edu
Phone Mail: (713) 718-6686
Office hours –by appointment
About Your Course:
ENGL 1301 Composition I
Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to
drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on
effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus
on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical
analysis.
Note: ENGL 1301 is a prerequisite for all 2000-level literature courses.
Catalogue Description: A course devoted to improving the student’s writing and critical
reading. Writing essays for a variety of purposes from personal to academic, including
the introductions to argumentation, critical analysis, and the use of sources. Core
Curriculum Course.
Course Overview: Sometimes students find it difficult to be comfortable in a writing
class for several different reasons. Those reasons might include but are not limited to an
extended absence from the classroom, and/or writing skills that have not been developed
in a way that fosters academic success on the college level. This course is designed to
help students accomplish writing success by providing tools that will allow them to
comfortably settle into academic discourse. It also helps students develop a technique that
will allow them to write across the curriculum.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.
2. Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.
3. Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.
4. Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.
5. Use Edited American English in academic essays.
1
Books and Materials:
The Norton Reader 13th ed. New York: Norton 2012.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston
College ruled notebook paper or tablet
Black pen for in class writing assignments
A USB to save essays done on computer
A good college-level dictionary and thesaurus
Please bring materials to class and be ready to work.
Course Objectives:
Through much practice students will strengthen their writing skills. At the end of the
semester they should be able to formulate a clear and precise thesis statements, write
fully developed paragraphs, bring essays to a reasonable conclusion, take their writing
beyond the five paragraph essay, incorporate the use of sources, and began to understand
how to analyze a body of text in order to write critical analysis as well as an extended
argument.
Course Structure:
Students must have an overall passing average to pass the course. That means on the
essays, quizzes, as well as any other work. There must be a passing average in each
category. Failing to do or doing poorly on any part of your work can be detrimental to
your grade and cause failure, so do your work. Reading assignments will be discussed at
next class meeting. Class participation is required.
All essays will be typed or written from the class readings, discussions, and/or films
viewed as a catalyst for ideas. Also, essays must use MLA format and heading without
cover sheet.
Class Attendance:
Attendance will be taken on a daily basis just before class begins, so be on time. Students
are expected to attend class regularly, and are responsible for material covered during
their absence. Remember, you can be dropped from class for excessive absences.
According to HCC policy you may miss four (4) class sessions before being dropped
from a three-hour course. Therefore, if you missed the first day of class, for whatever
reason, you only have three more to play with. Missing a substantial number of classes
(whatever the reason) will result in administrative withdrawal.
If you are absent from class, please do not return asking, “Did I miss anything?” When
you’ve been absent and missed a handout or lecture, quietly ask someone in class to
allow you to make a copy of his or her handout and/or notes. Do not email me asking for
handouts or notes. If you are absent the day I give back essays or quizzes, it is your
responsibility to make arrangements to pick up your work.
2
Tardiness:
Of course you are a very conscientious person, which means you’ll be to class on time.
However, some people have a tendency to be chronically late. So, if you arrive late to
class, do not disrupt the class. Remember that I take attendance once—early. Do not
come up to me after you arrive late, and ask if you have been counted present. You have
not. Also, if you’re late, you may miss writing assignments that count as part of your
grade.
Essay Format:
In addition to the following information, students must adhere to the instructions on the
essay guideline sheet that will be provided prior to writing the assignment.
Out of Class Essays:
Out of class essays are due when entering the class room. Don’t spend valuable class time
in the computer lab or at home typing your essay. Students are encouraged to use
Askonline, our on-line tutorial service since each paper should be brought to at least two
drafts before the final one to be turned in. All out of class essays should be 700-750
words, double spaced, 12 point font, with one inch margins all the way around. Do not
use script fonts or all or small caps. Times, Times New Roman and Ariel are suitable
fonts.
In Class Essays:
For in class essays come to class on time prepared to write. It is important to make
good use of all of the time allotted for writing. In class essays should be 500-550 words,
double spaced (skip every other line) written in black ink only, if class is not in a
computer room. Make sure to stay inside the left and right margin, write on front side of
paper only.
***All essays typed or written must be in the MLA format, no title page required. For
peer critiques / group workshops, everyone must have work to contribute in order for the
experience to be a success. There is a penalty for not having anything to contribute; it’s
called a zero.
The essays will be written using the class readings, discussions and / or films viewed as a
catalyst for ideas.
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. FOR THOSE WITH PREVIOUSLY
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS SUCH AS COURT APPEARANCES OR
DOCTORS VISITS, WORK MAY BE TURNED IN EARLY. THERE IS NO
MAKE UP OR EXTRA CREDIT WORK. WORK DONE IN CLASS CAN NOT
BE MADE UP UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. ALSO, WORK DONE IN
COLORED INK OR PENCIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE DO NOT
ASK ME TO MAKE EXCEPTIONS.
Course Requirements:
Attendance
Essay # 1
5%
15%
3
Essay # 2
Essay # 3(Mid Term)
Essay # 4
Reader Response Journal
Final Exam
15%
20%
15%
10%
20%
Grading Scale:
A 90-100% (excellent) B 80-89% (above average) C 70-79% (average)
D 60-69% (below average) F 0-59% (fail)
Withdrawing from course:
The responsibility for withdrawing from a course lies entirely with the student. Take note
of the six (6) W rule. See student handbook.
Writing Lab (Tutoring)
Students needing assistance with their writing in order to be successful in class will be
referred to this facility as well as Askonline, where they can receive general assistance as
well as help with particular assignments.
Library: The library at HCC Central in the Learning Hub on the second floor.
Statement on Reasonable Accommodations:
Houston Community College adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local
law regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for
students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should register with Disabled
Student Services Office and contact their instructor (s) in a timely manner to arrange for
appropriate accommodations.
Scholastic Dishonesty will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to
plagiarism, collusion, or cheating. (See student handbook)
Restrictions on Use of Recording Devices and Cell Phones:
“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” (Official HCCS statement).
Cell phones are here to stay. They are a part of our lives; however, cell phone use for
sending or receiving text messages is strictly prohibited in this course. If there’s some
type of situation going on in your family that causes you to have your phone at the ready
for a call, let me know when you walk into class, but your phone should be in the silent
mode. Pick up your things and quietly excuse yourself from class. If you violate this
prohibition, you can be asked to leave the class and marked absent for the day no matter
at what point in the class period the violation occurs. The absence will count against
your recorded attendance for this course.
4
Instructor Responsibility:
As your instructor, it is my responsibility to provide the course syllabus and weekly
course calendar for this section of English 13021 covering readings, due dates for all
essays and additional assignments, information on grading, all policies and procedures as
set by HCC, the English Department, or by me; to set and maintain office hours to meet
with students outside of class time; and to promote a learning environment that enables
each student to be successful in the course to the best of his/her ability. But, please note
that the course calendar is tentative and can be adjusted to best suite our needs.
Classroom Behavior and Student Responsibility:
As students, you also have a responsibility to contribute to a positive learning
environment for your colleagues. This involves being respectful of the opinions of
others, giving each speaker a chance to be heard, being attentive when someone is
speaking (not talking when someone else is talking), and not eating or sleeping in class.
If your behavior makes it difficult for other members of the class to learn and work
effectively, I will act to correct the problem.
***No food or drinks in SJAC class rooms.
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 research-based questions related to your instruction.
The anonymous result 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.
Tentative Course Schedule
This schedule is subject to modification as your professor sees fit to benefit the class.
Week 1.
8/24 & 8/26
 Introduction to the course and syllabus.
 Diagnostic Essay (in class)
 Discussion of the writing process, critical reading, essay analysis.
 For homework over the weekend, read A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
Week 2.
8/31 & 9/2
 In class discussion of A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift.
 Essay # 1 Assigned – Monday.
 This week’s reading in Norton:
Is America Falling Apart? by Anthony Burgess, p. 235; 9/11/01: The Skyscraper
and the Airplane by Adam Goodheart, p. 241; Graduation by Maya Angelou, p.
15; On Being Cripple by Nancy Mairs, p. 46
5
Week 3.
9/7 & 9/9 (Monday 9/7 Labor Day; College Closed)
 Critical Reading Critically
 Essay # 1 Due Wednesday
 Argument, pgs. 32-37
 This week’s reading in Norton:
The Case for Animal Rights by Tom Regan, p. 608
Thank God for The Atom Bomb by Paul Fussell, p. 664
The Clan of One-Breasted Women by Terry Tempest Williams, p. 543
Week 4.
9/14 & 9/16
 In class discussions and reader responses.
 This week’s reading in Norton:
Motherhood: Who Needs It? by Betty Rollin, p. 286
 We Do Abortions Here: A Nurse’s Story by Sallie Tisdale, p. 650; Why Women
Smile by Amy Cunningham, p.182
 Essay # 2 In Class (Wednesday)
Week 5.
9/21 & 9/23
 In class discussions and reader responses
 This week’s reading in Norton:
What Is a Homosexual? By Andrew Sullivan, p. 159; “Bros Before Hos”: The
Guy Code by Michael Kimmel, (Handout); Looking at Women by Scott Russell
Sanders p. 179
Week 6.
9/28 & 9/30
 In class discussions and reader responses.
 This week’s reading in Norton:
Original of the Declaration of Independence, by Thomas Jefferson, p. 807
The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson & Others, p.804
Week 7.
10/5 & 10/7 (Note** Saturday, 10/10 Last Day to Withdraw)
 In class discussions and reader responses.
 See Film
 This week’s reading in Norton:
Rewriting American History by Frances Fitzgerald, p. 776
After the Genocide by Philip Gourevitch, p. 752
 Essay # 3 (Mid Term) In-Class Wednesday, Impromptu; Please use a Blue
Book
Week 8.
10/12 & 10/14
 In class discussions and reader responses.
 Discussion of film
6


This week’s reading in Norton:
Salvation by Langston Hughes, p. 1059
Without God by Steven Weinberg, p. 1074
Existentialism by Jean-Paul Sartre, p. 1128
Essay # 4 Assigned
Week 9.
10/19 & 10/21
 Continue discussion of last week’s reading
 Essay # 4 Due Wednesday
Week 10.
10//26 & 10/28
Bring Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston to class. There will
be an introduced to the work and reading will begin.
Week 11.

“Their Eyes…” 11/2 only. Online/email assignment. No class. For this
assignment you will continue reading to the said stopping point, and produce the
first part of the reader response journal. Your journal must reach me before
midnight, to be considered as today’s assignment. Any journal received after
midnight will not be accepted. Wednesday we will proceed as usual.
Week 12.

11/16 & 11/18
“Their Eyes…” Continued
Week 13.

11/9 & 11/11
“Their Eyes…” Continued
Week 12.

11/2 & 11/4
11/23 & 26 Thursday, 11/26 Thanksgiving Holiday; College Closed
“Their Eyes…” Continued
Week 14.
11/30 & 12/2 Wednesday, 12/2 Our Last Day of Class
7

Conclude “Their Eyes…”

Discussion and preparation for the Final Exam
Week 15.
12/7 Final Exam Week
Our Final Exam Date/Time TBA
Syllabus Statement
By signing this statement, I acknowledge that I have read the syllabus, it has been
explained by my professor, and that I am responsible for adhering to its rules, regulations,
dates, and guidelines.
Student Signature:___________________________________________
8