HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTHEAST
ENGLISH 1301 SYLLABUS
FALL 2010
Textbooks: The Sundance Reader 5th ed. – Mark Connolly
The Wadsworth Handbook 9th ed. – Kirzsner & Mandell
Generation Debt: Why Now Is A Terrible Time To Be Young
Anya Kamenetz
English 1301
CRN: 54862
Meeting Days: 9:30 – 11:00 T/R
Phone: (713) 718-7167
Email: jeannine.horn@hccs.edu
Time: 16 weeks
Room: 315
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Building: Angela Morales
Instructor: Prof. Jeannine Horn
Course Overview: The dominant focus of ENGL 1301 is on the writing process;
reading and thinking critically for evaluation purposes, and the production of writing that
demonstrates both provocative reading and effective presentation. Even though there is
some grammar review in the course, students are expected to refer to their grammar
handbook frequently to review and apply the grammar rules to the written assignments.
Course Content: Our purpose in Freshman Composition I is to teach the central
components of academic writing and prepare students for future English composition and
other college writing, as well as career writing. Students will gain extensive experience
using writing process, rhetorical modes, writing 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,
sophomore level composition (if required in the degree plan) and any state testing
requirements. SCANS SKILLS (workplace) skills, which include computer literacy,
problem solving, following directions, proofreading, adhering to deadlines, listening, and
asking questions are included in both curriculum and classroom instruction and
applications.
Course Prerequisites and Placement: Students are responsible for registering and
taking the correct courses to meet department, system, and state requirements. Students
may skip ENGL 0300 or 0310 if they make a high enough score to enroll in English 1301
(credit level freshman composition).
Course Goals (includes competencies and incorporation of SCANS):
By the end of the semester, students who pass with a “C” or above will be able to
1. Understand the writing process, including all steps necessary to submit an
acceptable essay.
2. Understand the importance of using a variety of sentence patterns.
3. Read and be able to comprehend the theme of assigned readings and write
thoughtful responses to the readings.
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4. Understand and write the different types of rhetorical mode essays.
5. Learn how to use ideas of others and to incorporate them in their essays.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of writing as a 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.
ADA: HCCS is compliant with the American Disabilities Act and Sec. 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have special needs or disabilities that may affect your
ability to succeed in college courses, contact a Disability Support Service Counselor
(DSSC) in the college you plan to attend.
Scholastic Dishonesty: The Houston Community College System Student Handbook
2009/10 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 heating 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.
Attendance: Texas State Law designates 87.5% minimum attendance for college
courses. This requirement allows a 12.5% absence maximum in a 3-hour course, which
computes to 6 hours. MW and TR classes have 4 absences. 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. Note: Students who stop attending
class but do not officially withdraw (fill out a form on line) from the class will
receive an F in the course! Since HCC does not have an official policy on tardiness, it
is determined by each instructor.
Texas Law Changed to Withdraw Policy for Texas Institutions: In 2007, the Texas
Legislature decided to limit the number of withdrawals a student may receive in the
course of a college career (four years for a bachelor’s degree) to six withdrawals.
Students who exceed this number may pay increased tuition. Students who receive
financial aid may also be affected.
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Note: 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 in regard to 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 an IP or F.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements for a student to receive as
grade are as follows:
1. 3 Essays, (3 at 10% each = 30%)
2. Book Report (20% - 2 parts, Q&A on book & written book
report - book report is average of two grades)
3. Q&A (5% - based on questions from the stories in reader)
4. Quizzes (10% based on readings)
5. Internet Article (5% - summary, paraphrasing 4 main
points and evaluation of the article)
6. Journal (10% - 5 proverbs and 5 assigned poems)
7. Final Exam (20% - argument/persuasion research essay written
outside of class).
HCC GRADING SCALE
Your final grade is based on the following HCC scale:
Final
Average
Final
Course
Grade
100 – 90
89 – 80
79 – 70
69 – 60
A
B
C
D
Below 60
F
Preparation for Class: This is crucial to mastering the course. It is students’
responsibility to keep up with the course assignments. If you are absent from class, do
not email the instructor to ask for the assignment—ask a classmate. ENGL 1301 is a
fast-paced, demanding course with many assignments and deadlines. Attending class is
minimal; it’s the work outside of class that is time-consuming. It is possible that for
every 3 hours spent in class that students may spend as many as 5 hours outside of class
working on an assignment. Students who do not want to have to attend class at a
particular time should register for a DE (distance education course) or a hybrid course
instead of an in-person class. Success in the course depends on a student’s ability to
write satisfactorily (C or higher), to follow directions, to read and understand all
assignments, to engage in critical thinking, use effective time management, to understand
the writing process, and to participate in class discussions. Students should bring all
books to class unless they are told otherwise.
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Quizzes: These are given the first 20 minutes of class on the board before we discuss a
reading. Note: No makeups allowed under any circumstances!
Student Conduct: Students are expected to “demonstrate both courtesy and cooperation
in the classroom.” Those who do not may be dismissed from class. Furthermore, eating
in the classroom or computer labs is not allowed nor are ringing cell phones and
sounding pagers since they interrupt classroom instruction. Please remember to turn off
cell phones and/or pagers prior to class! Finally, children are not allowed in any
classroom when class in still in session.
Class Forum: Lectures, small groups, discussions, and presentations. Students are
expected to work with their classmates at times during the semester, sharing experiences
and offering opinions about the readings.
Late Assignments: A 10-point penalty is given to students who submit late papers. It
is important to stay on schedule as much as possible. When students procrastinate, they
experience additional stress, and if they fall too far behind, they are more likely to
withdraw or fail the course.
Formatting essays: Essays must be formatted based on the following criteria: (1) 1”
margins (right, left, top, and bottom), title of essay in ALL CAPS (on first page only)
without quotation marks or underscoring; double spacing (one blank line between each
line of text); indented paragraphs (hit tab bar once rather than space bar); one space after
a period after the end of a sentence in the text BUT two spaces after the period at the end
of a sentence; and footers (your name, course name and number, instructor’s name, and
page numbers). Essays must be paper clipped and submitted in a two-pocket folder. The
contents are as follows: (1) The Grading Profile Sheet (filled out properly), (2) Final
Draft, (3) Tutor’s review, (4) First Draft and other drafts prior to Final Draft (if
applicable), and (5) Outline. Note: There is a five-point penalty for no outline and a
ten-point penalty for no tutor’s review.
Rewrites: Students who receive a grade that is below 70 on an essay are eligible to
rewrite for 5-10 extra points. It is the instructor’s hope that by rewriting a substandard
essay, students will learn more about how to correct mistakes they have made.
Bonus Points: Offered periodically through the course. Some are in-class bonuses while
others are out-of-class bonuses. These are announced in advance. Students who miss
class when an in-class bonus is scheduled will not an opportunity to get credit for it.
Communication with Instructor: It is essential that students keep me informed of any
problem(s) they are having with the assignments or the course. Questions from students
are welcomed because they demonstrate interest and intelligence. Questions can also be
answered after class individually or in an email, but there is no substitute for face-to-face
contact.
* Prof. Horn
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Tutoring: Students are required to have all essays and the book report reviewed by an
online or in person tutor. Note: Tutors are not allowed to write (edit) students’
assignments. Their role is to “coach” students by identifying major errors so students can
see the areas in which they need to improve. Times and locations of in-person tutors will
be announced the third week of school. Online tutors are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Please refer to the handouts on the Learning Web.
Student Grievances: Students who have concerns about their grades, teaching methods,
or classroom policies should first speak with their instructor. If the situation remains
unresolved, then students may file a grievance with the Department Chair, who will then
consult with the student.
Course Grades: These will be posted on line no later than one week after final exams
are over.
Final Exam Grades: These will not be posted on line. Due to confidentiality issues, no
phone call or email requests will be answered about finals. Students who want to know
their final exam grade must provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Note: Final
exams cannot be returned; they are stored for one semester and then destroyed.
* The instructor may revise the syllabus as needed due to time constraints.
** The instructor reserves the right to refuse to grade any assignment that fails to
meet the minimum requirements!
* Prof. Horn
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ENGL 1301 COURSE CALENDAR
Spring 2011
Week 1:
Homework:
Week 2:
Homework:
Week 3:
Homework:
Week 4:
Homework:
Week 5:
Homework:
Introduction to course; Diagnostic Essay, Syllabus and Calendar; navigating on the
Learning Web
Read WH, 2-13, “Purpose, Audience and Tone.”
Read WH, 27-39, “Planning an Essay.”
Read WH, 40-46, “Using a Thesis to Shape Your Material.”
Read WH, 47-72, “Drafting and Revising.”
Review Web Page Handout Sheet.
In groups of 3-4, discuss assigned readings
Assign questions from Generation Debt … for discussion in Weeks 6 and 7
Review Narration/Description PowerPoint and Topics handouts
Read SR, 79-82, “The Fender Bender.”
Read SR, 142-145, “My Ecumenical Father.”
Write First Draft of Narration/Description Essay for Tutor’s Review.
FIRST DRAFT OF NARRATION/DESCRIPTION ESSAY IS DUE FOR
TUTOR’S REVIEW
Discuss Narration/Description methodology and use of dialogue
Discuss Narration/Description Sample Essays on Learning Web
Write answers to Ex. 2, 504-505 - WH; Ex. 4, 506-507 – WH; Ex, 3, 547-548 – WH; Ex.
1, 562-563.
WRITE FINAL DRAFT OF NARRATION/DESCRIPTION ESSAY
Read WH, 73-96, “Writing Paragraphs.”
Read WH, 534-542, “Revising Sentence Fragments,”
Read WH 544-546, “Revising Runs-Ons (also called fused sentences).”
Read WH, 760-565, “Revising Awkward or Confusing Sentences.”
Read WH, 617-624, “Revising Agreement Errors.”
Read WH, 502-506, “Building Compound and Complex Sentences.”
Review answers to grammar exercises.
SUBMIT FINAL DRAFT AND ALL OTHER DRAFTS AND OUTLINE OF
NARRATION/DESCRIPTION ESSAY IN FOLDER TO BE GRADED.
Review selected handouts on Learning Web;
Read “Conveying Emphasis through Active Voice,” 524-525 WH.
Write Ex. 7, 525 WH.
Read “Using Commas,” 638-645 WH; Write Ex. 6, 645-646 WH; Write Ex. 9, 649 WH
Review Comparison/Contrast PowerPoint on Learning Web and Topics.
Read SR, 252-256, “Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts.”
Read SR, 99-105, “Shooting An Elephant.”
Discuss selected handouts on Learning Web.
Discuss Comparison/Contrast PowerPoint.
Discuss SR, 252-256, “Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts.”
Write First Draft of Comparison/Contrast Essay for Tutor’s Review.
Answer assigned questions on “Generation Debt …”
Note: Questions will be included with Book Report on or before Week 14.
Week 6:
SUBMIT FIRST DRAFT OF COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY FOR A
TUTOR’S REVIEW!
GROUP DISCUSSION -- “Generation Debt …” – 3 class periods
Week 7:
GROUP DISCUSSION – Generation Debt – 3 class periods
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Homework:
Week 8:
Homework:
Week 9:
Homework:
Week 10:
Homework:
Week 11:
Homework:
Note: There is a 20-point penalty for failure to have questions answered on assigned
day/evening! Important: Answers may be handwritten or typed, but they will not be
turned in until Week 14 with the written book report in a folder.
Read SR, 99-105, “Shooting An Elephant.”
Read SR, 249-251, “Neat People vs. Sloppy People.”
Review selected handouts on Learning Web.
Discuss SR, “Neat people vs. Sloppy People.”
SUBMIT FIRST DRAFT OF COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY TO TUTOR
Read SR, 196-200, “Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting Sources.”
Review Division/Classification PowerPoint and Topics (Group Essay).
Discuss PowerPoint Presentation on Book Report
Review Internet Article on Education, Health, or State of the Economy.
SUBMIT FINAL DRAFT OF COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY IN FOLDER!
Discuss Division PowerPoint and Topics (Group Essay).
Review Internet Article on Education, Health, or State of the Economy.
Prepare Draft of Group Essay. Reminder: Essay needs a Grading Profile Sheet,
Planning Sheet, and a tutor’s review!
Read SR, 388-395, “The Ways We Lie.”
Read SR, 369-372, ”Friends, Good Friends—and Such Good Friends.”
Discuss SR, 388-395, “The Ways We Lie.”
Discuss SR, 369-372, “Friends, Good Friends—and such Good Friends.”
Prepare to submit Group Division/Classification Essay.
Review Argument/Persuasion PowerPoint.
SUBMIT GROUP DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION ESSAY!
Reminder: A tutor’s review is required or a 10-point penalty will be assessed!
Important: All members’ names must appear on Grading Profile to receive a grade!
Discuss Argument/Persuasion PowerPoint (2 sessions)
Read SR, 554-549, “Illegal Immigrant Workers Should be Granted Legal Status.”
Read SR, 561-564, “Illegal Immigrants Should not Be Granted Legal Status.”
Week 12:
Discuss SR, 554-559, “Illegal Immigrant Workers Should be Granted Legal Status.”
Discuss SR, 561-564, “Illegal Immigrants Should not be Granted Legal Status.”
Week 13:
Homework:
Download Final Exam Topics
POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS – Generation Debt…” (2 sessions)
Refer to sample Power Points on the Learning Web for content and number of slides.
Important: PowerPoint must be presented in order to get credit for it.
Complete all assignments that have not been submitted (new or rewrites).
Week 14:
FINAL DEADLINE FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS!
Note: Multiple assignments can be included in a folder by _______!
Important: I will not be on campus in Week 15! However, you can reach me by email.
The receptionist is NOT authorized to accept any late assignments!
Week 15:
* Prof. Horn
NO CLASS! – Research and write First Draft on the Final Exam Topic Sheet
Note: On evening of final exam, submit the following: (1) Grading Profile Sheet,
(2) Final Draft, (3) First Draft with corrections, (4) Topic Sheet with your topic
circled (outline), and (5) WEBSITES PAGE.
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NO TUTOR’S HELP ALLOWED ON FINAL! Every paragraph except the
introduction and conclusion must have documentation to avoid plagiarism!
FYI: Emails will be sent to me if any student tries to have his/her final exam
reviewed! Please note these are the official times posted in the Class Schedule for all
final exams. Furthermore, two hours have been scheduled for each final. To facilitate
consulting with students and returning their assignments, it is important that they arrive at
their scheduled time for the final exam.
Week 16:
* Prof. Horn
Final Exam Date: ____________ Time: ________________ Room: _________
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