ENGLISH 1301: COMPOSITION I ON THE INTERNET
SPRING 2005
(This handout serves as both your course syllabus and online orientation; it
explains how the course works. Print it; read it; and read it again! Keep it handy,
and refer to it often!)
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Guzmán-Treviño
Communications Department Chair
2600 South First Street
207-E Berry Hall
Temple, TX 76504
(254) 298-8383 (E-mail: sguzman@templejc.edu)
OBJECTIVES:
able:
Upon completion of this course (Composition I), the student will be
1. to demonstrate the ability to use written English effectively;
2. to demonstrate the ability to write formal English and speak
standard English;
3. to demonstrate the ability to write various types of essays,
including descriptive, comparison and contrast, persuasive,
and/or others.
TEXTS:
Langan, John. College Writing Skills with Readings, Media Edition,
Fifth Edition. Boston: McGraw Custom Publishing, 2003.
OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Connectweb license (can be purchased at the TC bookstore or
online)
Scantron Sheet (from the bookstore-for diagnostic grammar test)
Number 2 pencil (for diagnostic grammar test)
Erasable pen or liquid paper (for major grammar tests)
GRADING SYSTEM:
90 – 100 A; 80 – 89 B; 70 – 79 C; 60 – 69 D; Below 60 F
GRADING:
Grammar Tests, minor writing assignments,
grammar exercises, group work, and other
homework activities
33 1/3%
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Major Essays
33 1/3%
Final Exam Essay
33 1/3%
Note: Except for grammar tests, all work in the first two categories of 33 1/3% will
be assigned and completed via Connectweb. You are required to come to the
Temple College Testing Center 5 (five) times:
1st: to take the diagnostic grammar test
2nd: to take Grammar Test #1
3rd: to take Grammar Test #2
4th: to take comprehensive grammar test
5th: to take your final exam (essay)
Course Introduction:
My name is Dr. Guzmán-Treviño. Welcome to Composition I on the Internet!
Let me assure you that this course has the same objectives, homework, and tests as an
on-campus Composition I. Basically you will be given assignments on a weekly basis.
The homework assignments, instructions, and lectures will be posted using
Connectweb. You will post answers using Connectweb. Each week your homework
will be due on Thursday by 12:00 noon. Your first assignment will be posted by
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 and will be due Thursday, January 27, by 12:00 noon.
Each Thursday at noon I collect your work. I print out each student’s homework; as
soon as I’ve collected everyone’s homework, I post the next week’s assignments.
Therefore, you always have about a week to complete assignments. (This first week
you have a little more than a week to complete a short assignment; don't let this initial
schedule mislead you!)
The course is considered a composition course. During the semester we will study
different modes of writing, and you will compose essays of varying length. In addition
we will learn/review basic grammar concepts. Further, we will often discuss reading
selections from your text and use those discussions as a basis for writing.
Before going any further, let me say that an assumption is made when students sign up
for an Internet class. The assumption Temple College instructors make is that students
who sign up for an Internet class have some basic computer knowledge and study
habits. For example, we expect that students who sign up for Internet classes are:
1-knowledgeable about their computers;
2-knowledgeable about their word-processor;
3-knowledgeable about their Internet service provider;
4-experienced at composing, sending, and receiving e-mail;
5-experienced at composing, sending, and receiving e-mail attachments;
6-highly motivated;
7-able to work independently; and
8-have extra time to devote to working through assignments.
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How well do you think you measure up to our assumptions? If you haven't already
taken the Distance Education Internet class aptitude assessment, I strongly suggest you
try it. It's a short assessment that asks you a few questions to help determine whether
or not Internet courses are right for you. This assessment is available from the Distance
Education homepage on the TC website. I’m not trying to talk you into dropping this
class. I just want you to make sure an Internet class is right for you. Think about it!
Instructor Information:
From the syllabus, you have my name, office number, telephone number, and e-mail
address. I do have voice mail, so feel free to leave a message if you like. We will
primarily be using Connectweb for communication, but some of you may also want to
send me e-mail messages. You will learn more about me a bit later when I post my
Introductory Essay.
By the way, I usually feel a need to remind you that you're in an English class! Some
students seem to forget, and when they write me e-mail or Connectweb messages, they
write like they talk, or they write like they write to their friends. Remember: I am your
English instructor! That means you need, as best as you possibly can, to write
complete sentences and correct spelling; use capital letters and punctuation
appropriately! Nobody is perfect! We all make mistakes, and I would hate for your
concern about your grammar to keep you from writing to me, but please, try your best
to write your best, whether it's an e-mail message, a Connectweb message, or a major
essay!
About Connectweb:
Below you will find important information about Connectweb. Once you get into the
program, you will learn a great deal more.
You must have a Connectweb license number. You won’t be able to stay in the class
without entering this number into Connectweb. You can get this license in one of two
ways: buy it at the TC bookstore (Ask for a Connectweb license.) for $26 or, within the
program, about three or four days after you first log in, you will see a message that you
need to purchase a license. Follow that link and you can pay with a credit card within
Connectweb. If you do it this way, you pay only $20. You actually have a 10-day grace
period in Connectweb without entering the license number into the system before you
are deleted, but you must buy a license and enter that number into the program within
ten days. License numbers are tied to names, so if you have a friend who has taken a
Connectweb class, you cannot use his/her license number. The good news is that if
you take Connectweb classes in the future, your license is good for those classes.
Logging in to Connectweb:
From the TC homepage www.templejc.edu, click the “Distance Education” button; then,
click “Connectweb.” You can print that page and get into the class. By the way, while
you’re on this link, be sure you download and print your Connectweb Student Manual.
You will save us both a great deal of time in the future.
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You will not be able to access the class until I've placed you in the class. Beginning late
Friday, January 14, 2005, I will input all students who have registered up to that time.
However, keep in mind that registration information does not always flow in a timely
manner. Therefore, if you register and can not access this class even though you have
followed my instructions, please call and leave me a voice mail message (254-2988383). In this voice message, make sure you say and spell your name, provide me with
your course number (I'm teaching 4 Internet courses.) as well as a telephone number
where you can be reached.
Important Connectweb Information:
You have a 7500 character limit if you type your homework within
ConnectWeb in the small "Quick paper" window (which you will see when you go
back to "Assignments" above and click "Work on paper." Therefore, you must type
your homework in your word processor and then upload that file
after you have revised and worked on the homework. Also, if you upload a file,
there is no character or word limit.
To do this, complete the homework in your word processor (remember that it is not
necessary to stay online to do this) and create one Word document. When your
homework is ready to upload, get back online and login to ConnectWeb. Click the
"Assignments" button at the top of the page. Then, under this assignment, click "Work
on paper." You will now be in the "Quick paper" screen. Click "Switch to Upload paper."
At this screen, click "Browse" and find your homework file on your computer. (Note:
make sure the file is either a Microsoft Word doc file, an ascii txt file, or an html file.
These are the only types of files ConnectWeb will upload correctly.)
After your file is listed in the space under "Upload paper," click "OK" and
the file will be uploaded into ConnectWeb and automatically posted so I can
see it and all the other students in your group can see it. To see what you
have uploaded and make sure it worked, you can click "Preview paper." Make sure
your weekly homework answers are all included in ONE Word document since
uploading one document over another causes previous documents to be erased.
If you want to change what you have uploaded and posted, you will have to
repeat the whole process: go back and make changes to the document on your
computer and then upload the revised essay. Uploading a paper more than once
does the same thing that saving a document over and over does: it copies
over the old upload and replaces it with the new one.
ASSIGNMENTS/ATTENDANCE:
First, as mentioned above, unless assigned otherwise, you must use Connectweb to
complete weekly assignments. Hand-submitted or e-mailed work will not be accepted
for credit (unless otherwise assigned).
A work-based method will be utilized to ensure your attendance. Assignments will be
posted and due weekly. Your first homework assignment will be posted by Tuesday,
January 18th and will be due Thursday, January 27th by noon. Because students usually
need a little more time at the beginning of the semester to orient themselves to the
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course, you have more than a week to complete the first assignment! After the initial
assignment though, you can expect new homework posted/collected each Thursday by
12:00 noon. (By the way, Connectweb includes a feature that shows me the exact time
work is posted!)
You must check online three or four times a week, get the assignments, complete them,
sometimes collaborate, get suggestions, and do whatever is required. If you do not turn
in work when it is due and/or do not participate in the collaborative exercises, I will count
you as absent. (Please see the Attendance/Make-up Work Policies that follow.)
According to the 2004-2005 Temple College Student Handbook:
"Upon the request of the instructor, those students who accumulate excessive absences
may be administratively withdrawn by the Vice President of Educational Services.
Excessive absence is determined by the instructor of the course" (22).
If you realize that you cannot complete the course, it is your responsibility to drop the
course. The last day to drop the course is Friday, April 15, 2005, by noon.
Note: I strongly suggest that you do not wait until Wednesday evening to begin your
homework. Students often fail to take into account unexpected personal, computer,
printer, work, problems. This procrastination usually results in missed deadlines and no
credit.
GRAMMAR TESTS:
All tests must be taken in the Temple College Testing Center! There are no
exceptions!
Each grammar test counts twice in the first 33 1/3% of your grade. You will take:
1. an initial diagnostic grammar test (not graded but scored)
2. 2 major grammar tests
3. a comprehensive grammar test
Initial Diagnostic Grammar Test
You should plan to take this test by Thursday, February 3, 2005. Covering such topics
as fragments, comma-splices, run-ons, subject-verb agreement, spelling, and others,
this diagnostic test will be scored, but the grade will not be counted. The purpose of this
first test is to check your level on grammar skills that will be assigned and tested during
the semester. You do not need to study for this test. I want to see what you know
coming into the course.
This initial Diagnostic Grammar Test will be available, at the TC Testing Center,
beginning Wednesday, January 19th! You will need a Scantron Sheet and a Number 2
pencil for this test.
Two Major Grammar Tests
I will be assigning grammar work from your textbook. You will complete additional
practice in your writing as well as grammar exercises; you will take two major grammar
tests. Your grade on each of these tests counts twice in the first 33 1/3% of your course
grade.
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I will give you a 4-day window to take a major test. Here is the schedule of your
grammar tests:
Grammar Test #1-Monday, March 7 through Thursday, March 10;
Grammar Test #2-Monday, April 18 through Thursday, April 21
You will write on my test for these two tests, so make sure you have your erasable pen
and/or liquid paper!
Comprehensive Grammar Test
You will take a comprehensive grammar test, covering everything from both previous
grammar tests, as well as other skills we will discuss during the semester.
This comprehensive test grade will count twice in the first 33 1/3% of your course
average. Again, you will be given a 4-day window to take this test:
Monday, May 2 through Thursday, May 5.
MINOR WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
Using Connectweb, you will be posting many short paragraphs and papers as you learn
to practice not only your grammar skills but your writing techniques as well.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES:
You will be assigned grammar exercises both from your text and from a tutorial entitled
Skills Tutor. Most grammar homework will be posted on Connectweb.
GROUP WORK:
Connectweb allows me to prepare assignments on which you can collaborate with other
students; therefore, you will be assigned to work collaboratively on some homework.
On these occasions I will place you in small groups to discuss reading selections and/or
to give feedback on writing assignments. Please note that while I am encouraging
collaboration on some assignments, I expect that you will do your own work on all other
work. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.
MAJOR ESSAYS:
You will be assigned 3 major essays. The Writing Process, to include prewriting,
drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, will be used. Grades on these 3 (three) major
essays count 33 1/3% of your overall course average. You will learn about various
modes of writing.
FINAL EXAM (ESSAY):
You will come to the Temple College Testing Center to word-process your final exam
essay. This final exam essay grade counts as the final 33 1/3% of your overall course
grade.
You will take this final exam beginning Monday, May 2 through Thursday, May 5.
This semester all English 1301 students will take a departmental final exam. That just
means your final exam essay will be scored by two other instructors. This process
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ensures that ALL English 1301 students, regardless of the instructor, are learning the
same skills, concepts, techniques, and strategies; it's very helpful for instructors who
want to improve their teaching.
During the semester, as you write major papers, I will use an essay assessment that the
English department developed to score your papers. (You will learn more about what's
on this assessment as you begin to work on papers.) All Composition I instructors will
use this same assessment throughout the semester and for the final. This particular
assessment allows for instructors to see students' weaknesses and strengths; more
importantly, it gives instructors a method to determine the extent to which they need to
vary their teaching so that all students do well.
Please don't worry about it. It may sound complicated, but all this means for you is that
two instructors will score your final exam essays; those scores will be used to determine
your final exam grade. By the time we get to that point in the semester, you will be
prepared!
STANDARD FORM:
Neatness and standardization of form in essay format are essential. Students should
use the following guidelines for submitting papers/essays:
1. Use a blue or black pen on grammar tests. Expect to lose points if you use
pencil.
2. Use liquid paper or an erasable blue or black pen on grammar tests. Expect
to lose points if you do not.
3. All essays should have a title. The title should appear on the first line of the
first page of the essay. The title should not be underlined or placed in
quotation marks.
4. The first page of Connectweb assignments should include a properly
formatted MLA heading in the upper left-hand corner. See the following
example:
Isaac Gonzáles (Your name)
English 1301: Composition I on the Internet (Course name/number)
Dr. Guzmán-Treviño
8 January 2005 (Follow this format for the date!)
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
According to Temple College policy, each instructor is expected to have an absentee,
late work, and make-up work policy. The following policies are designed to encourage
attendance and the submission of assignments on the dates that they are due.
Furthermore, these policies are designed to enhance the learning environment of the
class and to encourage students to fulfill the responsibility of being contributing
members of a learning community.
The Temple College Communications Department Attendance Policy will be strictly
followed. Keep these points in mind:
1. After three absences (3 weeks of not posting, not necessarily consecutively),
2 points may be deducted from your final average for each additional
absence.
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2. No distinction is made between “excused” and “unexcused” absences
although I appreciate you telling me why you were absent (why you didn't
post).
3. If you know you will not be able to finish the course, you are responsible for
dropping. The last day to drop a class with a W is Friday, April 15, 2005, by
noon.
LATE WORK/MAKE-UP POLICY:
Students are strongly encouraged not to miss a class; for Internet students, that
means you should post your homework each week by the due date/time. Keep
in mind:
1. No late work is accepted. Anything after 12:00 noon on Thursday is late! Any
work turned in after that time will be accepted for feedback only, and a grade
of 0 (zero) will be recorded.
2. Assignments that count in the first 33 1/3% of your average may not be made
up.
3. Grammar Tests may be made up if you have no more than 3 absences. If
you are eligible to take a make-up for a Grammar Test, you may take it during
Make up Week, April 25-28; you are responsible for contacting me about your
make-up. As with all major tests and the final, you will take your make-up test
in the Temple College Testing Center.
4. As we begin to work on major essays (in the 2nd 33 1/3% of your average),
you will be posting prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing assignments as
part of weekly homework; you will post the final copy of the essay as well. If
for some reason you do not post your major essay on time, expect to lose
ten points for each day it is late.
Grades:
I will not post your weekly grades unless I receive a message from you asking for your
grades. Since your homework is due on Thursdays, I usually grade through the
weekend and Monday, so I have your homework grades by the following Tuesday.
Therefore, if you want to know your grades for the previous week, send me a
Connectweb message each Tuesday, and I’ll be glad to let you know. I know it seems
like a lot of trouble for you to contact me each Tuesday, but honestly, it makes my job of
responding to those interested students easier. Especially at the beginning of this
semester, I encourage you to keep track of your grades to make sure you know how
you’re doing on papers and assignments.
I will send messages to all students after a grammar test or a major essay; you won't
have to contact me about those. You can expect a message from me on the Thursday
that follows a testing week. That means that if you were taking a major grammar test
this week, you would receive a message with your test grade by the next Thursday.
When I post these grades, I usually include an updated semester average to let you
know how you’re doing.
Tests:
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All tests, including the final exam essay, must be taken at the Temple College
Testing Center!
Temple College Testing Center personnel will administer Grammar Tests at the Temple
College Testing Center. You will usually be given a 4-day window for taking a major
grammar test and the final exam essay. Mrs. Anna Machalek is the Testing Center
Coordinator and can be reached at 298-8586. The hours for the center are:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (no test handed out
after 4:00 p.m.)
Tuesday—8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (no test handed out after 7:00 p.m.)
Friday—8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (no test handed out after 1:00 p.m.)
You must present a picture I.D. when you come to take a test. Children are not allowed
to accompany parents while parents are taking tests.
You must write with a pen on all tests. Expect to lose up to 5 points from each test on
which you use pencil!
SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY
It is my job to ensure that scholastic integrity is maintained in my courses; therefore,
please note that no form of cheating or plagiarism is tolerated. Cheating is sometimes a
problem because students think that since this is an Internet course it is acceptable to
share answers and/or complete each other's homework. Often I have siblings, spouses,
best friends take this class together. It is NOT acceptable to do another person's
assignment, whether a weekly assignment or a major paper. I may ask you to work in
small discussion groups, and while I encourage you to collaborate on discussion of
reading selections and writing feedback, your homework answers should not be
verbatim. Do not assume that I am not reading your homework; some students have
made that mistake in the past.
Scholastic Dishonesty, cheating of any kind, may result in any of the following:
1-a failing grade on the assignment;
2-a failing grade in the course;
3-removal of the student from the course;
4-removal of the student from the institution.
STUDENT SERVICES
Keep in mind that you are a Temple College student! Sometimes Internet students
think they because they take online classes, they don't have access to Student
Services; that assumption is incorrect! Temple College offers tutorials through various
programs, from the TRIO program to the Learning Assistance Center in Special Support
Services. Visit the Temple College homepage and click on Student Services for more
information!
(Prepared Spring 2005)