PRINCE GEORGE'S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Welcome to English 1000: Introduction to Composition
Fall 2010
Course Reference #: LE04
INSTRUCTOR:
Ms. Sarah Gottschall
Department of English
OFFICE:
Marlboro 3054
PHONE NUMBERS:
(301) 322-0083 (office)
(301) 322-0561 (English Dept.)
EMAIL ADDRESS:
gottscSD@pgcc.edu
To facilitate email communication with me, please include the
following code: CCGP07 in either the subject or the first line of
any emails to me. (The code stops legitimate email messages from
being evaluated wrongly as SPAM but does not allow emails that
contain a virus or illegal attachment into our network.)
OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Additional time available by appointment
MEETING TIMES:
W 6:00 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
LOCATION:
Marlboro 3081
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A writing course designed for students who have
progressed beyond the development level but who need
more writing practice before entering English 1010. The
course focuses on expository essays and paragraphs and
provides direct instruction in major rules of grammar,
punctuation, and sentence rhetoric. This course will not
fulfill the English requirements for transfer or graduation.
PREREQUISITES:
A satisfactory score on the placement test or a P1 grade in
DVE 001 or placement by essay at the time of placement
testing.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, a student
will be able to:
1. Write well-developed paragraphs of at least 150 words and essays of at least 500
words in Standard English that have unified, restricted and precise thesis
statements; clear topic sentences that support the thesis; adequate development of
topic sentences in paragraphs; and a variety of sentence patterns and lengths.
2. Write prose without fragments; run-ons (comma splices and fused sentences);
faulty parallelism; dangling and misplaced modifiers; or incorrect subject/verb
agreement, verb forms, agreement and case of pronouns, possessive and
apostrophes, punctuation, or spelling.
3. Write either a summary or an analysis of a specific document in order to
demonstrate comprehension of reading materials.
TEXTBOOKS:
Brannan, Bob. A Writer’s Workshop. 3nd Edition.
Langan, John and Janet M.Goldstein. English Brushup. 5th Edition.
Please purchase these texts immediately. Not having your book is not an excuse for failing to do
assignments.
GRADING
I use a point system, which will enable you to keep track of your own grades.
Grammar Tests (5):
Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2:
Essay 1:
Essay 2:
Essay 3:
Essay 4:
Homework, classwork:
Participation:
200 points (40 each)
50 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
150 points
150 points
100 points
50 points
(20%, or 4% each)
(5%)
(10%)
(10%)
(10%)
(15%)
(15%)
(10%)
(5%)
Total
1,000 points
(100%)
All assignments must be submitted at the beginning of class on the due date indicated.
All out of class work must be word processed, double-spaced, and should have 1”-1½” margins.
All written work must be stapled or paper-clipped. Turning in a multiple-page essay without a
staple or paper clip will result in a 5 point reduction from that essay’s grade. There is a stapler
available for your use in the English Department Office (Marlboro 3072).
All work must be carefully proofread - no typographical or mechanical errors.
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend all classes. If you miss more than one class, each additional
absence will result in a five point reduction from your final course grade. For example, if your
final grade is a 75 (C) but you missed three classes, your final grade would drop to a 65 (D).
As per English Department policy, any student who misses one quarter or more of the class
sessions will automatically fail the course. Because this course meets 15 times, if you miss
four or more classes you will receive an automatic F.
In the event that you must miss class, you should consult with your peers about what you have
missed. It is your responsibility to get any notes, handouts, assignments or readings that may
have been distributed in your absence.
If you face an unavoidable problem that affects your ability to come to class (such as an
extended illness or a family emergency), please see me as soon as possible.
Tardiness:
Late arrivals disrupt class instruction and therefore have a negative effect not only on the late
student, but on his classmates as well. For this reason, tardiness is not acceptable in this class.
Three tardies will be considered equivalent to one absence. If you are more than 20 minutes late
for class, you are considered absent. If you leave class early, you will generally be marked tardy;
if you leave class more than 20 minutes early, you will be marked absent.
Further, when we have tests or in-class writing assignments, they will be given during the
beginning of the class; if you arrive late, you may not have enough time to do your best work, or
you may miss the assignment entirely. You will not be given additional time to finish, nor will
you be allowed to make up the assignment.
Late Work Policy:
All written work is due at the beginning of class on the specified due date. For written
assignments I impose a penalty of one letter grade deduction per day late. For example, a B+
essay that is one day late would receive a grade of C+. Please note: I deduct points per day late,
not per class period. So, for example, if you do not hand in an essay due on a Wednesday until
Friday, you will lose two letter grades. Please do not slide late work under my office door;
instead, place it in my mailbox in the English Department office (Marlboro 3072).
I will not accept written assignments that are more than three days late.
Other homework assignments will not be accepted after the due date.
You may not make up missed in-class work without my consent.
Extensions:
I rarely grant extensions to students, but, in the event that you face verifiable extenuating
circumstances, I may allow you additional time to complete an assignment. Extensions must be
requested in writing no fewer than four days prior to the due date of the assignment.
Revision:
You are encouraged to revise your writing. When you revise, you must:
1. Turn in the revision no later than one week after the work was returned to you.
2. Write a cover letter for the revision. The cover letter, addressed to me, should be at
least one paragraph in length and should explain the changes you have made to the
original assignment.
I will not read a revision that is submitted without a cover letter.
I will not read a revision that is submitted with a cover letter of inadequate length.
Participation:
Our classroom is an educational community, and you are an important member of that
community. As such, you have a responsibility to contribute to the learning experiences of your
classmates by sharing your ideas, questions and insights. Because class participation is a vital
aspect of this course, you will be evaluated on the effectiveness of your class participation (5%
of your final grade).
Effective class participation begins with preparation: In addition to completing all homework
exercises and reading assignments, you should come to class with comments and questions about
the topics at hand. Further, effective class participation entails listening attentively to other
students, sharing your ideas both orally and in writing, and asking thoughtful questions during
class discussion.
Lastly, though it may seem obvious, I feel compelled to state this: In order to participate
effectively, you must be present in the classroom. Therefore, to receive the highest grade for
participation, you must consistently arrive on time to class and engage fully in all class sessions.
A Statement on Civility at Prince George’s Community College:
To promote a community of scholarship and civility, everyone at Prince George’s Community
College is expected to be respectful, tolerant and courteous towards others at all times, adhere to
college policies and procedures, and respect college property. Creating a culture of civility both
inside and outside the classroom is everyone’s responsibility.
Classroom Policies:
I expect each member of our classroom community to contribute in meaningful ways and to
refrain from distracting behavior. I trust you to use your best judgment regarding proper student
behavior, but consider the following reminders:

Inappropriate conversation, lack of preparation, and disruptive behavior are
unacceptable and will affect your grade.

Take care of all personal needs before entering the classroom. You are expected
to remain in the room while class is in session.

Beverages in covered containers are permitted; food is not.
A few reminders about cell phones:
 Cell phones should be silenced when you enter the classroom.

Do not text message during class time. Text messaging during class – even once
– will result in a ten point reduction in your participation grade.

If you face an emergency situation that requires you to check a message during
class time, please see me before class starts.

If your cell phone poses a distraction, you will be given one warning before I
write up a disciplinary referral.
Conferences:
I encourage you to meet with me often. You may meet with me to address specific questions
about the material covered in class, to check on your grade, to receive help on a written
assignment, or simply to chat. You are free to stop by during the designated office hours, or, if
this time is not convenient for you, you may make an appointment with me. In addition, if you
are unable to come to my office during office hours, you may make an appointment for a phone
conference. However, you must take the initiative: When you set up a phone conference, you
must give me a copy of any paper or work you wish to discuss and call me at the designated
time.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office
(Bladen-124) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and
accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at
the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and
establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and
regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a
manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2010-2011 Student
Handbook for a complete explanation of the Code of Conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the
procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of
knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering
to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement
and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is
produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic
Integrity is in the 2010-2011 Student Handbook and posted on the college's website.
A few additional words about plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense regardless of whether or not it is intentional and carries
significant penalties. Consequences range from an automatic 0 on the assignment to an F* for
the course. An F* indicates a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity and remains on the
student’s transcript.
Please note: It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you understand the definition of
plagiarism and how to conduct yourself with academic honesty. If you have questions, please
see me.
In addition, I suggest you use the following resources to ensure that you have a thorough
understanding of plagiarism:
In addition, I suggest you use the following resources to ensure that you have a thorough
understanding of plagiarism:
University of Maryland University College Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.umuc.edu/ewc/tutorial/intro.shtml
Indiana University Bloomington Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
IMPORTANT DATES:
Aug. 30
Mon.
Sept. 4–6
Sept. 7
Sept. 8
Sept. 15
Sept. 24
Sat.–Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Wed.
Fri.
Oct. 26
Tues.
Nov. 19
Nov. 22
Fri.
Mon.
Nov. 24
Nov. 25–28
Nov. 29
Wed.
Thurs.–Sun.
Mon.
Dec. 1
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Wed.
Thurs.
Thurs.
Dec. 10–16
Dec. 22–Jan. 4
Jan. 24
Fri.–Thurs.
Wed.–Tues.
Mon.
Classes begin for fall 2010, except for Laurel
College Center
COLLEGE CLOSED—Labor Day
Classes begin at Laurel College Center
Refund deadline for full semester classes
Last day to apply for fall graduation
Last day to change from “audit” to “credit” or “
credit“ to “audit.”
COLLEGE CLOSED—College Enrichment
Day-No classes, except Laurel College Center
Last day to withdraw from full semester classes
Advance registration for Spring 2011 semester
begins
College Open; No Classes
COLLEGE CLOSED—Thanksgiving Break
College reopens; Advance registration for spring
2011 resumes
Advance registration for spring 2011 ends
Begin open registration for spring 2011 semester
Last day of regular classes for the fall 2010
semester
Final examination period/last week of classes
COLLEGE CLOSED—Winter break
Spring 2011 semester begins
Delayed College Openings:
When the College announces a delayed opening, all classes with at least 45 minutes of class time
remaining at the time of the opening will be held. For example, in the event of a 10 a.m.
opening, a 9:30-10:45 a.m. class will be held. This procedure applies to all credit classes.
Computer and Learning Labs
Office
Location
Phone
Hours of Operation
Learning Lab
Marlboro Hall
301-322-0503
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 9 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 4 pm
Sat.: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Sun.: 10 am – 1 pm
Room 2129
Open Computer Lab
Bladen Hall
Room 104
301-322-0999
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 10 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 5 pm
Sun.: Closed
Other Resources, Services, and Academic Support:
Library
Location: Accokeek Hall
www.pgcc.edu/library
Phone: (301) 322-0475
Hours:
Mon-Thurs.: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fri.: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sat.: 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Tutoring and Writing Centers
www.pgcc.edu/students/tutoring_writing_grammar
Location: Bladen Hall Room 107
Phone: (301) 322-0748
Hours:
Mon-Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Fri.: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
How to Log in to Blackboard:
Blackboard is a web-based program that serves as the college’s online classroom. You will use
Blackboard to communicate with your instructor, to see your course materials, to submit
assignments, and to discuss course ideas with your classmates.
To log in to your Blackboard course, please follow these steps:

Go to the Prince George's Community College Blackboard website which is located at
http://pgcconline.blackboard.com. NOTE: There is no “www” in the Blackboard
address.

ALL STUDENTS must log in to Blackboard using their Owl Link account.

If you do not have an Owl Link account,
1. Go to the Owl Link website (www.pgcc.edu  Click "Quicklinks"  Select "Owl
Link")
2. Look up your Owl Link User ID
o Under User Accounts, select "What's My User ID"
3. Reset your Owl Link password
o Under User Accounts, select, "What's My Password"
Note: You MUST have a valid email address on file with Admissions and Records to reset
your Owl Link password. If you do not, please contact the eLearning Center:
eLearning@pgcc.edu or 301-322-0463.

Check your email to receive your password.

Once you have your Owl Link account information, type it in the Blackboard login box at
http://pgcconline.blackboard.com.

If your login is successful, you will see the Blackboard “Welcome” screen. In the box
labeled “My Courses”, you will see the course or a list of courses in which you are
enrolled. Click on the course name to enter your Blackboard course.
Need help?
 Need technical assistance? Visit the Distance Learning website at
http://www.pgcconline.com

Missed the Campus Orientation? View the Online Orientation at
http://www.pgcconline.com/aboutOnlineLearning/orientation.html

Other questions? E-mail eLearning@pgcc.edu