Lake Superior College
And
Hermantown High School
College in the Schools/AP English Courses
Instructor: Neil Witikko
CATALOG DESCRIPTIONS:
College Composition I (Engl 1106) (3 cr) (AP) First semester college-level composition
course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing.
Emphasis is on writing as process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review.
Presupposes competency in standard English.
College Composition II (Engl 1109) (3 cr) (AP) Second semester college-level composition
course focusing on academic writing using primary and secondary sources, including basic
research using print and electronic sources. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical analysis,
summarizing, research, logical argumentation, and MLA documentation. Presupposes
competency in standard English.
Modern World Literature (Engl 2140) (3 cr) A survey of world literature written after World
War II. Reading will include selections of fiction, poetry, drama, and essays from Africa, the
Middle East, Asia, Australia, Oceania, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North
America.
MATERIALS FOR COLLEGE COMPOSITION I:
1) Text Materials:
The New World Reader: Thinking and Writing about the Global Community. Edited by
Gilbert H. Muller.
Keys for Writers by Ann Raimes
Additional handouts
2) Flash drive for saving and backing up your work.
3) Notebook
4) “Day Book”
5) Microsoft Word
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COURSE OUTCOMES:
In this course you will
 demonstrate skills by using a writing process (brainstorming, drafting, responding,
revising, editing, publishing)
 use language effectively and read critically at the college level
 demonstrate proficiency in writing expository essays
 demonstrate proficiency in responding to readings
 develop effective voice and writing style
 write appropriately for audience
 select topics and content and effectively organize ideas
COURSE GOALS:
A central goal of this course is to strengthen your skills in critical reading and in writing.
We will work on gaining confidence in writing skills by focusing on the following: writing
process, writing for an audience, selecting topics, brainstorming ideas, and practicing basic
grammar, mechanics and punctuation skills. You will write six expository essays: one related to
your reading of Tears of the Desert, one in each of the following modes (division/classification,
comparison/contrast, cause/effect, and argumentation/persuasion), and a final portfolio
evaluation essay. We will utilize peer response groups in our revision and editing processes.
You will work on improving writing skills by practicing to select content, organize ideas,
respond to short readings, and by working on grammar, mechanics, and punctuation. Tasks will
be performed both individually and in collaboration with classmates.
In addition, you will work on developing your own writing voice and style by focusing on
vocabulary, tone, evaluation of writing styles, and revision exercises.
EVALUATION (for all CITS English courses):
These courses are set up in a trimester system of about twelve weeks each. You will not receive
H.H.S. quarter grades. Instead, you will get a mid-trimester progress report and then your final
trimester grade. Each course counts three college credits and one-third a high school credit.
What this means in a practical sense is that it will be virtually impossible for you to transfer out
of this class, let’s say at the semester point, and still get full credit for your work. You should be
approaching this class with the idea that you will be here for the entire year.
H.H.S. only uses quarter grades for determination of Merit Roll and Honor Roll. Because you
will not be receiving quarter grades in this class, this course will not be a part of that Merit Roll
and Honor Roll determination. This is the same thing that happens with any Hermantown
students who are part of the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program.
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In College Composition I, you will be evaluated on six major papers, daily homework exercises,
possible quizzes, and a final exam.
Your course grades will be determined on a total point system using the following percentages:
A – 94-100%
B – 88-93 %
C – 82-87%
D – 75-81%
F – below 75%
Note that L.S.C. does not use a “plus/minus” system. Understand, also, that 93.9% is not 94%.
There is no “rounding up” in this class. When you get that “A” for the course—and I do believe
that you can do it—you will have earned it in the truest sense.
If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the assignments you missed and get them to me
in a timely manner. Do not let “late penalties” hurt your grade.
All assignments need to be put in the appropriate basket on the counter. Never put an
assignment on my desk! I am “organizationally impaired,” and such an action would be very
dangerous for you, not to mention foolish.
Please bring the following materials to class each day: 1) appropriate text 2) a pencil or pen
3) your notebook 4) your “Day Book” and 5) some loose-leaf paper.
Detailed final examination information will be given toward the end of the fall. The exam is a
two-hour word-processed essay examination to be taken at H.H.S. on November 24 (2nd-4th
hours). The L.S.C. English department assigns a broad topic, which students will narrow down
as they wish.
Note: You must earn a “C” or higher in College Composition I to pass on to the next level,
College Composition II.
SPECIAL NOTES AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
1. Students are expected to follow the course syllabus and have all work completed on time.
2. All writing assignments (essays and short exercises) must be completed in order to pass
College Composition I.
3. All essays must be word-processed according to MLA format style.
4. Late work will earn lowered grades.
5. On some essays, students will have the opportunity to rewrite for an improved grade.
However, papers turned in late cannot be rewritten.
6. Students who are guilty of academic dishonesty (such as plagiarism and cheating) may
fail the course and get an “F” on their transcript.
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The Lake Superior College Handbook identifies both cheating and plagiarism as forms of
academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is defined as “the representation of the words or ideas
of another as one’s own” (49). These are serious offenses and will be treated as such.
Students are strongly encouraged to consult the instructor with any concerns about using
and documenting sources or someone else’s ideas. Plagiarism (what it is and how to
avoid it) will be discussed during the first weeks of the course.
Attention: Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect
their ability to perform in this class, are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the
quarter. Adaptations of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for
equitable participation.
ATTENDANCE (for all CITS English courses):
This is a college course. You get high school credit simultaneously, but, most importantly, you
will leave this class with nine college English credits that you can take with you to your chosen
university next year. As a college course, there are expectations for attendance and participation
that supersede typical high school expectations. Most importantly, there is no such thing as an
“excused absence.”
Since 2001, in addition to teaching College in the Schools English, I teach university English
courses at UMD. The rule that is in place for those courses is that students are allowed one
absence in the semester (that is sixteen weeks). After that, they could expect that their grade
would be reduced for subsequent absences. In our setting, this would be extreme.
However, we have established a system that is fair to students and still holds you accountable for
being in class. Your grade will be lowered one level (e.g. “B” to a “C”) for each absence
beyond eight (per trimester). Each trimester will run about twelve weeks, approximately as
follows: Composition I: September-November (Thanksgiving); Composition II: end of
November-mid-February; World Literature: late-February-early June. At the start of each
course, you will receive a syllabus that will very specifically detail these timelines.
Our administration, with great effort, has placed these courses in a time slot where they will not
be affected by typical school-related absences (e.g. afternoon sporting events). You must now
take the responsibility here. Any personal obligations, such as medical appointments, talks with
college reps, volunteer work, etc., should never be scheduled during this time. Remember, these
are not “high school” courses, rather “college” courses in the high school. If you are frequently
absent from school, due to school-related events or not, this is not the class for you. If you
know, for example, that you will be gone for an extended period of time during the year (family
vacations, school trips, etc.) and that you will not be able to adhere to the attendance policy, this
is not the class for you. In the past, students have had difficulty meeting these requirements if
they were involved in certain S.T.C. programs that pull people out of other classes (e.g. nursing
programs that require “clinical” exams). You are allowed up to eight absences out of about 55
class days, a very lenient policy for a college course. You need to make decisions now. If you
cannot do adhere to this policy, transfer to other English courses now. On the other hand, if you
can make a commitment to excellent attendance, and if you are prepared for an extraordinary
academic challenge, you are in the right place.
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Classroom Behavior/Procedures
One quick word about behavior. I really want to make this classroom a comfortable, fun place to
be. I need your help to make this work. When it’s time to work, you must be working.
Please know that in regards to talking (when you should be doing something that does not
require talking), I will only give you one warning. If I need to talk to you twice in one hour, you
will have one-half hour detention to make up. A third time will get you dismissed from the
classroom.
Also, it is very important to me that you are to class on time. As a point of clarification, you are
tardy if you are not in the classroom when the bell begins to ring. Your first tardy is a warning;
after that, you will have to make up one-half hour per subsequent tardy (per quarter).
Thoughts for the Year Ahead
I am thrilled that H.H.S. is giving you this kind of opportunity, and I am looking forward to
working with each of you throughout the year. My professional goal (and obligation) is to help
you become effective college writers and thinkers. Along the way, I want to get to know you as
individuals, and I want to support you in the classroom and in your extra-curricular
involvements. This course should be one of the most challenging classes you have ever taken.
My expectations for you are high. I believe that each of you has unlimited potential. I will work
my hardest at tapping that potential. I will not accept shoddy work and half efforts.
Please let me help you in any way that I can—come in and talk to me when you have concerns. I
am usually here by 7 a.m. and can meet with you at that time, or at arranged times after school,
to address any concerns/questions you may have.
Best wishes for a fantastic year!
NBW
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A Message to Parents/Guardians
Thank you for taking the time to look over the introductory material for our College in the
Schools English courses. As you can see, these will be challenging courses with rigorous
expectations.
Please feel free to contact me at any point throughout the year. The best time to reach me during
the day is before school. If that time does not work for you, please call the high school (7298874) and leave a message with my voice mail (Ext. 1151). I will return your call as quickly as I
can. You can also contact me through my school email: NeilWitikko@hermantown.k12.mn.us
Please note that because this course is built on a trimester system, I am not able to use the
school’s “Campus” grading program. Consequently, you will not find student scores posted
online. Rather, I will provide students with the mid-trimester and trimester scores (in addition,
of course, to their regular assignment scores). If at any point, you need to know your student’s
grade, contact me, and I can get a current grade to you (usually within one day).
Because these courses are worth nine Lake Superior College credits, in addition to the one
H.H.S. credit required of all seniors, it is important that you understand exactly what will be
expected of your son/daughter. I ask that you sign the following paper and have your
son/daughter return it to me by this Friday, September 10.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Neil B. Witikko
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Information packets distributed on September 7, 2010
We acknowledge that we have read the enclosed information packet, which highlights the
College in the Schools Composition/Literature courses offered by Lake Superior College and
Hermantown High School.
Signature of Student
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
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