ELCAMINO COLLEGE COMPTON CENTER
SPRING 2010
Course: English 1A –Reading and Composition Online
Free Online Tutorials at www.dianahacker.com/writersref
Instructor: Professor Roach
Section Number: 9446
Lecture Meeting Days: ONLINE (Mon., Wed., and Fri. are recommended study days.) On-Campus Orientation: Thurs., Feb. 18, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Due Date Times: 11:59 p.m. PST (Grace Period extends to Sunday after due date, at 11:59 p.m. PST except during final week of course.)
Instructor Information: (310) 900-1600, Ext. 2232
Distance Education Office: www.compton.edu/academics/distance-ed (G38)
Instructor’s Office Location: D31-B Faculty Webpage: http://www.compton.edu/facultystaff/rroach/index.html
Office Hours: MW 12:30-1:00 p.m. TTh 10:15-12:15 p.m. (Chat online during these times; only general questions because visible to class.)
E-Mail: rroach2003@yahoo.com; roach_r@compton.edu; rroach@elcamino.edu
IMPORTANT Supplemental Info: *FREE STUDENT EMAIL: www.compton.edu > MyECC (upper left side) >Login or First Time User to set up
“credentials” and check email weekly (inside, click “messages” near the top center)*CLASS WEBSITES: (1) https://myetudes.org (Username: First
Name_Last or same as MyECC username Password: birth month and day as in 0129 for January 29) (Inside, click ENGL 1A tab at top) and (2)
www.Turnitin.com (Code: 3078926 Password: english1a) *Library: (310) 900-1648 (www.compton.edu/library). *Bookstore: (310) 900-1600 x2820
MISSION STATEMENT: El Camino College offers quality, comprehensive educational programs and services to ensure the educational success of
students from our diverse community.
I. REQUIRED TEXTS:
(1) Nadell, Judith, John Langan, and Eliza A Comodromos. The Longman Reader. 9th ed. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2009.
(2) Douglass, Frederick. Narrative. (http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Literature/Douglass/Autobiography/ )
(3) Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. (1937). New York: Harper, 2006.
(4) Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference with Writing in the Disciplines. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford, 2007. (www.dianahacker.com/writersref )
(5) Pocket OR Notebook College Dictionary and Thesaurus (highly recommended)
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION (Catalog description): This course is designed to strengthen the students’ ability to read with understanding and
discernment, to discuss assigned readings intelligently, and to write clearly. Emphasis will be on writing essays in which each paragraph relates to a
controlling idea, has an introduction and conclusion, and contains primary and secondary support. College-level reading material will be assigned to
provide the stimulus for class discussion and writing assignments, including a required research paper.
III. COURSE PREREQUISITES: Credit in English A and credit in English 84 or English 7; or qualification by English Placement Test
IV. EL CAMINO COLLEGE COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will learn the following:
 From review of grammar and usage, students will locate and demonstrate the ability to correct the following errors in composition:
sentence fragments, comma splices, fused sentences, misplaced and dangling modifiers, incorrect pronoun case, faulty pronoun
references, pronoun-antecedent disagreement, subject-verb agreement, and wrong tense
 From instruction in reading of essays, students will locate and paraphrase the thesis/preposition; identify the basic types of support used to
develop the thesis or preposition-- examples, facts, details, reasons, illustrations, anecdotes; indicate the shift from general to specific
levels of support; distinguish statements of facts from statements of opinions; identify the method of development/strategy used-comparison, contrast, classification, definition, cause/effect, process, persuasion; summarize the idea and content; and advocate or
challenge the author’s opinions.
 From instruction in reading of short fiction and poetry, students will paraphrase the work; identify and define the central theme or metaphor;
assess the aesthetic qualities of the work; compare the work with another, drawing conclusions based on appropriate criteria.
 From instruction in reading of book-length nonfiction, students will summarize the work in its separate units and as a complete entity,
identify the central theme or themes, judge the value of the information, and advocate or challenge the author’s opinions.
 From instruction in reading of novels, students will summarize the plot, identify the central themes, indicate the functions of characters,
plot, and setting in relation to the themes, judge the aesthetic value of 2 or 3 and of the whole work.
 From instruction in composition, students will compose theses/topic statements of a proper scope for the composition; delimit subjects by
brainstorming and outlining; organize the content of a composition using spatial, climatic, and/or chronological principles; use a range of
general and specific levels of support with proper transitions to signal shifts from one level to another; compose introductory and
concluding paragraphs for a composition; compose a timed essay; perform research techniques (use library resources, cite and document
sources) and compose a formal research paper of at least 1250 words, utilizing parenthetical documentation.
V. EL CAMINO COLLEGE ENGLISH 1A LEARNING OUTCOME:
Upon completion of the course, the student should demonstrate the following skill:
 Given an out-of-class writing task in which students find multiple sources related to a particular topic, students will write a research paper
that shows the ability to support a single thesis using analysis, to synthesize and integrate materials effectively from a variety of sources,
and to cite sources in MLA format (including a works-cited page). The report is organized, technically correct in paragraph composition,
sentence structure, grammar, spelling and word use, and demonstrates a thoughtful treatment of the topic.
VI. ASSESSMENT:
The following activities will be used to assess specific competencies:
A. Summary and response reading journal (Blogging) and prewriting
B. Individual papers
C. Research paper
D. Portfolio
VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA: 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; etc.
Paper #1
Exploratory Paper
100 Points (10%)
Paper #2
Midterm and Literary Paper
100 Points (10%)
Paper #3
Expository Paper
100 Points (10%)
Paper #4
Research Paper
200 Points (20%)
Final Exam with Portfolio Revisions
200 Points (20%)
“Blogs” at Class Website in Etudes
Summaries and reactions reading journals posted
150 Points (15%)
Prewriting Assignments
Assigned “Quick Think” outlines, worksheets, drafts
50 Points (5%)
Reviews
Questions to answer about essays and reading selections
Total
100 Points (10%)
1000 points
Grading Distribution:
A
900 -1000 points
B
800-899 points
C
700-799 points
D
600-699 points
F
0-599 points
VIII. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Tardy Policy—Three tardies due to emergency is equivalent to one absence.
B. Absence Policy—You may be dropped for missing 10% of course. All assignments and RESEARCH PAPER are necessary to pass the course.
IX. STATEMENT OF STUDENT CONDUCT (ALL COLLEGE POLICIES APPLY):
A. Instructor expectation of student conduct: Students should participate in all class sessions by taking notes, actively engaging in group
sessions, and completing writing assignments. Textbooks and references should be consulted, including on the midterm and final exam.
B. Late/Missed assignment policy: Late assignments receive one quarter credit.
C. Academic conduct, cheating, plagiarism: Plagiarism and cheating results in failing the assignment and possible expulsion for repeated
offenses with due process (Catalog, p. 270). All College policies apply (See Catalog).
D. Lab Policies: Expected cooperative compliance with Writing Lab and Writing Center policies where tutoring and computer privileges are provided
X. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have a recognized disability, you need to contact me and disabled services (F10) within the first week of
class so that reasonable accommodations can be made.
XI. DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: Students will be notified ahead of time when and if any changes are made to course requirements or policies
XII. SEMESTER SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS ANALYZING AMERICAN CULTURE:
Note on assignments: Assignments should be completed in standard English at or attached to “Assignments, Tests, and Surveys” in Etudes.
Note: The abbreviation LR means Longman Reader; AT&S for Assignments, Tests, and Surveys; D&PM for Discussion & Private Messages.
Wk Day Module Topic
Objective/Outcome
Preparation
Assignment/Assessment
Pts My
Pts
2/17 Welcome
Explore class website-10 min.
*Click on ENGL 1A at top inside
*Post Self Introduction D&PM 10
*Login at www.myetudes.org
www.myetudes.org / Explore all
*Pre-Test in AT&S
5
with (1) MyECC username &
tabs on left side! / *View “Getting
(2) birth month and day as
Started” in Modules.
password (as in 0129).
2/19 Intro to
*Identify & form effective and
*Online mini-lectures (1.3 & 1.4)
*Argument Review in AT&S
25
College-level
valid arguments through the
*Read Chapters 1 and 2 in LR
Composition
reading and writing process
2/22 Workshop on
*Be able to write with sentence *Handout / Tutorial 1& 4 (Video)
*Diagnostic essay
10
sentences
variation
www.dianahacker.com/writersref
(Etudes and www.turnitin.com)
2/24 College-level
*How to analyze narrative
*View online mini-lecture / *Read
*Narrative Review in AT&S
10
Narration
essays
Lorde, Orwell, and Hughes in LR
2/26
*Post Narrative Blog in D&PM 10
1
2
3
3/1
3/3
College-level
Description
*How to write exploratory
narrative essays for college
and beyond
*How to analyze descriptive
essays
*Quick Think Outline in AT&S
(or point deduction)
3
*Description Review in AT&S
10
*Description Blog in D&PM
10
*Read Chapters 3 and 4 in LR,
(pp. 72-85, 123-35)
*Quick Think Outline in AT&S
(or point deduction)
3
*Online mini-lecture / *Read
Hacker, pp. 14-18 (samples)
*Introduction and Conclusion
Paragraphs Due in AT&S
5
*Online mini-lecture
*Skim Hacker, pp. 259-293
See Handout
Draft & Peer Review in D&PM
10
*Online mini-lecture /
*Read Parks, Helvarg, Kamiya,
and Ortiz-Cofer in LR
3/5
4
3/8
*How to write exploratory
descriptive essays for college
and beyond
*How to write an appropriate
title, effective introduction and
conclusion, and a carefully
considered, specific thesis
statement for a college paper
*Using punctuation effectively
3/10
3/12
5
3/15
*MLA format
*How to format college papers
College-level
Classification
*How to write a college-level
exploratory essay
*How to use critical thinking to
classify
3/17
3/19
6
3/22
3/24
3/26
College-level
Process
Analysis
*Online mini-lecture /
* Read Ch 6 in LR (pp.228-43)
*Read Douglass’ Narrative,
Ch. 1-7 (Link in Textbooks above)
*Online mini-lecture
Complete, revise, and edit
typed draft
TYPED PAPER DUE
Etudes and www.TurnItIn.com
100
*Classification Review in
AT&S
10
*Quick Think Outline Due
3
7
3/29
3/31
4/2
8
College-level
Literature
Analysis
*How to analyze literature
(poetry, short stories, and
novels)
4/5
4/7
*How to write a literary analysis
paper
*Read Douglass, Chapters 8Appendix
*Read Ch 7 in LR (pp.282-297)
*Online mini-lecture-- poetry and
short story /*Read Hughes’ poem
and short story online
*Process Blog in D&PM
10
Quick Think Outline in AT&S
*Literature Review in AT&S
*Literature Blog in D&PM
3
10
10
* Read Chapters 1-6 of Their
Eyes Were Watching God
*Novel Blog (1-6) in D&PM
10
Timed essay –MIDTERM
(AT&S and www.turnitin.com)
50
*Comparison Review in AT&S
*Novel Blog (7-13) in D&PM
10
10
*Quick Think Outline Due in
AT&S (or point deduction)
*Cause/Effects Review in
AT&S
*Novel Blog (14-20) in D&PM
*Quick Think Outline Due in
AT&S (or point deduction)
Draft & Peer Review in D&PM
TYPED PAPER DUE
Etudes and www.Turnitin.com
*Illustration Review in AT&S
*Illustration Blog in D&PM
3
*Post image with source in
D&PM
*Quick Think Outline Due in
AT&S (or point deduction)
*Style Quick Think Due in
AT&S (or point deduction)
*Draft & Peer review in D&PM
TYPED PAPER DUE
Etudes and www.Turnitin.com
10
See model literature paper at
www.dianahacker.com/writersref
4/9
9
4/10
4/19
-4/17
College-level
Comparisons
SPRING BREAK
*How to use critical thinking to
identify comparisons and
contrasts
4/21
4/23
10
College-level
Cause and
Effect Analysis
4/26
4/28
4/30
11
*Use critical thinking to identify
causes and effects
5/3
College-level
Illustration
*How to write a literary analysis
paper
*How to analyze
exemplification essays for
adequate and appropriate
examples
*View online mini-lecture /
*Read Chapters 7-13 of Their
Eyes Were Watching God
* Read Chapter 8 in LR
(pp. 337-351)
*View online mini-lecture /
*Read Chapters 14-20 of Their
Eyes Were Watching God
*Read Chapter 9 in LR
(pp. 383-398)
Complete, revise, and edit typed
draft
*View online mini-lecture
* Read Sykes, Savan, Hymowitz,
and Johnson in LR
5/5
5/7
12
5/10
Style workshop
*How to adjust writing style
5/12
5/14
APA format
*How to format science papers
*How to write and format a
paper for science classes
*Read Chapter 5 in LR
(pp. 173-187)
*View online mini-lecture
*Read Hacker, pp. 123-160
*View online mini-lecture
Complete, revise, and edit typed
draft
10
10
3
10
50
10
10
3
3
10
100
13
5/17
College-level
Definition
5/19
*How to analyze definitions
*View online mini-lecture /*Read
Cole and Raspberry in LR
*Definition Blog in D&PM
10
*How to write definitions
*Read Chapter 10 in LR
(pp. 430-442)
*Review Good and Bad
Arguments mini-lectures /*Read
Chapter 11 in LR (pp. 472-506)
* Read four King essays
(2 in LR and 2 online)
Quick Think Outline Due in
AT&S (or point deduction)
3
*Argument Blog in D&PM
10
View online research writing minilecture
*See Tutorial 2 & 3 (Videos) at
www.dianahacker.com/writersref
*Working Bibliography Due in
AT&S (or point deduction)
“Note cards” Due in AT&S
(or point deduction)
(View sample in online
research writing mini-lecture
slides)
Prepare debate with classmate
(sources)
*Debate assignment Due
5
*Peer Review in D&PM
(extra credit)
*Revise draft
5ec
*RESEARCH PAPER DUE
(Etudes and Turnitin.com)
*Annotated Portfolio
revisions
*FINAL EXAM (Timed essay)
*Portfolio Due
(Etudes and Turnitin.com)
100
5/21
14
5/24
College-level
Argumentation
*How to analyze and form
modern and contemporary
arguments
5/26
College-level
Research
*How to find, evaluate, and
paraphrase sources
5/28
15
*How to narrow a topic and
form a claim or argument
6/2
6/4
16
Complete typed outline
Combining
patterns
6/7
6/9
6/11
See handout in “Activities”
*How to write a research paper
Review
*See Tutorial #5 (Video) at
www.dianahacker.com/writersref
*Complete, revise, and edit typed
draft of research paper
See model research paper at
www.dianahacker.com/writersref
Review portfolio handout, notes,
and papers
3
100
200
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER: The portfolio of revised and edited thematic papers analyzing American culture and showing writing across the
disciplines will be concluded by a capstone research paper on an assigned topic. It is your task to (1) narrow the topic, (2) gather information in
a working bibliography, (3) prepare a minimum of one each of summary, paraphrase, and quotation notecards, (4) form a carefully considered,
specific thesis statement and tentative outline, (5) write first draft, (6) revise and edit draft, and (7) produce final draft of 5-8 pages typed doublespaced in MLA format.