Los Angeles Mission College - Fall 2009
English 101/College Reading and Composition 1
Instructor: Gina Ladinsky
Email: ladinsg@lamisison.edu
Website: http://www.lamission.edu~ladinsg Phone 818- 364-7698
Faulty Office 15 - Instructional Bldg.
Hours: M W 10:40-12:15, 2:00-3:15
Course Objectives: Welcome to English 101. During the semester, we will focus equally on the process
of writing and reading at the college level. The course will examine the various phases of the writing
process that writers use to produce a successful final draft. In addition, students will respond to readings
to aid in the development of critical theories about topics that range from contemporary issues,
argumentative prose, and literary interpretations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to respond
to the works of published authors in an authentic, original, and meaningful way.
Required Text: Dreams and Inward Journeys by Marjorie and Jon Ford. Sixth Edition.
Required Novel: The Tortilla Curtain by T. C. Boyle
Required Handbook: Rules for Writers by Diana Hacker. Fifth Edition.
If you cannot afford to buy the books, all books are on reserve for you in the library. You will be expected
to make copies of the pages we are covering for the day and have the copies at each class meeting.
Required Supplies: Two or Three Large Blue Books
Blue or black pens and lined paper
Scantron Cards: 882 E and number two pencils
Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able to produce a unified essay
of 1,000 words that shows a mastery of critical thinking, logical organization, and mechanics. Further,
students will be able to analyze and evaluate academic articles and literature. Lastly, students will
produce a 2,500 word research paper that utilizes library research.
Evaluation and Grading:
1. Attendance and preparation are mandatory. Class participation is a necessary aspect of this course
and will ultimately influence your final grade, so it is necessary for you to have excellent attendance.
Further it is necessary for you to keep up with the in-class and out-of-class assignments, which will not be
possible if you are absent. You are allowed up to three hours of un-excused absences. As stated in the
LAMC catalog, “Whenever absences “in hours” exceeds the number of hours the class meets per week,
the student may be excluded by the instructor” (43). If we are past the drop deadline, you will receive a
lower grade for the course, depending on the number of un-excused absences. If you have emergencies or
special circumstances, contact me. All excused absences will require documentation. If you are unsure
as to what constitutes documentation, come see me for clarification. Work and non-emergency doctor’s
appointments will not qualify as an excused absence. If you find you are unable to attend the course, it is
the responsibility of the student to complete the paperwork to drop the course in a timely manner. If
your name appears on the final grade roster, I will have to issue a grade.
Tardiness: Coming late disrupts the class and causes me to have to repeat information, so do your best
to be on time. Three late arrivals will count as an absence. Also, leaving class early will have the same
effect - three = one absence.
2. Essays: You will submit two essays of 4-5 pages as well as a research paper of 8-10 pages. All outof-class papers must be typed, double-spaced and must follow MLA guidelines. In addition to a hard
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copy, you will be required to upload the research paper to Turnitin.com. It is easy to upload your paper
and instructions can be found on my website. Students will not receive a grade for their paper unless it
has been uploaded. Late uploads will result in a grade reduction. If you need help, come see me.
Unsuccessful research papers will require revision. However, in order to qualify for revision, peer
review sessions must be attended, the library workshops must have been completed on time, and a
successful summary presentation of the overall focus of the argument must have been presented in class
on time. Further, adequate resources and all criteria for the paper must have been met on time in order to
qualify to revise. The revised draft must be accompanied by the original with my notes and must be
presented to me in my office, during office hours, by the student.
A peer review session and teacher conference may be required for out-of-class papers. It is necessary
to be present for peer review to earn the points for the review. No late papers will be accepted without
documentation. Essays are collected at the beginning of class. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late,
10 points, one letter grade, will be deducted. Do not leave papers under the door of my office, and do not
email them to me. They must be handed in during class on the due date. Please call me if you have a
problem.
3. Exams: You will write three essay exams in class. The exams will be based on class discussions and
on the reading material for the course. You will need a large blue book (8.5 x 11") for each exam.
Neither late papers will be accepted, nor will make-up exams be given without documentation.
4. Questions for a Second Reading1, Writing Assignments, and Reading Journals: In addition to
formal essays, you will be assigned Questions for a Second Reading and Writing Assignments throughout
the semester. Some will be written in class; some will be written as homework. These assignments ask
you to focus on a particular passage in a work or to address critical questions specific to the essays or
literature we are reading. These assignments are listed for you on the class calendar. In addition, you will
be required to keep a reading journal in response to the novel, The Tortilla Curtain. Further directions
will be given in class.
Homework Collection: Homework will be signed off by me at the beginning of class on its due date.
Late homework will not receive points without documentation. You will be required to keep your
homework, after I have signed off, clearly labeled, in chronological order until it is handed in for a grade
indicated on the class calendar as Homework Collection. Late homework collection packets will not
be accepted with ONE exception: You will be given one No Questions Asked (NQA) coupon. To use
the coupon simply attach it to the homework packet, sign it, and hand it in at the very next class meeting
- no questions asked. The stipulation of using this coupon is that it can only be used for homework, not
for essays or papers, and the work must arrive at the next class meeting. If you have an extended absence,
please contact me.
Our Class is a Leaning Community: Students who arrive with homework are placed in groups to
collaborate. Each group will present its findings to the class. A class discussion follows. If you have not
done the homework, you will not be placed in a group, but you are welcome to join the discussion.
5. Class work: Quizzes may occur in response to any reading assignment or class discussion. They may
be unannounced and may require a scantron card, so keep an ample supply (882-E) along with number
two pencils. In-class attendance is required for quizzes. I conduct the class using a variety of methods to
include: lecture, in-class writing and collaborative/workshop activities. You will be required to
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Bartholomae, David and Petrosky, Anthony. Ways of Reading. Boston: Bedfords/St. Martins, 2008.
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participate in class discussions as well as be an active member of small group discussions. You will need
notebook paper and pens for each class meeting. You will also be expected to have your book(s) at each
class meeting. Missed tests, quizzes, or in-class papers cannot be made up without documentation.
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6. Grading: Please keep all returned papers and all returned written assignments. In the unlikely
case that you feel you handed in an assignment that the instructor did not record, you must have the
graded work in your possession for evidence. Make a copy of all papers prior to handing them in. Keep
them in a safe place. Your grade will be based on the following:
Exams (3 at 15% each) 45%
Out of class essays (2 at 10% each) 20%
The Research Paper 20%
Homework and Quizzes 15%
A: A's are for superior work, for writing that is often original and well-expressed. Students who expect to
receive A's always come to class, they participate in class discussion, they keep up with the reading and
have obviously asked questions of it and thought about it on their own. Students who do A work show
intellectual curiosity and initiative. A writing is intellectually engaging and well-reasoned, well-supported
and fluent, revealing complexity of thought, insight and originality. It is generally free of mechanical
errors. It follows MLA format.
B: B's are for good to very good work. Generally, students earn B's by being prepared for class and by
participating in class discussion. Writing tends to be less consistently analytic; it doesn't engage the issues
of the work as thoroughly as A papers do. Although it is generally free of mechanical errors, B writing
lacks the complexity of thought, support, and fluency that A papers demonstrate.
C: C's are for average university-level work. Students earn C's by completing all the requirements of the
course: that is, they accomplish the reading, and they turn in competently written assignments. They
participate in class discussion. C writing shows thinking that is developing skill in engaging with the
literature but, in comparison to A and B writing, is probably less insightful or original. Avoiding critical
analysis, it may sometimes lapse into plot summary. Writing may be clouded by surface errors or
occasional unsupported generalizations, while it shows thoughtfulness and general university level skill
and fluency.
Final Semester Grades will be broken down as follows:
A
B
C
100-90%
89-80%
79-70%
Attendance: Will not assure a student a passing grade.
D
F
69-60%
59-50%
Extra-Credit: There is none.
LRC: LAMC has a fantastic Learning Resource Center that includes writing tutors and online tutorial
programs in grammar, reading, and writing. I may suggest using the LRC as a class unit or individually if
indicated.
Plagiarism: Any form of plagiarism is an offense punishable by failure of this course or the assignment.
Further, any form of plagiarism is considered academic dishonesty that may result in disciplinary action.
Electronic submissions of assignments, including papers will not be accepted. For the research paper,
you will hand in a hard copy in class and upload a copy to Turnitin for a plagiarism check. You may be
asked to upload other out of class papers to plagiarism websites. Announcements will be given in class.
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Turn off all electronic devices before class begins and remove iPod earphones. If I observe you texting
during class, I will give one warning and the second time I will mark you absent.
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Note: You are responsible for the information on this syllabus, and I reserve the right to make changes to
this syllabus. ☺
Class Calendar*
Reading assignments must be read prior to the class date listed. You are expected to come to class
prepared to participate in the class discussion.
Library Workshops: “Research Strategies,” “Locating Journal and Newspaper Articles,” and
“MLA Format” are a requirement for the course. Sign up early at the library, so you can take the
workshops at a convenient time. Keep the workshop receipts to hand in on the date listed below.
*Subject to change
Week 1
M Aug 31
Course Introduction - Discuss Syllabus
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch 1 - Discovering Ourselves in Reading and Writing p
1-12
Writing Assignment: Respond to the Journal question on page 1.
In-class Writing Diagnostic
____________________________________________________________________________________
Week 2
M Sept 7
School Holiday – Labor Day
W Sept 2
W Sept 9
Rules for Writers: Ch. 1 Process - p 2-18
Writing Assignment: Follow the suggestions in Rules for Writers under “Experiment
with ways to explore your subject” (1b) to narrow your own idea of the “Double Identity” of college
students. After you have arrived at a tentative focus (1c), develop a “tentative plan” (1d). Bring it to class
to share.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Week 3
M Sept 14
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch 1 – “The Secret” by Denise Levertov p 14-15,
“A Matter of Trust” by Ursula Le Guin p 24-27
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 2, 3, 4, 5 on page 16 and 1, 2, 4, 5
on p 27.
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch 1 – “Don’t Look Back” by Steven Holtzman p 44-49,
“Hell’s Bibliophiles: The Fifth Way of Looking at an Aliterate” by John Ramsay p 50-56
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 1, 2, 4 on p 49 and 1, 2, 5, 6 on p
56.
Essay Assigned – Discovering Ourselves in Writing and Reading
___________________________________________________________________________________
Week 4
M Sept 21
Rules for Writers: Ch. Process – p 19-38
Writing Assignment: Write a brief summary (1 paragraph) of what you learned from
the reading.
W Sept 16
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W Sept 23
Discovering Ourselves in Writing and Reading Essay due for Peer Review and
conferences. Bring two typed drafts.
Homework Collection 1 due: All writing assignments through Week 4 are due. The
work must be clearly labeled and in chronological order with the oldest assignment on
top. Only stapled work will be accepted. All work requires my signature given in class
on the due date. No points will be received for late work.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Week 5
M Sept 28
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch. 7 The Double Other “The Dual Identity: Of
Pimpernels and Immigrants from the Stars” by Danny Fingeroth p 405 – 413, “Owning
Your Own Shadow” by Robert Johnson p 415-420
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 1, 2, 3, 4 on p 413-414 and 1, 2, 4,
5, 6 on p 420
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch. 7 The Double Other “J. Lo vs. K. Sul” by Kate
Sullivan p 434-437, “Us and Them” by Fran Peavey p 439-444, “No Future without
Forgiveness” by Desmond Tutu p 445-450
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 2, 4, 5, 6 on p 437-438 and 1, 2, 4,
5, 6 on p 444 and 2, 3, 4, 6 on p 450
Research Paper Assigned – The Double Other
Library Workshops Due
Discovering Ourselves in Writing and Reading Essay Due
____________________________________________________________________________________
Week 6
M Oct 5
Exam 1 – Ch. 7 “The Double Other” – Bring a large blue book, pens and a dictionary.
Homework Collection 2: All work from Week 5 due
W Sept 30
Rules for Writers – Ch. 46 – Arguments p 344-367
Writing Assignment: Read question 4 on page 457 of Dreams and Inward Journeys.
Narrow your focus and then write an argument statement about “The Double Other” that you have
selected to research. Bring it to class to share.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Week 7
M Oct 12
The Tortilla Curtain Part 1 “Arroyo Blanco” Chs 1-4 p 1-62
Reading Journal 1due
W Oct 7
W Oct 14
Writing Assignment: Bring in a one paragraph summary of your planned research
paper and list actual resources that you found. You will present your planned research project to the class.
Each student will have four minutes to present. As a result, you will need to be focused and prepared
prior to class. Come see me if you need help.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Week 8
M Oct 19
The Tortilla Curtain Part 1 cont. Chs 5-7 p 63-120
Reading Journal 2 due
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W Oct 21
Writing Assignment: Students who were absent or who did not succeed in finding a
research focus by last week will bring in a one paragraph summary of their planned research paper and
list of actual resources that were found. You will present your planned research project to the class. Each
student will have four minutes to present. As a result, you will need to be focused and prepared prior to
class. If you presented last week and wish to try a different focus, no points will be lost and you are
welcome to “re-present.” Students who were not prepared last week will receive a grade reduction.
Students who miss both opportunities to present will need to come to my office to present to me, but will
receive a further grade reduction.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Week 9
M Oct 26
Rules for Writers Chs 50-54 Research Guide - p 395-414
Writing Assignment: Copy a direct quote from a source you are using for your
research. Under the direct quote write a summary that is paraphrased. In your summary, correctly cite
the source using signal phrases and in-text citations. Under your paraphrased summary, write the citation
as it will appear on a “Works Cited” page.
W Oct 28
Research Paper due for Peer Review and Conferences–– Bring two typed drafts of at
least six pages
____________________________________________________________________________________
Week 10
M Nov 2
Dreams and Inward Journeys - Chapter 3 - Journeys in Memory, Narration, Memory,
and Self-Awareness, - 119-126, “The Angel of the Candy Counter” by Maya Angelou p
145-150, “Silent Dancing” by Judith Ortiz Cofer p 151-158
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 2, 4, 5, 6 on p 150-151 and 1, 4, 5,
6 on page 158
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch. 6 – Journeys in Sexuality and Gender – Causality
and the Inward Journey p 325-329, “No Name Woman” by Maxine Hong Kingston p
336- 346, “I like Guys” by David Sedaris p 377-385
Readings for a Second Reading: Answer questions 1, 2, 5, 6, on p 345 and 2, 5, 6, on p
385
Research Paper Due
____________________________________________________________________________________
Week 11
M Nov 9
Exam 2 Chs 3 and 6
Homework Collection 3 due – all writing assignments from Weeks 6 - 10
W Nov 4
W Nov 11
School Holiday – Veteran’s Day
____________________________________________________________________________________
Week 12
M Nov 16
Conferences - Research Papers Returned
W Nov 18
Dreams and Inward Journeys – Ch. 4 Dreams, Myths, and Fairy Tales, Comparing and
Contrasting: Strategies for Thinking and Writing, 183-188, “The Handsomest Drowned
Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez p 198-202, “Aschenputtel” by The
Brother’s Grimm p 229-234
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 1, 2, 5, 6 p 202
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Friday, Nov. 20 - Last Day to Drop with a “W”
__________________________________________________________________________________
Week 13
M Nov 23
Dreams and Inward Journeys - Ch. 4 -“The Algonquin Cinderella” p 240-242,
“Tam and Cam” p 242-247, “Cendrillion” by Charles Perrault p 235-239
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 3, 4, 5, 6 on p 248.
Essay Assigned: Dreams, Myths, and Fairy Tales
The Tortilla Curtain Part 1 cont. Ch 8 and Part 2 “El Tenksgeevee” Chs 1-2 p 120-182
Reading Journal 3 due
Revised Research Papers Due- Hand in in-class. Make
an appointment to come to my office to defend your
revision for a higher grade.
Thursday, Nov 26 – Nov. 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday
__________________________________________________________________________________
Week 14
M Nov 30
Dreams, Myths, and Fairy Tales Essay due for Peer Review and Conferences. Bring
two typed drafts
W Nov 25
W Dec2
The Tortilla Curtain Part 2 cont. Chs 3-7 p 183-239
Reading Journal 4 due
Dreams and Inward Journys Ch. 9 – Voyages in Spirituality, Creativity, Problem
Solving, and Synthesis – p 524-530, “A Field of Silence” by Annie Dillard p 532-535
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 4, 5, 6 on p 535
___________________________________________________________________________________
Week 15
M Dec 7
The Tortilla Curtain Part 2 cont. Ch 8 and Part 3 “Socorro” Chs 1-3 p 240-295
Reading Journal 5 due
Dreams and Inward Journys Ch. 9, “Death is Not The End My Friend” by Noah Levine
p 552-557
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 1, 5, 6 p 557
Dreams, Myths, and Fairy Tales Essay due
W Dec 9
The Tortilla Curtain Part 3 cont. Chs 4-7 p 296-355
Dreams and Inward Journys Ch. 9, “The Voyagers” by Linda Hogan p 558-563
Questions for a Second Reading: Answer questions 2, 4, 5 p 563
Reading Journal 1-6 due
Homework Collection 4 Due – All work from Weeks 11-15 is due
________________________________________________________________
Week 16
Final Exam Monday, Dec. 14 at 12:30-2:30 - The Tortilla Curtain and Ch. 9
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