COURSE SYLLABUS: ENGLISH 205
CRITICAL THINKING AND INTERMEDIATE COMPOSITION
San Diego City College
Gwyn Enright
Office: C208
genright@sdccd.edu
(619) 388-3086
CRN: 48446
Office Hours:
Online TTh 11:00 – 12:30
Face to Face MW11:00 – 12:30
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is designed to help students develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills beyond the level of
English 101 and English 105. The course will focus on writing argumentative prose and critically evaluating
arguments.
A majority of the written assignments will require some research and documentation, including library research.
(FT)Transfer Credit: CSU, UC.
PREREQUISITE: English 101 or English 105 with a grade of "C' or better.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to do the following at the college sophomore level:
1.
Develop strong arguments, with sound reasoning.
2.
Write clear, carefully reasoned, expository and argumentative prose.
3.
Critically evaluate arguments.
4,
Conduct research, including library research, and use the results of such research in the development of most
of the essays written in the course.
5.
Identity some important terms pertaining to the study of argumentation, critical thinking, and rhetoric (such
as "claim," "fallacy," "audience," and so forth).
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Elements of Argument by Rottenberg and Winchell, eighth edition
EVALUATION:
Course grades will be based on writing assignments, online class presentations, critiques of student and non-student
essays, written summaries of reading assignments, quizzes and tests over reading assignments. Students will be
evaluated on their class participation via Discussion Board and Chat Sessions if Chat Sessions are scheduled..
Writing assignments
........... 400 points
(Each paper is 100 points)
Tests and Quizzes
............ 100 points
(Each quiz is 10 points)
Summaries
............ 100 points
(Each summary is 16.6 points)
Class participation, critiques
……....100 points
Presentation
........... 200 points
Total………………………………………. 900 points
The points cut offs for the grades are 775 points or more ="A"; 600
points or more ="B"; 500 points or more = "C".
To challenge a grade received on a paper, a student must submit, within one week of receiving the grade, a written
explanation detailing why the paper merits a different grade. Submit both the graded paper and the explanation to the
instructor via course email. The student must understand that a regraded paper could result in a higher or lower
grade.
OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Papers must be word processed and submitted via Assignments by the due date. Late papers and assignments are not
accepted; pay close attention to the due dates and times stated in Assignments, on the Syllabus, in Assessments and
on the Calendar. A student might be asked to resubmit a paper if it is not acceptable. The final paper or presentation
will be done collaboratively with other students in the class.
Be sure to follow directions: All assignments, quizzes, and papers must be submitted to the appropriate location by
the due date to receive course credit. Take advantage of the Introduction the first week of class to learn the online
class and the WebCT software in order to avoid problems later with Assessments and Assignments. No make up
quizzes are offered. Papers must be submitted in Word.
If necessary, the course outline may be adjusted slightly. Additional reading and assignments may be required if
needed to help students master the course objectives.
Attendance is strongly encouraged. This online class has the same attendance requirements as a face to face class: the
attendance policy of the San Diego Community College District - that a student who has missed 6% of the
instructional hours may be dropped and a student who has missed 12% must be dropped will be enforced. Log on to
the class at least three times each week to participate in discussion, chat sessions, email and to complete and/or submit
assignments.
Computer and Software Requirements include the following:
Hardware
Personal Computer with at least Windows 98 Operating System
Minimum 64 MB RAM
Hard Drive Minimum of 2GB
SVGA monitor with graphics adapter
Keyboard
Mouse
Disk Drive
Software
Windows 98 Operation System
Microsoft Office
Internet access
Adobe Acrobat
Check http://www.sdccdonline.net/login for other requirements, especially recommended Internet
browsers.
Online classes offer greater flexibility for instruction and study. However, please remember English 205 online
course requirements are the same as the face to face English 205 class. Be sure your schedule allows you to spend at
least six hours each week reading and preparing for the class. Also, be advised that this online class is not a selfpaced class; assignments and quizzes will be due at specific, scheduled times. If you enrolled in this online class
because you thought the course requirements would be easier than those in a traditional class, you will be
disappointed. On the other hand, if you enrolled in this section because you wanted to avoid traffic, wanted to study
in your pajamas or wanted to learn with a cat in your lap, you should have an enjoyable class experience.
If you are new to online learning, you should take the .5 credit class offered through SDCCD, Introduction to Online
Learning (CBTE 160A).
Plan to attend in person one of the WebCT orientations. The orientations are listed at
http://www.sdccdonline.net/studentorientationonline.htm.
Students have three options for receiving help with technical and online course support issues:
•
•
•
Call 1-619-388-7330 to speak with a representative of SDCCD Online
Email: https://www.sdccdonline.net/help
Tap the guidance provided at the FAQ's and other Student Support Services information
link at http://www.sdccdonline.net
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should contact me by email or phone as soon as
possible. You and I can coordinate with the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) department to identify
your appropriate accommodation. If you would like further information or have questions about DSPS services,
contact a DSPS counselor, call (619) 388 – 7312 or email miradsps@sdccd.net. Also, online counseling is available
to all online students at http://www.ecounselsdcity.net.
COURSE PLAN:
Part
Topic
1
Read
Due
Note
Introduction to Eng 205 online
Quiz 1
2/5 classes begin
2
Argument
p. 3 – 61
Quiz 2
2/16, 2/19 Holidays
3
Claims
p. 104 –156
Quiz 3
4
Support
p. 157 – 219
Quiz 4 Paper 1
5
Warrants
p. 220 – 267
Quiz 5
6
Language
p. 314 – 369
7.
Orwell
p. 785 – 796
8.
Induction, Deduction, Fallacies
p. 269 –313
Quiz 7
9.
Plato
p. 735 – 739
Quiz 8
10.
Swift
p. 740 – 747
Quiz 9 Paper 3
11.
Carson
Catt
p. 778– 784
p. 766 - 777
12.
Standardized Testing p.658 – 691
13.
Privacy p.599 – 628
14.
Terror
15.
Wrap Up Eng 205 online
Quiz 6 Paper 2
4/2 – 4/7 Spring Break
Quiz 10 Paper 4
p. 514 – 555
5/29 last day to turn in assignments
6/4 last day of the semester
Paper/Presentation