San José State University English Department
English 1A Spring 2010
Instructor: Linda Lappin
Office: FO105 924-4601
Class Days and Times: Classroom Tues/Thurs
Sect 3
7:30- 8:45 (20550)................................ SH444
Sect 7
9 – 10:45 (20553) ................................. CL316
Class Days and Times: Classroom Mon/Wed
Sect 39 10:30—11:45 .......................................... CL131
Sect 27 1:30PM-2:45 (28051) .............................. DMH226B
And Room IS – 134 on Mar 01.02 (see Schedule)
Office hours: Mon-Thurs 12-1pm,
Email: Linda.lappin@sjsu.edu
and by appointment (call or email)
Studies Category: G.E. Area A2
Welcome to English 1A
Course Description: English 1A is the first course in SJSU’s two-semester lower-division composition
sequence; it provides an introduction to baccalaureate-level composition, with attention to the
“personal voice” and personal experience, on the one hand, and the more formal attitudes and demands
of writing at the university (expository and argumentative essays), on the other. Students will develop
college-level reading abilities, rhetorical sophistication, and writing styles that give form and
coherence to complex ideas and feelings.
Required Texts/Readings
All textbooks are available at the Spartan Bookstore and most are available at Roberts Books on 10th
Street. You may find these books online at Amazon, but I don’t know how long they might take to get
to you. By ordering through the English Department portal, you will be donating to SJSU and pay less
than at the book store! http://www.sjsu.edu/english/donations/
Textbooks
• Ellsworth, Higgins, English Simplified, 12/E, ISBN -13: 978-0-205-574716-0
• Covey, Stephen The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, ISBN 0-7432-6951-9
• Work book from Maple Press
Recommended Resources
• Bell, Clean, Well-lighted Sentences, ISBN: 978-0-393-06771-2
• College-level dictionary and/or Longman Study Dictionary of American English CD
Online Resource
http://www.MyCompLab.com (available with English Simplified)
Requirements Materials
• Journal for in class writing and other assignments
• An SJSU student library card, your SJ public library card will not access databases.
Faculty Web Page
Go to the SJSU home page and go to the More Quick Links field and scroll down to faculty web pages—then
type in lappin, I am the only Lappin (so far), click on that link.
Student Learning Objectives (G.E. Area A2)
English 1A Learning Objectives are measured & linked to the curriculum, and in a conscious order.
Learning Objective 1: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to perform effectively
the essential steps in the writing process:
prewriting, composing, organizing, revising, and editing. &
Outcome: focused, logical, clear writing
Learning Objective 2: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to express ideas
effectively:
explain, analyze, develop, and criticize.
Outcome: college level thinking as demonstrated in collegiate writing.
Learning Objective 3: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to use correct grammar
(syntax, mechanics, and citation of sources) at a college level of sophistication.
Outcome: Grammar punctuation will not diminish meaning in writing.
Learning Objective 4: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to:
write for different audiences (technical, public, personal, etc)
Outcome: No slang in technical papers, no jargon in personal essays.
Library Liaison
http://www.sjlibrary.org
English Department Contact: Peggy at peggy.cabrera@sjsu.edu
Classroom Protocol
Attendance, punctuality, and Participation:
Consult your student handbook for the school policy and know that I treat this class like a challenging
job—we all come here to deliver our best effort.
Cell phones are to be off during class. (Remind me to turn mine off!)
Turnitin.com
You MAY be asked to post your paper on this sight. If turnitin.com and a review of the paper indicate
that more than 15% of the essay is supplied by your reference material (quoted or not), you will be
docked a point for every percent over 15.
Dropping and Adding
You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal,
etc. found at http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct. You should be aware of the new deadlines and
penalties for adding and dropping classes.
Consider yourself dropped if you’ve miss two weeks without making arraignments
with me.
Assignments and Grading Policy
The Department of English reaffirms its commitment to the differential grading scale as defined in the official
SJSU Catalog (“The Grading System”). Grades issued must represent a full range of student performance: A =
excellent; B = above average; C = average; D = below average; F = failure.
In English Department courses, instructors will comment on and grade the quality of student writing as well as
the quality of the ideas being conveyed. All student writing should be distinguished by correct grammar and
punctuation, appropriate diction and syntax, and well-organized paragraphs.
A-F. This class must be passed with a C or higher to move on to English 1B (C- is not acceptable for 1B).
A passing grade in the course signifies that the student is a capable college-level writer and reader of English.
Course Assignments and Requirements
Reading and writing form the backbone of this class. Most of your work will be text analysis and
essay writing. In addition, all discussions and activities will center on the assigned readings, which are
designed to give you examples of the types of writing you will do. Bring both the QA and the 75
readings to class.
Because this course focuses on critical thinking and essay writing, each of you will participate in
class discussion and articulate your understanding of the questions and reading to your group and/or
the class.
About writing assignments: All essays have an in class and out of class component. The percentages
for the combined effort (in-class, take home) are shown in this table
Assignment
% of grade
class participation—journals, peer editing, group work, discussion, conferences
10
Journal with reflections
10
5 essays
30
Final exam
20
Portfolio (E4)
20
Out of Class Activities (Writing Center/Larc, literary events)
10
Total Possible
100
Essays and Papers
There are 6 required papers—three in-class essays, three out-of-class essays and rewrites. You must
complete all essays in order to pass the course.
Expect to produce a minimum of 7,200 words (30 pages) during the semester. (This is a university and
department requirement.) Because this is a writing course; expect to write every week.
Out-of-class essays,: These must be 5-6 pages long (1250-1500 words), typed and double-spaced with
a readable serif font (Times, Garamond, Palatino, 12 point), spelling & grammar checked, and in
MLA format.
In-class essays: In-class essays cannot be made up unless you get prior permission.
Final Exam is on Saturday May 15th at 8am, room_____________________
PORTFOLIO (E4)
Your portfolio augments the final exam, and because it is so intricately linked to our learning
objectives—it counts the same as the final exam would: 20% of your grade in this class!
You will significantly improve one previous essay by due date
However, you must pass the final exam to pass the course with a C.
Participation credit
Comes from your Journaling, discussion, peer review contributions, presentations and conferences.
Workshops
Workshops consist of commenting on and editing your classmates’ papers. You are expected to
comment thoughtfully and accept criticism with aplomb. (Use your dictionary—look it up.) Your
rough (or in-class essay) draft must also be included with a hard copy of your final draft of the
essay.
Conferences
I will meet with individuals for the first conference; the second will be group conferences. I am in my
office for at least 4 hours a week. PLEASE come see me during office hours—before an assignment is
due—if you need help.
University Policies
Academic integrity
Students are expected to be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Please review this at
http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct. “Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San
Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course
work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical
development.”
Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of
another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing
grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual
student unless otherwise specified. “If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have
submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval
of instructors.”
Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make
special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as
soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students
with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center)
to establish a record of their disability.
Special accommodations for exams require ample notice to the testing office and must be submitted to
the instructor well in advance of the exam date.
Student Technology Resources
Computer labs for student use are available in the new Academic Success Center located on the 1st
floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union.
Tutoring:
San Jose State University provides students with free tutoring at the Learning Assistance Resource
Center (LARC) and at the Writing Center. Both of these centers will help students at any stage of the
writing process, from brainstorming to major reorganization to stylistic polishing. Students of all
abilities are encouraged to use these services; it is a common myth that these services are for "dumb"
students, but no published author made it without another pair of eyes on her/his work
Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC)
Learning Assistance Resource Center is located in Room 600 in the Student Services Center.
http://www.sjsu.edu/larc/
SJSU Writing Center
(Clark Hall, Suite 126—9-7 M-th, 9-1 Friday.)
The SJSU Writing Center specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained
to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers.
www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter or call for an appointment: 924-2308
English 1A, M/W and Tue/Thurs Schedule—updated as necessary
(Note: subject to change with fair notice.)
Wk
Day
1
Tu
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Class Activities--topics
Dates
Home Work
Objective Reading, writing, research
Learning
1/26
First Day introductions
2
Read: Macrorie (3 articles)
W/Th
1:27/28
Biography-- Diagnostic (E1)
2
Read: Macrorie (3 articles)
M/Tu
2:01/02
Narration—the real story, workshop
2,4
W/Th
2:03/04
Improving introductions, Workshop
1-4
Read: Life part 5
M/Tu
2:08/09
Generating/Development, Workshop
1-2
Read: 7 Habits Inside Out
Outline for E2
W/Th
2: 10/11
Organizing ideas, Workshop
1-4
Read Life part 7
First Draft—E2
M/Tu
2:15/16
furlough
M/Tu
2:17/18
No Class
2
M/Tu
2:22/23
TBA
2
M/Tu
2:24/25
Peer Review (E2a), Conclusion workshop
M/Tu
3:01/02
IS-134, MyCompLab, research
M/Tu
3:03/04
Grammar Presentation(verb tense):
Groups discuss reading and research
Combining ideas—yours and theirs
M/Tu
3:08/09
Peer Review, reflection essay (journal)
3
Read: 7 habits Habit 2
W/Th
3:10/11
Grammar Presentation (S/V), Peer review
2
Revise E3
M/Tu
3:15/16
Conferences (E3 due)
1-4
W/Th
3:17/18
Conferences
1-4
Read: 7 Habits forward
And Life Part 4
Read: 7 Habits Overview
1-4
3
1-4
Read: 7 habits Habit 1
Read: Letter From James Baldwin
Revised Draft E2b
Read: 7 habits Habit 1 cont’d
Read: essay choice, make NOTES
Draft of E3
Read: the Question and Instead of Dying
Read: 7 habits Habit 3
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
M/Tu
3:22/23
Revision Process, Portfolio work
W/Th
3:24/25
Grammar Presentation (semicolons)
M/Tu
3:29/30
Spring break
2-4
W/Th
3/31:4/1
Spring Break
2
M/Tu
4:05/06
Life plan —mission statement (E4 due)
2
W/Th
4:07/08
Research presentations, priorities
2-4
M/Tu
4:12/13
MLA and formatting challenges
2-4
Read: 7 habits Habit 6
M/Tu
4:14/15
Research presentations, life plan work
W/Th
4:19/20
Conferences
1-4
2
Read: 7 habits Habit 7
Thur
4:21/22
Conferences
1-3
M/Tu
4:26/27
E5 life plan due
Read: 7 habits Inside Out
W/Th
4:28/29
Research presentations, Journal work
Choose best journal pieces
M/Tu
5:03/04
Mock final exam (E6), Journals Due
1-3
W/Th
5:05/06
Research presentations,
1-4
M/Tu
5:10/11
Research presentations, Exam review
W/Th
5:12/13
Exam Prep
Sat
5/15
Mon
5/17
1-4
2
Revise/Edit one essay –to be (E4)
Read: 7 habits Habit 4
Read: 7 habits Habit 5
Read. The late Paper
Final Exam
The late paper discussion--debate
Date changes
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