BMCC - ENGLISH 101 - 622
Spring 2011 Syllabus
Room: M1215
Tuesday & Thursday
6pm to 7:15
Dr. Michael Winetsky, Instructor
michael.winetsky@csi.cuny.edu
Office Hour: 5pm, M Lobby
or by appointment
SYLLABUS IN PROGRESS FEBRUARY 1 / 2011
DESCRIPTION
Analytical writing, careful reading, and critical thinking are the subjects of this 3
credit course. Most of our class time will be dedicated to the process of writing. We will
examine the written work we produce, discussing how language becomes effective,
persuasive, and interesting. We will also use our written work to learn numerous
strategies for editing.
An array of readings will enhance our understanding of the purposes of
expository prose and develop our familiarity with its conventions. In class writing
assignments will challenge us to respond to readings.
We will pay special attention to how meaning is constructed, to philosophies of
education, and to the history of higher education. This will give us some context for
understanding the purpose of thesis-driven writing.
STUDENT WORK
Students must direct their labors towards the following goals, which will be
awarded points according to merit. Points in these categories are evaluated in
cooperation with the student at midterm and revisited when the semester is over:
-
Regular Attendance. No more than two absences are permitted. (20 points)
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Completion of All Essays, Assignments, In-Class Writings. (20 points)
-
Preparation and Studiousness. Students should aim not only to complete
homework assignments, but also to thoroughly investigate everything
presented to them by an assignment. This includes everything from exploring
additional applications of ideas, to keeping a list of new words and practicing
key skills. (20 points)
-
Participation in Seminar. Students are expected to work together to foster a
learning environment in the classroom. They are expected to share their work
openly, and should make every attempt to speak thoughtfully and to listen
generously. Respect for the process and their fellow students are also
evaluated in this category. (20 points)
-
Critical Thinking. Students are expected to examine and evaluate ideas, to
determine relevant considerations, and to recognize subtlety, and to exhibit
what David Rossenwasser and Jill Stephen call “the Five Analytical Moves.”
(20 Points)
-
Curiosity. (10 points)
-
Expression (10 points)
Students with at least 65 points at midterm will be permitted to sit for the final
examination. The Composition Committee requires students to write a thesis centered
essay of 500 words during a 90 minute in-class session at the end of the semester.
These essays are graded not only by your professor, but also by the committee. The
student’s semester grade is determined 33% by their letter score on the final
examination and 66% by their point score.
TEXTS
Textbook:
David Rossenwasser. Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. 5th ed.
Exam Articles:
Malcolm X. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. “Learning to Read”
Plato. The Republic. “The Cave.”
Other:
John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
George Orwell. “Politics and the English Language.”
OTHER POLICIES
All essays and short assignments must be received by the due date to be graded. No
late work is accepted.
Please be aware of the BMCC attendance policy. The policy states permits students no
more absence than the number of hours the class meets in a week plus one. This
English 101 course meets for 3 hours a week, so a student missing more than 4 hours
of class is supposed to fail the course.
BMCC Disability Statement
In keeping with the college’s policy of equal access for students with disabilities, any
student with a disability who needs academic accommodations is welcome to meet with
me privately. Students requesting accommodations will also need to go to The Offices
of Services for Students with Disabilities in N768. The office will supply you, if
appropriate, with an academic accommodation letter for you to show professors.
BMCC Plagiarism Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words, or
artistic/scientific/technical work as one's own creation. A student who copies or
paraphrases published or on-line material, or another person's research, without
properly identifying the source(s) is committing plagiarism. Plagiarism violates the
ethical and academic standards of our college. Students will be held responsible for
such violations, even when unintentional. To avoid unintended plagiarism, students
should consult with their instructors about when and how to document their sources.
The library also has both print and digital guides designed to help students cite sources
correctly. Plagiarism carries a range of penalties commensurate with severity of the
infraction. The instructor may, for example, require the work to be redone, reduce the
course grade, fail the student in the course, or refer the case to the Faculty-Student
Disciplinary Committee (see Article 15.4 of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees). Cases
referred to that committee could result in suspension or expulsion from the college.