1302: English Composition English IV Dual Credit Instructor: Patti Nommensen Spring 2016 CRN#__________ (Remember your number!) Course Description: “A more extensive study of the skills introduced in English 1301 with an emphasis on critical thinking, research, documentation techniques, and literary and rhetorical analysis. “ (H.C.C.S. Catalog) Prerequisites: Successful completion of 1301 Course Goals: English 1302 is designed to enable students to use the writing and research processes to create their argumentative and persuasive essays which illustrate mastery of the following: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) analytical thinking clearly stated or implied thesis effective strategy for audience, purpose, and thesis developed, unified, and coherent paragraphs varied and effective sentence patterns clear, concrete, lively, and original diction appropriate tone correct grammar correct MLA with citation techniques and manuscript mechanics Credits: 3 hours Textbooks: The Writer’s Presence; Elements of Literature Sixth Course Course Requirements: Midterm Exam In-class Essay 20% Documented Argumentative Essay 30% Reading Responses (average) with Rhetorical Précis 20% Instructor’s Choice (Participation, class contribution and readiness) 10% Final Exam In-class Essay 20% Participation includes attendance, contribution to class conversations, attention to the contributions of others both written and verbal, being prepared with materials and assignments. Minimum requirements for this course: 6,000 total written word count Midterm and Final exam will be written in class. Classroom Rules and Policies: 1. 2. 3. You must attend class on a regular basis and be prepared to add insight into class discussions. On days for peer analysis, type your rough draft the day before. Make certain that you double space he paper to allow for comments. Cell phones are to be stored in the phone storage pockets every day. Failure to do so will impact your participation grade. Essays and Late Papers: Any essay not meeting the minimum standards is not acceptable and will be returned for a late grade . Essays that are not submitted to turnitin.com when required will be considered late. If you are absent on the day a paper is due, you must have a friend deliver the paper. As a last resort, you may email the paper to me that morning and bring in the hard copy when you return. The paper will not be graded until I have the hard copy. Late papers are penalized 10 points (one full grade) per calendar day. All papers are due, assembled and stapled at the opening bell. If you are late for class or not prepared to submit your paper by the opening bell, there will be a 10 point penalty. If you are absent from class the day an assignment is due and fail to submit it but attend other classes that same day, your paper will be considered late. Plagiarism and Collusion: The Student Handbook lists cheating, plagiarism, and collusion as scholastic dishonesty. It defines plagiarism as “ the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.” It defines Collusion as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for credit. Possible punishments are “a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or withdrawal from the college system. (Student Handbooks are available on HCC campuses) Withdrawal from Class: Students in danger of a D or failure must consider withdrawal before the drop date passes. Withdrawal requires participation by me and the grade level counselor. Classroom preparation: 1. You are required to check the class website (http:mhs.springbranchisd.com) for the agenda, deadlines, due dates, and handouts. This is especially critical to keep up when absent. 2. District grading guidelines require that work assigned prior to an absence (assignments, reading, test and quizzes) is due upon the student’s return to class. 3. You are expected to read assignments and be prepared to discuss them in class. This is not optional (see participation grade, above). Reading and discussion are important components of the course. Silence suggests you are not prepared. 4. On days for peer analysis and review of your drafts, type your rough draft. Use the library if necessary (check testing schedule). Make certain that you double space the paper to allow for comments. 5. Always conduct yourself with maturity and acknowledge the speaker before you. This is especially important because of the sensitive and mature nature of some of the topics discussed. 6. Bring your book to class when required. This contributes to your participation grade. 7. Schedule makeups in a timely fashion. District guidelines allow one day for every day missed. 8. Testing days for English are odd numbered days. Research Project: The research project is quite extensive. Keep track of due dates. Contact Feel free to email me with questions and concerns: patricia.nommensen@springbranchisd.com