HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
VIRTUAL CAMPUS
ENGL 101/English Composition I
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course
Course Number:
Reference Number:
Course Name:
Credit Hours:
Term:
ENGL 101
31850
English Composition I
3 credit hours
Spring 2015
Instructor
Name:
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail Address:
Phone:
Iva Balic, Ph. D.
ARTS-214G
M 1:00-3:00PM
TR 11:00AM-12:00PM
Virtual Office Hours via D2L Pager – Tuesday, 8.00-9.00PM
Also by appointment
ibalic@hacc.edu
(717) 780-2557
Catalog Description:
The development of fluency in writing clear, forceful, effective prose.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Organize compositions using the writing process as a systematic and on-going strategy
 Organize essays effectively by using focused paragraphing to support ideas appropriately
with specific and credible evidence
 Locate, read, and evaluate college-level resources and present citations in an academicallyaccepted format and documentation style
 Demonstrate critical reading and critical thinking skills by integrating the ideas of others
through the analysis and synthesis of information
 Adapt writing to various audiences by refining sentences for clarity, variety, and appropriate
diction
 Employ grammatical conventions suitable to audience and purpose
1/7
Required Textbook:
Bullock, Richard, Maureen Daly Goggin, and Francine Weinberg. The Norton Field Guide to Writing
with Readings and Handbook. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2013.
Assignments:
This semester, we will work on a “Writing about a Community” project, which consists of several essays,
an annotated bibliography, and a self-assessment. You will also keep a journal, take reading quizzes,
participate in discussions, and complete weekly assignments. All assignments will be submitted via D2L.
Class Discussion:
You must contribute to the class discussion via the discussion board. Think of the discussion board as
class discussion; just like in a face to face class, everyone should contribute to the conversation. The more
you participate the more you will enjoy the course.
In our online course I expect a minimum of 1original post per discussion from every student. In addition,
you must respond to at least 2 postings of your peers. Ideally you should post something every time you
check the course page. The idea is to create a meaningful conversation. Each of your posts must be at
least 60 words long to receive credit. Posts shorter than 60 words will not receive any points. Please take
the time to proofread your work. Remember to use correct spelling and grammar when you post;
discussion boards are more formal than texting with friends or chatting on line.
The Class Discussions grade will be based upon your participation in the discussions. Students who
follow the above requirements will receive full credit as long as the posts fulfill the length requirement
and are directly addressing the topic. Your score will drop based on your percentage of participation.
Paper Format:
When preparing your essays for submission, please use the following guidelines:
 Format your paper according to the MLA style (pp. 521-532).
 Double space your paper without including extra space between paragraphs.
 Use one-inch margins everywhere.
 Use Times New Roman 12 pt. font.
 Use spell check.
 Save your document in Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx, or .rtf). Do not submit Pdf files.
 Proofread carefully. Any work you submit should represent your best effort.
Peer Review:
Peer review is an essential part of the writing process; the best way to improve your writing is to revise
and rewrite. We will have one class peer review session for each essay this semester. You will be
expected to fully participate in the review process. You will also be expected to complete a self-review
for each essay. Your peer review grade will be determined by the average of your self-review and class
peer-review grades.
2/7
Grading Procedures
Graded Work:
Written assignments will be graded and returned via D2L. Please check the D2LFeedback option for
comments.
Course Grade:
Your grade will be determined in the following way:
Proposal Essay
10%
Narration Essay
10%
Profile Essay
10%
Annotated Bibliography
15%
Explanation Essay
20%
Self-Assessment Essay
5%
Peer Review
5%
Reading Quizzes/Other Weekly Assignments
10%
Journal
10%
Class Discussions
5%
---------------------------------------------------------------------Final Grade
100%
Grading Scale:
100% - 89.5%
89.4% – 79.5%
79.4% – 69.5%
69.4% – 59.5%
59.4% – 0%
A
B
C
D
F
Grading Criteria for Major Essays:
A
This is a superior paper. The writer has chosen an original topic or has taken a fresh
perspective on an already much discussed issue or common experience. It exceeds
assignment guidelines and shows clear awareness of audience and purpose. The subject
is superbly developed, and the major as well as minor points are presented in an
organized manner. The paper is free from grammatical errors, especially errors
attributable to carelessness in proofreading. The format of the paper adheres fully to
MLA conventions. The paper reflects impressive work and requires no revision or only a
minor one.
B
This is a good paper. It offers a clearly stated thesis statement; the main idea supported
well in the paper. The organization of the major and minor points is logical, and the
author stays on topic throughout the paper. The paper is free from major errors and the
format follows at least the main MLA conventions. Some revision might be needed, but
there are no major problems.
C
This is an average paper. Some thesis is offered, but it is not fully developed. More
information might be needed to express the points of the essay fully. Overall, the author
stays on topic and shows some skills in organizing and developing an essay, thus meeting
minimal expectations. More revising and editing is recommended.
3/7
D
This is a passing paper. It offers a minimal thesis and minimal or no arguments in its
support. There are problems with content, organization, and logic. Also, the mastery of
standard written English is poor. Serious, major revision is required.
F
This is an unsatisfactory paper. It fails to meet requirements, shows inadequate
command of standard written English, or lacks focus. Presented ideas are not developed
sufficiently. A paper that is plagiarized or does not meet the length requirement will also
be considered unsatisfactory. A paper that is turned in after the due date will be
considered unsatisfactory unless you have my permission to turn in the paper after the
deadline because of your excused absence.
“I” Grade:
According to Administrative Policy 667, this grade may be awarded by the approving faculty member to
students who, because of extenuating circumstances, need additional time beyond the term to complete
coursework.
Students receiving an “I” grade must complete the course work within a period of eight weeks of the
ensuing regular fall or spring term. Students who do not complete the coursework within the allotted time
period will have their grade changed to IF. This grade will be computed as an F grade in calculating the
grade point average.
The student who receives an “I” grade at the end of a given term may request that the instructor grant an
additional extension beyond the eight week limit. The instructor has the option to deny or approve the
extension with the concurrence of the division administrator. This approval, however, must be for a
specific period of time. If an extension is approved, the division administrator will inform the Director of
Student Records. It is the responsibility of the instructor to inform the student.
Policies
Attendance:
I expect regular class attendance (your online presence). You are expected to log on and participate at
least twice a week. To succeed in this course, you are encouraged to "attend" class on a regular basis.
Logging in and participating at least 4 -5 days a week is the best plan of action. Please understand that
you must actively participate in the course online activities on a regular basis to fulfill the attendance
requirement. Simply logging in without completing any work does not fulfill the requirement and
you might be dropped for non-attendance at any point during the semester. For that reason, please
email me as soon as possible if circumstances prevent you from participating in the course for any length
of time that exceeds 4 days.
If you decide to withdraw from class, it is your responsibility to seek my approval. In order to receive a W
at the time of withdrawal, you must have attended class on a regular basis, completed the assigned work,
and given a good faith attempt to complete the required graded material. If those requirements are not met
or if you have been dishonest in completing the work, you may not be eligible for the W grade.
The last day to drop this course is May 1, 2015.
4/7
Late Work:
Assignments are due on the due date. I do not accept late work. The course outline on pages 6 and 7
includes all the due dates, and it is your responsibility to plan your work and time accordingly.
Academic Dishonesty:
According to Administrative Procedure 594, academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of
deception in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or effort of another person, or uses
unauthorized material or fabricated information in any academic work. It includes, but is not limited to,
cheating, plagiarizing, and buying or selling papers. Any such behavior will result in a failing grade (F)
for the course. I have no tolerance for plagiarism, so please take it seriously.
Email:
If you need to get in touch with me and cannot see me in my office, you can email me. Please use your
D2L email account. I will answer your email within 48 hours.
Open Door Policy:
I welcome and encourage you to speak to me whenever you wish to discuss a paper or problem. If you
cannot see me during my office hours, please let me know. I will be happy to schedule an appointment
with you at a more convenient time. Also, I will be available online every Tuesday evening from 8:00pm
to 9:00pm unless otherwise stated.
EEOC/PHRC Syllabus Requirement:
Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations should contact the campus disability
coordinator listed below.
HACC—Virtual Learning
Deborah Bybee
Coordinator, Disability Services
104K
735 Cumberland Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: 717-270-6333
Email: dabybee@hacc.edu
Coordinators for each campus are listed here:
http://www.hacc.edu/StudentServices/DisabilityServices/Contact-Us.cfm
EEOC POLICY 005:
It is the policy of Harrisburg Area Community College, in full accordance with the law, not to
discriminate in employment, student admissions, and student services on the basis of race, color, religion,
age, political affiliation or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, disability, place of birth, General
Education Development Certification (GED), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, veteran status, genetic history/information, or any legally protected classification. HACC
recognizes its responsibility to promote the principles of equal opportunity for employment, student
admissions, and student services taking active steps to recruit minorities and women.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (“PHRAct’) prohibits discrimination against prospective and
current students because of race, color, sex, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, handicap or
disability, record of a handicap or disability, perceived handicap or disability, relationship or association
5/7
with an individual with a handicap or disability, use of a guide or support animal, and/or handling or
training of support or guide animals.
The Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (“PFEOAct”) prohibits discrimination against
prospective and current students because of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, handicap
or disability, record of a handicap or disability, perceived handicap or disability, and a relationship or
association with an individual with a handicap or disability.
Information about these laws may be obtained by visiting the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Commission website at www.phrc.state.pa.us.
Instructor Evaluations:
During the last month of the course, all students will be asked for feedback in a HACCWeb survey
regarding the quality of instruction in their courses. The results become part of the faculty record and can
play a role in tenure and promotion. Student participation is strongly encouraged, and student anonymity
is protected.
Course Outline
Weekly work and assignments are posted in My Weekly Work folder in D2L Content Browser. You
can access D2L via myhacc.hacc.edu or via ehacc.hacc.edu. I will make each week available to you
before the start of the week (weeks start at 00:01AM Monday and end at 11:59PM Sunday).
Changes to this outline will be announced through D2L News. Please note that our usual “deadline
days” will be Wednesdays and Sundays.
WEEK 1 (Jan. 20-25)
Course Introduction; “Writing about the Community” project introduction; Part 1: Rhetorical Situations
(pp. 1-24)
WEEK 2 (Jan. 26-Feb. 1)
Chapter 22: Writing as Inquiry (pp. 251-254); Chapter 24: Generating Ideas and Text (pp. 259-265);
Chapter 25: Drafting (pp. 266-268); Chapter 26: Assessing Your Own Writing (pp. 269-274); Chapter 27:
Getting Response and Revising (pp. 275-281); Chapter 28: Editing and Proofreading (pp. 282-286);
Writing Process; Selecting the Right Community
WEEK 3 (Feb. 2-8)
Chapter 17: Proposals (pp. 205-213); Chapter 30: Beginning and Ending (pp. 299-311); Chapter 31:
Guiding Your Reader (pp. 312-317); Sample Proposal Essays; MLA Format
WEEK 4 (Feb. 9-15)
Proposal Essay Peer Review; Michael Chabon, “Kid’s Stuff” (pp. 876-885); Proposal Essay Due via
D2L by midnight on Sunday, Feb. 15 (No late work will be accepted.)
WEEK 5 (Feb. 16-22)
Chapter 40: Narrating; Chapter 44: Finding Sources (pp. 449-450); Narration Strategies; Observing Your
Community; Chapter 7: Writing a Literacy Narrative; Tanya Maria Barrientos, “Se Habla Espanol” (629632); Amy Tan, “Mother Tongue” (pp. 633-639); Working on Your Narration Essay
6/7
WEEK 6 (Feb. 23-Mar. 1)
Chapter 37: Describing; Chapter 38: Dialogue (pp. 376-381); David Sedaris, “Us And Them” (pp. 798805); Making Your Narration Interesting and Engaging; Sample Narration Essays
WEEK 7 (Mar. 2-8)
Narration Essay Peer Review; Chapter 16: Profiles (pp. 191-204); Narration Essay Due via D2L by
midnight on Sunday, Mar. 8 (No late work will be accepted.)
WEEK 8 (Mar. 9-15)
Midterm Break (No Class)
WEEK 9 (Mar. 16-22)
Chapter 43: Finding Sources (pp. 448-449); Writing Profiles; Interviewing Techniques; Working on your
Profile Essay; Alex Williams, “Drawn to a Larger Scale” (pp. 863-866); Sample Profile Essays
WEEK 10 (Mar. 23-29)
Profile Essay Peer Review; Chapter 43: Developing a Research Plan (pp. 421-431); Profile Essay Due
via D2L by midnight on Sunday, Mar. 29 (No late work will be accepted.)
WEEK 11 (Mar. 30-Apr.5)
Chapter 44: Finding Sources (pp. 432-447); Chapter 12: Annotated Bibliographies (pp. 155-163); Chapter
50: MLA Style (pp. 484-531); Conducting Research, Locating Sources
WEEK 12 (Apr. 6-12)
Chapter 45: Evaluating Sources; Annotated Bibliography; MLA; Annotated Bibliography Due via D2L
by midnight on Sunday, Apr. 12 (No late work will be accepted.)
WEEK 13 (Apr. 13-19)
Chapter 46: Synthesizing Ideas; Chapter 47: Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing; Chapter 48:
Acknowledging Sources, Avoiding Plagiarism
WEEK 14 (Apr. 20-26)
Laura Salivan, “Escape from Alcatraz: A 47-Year Manhunt” (pp. 719-725); Sample Explanation Essays
WEEK 15 (Apr. 27-May 1)
Explanation Essay Peer Review
WEEK 16 (May 4-10)
Explanation Essay Due via D2L by midnight on Monday, May 4 (No late work will be accepted.)
In lieu of the final exam, you will complete a self-assessment essay, in which you will demonstrate your
writing as well reviewing and critical-thinking skills. The self-assessment essay will be due via D2L by
midnight on Sunday, May 10 (No late work will be accepted).
7/7