1 SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENGLISH 100: English Composition Fall 2015 I think therefore I am. - Discourse on Method, Rene’ Descartes 1637 Title: English Composition Catalog Number: ENGL - 100 Credit Hours: 3 Total Contact Hours: 45 Instructor: Paul C. Trahan Email: ptrahan@smccme.edu & trahan@maine.rr.com Office hours: To Be Announced. If these time do not work within your schedule, please contact me and I will do my best to arrange a convenient time to meet. Course Overview Course Description: English Composition is the introduction to college writing across the curriculum. In addition to any necessary review of grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph composition, this course covers the writing of personal essays in several rhetorical modes, academic papers, and research analysis. Emphasis will be placed upon writing multiple drafts with an eye toward revising, rewriting, and editing, as well as the utilization of close reading and critical thinking as literacy tools. It is also designated as a writing-intensive (W) course. Models for Writers, 12th ed. A Pocket Style Manual 7th ed. Texts: (MW) (PS) Tools: Folder Paper Writing Utensils Internet Access Course Objectives: By successfully completing this course, students will be able to: 1. Exhibit learning skills and conduct appropriate to a college-level student. 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Write effectively with a specific purpose and to a specific audience, using appropriate strategies for varying contexts. Organize essays using thesis statements, logical and academic formats, and standard English conventions. Write rough, exploratory drafts of papers, then practice revision methods to achieve polished final drafts. Locate and evaluate legitimate research sources, electronic, print, and other. Show ability to use proper MLA documentation and an awareness of plagiarism issues. Use writing as a critical thinking tool for learning. Utilize technology to enhance the learning experience. Coursework Requirements - Please note: EXCEPTIONS TO EVERYTHING: 1. Participation in the classroom environment, including attendance, a constructive attitude, attentiveness, following instructions, getting to class on time, self-discipline, and courtesy to both instructors and students. The student will also be required to view College Skills presentations, demonstrate knowledge of college resources, and complete ongoing critical self-assessments. 2. A first writing sample based on available writing prompts within the first three weeks of the semester: In-Class Writing Prompt or Short Essay or Timed Essay. 3. 2-3 essays of at least 750-1000 words in (single) rhetorical modes. Description/Narration Persuasion/Argument Cause/Effect Process Analysis Comparison/Contrast Literary Review/Analysis 4. One Research Project that demonstrates proper research documentation and critical thinking skills following completion of Research Activities. 5. Multiple drafts (2 to 3) of any of the above papers, using revision strategies: Peer Review or Personal Process Statement or Self-Critique. 6. A portfolio including but not limited to items 3-5 above. Portfolios will be returned to students before the last day of class. Peer work is an integral part of this course. You will work in a group of your peers throughout the semester in developing ideas, reviewing drafts, responding to each other as readers, and in helping to shape the final draft. Your prepared, respectful and constructive participation benefits every member of the group. Writing is a skill that is more learned than taught, and this workshop atmosphere provides ample opportunity to learn that skill. In order to accomplish this: 3 Each student must be prepared for every class. Each student must participate actively and productively in peer conferences and instructor conferences. Each student must revise according to the feedback received in these conferences. The workshop atmosphere presents a positive benefit for writing instruction. However, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Each student is required to manage their workload, to handle multiple priorities and to develop and rely on good, independent work habits. Trahan’s Rules: A. Challenge me, but politely. If I say or write something that you don’t agree with, question it. B. Papers are due within reasonable time of assigned date. C. Name, assignment title, and due date to be on the back of the last page. D. All papers to have 2.0 line spacing. E. Do not plagiarize. It is not necessary but will be dealt with harshly. F. When emailing an assignment, in the subject box write, “I am your student.” I automatically delete unrecognized email senders and attachments. G. All emailed papers should be sent as Word Document attachments. H. A maximum of three (3) unexcused absences per semester; there are always personal exceptions. It is your responsibility to keep up with assignments. I. Remember, words count. Language usage is expected to be civil. J. Please email or call with problems regarding reading or writing assignments. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner. K. Class participation counts towards the final grade. L. Turn off all cell phones before class starts. M. SAVE ALL Handouts in a 3 Ring Binder. N. PLEASE WAIT 15 MINUTES. If I am not there in that time, please leave in an orderly fashion. Be respectful of other in-session classes. Attendance policy: Students are responsible for all material covered in class including what we cover when you’re not here. Excessive absences (one week absent), being late, or leaving early will affect your grade. EVEN IF YOU CAN’T COME TO CLASS, THE WORK IS STILL DUE. Tardiness: Discussion is an integral part of this course. This means consistently being present, on time, and prepared to discuss the assigned readings. 4 Class Cancellation Policy: If class is canceled for any reason, the material and assignments due that day are due the next time class meets. Due dates for other work will also be moved up. Personal Issues: Everyone experiences the demands of work, school, and family. If personal or professional obligations require absence(s), please keep me and your other instructors informed. Grading & Evaluation: This class participates in the Early Warning System. Four Intensive Essays (60% of the final grade). Research Project (25% of the final grade). Attendance (5% of the final grade). Homework, Participation and in class work (10% of the final grade). How Papers are Graded: Grade Mechanics A (90-100) No major errors and not more than two minor errors B (80-89) One major error or three minor errors C (70-79) Two major errors or four to six minor errors D (60-69) Three major errors or seven to nine minor errors Diction Accurate, effective word choice Effective, specific development which is unified and coherent making use good transitions Mature style with varied sentence patterns Accurate, effective diction Effective, specific development Weak, inaccurate or vague diction Insufficient limitation, generalization, pointless repetition Weak, inaccurate diction F (59 & Below) Four major errors and ten or more minor ones. Diction Accurate, effective word choice Accurate, effective Diction Weak, inaccurate or vague diction Weak, inaccurate diction Lack of development Lack of development No specific development Lack of development Mature style, suitable to subject matter Immature style Immature style An obvious purpose which follows a stated thesis An obvious purpose which follows a stated thesis No obvious purpose, underdeveloped thesis No apparent purpose Exclusive use of simple sentences or immature style; weak, inaccurate diction or wrong words No apparent purpose No stated thesis Organization Style Purpose 5 Each essay has two due dates. One is when the first draft is due for a peer workshop and revision in class. The second due date is when the final draft is due to be handed in to me in your portfolio folder. Essays missing first drafts, and/or all pertinent pre-writing will not be graded and will receive a zero. Note Well: Due Dates: Your due date for a peer review is your deadline. As a peer reviewer, your job is to arrive to the following class meeting prepared to read and discuss each essay thoroughly. Always use your SMCC email. It is through here that updates regarding class cancellations and other pertinent information is shared. Cell Phones: Again, cell phones should be switched to off or vibrate during class. Emergency calls are allowed, but you must take the call outside of the classroom. Texting is not allowed, so keep your phone stored during class. Laptops are allowed but only for course notes. This means that laptops must be stored during peer workshop days. Generally, eating is not allowed in class, though there are medical exceptions. Late Work Not Accepted. Topical Outline of Instruction (also see Schedule after College Policies) Topical Outline: 1. The Writing Process 2. Myths about Writing 3. Purpose, Audience, and Strategy 4. Grammar and Punctuation Issues 5. Topic Sentences/Main Ideas 6. The Thesis Statement 7. Organizing/Outlines 8. Revising, Editing, and Proofreading 9. Timed Writing 10. Peer Critiquing 11. Information Literacy 12. Using and Quoting Sources College Policies End-of-Course Evaluation: In order to gain access to final course grades, students must complete evaluations for each course attended at SMCC. Evaluations are submitted online and can be accessed through the student portal site. Students can access the course evaluation report beginning two weeks before the end of classes. The deadline for submission of evaluations occurs 24 hours after 6 the last day of classes each semester. Instructors will announce when the online course evaluation is available. ADA Syllabus Statement: Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more information, please call 207-741-5798. If you have a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the programs and services offered by SMCC, you must register with the disability services coordinator, Sandra Lynham, who can be reached at 741-5629. There will be some documentation for your teachers that must be supplied before accommodations can be given. Further information about services for students with disabilities and the accommodation process is available upon request at this number. SMCC Pay-for-Print Policy: Students can print 150 pages per semester for free. If you print over 150 pages, you will be charged 10 cents per page to your Beacon Bucks account. Left-over pages will roll over to the following semester but will zero out at the end of the academic year. A pilot project tracking public printing has shown that this amount of free printing meets the needs of the vast majority of students. The College’s pay-for-print system monitors printing on all public printers (i.e., those in general access labs, library printers, the AAC, and technology labs). Each time you log in to the system, the print station displays the remaining print quota. Once the printing quota has been exceeded, users will be charged $0.10 per page on their Beacon Bucks accounts. Color printouts will be charged at 11-page units. This means each color printout will count as 11 pages toward the quota and cost $1.10. Students can add money to their cards using a credit card online. Add-Drop Policy: Students who drop a course during the one-week “add/drop” period in the fall and spring semesters and the first three days of summer sessions receive a 100% refund of the tuition and associated fees for that course. Please note any course that meets for less than the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated add/drop period. There is no refund for nonattendance. Withdrawal Policy: A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for that course. The withdrawal period is the second through twelfth week of the fall and spring semesters and the second through ninth week of twelve-week summer courses. This period is pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a student must complete and submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center (no phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript 7 after a student has officially withdrawn. A course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or ceasing to attend class does not constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal. Plagiarism Statement: Adherence to ethical academic standards is obligatory. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it consists of taking credit for work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas or writings of another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the academic code as well as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he is enrolled has knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the College’s Disciplinary Officer and appropriate action will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from the course and a failing grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions to the Disciplinary Committee under the terms outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. 8 Course Calendar Weekly Schedule – Remember: EVERYTHING SUBJECT TO CHANGE! MW = Models for Writers PS = A Pocket Style Manual Week 1 Introduction to class, syllabus & policies Writing prompt – What is college for? Why are you here? Pick up “What is College For?” Discussion – why college? General instructions for reading & writing assignments Guidelines -- responses MLA style formatting, PS 167 – 173 Week 2 No-School -- Labor Day Writing process, MW 1-13 A bit about grammar – sentences PS 22-39 Writing prompt – Life Questions #1 Response 1 due Handed in _________Grade_________ Week 3 Thesis/development/organization MW 13-22 Thesis MW 79 – 81 “Where Anonymity Breeds Contempt” MW 87-90 Guidelines: Description essay Library Intro – meet in Ross Tech 102 Research/finding sources, PS 92- 94 Recognizing legitimate sources PS 94-102 Writing research papers, MW 611 -622 Response 2 due Handed in __________Grade_________ 9 Week 4 Writing the first draft MW 23-37 Plagiarism MW 254-257 PS 102-105, 110-113 Using Sources MW 240-253 & Documenting Sources MW 622-639 Integrating sources into essays, PS 113-121 Description essay Peer Editing: remember to bring all needed material (points off if you don’t participate) Essay organization MW 121-126 Word use & Academic style MW 32-35, 287-292 PS 17-20 More on MLA style & works cited pages PS 124-167 Week 5 Description essay Handed in _________Grade_________ Intro to the Cause & Effect essay, MW 517-520 Frontline: Adam Lanza documentary Start tracking your technology use!!!! Pick up Millinocket essay Effective Sentences MW 218-223 Picking apart the how and why of the closing of the paper mill in Millinocket Sample MLA essay MW 632-639 Week 6 “Why We Crave Horror Movies”, MW 521-524 “Our Vanishing Night” MW 108-112 Pick up poor communication essays Response 3 due Handed in ________Grade_________ Dissection of our use of technology Effects of poor communication skills: handouts Unity MW 98- 101 Week 7 NO School -- Columbus Day Cause & Effect essay Peer Editing: bring everything needed (points off if you don’t participate) Introduction to persuasion: MW 543-552 10 Week 8 Cause & Effect essay Handed in _________Grade_________ Taking a stand: Declaration of Independence MW 569-573 Taking a Stand: Martin Luther King MW 467- 470 Breaking into groups for the debate Taking a Stand: “Changing the Face(book) of Social Activism” MW 604-606 Life questions writing prompt #2 Group work, preparing for the debate Week 9 Persuasive Research essay Peer Editing: bring everything needed (points off if you don’t participate) Group work, preparing for the debate Paragraphs MW 169-172 Beginnings and Endings MW 144-152 Debate Remember to pick up a copy of “Harrison Bergeron” Week 10 Advising month begins Persuasive Research essay Handed in_________ Grade_________ Introduction to Literary Analysis Discussion of “Harrison Bergeron” Using sources in literary essays PS 121-124 Field Trip???? – Portland Museum of Art – meet at museum in downtown Portland Week 11 Response 4 due Transitions MW 192 – 195 Discussion – “Harrison Bergeron” No School -- Veterans’’ day Handed in ________Grade_________ 11 Week 12 Spring registration opens Discussion – “Harrison Bergeron” Literary Analysis Peer Editing: bring everything needed (points off if you don’t participate) Week 13 Literary Analysis Handed in _______Grade_________ “Incivility Crisis of Politics is Just a Symptom of Division” MW 355 - 358 11/25 Thanksgiving break Week 14 Portfolio Peer Editing: remember to bring all essays, research, and responses. Points off if you don’t participate. Guidelines & forming groups & working on the presentation. Bring laptops! Working on the presentation. Handed in ________Grade_________ Week 15 Portfolio due Group presentations Week 16 Group presentations Writing prompt – Life questions #3 12/16 Final class, portfolios returned, discussion of semester