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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.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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_________
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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
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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_________
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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