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The University of Texas at Tyler
ENGL 1301.008 (T/TH 11:00-12:20)
College Composition I
BUS 208
Instructor: Kristen Jackson
Office: BUS 226
Contact: The best way to contact me is via email. If you need a writing conference outside of class, email
me to set up an appointment. (Meeting by appointment only)
Email: kristenjackson@uttyler.edu
Course Description:
English 1301 is the first of two courses meant to satisfy the core requirements of UT Tyler. This
class is probably your first English class in college, and its purpose is to develop reading and
writing skills necessary for school, work, and life in general. We will study how to successfully
communicate through written discourse and investigate the process of composition. We will also
focus on critical thinking skills which can help you better understand and analyze what you read
every day.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand, synthesize, and evaluate different styles of writing
- Recognize and use rhetorical and stylistic techniques in writing
- Avoid all forms of plagiarism
- Conduct scholarly research and correctly use academic format
- Use and understand conventions and grammar of the English language
Major Assignments:
1 short essay (Summary) – 5%
3 major essays with portfolios – 25% each (total of 75%)
Participation/Daily Grades (group participation, in-class assignments, quizzes) – 10%
Final Exam – 10%
Portfolio Requirements:
Each essay should be turned in with a complete portfolio of notes, drafts, revisions, and any
other materials relevant to your writing process. Your portfolios should also include a cover
letter explaining your writing process. Because our class focuses on the writing process as a
whole and not just the final draft, you will need to save and print drafts of your essays
throughout your writing process. You will lose points if you only turn in a final draft.
Required Texts and Supplies:
-A portfolio notebook for final portfolio projects (will be returned to you)
-A notebook or binder with pockets for handouts, writing utensils, paper for in-class note taking and
assignments
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-Must have access to computer (with internet connection), Microsoft Word, and access to a printer
-Optional—a grammar handbook such as The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage
Grading:

Essays will be graded according to student’s ability to fulfill assignment guidelines, use of critical
thinking skills, demonstrated understanding of elements of writing and the writing process, and
formal academic writing including correct grammar/punctuation.

Class participation is important. Carefully and thoughtfully read assignments before arriving in
class; bring any questions you might have about the readings to class with you. Daily grades are
given for preparedness and participation.

Late Policy: Late papers will not be accepted after 3 days late. The final essay grade will be
docked 10 points for each day late. Turn in late essays in the Literature and Languages
Department office, 2nd floor of BUS building. Emailed essays will not be accepted.

Plagiarism: If an essay is plagiarized or partly plagiarized (copied from another source without
credit given), it will receive a grade of F with no option for revision. If plagiarism issues persist,
the student will be in danger of failing the course.
Standard UT Tyler Syllabi Policies
Students Rights and Responsibilities
To know and understand the policies that affect your rights and responsibilities as a student at UT Tyler,
please follow this link: http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness/rightsresponsibilities.php
Grade Replacement/Forgiveness and Census Date Policies
Students repeating a course for grade forgiveness (grade replacement) must file a Grade Replacement
Contract with the Enrollment Services Center (ADM 230) on or before the Census Date of the semester in
which the course will be repeated. Grade Replacement Contracts are available in the Enrollment Services
Center or at http://www.uttyler.edu/registrar. Each semester’s Census Date can be found on the Contract
itself, on the Academic Calendar, or in the information pamphlets published each semester by the Office
of the Registrar.
Failure to file a Grade Replacement Contract will result in both the original and repeated grade being used
to calculate your overall grade point average. Undergraduates are eligible to exercise grade replacement
for only three course repeats during their career at UT Tyler; graduates are eligible for two grade
replacements. Full policy details are printed on each Grade Replacement Contract.
The Census Date (September 4th) is the deadline for many forms and enrollment actions that students need
to be aware of. These include:
•
Submitting Grade Replacement Contracts, Transient Forms, requests to withhold directory
information, approvals for taking courses as Audit, Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit.
•
Receiving 100% refunds for partial withdrawals. (There is no refund for these after the Census
Date)
•
Schedule adjustments (section changes, adding a new class, dropping without a “W” grade)
•
Being reinstated or re-enrolled in classes after being dropped for non-payment
•
Completing the process for tuition exemptions or waivers through Financial Aid
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State-Mandated Course Drop Policy
Texas law prohibits a student who began college for the first time in Fall 2007 or thereafter from dropping
more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career. This includes courses dropped at another
2-year or 4-year Texas public college or university. For purposes of this rule, a dropped course is any
course that is dropped after the census date (See Academic Calendar for the specific date).
Exceptions to the 6-drop rule may be found in the catalog. Petitions for exemptions must be submitted to
the Enrollment Services Center and must be accompanied by documentation of the extenuating
circumstance. Please contact the Enrollment Services Center if you have any questions.
Disability/Accessibility Services
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the
ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) the University offers accommodations to students with learning,
physical and/or psychological disabilities. If you have a disability, including non-visible a disability
diagnosis such as a chronic disease, learning disorder, head injury or ADHD, or you have a history of
modifications or accommodations in a previous educational environment you are encouraged to contact
the Student Accessibility and Resources office and schedule an interview with an Accessibility Case
Manager. If you are unsure if the above criteria applies to you, but have questions or concerns please
contact the SAR office. For more information or to set up an appointment please visit the SAR webpage
(http://www.uttyler.edu/disabilityservices/) or the SAR office located in the University Center, Room
3150 or call 903.566.7079. You may also send an email to saroffice@uttyler.edu.
Student Absence due to Religious Observance
Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance are requested to inform the
instructor of such absences by the second class meeting of the semester.
Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities
If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event or activity, you (or the event sponsor) must
notify the instructor at least two weeks prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor
will set a date and time when make-up assignments will be completed.
Social Security and FERPA Statement:
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of social security
numbers. The University has changed its computer programming so that all students have an
identification number. The electronic transmission of grades (e.g., via e-mail) risks violation of the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades will not be transmitted electronically.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation:
Everyone is required to exit the building when a fire alarm goes off. Follow your instructor’s directions
regarding the appropriate exit. If you require assistance during an evacuation, inform your instructor in
the first week of class. Do not re-enter the building unless given permission by University Police, Fire
department, or Fire Prevention Services.
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Composition 1301 Course Calendar
Wk.
Monday
Wednesday
1
08/24
08/26
In class:
Discuss syllabus and course content
Introductions
Writing Process—Drafting and Portfolio
In class:
MLA & APA general essay formatting videos
Using the Purdue OWL Resource
2
Homework:
 Read syllabus and college policies
Homework:
 Formal letter over writing style,
due Monday 08/31
08/31
09/02
In class:
Qualities of Effective Writing
Grammar and Mechanics
Turn in letter to instructor (Quiz grade)
In class:
Introduce Summary Assignment
Read article in class/group discussion
Homework:
 Print article to bring to class on
Wednesday (article found on BB)
3
Homework:
 Read article carefully and annotate each
paragraph
 Bring Rough Draft Summary to class on
Wednesday 09/09
09/07
09/09
In class:
Labor Day Holiday
Rough Draft Summary Due in class
Peer Review
Homework:
 Complete Final Draft Summary, Complete
Portfolio due Monday 09/14
4
5
09/14
09/16
In class:
Final Draft Summary Portfolio Due in class
Introduce Response Essay Assignment
In class:
Summarizing and Responding to Article/ Group
Discussion
Homework:
 Print article to bring to class on
Wednesday (article found on BB)
Homework:
09/21
09/23
In class:
Return graded summaries
Cover grammar/writing concerns
Sign up for IWW
Homework:
 Bring Rough Draft Response Essay
Wednesday for IWW
In class:
Individual Writing Workshops
Meet with professor one-on-one for review

Continue to work on Response Assignment
Homework:
 Continue to draft Response Essay
 Final Draft due Monday (portfolio) 09/28
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
09/28
09/30
In class:
Final Draft Response Essay due in class
Introduce Interview Assignment
In class:
Developing Questions for Interview
Conducting the Interview
Homework:
 Research a candidate for interview
assignment-Bring to class on
Wednesday
Homework:
 Complete 20 questions to ask during your
interview-Bring to class Monday
10/05
10/07
In class:
Peer Interview Exercises
Turn in Questions for review (quiz grade)
In class:
Share Peer Interviews with class and turn in
(quiz grade)
Writing an Interview Essay- Citing/Format
Homework:
 Complete Peer Interview Short Essaybring to class on Wednesday
Homework:
 Continue to work on Interview Essay
10/12
10/14
In class:
Example Interview Essays
Group Discussions
In class:
Example Interview Essays
Group Discussions
Homework:
 Continue to work on Interview Essay
Homework:
 Continue to work on Interview Essay
10/19
10/21
In class:
Example Interview Essays
Group Discussions
Sign up for IWW time
Homework:
 Bring Rough Draft Interview Essay
Wednesday for IWW
In class:
Individual Writing Workshops
Meet one-to-one for review
10/26
10/28
In class:
Final Draft Interview Essay due today
Introduce Career Inquiry Essay
In class:
Importance of Citation in Documenting Research
Avoiding Plagiarism (handouts)
Homework:
 Begin researching career inquiry
topic; narrow topic if needed
Homework:
 Citation exercises
11/02
11/04
In class:
Researching in Databases/Library Use
Turn in citation exercises-review
Homework:
 Bring essay proposal to class
Wednesday
In class:
Researching in Databases/Library Use
Homework:
 Final Draft Interview Essay/Portfolio due
Monday 10/26
Homework:
 Continue Research for Career Inquiry Essay
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12
13
14
11/09
11/11
In class:
Group Discussions
In class:
Works Cited page/Bibliography
Homework:
 Continue Research for Career Inquiry
Essay, bring printed sources to class
on Wednesday 11/11
Homework:
 Complete Works Cited for Career Inquiry Essay
and bring to class Monday 11/16
11/16
11/18
In class:
Group Discussions
Homework:
 Continue to work on Career Inquiry
Essay Rough Draft
In class:
Group Discussions
Sign up for IWW
Homework:
 Rough Draft Career Inquiry due Monday for
IWW
11/23
11/25
In class:
Individual Writing Workshops
Meet one-to-one with professor for review
Thanksgiving Holiday
Homework:
• Continue working on Final Draft Career
Inquiry, due Monday 11/30
15
16
11/30
12/02
In class:
Final Draft Career Inquiry due today
Introduce Final Exam Letter Assignment
In class:
Questions Re: Final Exam
Homework:
 Work on Final Exam
Homework:
 Work on Final Exam
12/07
12/09
Finals Week – Take home final due