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The University of Texas at Tyler
ENGL 1301.004 Spring 2015
College Composition I
M/W 2:30-3:50 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: kjac1@tjc.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
Assignments:
1 short essay (Summary) – 5%
3 major essays with portfolios – 25% each (total of 75%)
Participation/Daily Grades (group participation, in-class assignments, etc.) – 15%
Final Exam – 5%
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 notebook with pockets for handouts, writing utensils, paper for in-class notes and assignments
-Must have access to computer (with internet connection), Microsoft Word, and printer
-Optional—a grammar handbook such as The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage
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Grading:
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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 (correct grammar/punctuation).
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Class participation is important. We will be discussing what you have read each day, so be sure
you have 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 2 days late. The final essay grade will be
docked 10 points for each day late.

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 is the deadline for many forms and enrollment actions that students need to be aware of.
These include:
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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
The Census Date is Monday, January 26th
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
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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 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 psychiatric disabilities. If you have a disability, including non-visible disabilities such as
chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, PTSD 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 the Accessibility Case
Manager/ADA Coordinator, Cynthia Lowery Staples. 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 office located in the University Center, Room 3150 or call
903.566.7079. You may also send an email to cstaples@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 I 1301.004 UT Tyler Course Calendar (subject to change)
Wk.
Monday
Wednesday
1
01-12
In class:
Discuss syllabus and course content
Groups by major
01-14
In class:
Quiz over syllabus
MLA & APA general essay formatting; Purdue OWL resource
Homework:
 Read syllabus and college policies
Homework:
 Write a formal email to Instructor, due Tuesday
01-20
01-19
01-21
In class:
Introduce Summary Assignment
Close Reading
Homework:
 Read speech carefully and annotate each
paragraph
01-28
In class:
Rough Draft Summary Due in class
Peer Review
Homework:
 Continue to work on Summary, FD (Portfolio) due
Monday
02-04
In class:
Summarizing and Responding to Article
2
No Class—MLK Holiday
3
4
5
6
7
01-26
In class:
Review Summary
Homework:
 Continue to work on Summary, RD due
Wednesday
02-02
In class:
Final Draft Summary Portfolio Due in class
Introduce Response Essay
“The Beat Up Generation”
Homework:
Complete a close reading of article
02-09
In class:
Return graded summaries
Address any grammar/writing concerns
Homework:
 Bring RD Response essay to class on
Wednesday
02-16
In class:
Final Draft Response Essay Portfolio due in class
Introduce Interview Assignment
Homework:
 Decide on a subject/person for interview
02-23
In class:
Peer Interview Exercises
Homework:
 E-mail Questions to Instructor by Tuesday
Homework:
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Continue to work on Response Assignment
02-11
In class:
Rough Draft due
Work shopping/ Peer Review
Homework:
 Continue to draft Response Essay; FD due Monday
02-18
In class:
Developing Questions for Interview
Homework:
 Work on Questions to ask during interview
02-25
In class:
Writing an Interview
Homework:
 Continue to work on Interview essay
5
8
03-02
In class:
Example Interview essays
Group Discussions
03-04
In class:
Example Interview Essays
Group Discussions
Homework:
 Continue to work on Interview essay
Homework:
 Continue to work on Interview essay
Spring Break—No Class
Spring Break—No Class
03-16
In class:
Review Citations and Organization
Questions regarding RD
Homework:
 Continue to work on essay
03-23
In class:
Final Interview Portfolio due
Introduce Career Inquiry Essay
03-18
In class:
Rough Draft Interview Essay due
Writing Workshops/ Peer Review
Homework:
 Continue to work on essay; Final Draft due Monday
03-25
In class:
Researching in Database/Library Use
Finding credible, timely sources
Homework:
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Begin Preliminary Research for Career
Inquiry Essay
03-30
In class:
Group Discussions
Homework:
 Continue Research for Career Inquiry Essay
Homework:
 Continue Research for Career Inquiry Essay
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10
11
12
13
14
15
16
04-06
In class:
Finding Quotes, Paraphrasing, Drafting
04-01
In class:
Library Day—use resources in library to research.
Homework:
 Email list of references to Instructor in correct
format, due Sunday by midnight, bring printed
sources to class Monday
04-08
In class:
Finding Quotes, Paraphrasing, Drafting
Homework:
 Begin Drafting Career Inquiry Essay
04-13
In class:
Group Discussions/Example Essay
Homework:
• Continue working on RD Inquiry Essay
Homework:
 Continue working on RD Inquiry Essay
04-15
In class:
Group Discussions/Example Essay
Homework:
• Continue working on RD Inquiry Essay, RD Essay Due
Monday
04-20
In class:
Rough Draft Career Inquiry due
Introduce Final Exam Letter Assignment
Homework:
 Finish Career Inquiry, due Wednesday
04-27
Finals Week – Take home final (letter) due on
04-22
In class:
Final Portfolio Career Inquiry due
Homework:
Reflection Letter (Final)
04-29
Final Exam date (check schedule)
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