Composition II Syllabus
Tulsa Community College, Northeast Campus
Fall 2014
Instructor: Sloan Davis
Office: 2157
Phone: 918-595-8425
Email: sloan.davis@tulsacc.edu
Classroom: 2367
Hours: M/W 9:30-10:50
CRN/Section: 12942/202
or
Hours: M/W 11:00-12:20
CRN/Section: 12944/203
Office Hours: M: 8-9:30
T: 8-9:30, 11-1:00
W: 8-9:30
TH: 8-9:30, 11-1:00
Or by appointment
Division: Communications
Office: NEC 2389
Assoc. Dean: Jocelyn Whitney
Phone: 595-7496
PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE
ENGL 1113 with a grade of “C” or better.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The second in a sequence of two courses, and furthers analytical reading skills, academic
writing, and techniques of research and documentation.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog,
TCC Student Handbook, TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and semester
information listed in the Class Schedule.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL STATEMENT
The General Education Goals are designed to ensure that graduates of Tulsa Community College
have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to carry them successfully through their work and their
personal lives. General Education Goals relevant to this course include Critical Thinking;
Effective Communication; Civic Responsibility; Global Awareness; Computer Proficiency.
ADA POLICY
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College
to create inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the Education
Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard
of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ENGLISH DISCIPLINE GOALS
1. Effective Writing: Use appropriate techniques to communicate ideas in a unified and
coherent manner.
2. Critical Reading: Analyze and evaluate increasingly complex readings while considering
community and global contexts.
3. Informed discussion: Articulate critical responses to a variety of work.
4. Scholarly research: Use sources outside of readings/class as support for ideas.
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COMP II COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Apply the Comp I writing skills needed to create a five - six paragraph essay
containing an introduction, a statement of purpose or thesis, supporting body
points, and a conclusion.
2. Demonstrate a mid-formal writing style that applies the principles of Standard
English and uses word choice, tone, and sentence structure appropriate to collegelevel writing.
3. Practice revision techniques that will provide your writing with strong verbs and a
variety of transitions and sentence patterns.
4. Formulate a central idea about a literary work and support that idea with evidence
from the work itself.
5. Use MLA format to create a Works Cited page and indicate quoted or
paraphrased material from primary and secondary sources.
6. Recognize and avoid plagiarism in any writing.
7. Apply the basic research techniques needed to locate sources in campus or local
libraries.
8. Use word processing to help you improve your writing.
9. Present your research or other ideas in a PowerPoint slideshow.
TEXTBOOKS and SUPPLEMENTAL MARTIALS
Required: Literature Craft & Voice, 2nd Edition by Delbanco and Cheuse
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
These texts are available at the Tulsa Community College, Northeast Campus Store, Apache and
Harvard, and other sources: i.e. Online or Gardner’s Used Books, etc.
BLACKBOARD
I use Blackboard extensively. Course documents, assignments, announcements, grades, etc. will
be posted throughout the semester. If you do not have a firm grasp on how to use Blackboard
please see me after class, and visit one of the computer labs. They are there to help you and they
are free.
COMPUTER SERVICES ACCEPTABLE USE
Access to computing resources is a privilege granted to all TCC faculty, staff, and students. Use
of TCC computing resources is limited to purposes related to the College’s mission of education,
research, and community service. Student use of technology is governed by the Computer
Services Acceptable Use Statements/Standards found in the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy
Handbook. These handbooks may be obtained by contacting any Student Activities or Dean of
Student Services office.
FACET AND LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES
The following services are available at the designated locations on the TCC college campuses to
assist the student in this course:
Distance Learning
Phone Number: 918-595-7282; Toll Free: 1 (888)-822-2973
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You have access to English specialists who can tutor you on your writing at any TCC campus.
Some campus writing centers require you to make an appointment, but you do not need to make an
appointment at the FACET Center at Northeast Campus.
You may submit your writing assignments to an English specialist or tutor in the FACET Center at
Northeast Campus. See the instructions on enrolling in the NEC FACET Center organization site on
Blackboard. You will find the instructions in course information.
The TCC Northeast Campus FACET Center combines instructional technology with
individualized instruction and resources for refining skills in math, writing, speaking, research,
and computers. The FACET Center is located in the Enterprise Building.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Your ability to read, think, write, and speak critically grows in dialogue with others. Your point
of view on the subject of discussion is always welcome, but please show respect in your
expression of it. Respecting others requires listening politely even when we do not agree with the
speaker’s ideas and not interrupting another’s speech with your own. I will do my best to insure
that all those who wish to speak will have a chance to do so.
Respectful behavior in the classroom requires being punctual, polite, and attentive throughout the
class session. We shall all remain in class until the end of class, unless there is an emergency.
Please do not eat in class. ABSOLUTELY NO TEXTING, IPODS, ETC. WHILE CLASS IS
ONGOING. Please make sure you turn off your cell phones or put on vibrate. Violation of
one or more of these simple courtesies might result in you being asked to withdraw from the
class.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Regular attendance and participation in class are required. "Participation" involves reading the
assignments before class, bringing all required materials to each class session, and contributing to
class discussions, group exercises, and peer editing of papers. I will take attendance at each class
meeting. You are an important part of this class: college students learn not only from the
instructor but from each other. Education is a collective experience, not one that takes place in a
vacuum. Additionally, since this course teaches writing as process, your presence in class is
absolutely necessary.
According to the 2010-2011 course online catalog, "students are expected to regularly attend and
participate in all classes in which they are enrolled. Class attendance/participation is the
responsibility of the student. It is also the responsibility of the student to consult with the
Instructor when an absence must be excused. Instructors have the responsibility of determining
whether an absence is excused or unexcused and may initiate an administrative withdrawal (AW)
for non-attendance/non-participation. Students receiving benefits from government agencies must
adhere to attendance policies stipulated by the specific agency."
You are allowed THREE absences without penalty: excused or unexcused. After that, it will
affect your grade, especially participation points as I will deduct 10 points for each class missed
after the third. .
Consistent tardiness is another form of "absence" from class. I encourage you to adjust your
routine to anticipate traffic and parking complications so this will not become a problem. Should
you miss any part of any class session, you are responsible for securing notes from a fellow
student, obtaining a copy of any handout, preparing any draft written in class that day, and asking
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about any changes in syllabus that may have been announced during your absence. After the
first two classes tardiness of five minutes or more will count as ½ an absence.
TCC PLAGIARISM POLICY
Deliberate plagiarism is claiming, indicating, or implying that the words, ideas, or sentences of
another writer are one's own. It includes having another writer do work claimed to be your own,
copying the work of another and presenting it as your own, or following the work of another as a
guide to ideas and expression that are then presented as one's own. The student should review the
relevant sections of the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook. In the case of academic
dishonesty a faculty member may: (i) require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require
the student to complete a substitute assignment or test; (ii) record a "zero" for the assignment or
test in question; (iii) recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or
administratively withdraw the student from the class; and (iv) record a grade of "F" for the
student at the end of the semester. DELIBERATE PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN
FAILING MY CLASS, NO QUESTIONS, AND NO NEGOTIATIONS.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OR MISCONDUCT
Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa
Community College system. Academic dishonesty is behavior in which a deliberately fraudulent
misrepresentation is employed in an attempt to gain underserved intellectual credit, either for
oneself or for another. Academic misconduct is behavior that results in intellectual advantage
obtained by violating specific standard, but without deliberate intent or use of fraudulent means.
The student should review the relevant sections of the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy
Handbook.
ASSIGNMENTS AND POINTS AVAILABLE:
In this course it is possible to earn 1000 points:
Essay 1 literary analysis
Essay 2 Thematic
Essay 3 Documented Research
Essay 4 Final Essay Exam
Peer-Reviews (50pts each)
PowerPoint Presentation
Annotated Bibliography
Outline
Conference
Participation/Attendance
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100
150
200
100
150
75
75
25
25
100
Expect to read outside of class approximately 50 pages a week.
Participation points: Being involved in the class, showing up to class, presentations,
group work, peer-review, etc. I put an emphasis on participation because to learn you
must participate. You must have an active role in your own education. The points gained
from this will be set by me, so come to class and get involved.
Peer-Reviews are a fully involved process of peer editing and critiquing of rough drafts.
You must have a full rough draft for full points. Bring two copies: one is for me.
Essays must be in MLA format. We will go over this in class.
Essays will be turned in on Safe Assign. They are due before midnight on the date stated.
10 points will be deducted if the paper is turned in late, and every 24 hours after, another
10 points will be deducted.
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You can rewrite either Essay 1 or 2 for a better grade. Must turn in an essay on the due
date to be able to rewrite that essay. Not applicable to Essay 3 or final.
The PowerPoint presentation will be based on essay #2.
The annotated bibliography and outline will be based on essay #3.
GRADE BREAKDOWN
A 900-1000
B 800-899
C 700-799
D 600-699
F 599 and below
Essays are to be neatly typed and double-spaced on unlined 8 ½" x 11" paper, with 1" top,
bottom, and side margins, in 12 point Times New Roman font. Your last name and page number
should appear in the upper right corner of each page. Follow standard conventions in punctuation
and capitalization. The first page should include your name, your instructor’s name, the specific
assignment, and the date in the upper left corner, flush with the left margin.
PAPER FORMAT:
Double-space all your typed work. See example below.
________________________________________________________________________
Your Name
Prof. Sloan Davis
Type of Paper (assignment)
Date: xx/xx/xx
Title of Paper
Begin here…
The “A” paper meets all the course objectives (Note: it may contain a few minor
deficiencies), shows originality of thought, fulfills the requirements of the assignment, and
contains no serious errors in mechanics. The “A” paper exhibits outstanding work.
The “B” paper meets all the course objectives (Note: it may contain a few minor
deficiencies), fulfills the requirements of the assignments, and contains no serious errors in
mechanics. The “B” paper exhibits above average work.
The “C” paper attempts to meet all the course objectives but falls short in certain areas,
fulfills the requirements of the assignments, and may contain a very few serious errors in
mechanics. The “C” paper exhibits average work.
The “D” paper attempts to meet all the course objectives but falls short in certain areas,
fulfills the requirements of the assignments, and may contain serious errors in mechanics.
The “F” paper attempts to meet all the course objectives but falls short in certain areas
and may contain serious errors in mechanics.
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Serious Errors in Mechanics:
1. Unjustified Sentence Fragment
2. Comma Splice
3. Fused Sentences
4. Semicolon Separating an Independent and a Dependent Clause
5. Confused Pronoun Reference
6. Wrong Pronoun Case
7. Excessive Errors in Spelling and Punctuation
W, AW, I, and F Grades
A "W": A Withdrawal (W) is initiated by student up to 3/4 through the course. The last 1/4 of
the course, students receive their earned grade.
Course Withdrawal: The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the
duration of any class. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for the deadline that applies to
the course(s). Begin the process with a discussion with the faculty member assigned to
the course. Contact the Advisement Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal
from a course ('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Withdrawal and/or change
to an audit from a course after the drop/add period can alter the financial aid award for
the current and future semesters. Students may receive an outstanding bill from TCC if
the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC. Students who stop participating in the
course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial
aid consequences for the student.
An "F" versus "AW": Attendance is the first requirement for students to continue to receive
financial aid, defer student loans, and/or stay on parents’ insurance. When deciding whether to
record a grade of “F” versus a grade of “AW,” I consider whether the student has attended at least
3/4 of class to earn the “F” or was excessively absent and did not earn the “F.”
Incomplete (I) Grades: Grades of “I” are awarded sparingly. “I” grades are reserved for
students who have attended class regularly and participated satisfactorily (completed successfully
the majority of the work), but have a one-time dire documented circumstance at the end of the
course that hinders them from completing the course. I do not award a grade of “I” for a student
who has been excessively absent or for a student who is failing the class.
Note: The syllabus may change as needed. Any changes in schedule will be announced in class. It
is your responsibility to note all changes announced by the professor.
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TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
COMP II (M/W) FALL 2014
*Read each listed assignment BEFORE that class. Be prepared to use Blackboard.
Bring Books to class!!
Literature Craft &Voice=LCV
The Things They Carried=TTC
** Note: schedule might change depending on the needs of this class.
AUGUST
Week 1:
8/18—Class overview/Introductions/Go over syllabus/Sign plagiarism/language
sheets.
8/20—Read LCV (150-151) or handout on Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an
Hour.” Read LCV (199-203) or handout on James Joyce’s “Araby.” Write inclass diagnostic (sample) essay based on reading one of these stories
Week 2:
8/25— Discuss: “The Story of an Hour” and “Araby.”
8/27— Read LCV (138-149) “Reading a story for its elements” and “A&P.”
Read LCV (160-185) “Writing about fiction” and “Girl.”
**Last day to drop for a full refund is August 29th.
SEPTEMBER
Week 3:
9/1— LABOR DAY: NO CLASS
9/3— FACET Orientation. Read LCV (560-581) “Reading a Poem in Its
Elements” and all poems. Read LCV (582-605) “Writing about Poetry” and all
poems.
Week 4:
9/8— Read LCV (186-199) “Plot,” “Greasy Lake.” Read LCV (625-626)
“Living in Sin.”
9/10— Read LCV (224-225, 234-239, 260-266) “Character,” and “The Jilting of
Granny Weatherall.” Read LCV (686-687) “O Captain! My Captain!”
Week 5:
9/15— Read LCV (268-269, 276-279) “Setting.” Read LCV (291-295) “The
Cask of Amontillado.” Read LCV (642-643) “Dover Beach.” Go over Essay #1
Assignment.
9/17— Read LCV (298-318) “Point of View” and “Brownies.” Read LCV
(682-684) “Daddy.”
Week 6:
9/22— Essay #1 Group Peer-Review Workshop: rough draft. Bring 2
copies.
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9/24— Read LCV (337, 342-347) “Language, Tone, and Style,” and handout
“Only the Dead Know Brooklyn.” Read LCV (708-709) “The Revolution Will
Not Be Televised.”
Week 7:
9/29— Essay #1 Final draft due by midnight. Read LCV (374-375, 384-387)
“Theme.” Read LCV (442-447) “The Red Convertible.” Read LCV (985)
“Facing It.”
OCTOBER
10/1— Read LCV (1002-1023) “Reading & Viewing a Play in Its Elements.”
Read/perform “Trifles.” Go over Essay #2 and PowerPoint Presentation
Assignments.
Week 8:
10/6— Read: LCV (1024-1063) “Writing about Drama.” Read/watch “The Zoo
Story.”
10/8— Essay # 2 Group Peer-Review Workshop: rough draft. Bring 2
copies.
Week 9:
10/13— Read: TTC “The Things They Carried, Love, and Spin.”
10/15—Read: TTC “On the Rainy River, Enemies, and Friends.”
Week 10:
10/20— Essay #2 Final draft due by midnight. Read: TTC “How to Tell a
True War Story, The Dentist, and Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong.”
10/22—Read: TTC “Stockings, Church, The Man I Killed, and Ambush.”
Week 11:
10/27— PowerPoint Presentations.
Go over Essay #3 assignment. Go over Annotated Bibliography/Formal
outline assignment.
10/29— PowerPoint Presentations. In-class library orientation/ Documentation
practice.
NOVEMBER
Week 12:
11/3— Read: TTC “Style, Speaking of Courage, and Notes.”
11/5— Read: TTC “In the Field, Good Form, and Field Trip.”
**Last day to withdrawal and receive a “W” is November 7th.
Week 13:
11/10— Read: TTC “The Ghost Soldiers, Night Life, and The Lives of the
Dead.”
11/12— Q&A discussion on essays. Film: Dear America: Letters Home from
Vietnam.
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Week 14:
11/17— Finish film: Discuss.
11/19— Conferences: Annotated Bibs and Formal Outlines Due.
Week 15:
11/24— Conferences: Annotated Bibs and Formal Outlines Due.
11/26— HAPPY THANKSGIVING: NO CLASS.
DECEMBER
Week 16:
12/1— Essay #3 Group Peer-Review Workshop: rough draft. Bring 2
copies. Go over Final Exam.
12/3— Essay #3 final draft due by midnight. Any remaining rewrites are
due: send via Email with REWRITE in subject line. Wrap up. Prep for final.
Finals Week: Dec. 8th—Dec. 14th
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