Nt1310 Unit 1 Assignment

Central Ohio Technical College
Division of Arts and Sciences
English/Communications Department
Spring Quarter 2011
March 28-June 3, 2010
Syllabus Part I

Course Title: Composition I

Course Number COM 1535N

Course Credit: 4 Credit Hours Class meeting times: online

Instructor: Andrea Janelle Dickens [e-mail] Office Hours: online, will check Monday and Wednesday evenings

Course Prerequisites:
Asset Placement or Passing grade of C or better in 1400, (or a score of at least 75 on the COMPASS writing skills test, and a score of at least 85 on the COMPASS reading skills test, or a score of at least 44 on the ASSET reading skills test.

** This course is not open to students
with credit for: 1111, 1502, 1506, 1508, 1511, 1520, 1532, or 1533. Minimum Passing grade for this course is a C (72% or 2.0) Course Description: Composition One is a writing intensive theme-based course that facilitates the development of college-level writing skills. Students will compose papers using expository writing while incorporating one’s own thinking with credible research using MLA format. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reading, thesis development and deep revision of one’s own compositions. The course also includes analysis of audience and theme in one’s own writing and the writings of others, while developing the student’s critical reading skills.

Course Goals:
Upon completion of this course the student should have mastered the following skills.

1.00 Critically evaluate and analyze various readings, print media, and visual media related to the course theme.

2.00 Analyze intended audience needs, backgrounds, and expectations to compose coherent essays that inform and persuade..

3.00 Comprehend and apply credible research sources using the conventions of MLA.

4.00 Produce research based college-level compositions which reflect the ability to comprehend varying points of view and to draw independent conclusions.

Required Resources:
Textbook: Faigley, L. (2010). Writing a guide for college and beyond (2nd ed.). Pearson Longman. You must have this edition of the text. The first edition does not contain the required critical readings.

Aaron J. (2010). The little, brown compact handbook with exercises (7th ed.).
Pearson Longman.

Course Theme: The American Experience (Course themes are subject to change on a quarterly basis)
Throughout the course students will be given the opportunity to analyze common constructs of contemporary American culture. We will explore various topics that may include, but are not limited to, pop culture, technology, and family structures. Utilizing readings from the text and additional resources, students will discuss, challenge, and evaluate the ever changing definition of what it means to live in the United States. Each of the writing assignments listed below will require an in-depth analysis of one’s own perceptions compared and contrasted with the views, experiences, and observations of American writers.

ITS Resources: Tech Connect http://www.cotc.edu/faculty-and-staff/it-support/Pages/index.aspx Student Services: http://www.cotc.edu/student-life/services/Pages/index.aspx
Library: http://www.cotc.edu/libraries/Pages/default.aspx

General Policies

Participation
In order to develop skills effectively, it is the responsibility of the student to check the syllabus for due dates, participate in all discussion group assignments, and complete all assignments on time. Students are responsible for all quizzes and tests, assigned readings, course content, and all assignments Failure to keep up with assignments, readings, and due dates will seriously jeopardize the student’s learning and ultimately, the final grade. No late work will be accepted, with the exception of a documented excuse i.e. a medical excuse or extreme circumstances (as deemed appropriate by the instructor). See Instructor’s Policies 2.

Instructor’s Policies

Students must keep work in progress (essays and critical readings) and completed work (essays and critical readings) saved on the student’s H-drive and on a CD/RW or a jump drive. All work must be typed in MLA format using Microsoft Word format using size 12 Times New Roman font and should be double spaced. Also, for your sanity and mine, back up your work by sending your papers /written assignments to your COTC email. For a sample MLA paper, see page 660 in the Faigley text.

**Wikipedia is not a credible source and will not be accepted as a source for any paper.

1. We are an online community of learners, and everyone is expected to treat one another, regardless of divergent opinions, with courtesy and respect. “Flaming” will not be tolerated.

2. Late work will not be accepted. If you experience extenuating circumstances (death in your family, extreme personal or family illness, or employment circumstances) you must contact me through email before assignments are due in order for them to be considered for late submission. Such arrangements are at the teacher’s discretion, and are not guaranteed.

3. Exams and quizzes may not be taken early. Notification of absence on exam day must be received not later than the day of the exam. Make up exams will not be permitted unless prior arrangements have been made. Make up exams will be taken in the Testing Center H53. 4. I will answer all student email during my posted office hours and at other available times. I promise to get back to you as soon as possible. My ‘virtual’ office hours are a time at which I will respond to emails from students.

5. All email correspondence should take place through Angel. This allows me to know where to find correspondence regarding the course, and helps make sure your questions and work do not get mis-filed.

6. If you send me an email, the message must contain a subject line and be written like you’re writing to a teacher, not IMing or texting a friend.

7. All papers must be submitted in Microsoft Word (No exceptions). All papers must be typed in Times New Roman font, size 12, and be double-spaced. If I cannot read a file, it will not be graded.

8. I will return graded work in a timely manner. Please check the ANGEL grade book regularly for updated grades.

9. To determine your current average in the course, add up the possible points. Then, divide your earned points by the possible points.



Last Day to Drop this class with a grade of “W”: May 20
Holiday: 30 May (Memorial Day)

College Evaluation; As part of COTC’s campus-wide assessment initiatives (quality assurance program) samples of student performance such as test results, projects, papers, etc. may be used. The data gathered will not identify individual students and is not related to the student’s grade for the course, but will be used to improve student learning at COTC. Course Evaluation:

Personal Reflection Paper
50 Points
2-3 pages
Using the writing process, students will compose a paper reflecting on their own experiences living in the United States. Students will focus on what they believe are some of the common characteristics of American culture, while emphasizing any one (or more) of the following topics: the role of pop culture, technology, and family constructs. Use of the first person (I and We) is acceptable for this paper. Use of the second person (you and all of its forms) is not acceptable.

Observation Paper
75 Points
2-3 pages

Students will observe a family gathering, festival, or other approved ceremony, celebration, etc that involves an ethnic group or group “outside” of their experiences.
Students may also observe films or other media resources. Interviews can also be included. A 2-3 page paper will then be composed recording the events observed along with the student’s reaction. You must observe something new for this paper; therefore, past experiences cannot be “observed” for this assignment. Use of the first person (I and We) is acceptable for this paper. Use of the second person (you and all of its forms) is not acceptable.

Evaluation/Analysis Paper
100 Points
3-4 Pages

Based upon the student’s own experience and the information gained from the from one assigned Faigley readings, a 3-4 page evaluation paper will be constructed by the student. This paper will be an analysis/evaluation paper. Important information regarding this paper can be obtained in the lessons tab in ANGEL. . In-text citations and a Works Cited page must be included with this paper; however, the Works Cited page does NOT count as part of the required 3-4
pages.

*Use your LB Handbook for Works Cited entries in an anthology: examples 26 and 27.
Use of the first person (I and we) and use of the second person (you and all of its forms) is not acceptable.

Position Paper (Research) Paper
125 Points
4-5 Pages (A minimum of 3 sources must be used: 1 credible internet source is allowed, 1 library database is required)

After selecting a contemporary American issue, students will compose a research-based paper defending his/her position. This paper must include an appropriate blend of personal reflection and credible research. A strong arguable thesis must be presented and appropriately defended. Important information regarding this paper assignment can be obtained in the lessons tab in ANGEL. Students will be asked to propose their topic ideas to the instructor for approval prior to beginning the writing assignment. Topics that are off limits are abortion, stem-cell research, and the death penalty.
Use of the first and second person is not acceptable for this paper.

Periodical Critique
10 Points
1 newspaper or magazine @ 10 Points (Using MLA format)
1-1 ½ pages required (including an MLA Work Cited, a summary of the article, and your opinion) Online Library Research Assignment
15 Points

Critical Readings
5 @ 10 Points each
50 Points total

Final Exam
65 Points

Preliminary Writing Assignment
10 Points

500 Total Possible Points

Grading Scale:

A 100 – 92 C 77 - 72 A- 91 - 90 C- 71 - 70 B+ 89 - 88 D+ 69 - 68 B 87 - 82 D 67 - 62 B- 81 - 80 D- 61 - 60 C+ 79 - 78 E 59 - 0

Note: The minimum passing score for Composition I is a C (2.0 or 72%).

Tentative Schedule: Always read ahead; you are responsible for this material whether we cover it or not on-line. Changes may occur in this schedule due to unforeseen events.

Date Reading Due Writing Due




















Final Exam date: TBA


Central Ohio Technical College
Division of Arts and Sciences
English/Communications Department
Autumn 2010
Sept. 22-Dec. 12 2010
Syllabus Part II

Course Number: 1535

Course Title: Composition I

Course Description: Composition One is a writing intensive theme-based course that facilitates the development of college-level writing skills. Students will compose papers using expository writing while incorporating one’s own thinking with credible research using MLA format. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reading, thesis development and deep revision of one’s own compositions. The course also includes analysis of audience and theme in one’s own writing and the writings of others, while developing the student’s critical reading skills.

Prerequisite: Asset Placement or Passing grade of C or better in 1400, (or a score of at
Least 75 on the COMPASS writing skills test, and a score of at least 85 on the
COMPASS Reading skills test, or a score of at least 44 on the ASSET reading skills test.
Student Performance Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will have mastered the following skills in the college writing process.

1.00 Critically evaluate and analyze various readings, print media, and visual media related to a designated course theme.
1.01 Examine and interpret the power of the written word.
1.02 Employ an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the course theme.
1.03 Analyze intended audience and patterns of development in visual and in written works.
1.04 Understand the ways in which various media communicate with intended audiences in different ways to achieve their goals.

2.00 Analyze intended audience needs, backgrounds, and expectations to compose coherent essays that inform and persuade.
2.01 Identify the characteristics of an effective thesis statement.
2.02 Develop an appropriate introduction.
2.03 Compose supporting body paragraphs using appropriate transitions.
2.04 Create an effective conclusion.

3.00 Comprehend and apply credible research sources using the conventions of MLA.
3.01 Differentiate between credible and non-credible research material and/or
sources.
3.02 Distinguish among popular, scholarly, and peer-reviewed sources of research.
3.03 Evaluate internet sources for credibility.
3.04 Identify the characteristics of MLA style papers.
3.05 Compose MLA papers using appropriate in-text and end-of -text citations.

4.00 Produce research-based college-level compositions which reflect the ability to comprehend varying points of view and to draw independent conclusions.
4.01 Identify various authors’ viewpoints and/or biases regarding the given topic.
4.02 Recognize one’s own biases and experiences and how they can affect one’s writing.
4.03 Distinguish between common knowledge and conjectural sources in regards to what needs to be documented.
4.04 Compose essays that reflect a balance of one’s own thinking with a blend of others.’

“Any student with a documented disability which may require special accommodations should self-identify to the instructor as early as possible in order to receive effective and timely accommodations.”

Any academic dishonesty-plagiarism, (cheating), will result in an automatic “0” for the first offense and referral to the Appeals Board. A second offense will result in automatic failure of course and dismissal of student from COTC. For more information on plagiarism, see COTC’s Student Code of Conduct at the following link:

http://www.cotc.edu/current-students/policies-procedures/Documents/Policies_Code_of_Conduct_09.pdf
Please review these policies before you submit your first paper.

Week 1:
28 Mar-1 Apr
Faigley 63-77
LB Handbook 90-96
Preliminary Writing Due
Week 2:
4 Apr.-8 Apr.
Faigley 78-120
Faigley 703-709
Critical Reading 1 Due: David Sedaris’ “Let it Snow”(p. 88)
Week 3:
11 Apr.-15 Apr.
Faigley 23-27, 29-37; 711-719
LB Handbook 355-359
Final Paper 1 due
Week 4:
18 Apr.-22 Apr.
Faigley 128-9; 151-161.
Critical Reading 2 due: “Wheels of Freedom: Bicycles in China” (p. 151)
Week 5:
25 Apr.-29 Apr.
LB Handbook readings 300-344
Periodical Critique due
Observation Paper due
Week 6:
2 May-6 May
Faigley 411-421; 432-439
Critical Reading 3 due: “Gangsta Rap and American Culture” (p. 432)
Week 7:
9 May-13 May

Paper 3 (Evaluation) due
Week 8:
16 May-20 May
Faigley 18-19; 466-476; 638-667
Critical Reading 4 due: “When Handouts Keep Coming, the Food Line Never Ends.” (p. 488)
Online Library Assignment Due
Week 9:
23 May-27 May

Critical Reading 5 due

Week 10:
30 May-3 June

Final Draft of Paper 4 (Position) due

The Communications Resource Center (CRC) Warner 206 is available for students who may need additional help with work.