Eastfield Community College English 1302 Syllabus Fall 2011 Course Title: English 1302 Section: 4008 (10:10 – 11:05 AM) Rm. C -280; MWF Instructor: Mr. James H. Spradlin Credit Hours: 3 Email contact: [email protected] : Office hours: by appt. only Textbook needed: Inventing Arguments (Brief 2nd Edition) Mauk and Metz Course Description: ENGL 1302 Composition II (3) This is a Texas Common Course Number. Prerequisite: English 1301 and have met Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standard in Reading and Writing. Course Description: In this course students refine the writing, research, and reading skills introduced in English 1301. A related goal is the development of critical thinking skills. Writing assignments emphasize argumentation and persuasion. Students will also write a formal research paper. (3 Lec.) Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 2304015112 Course Prerequisites English 1301 and have met Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standard in Reading and Writing. Course Description In this course students refine the writing, research, and reading skills introduced in English 1301. A related goal is the development of critical thinking skills. Writing assignments emphasize argumentation and persuasion. Students will also write a formal research paper. (3 Lec.) Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 2304015135 Intellectual Competencies  Reading—ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, including books, documents, articles, above 12th grade  Writing—ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience, above 12th grade  Critical Thinking—think and analyze at a critical level  Computer Literacy—understand our technological society, use computer-based technology in communication, solving problems, acquiring information. Exemplary Educational Objectives 1. To understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation 2. To understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and to select appropriate communication choices 3. To understand and appropriately apply modes of expression, such as, descriptive, expositive, narrative, scientific, and self-expressive, in written, visual, and oral communication 4. To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding5. To understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the development of exposition and argument 6. To develop the ability to research and write a documented paper and/or to give an oral presentation Guidelines English 1302 courses will require the following:  A minimum of three (3) formal essays that emphasize the different elements of argument, persuasion, and incorporation of academic research.  One (1) essay of argument or persuasion providing students an opportunity to focus on in depth academic research, synthesis, and documentation.  At least one (1) of the three required formal essays undergoes collaborative peer review.  Academic research introduced and practiced at all levels including the use of online databases, of the library collection, and of appropriate Internet resources.  Extensive discussion of and practice in the accurate use of MLA style documentation and in-text parenthetical citations.  Review and practice in MLA style formatting guidelines, grammar, and mechanics only for evident, problematic trends or with students individually as needed.  Readings from an assortment of resources, including student and professional writing, that model different elements of argument, persuasion, and incorporation of academic research. . Student Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to do the following: 1. to develop full-bodied paragraphs using the Jane Shafer method of example and commentary. 2. to read with a “critical eye” various modes of writing 3. to understand the methods of documenting sources 4. to write analytical essays that include an introduction with a clear thesis, transitions, well-developed body paragraphs using example and commentary, clincher sentences and a conclusion suitable for a specific audience and purpose 5. to identify rhetorical and literary devices 6. to read three library books from a specific list and to pass a reading comprehension exam for each book. 7. to complete an argument research paper using MLA format Attendance Policy: regular attendance is essential for success in this class. More than 3 absences (3 hours) would make it extremely difficult to pass this class because of the daily reading and writing demands. Make-up Policy: no make-up essays or exams will be allowed. However, each student will be allowed to drop one grade for the semester which could be a missed library book exam or essay (this does not include the research paper or final exams: these are mandatory). Any other missed tests or essays will be given a zero for credit. Under approved circumstances, late essays will count only 60% of earned grade. Late Work: Students have only one (1) week to make up a late essay or daily grade; book exams can not be made up. Tardy Policy: as with absenteeism, tardiness is not acceptable at Eastfield Community College; . Penalty for tardies: Tardy students (anyone not in the door by the time class starts) will lose 40% daily credit, meaning instead of earning full credit. the student will earn only60 % percent credit if assignment is completed.. Coming in tardy repeatedly can be costly over the semester. Students may make up a tardy by doing an assignment from textbook (see me). Limit on makeup work: students may do only five (5) makeup assignments for tardies or absences. Students have only one week to make up these assignments. Assignments and Grading Weights:In-Class Essays (5) 40% Book Exams (3) 20% Daily Work 20% (includes one oral report) The Research Paper 15% Final Exam 05% . Supplies: students need to bring to class everyday at least two blue or black ball-point ink pens, loose -leaf notebook and plenty of wide-lined paper, a paperback reference dictionary, A paperback Thesaurus is optional. Essay Format All essays must include the following: 1. blue or black