Course Syllabus English 1301: Composition I Instructor: Teresa Trevathan Office: RC318g Telephone: 894-9611 ext. 4658 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: By appointment in the summer Text: Axelrod/Cooper: St. Martin’s Guide to Writing. 8th ed. In addition to the text, other requirements for the course include a working knowledge of computers and the Internet. Students must also have access to a computer and an e-mail address established. Scope/Purpose: The purpose of English 1301 is to help the student to understand and apply the standards of correctness in formal thought and the written English language. English 1301 helps the student to think well by teaching the student to read and write well through its focus on the writing process, on the use of appropriate grammar and diction, on the use of logic, and on the different methods of essay development. Collateral readings from all areas of the humanities are included. Instructional Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able: * to understand writing as a process; that is, writing conceived as a connected and interactive process which includes prewriting, writing, and revision; * to apply the principles of writing as a process and the analysis of audience and purpose to writing assignments; * to write an essay that follows the principles of unity and coherence and that is appropriately developed by means of narration, description, illustration, definition, process analysis, causal analysis, comparison and/or contrast, classification, argument, or persuasion; * to write an essay in standard English;* to understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking in the development of exposition and argument. Requirements: Students will write a minimum of eight essays, including the final exam; these essays will be graded according to the standards set forth in this policy statement. Students will read short stories, poems, and essays from all areas of the humanities, will participate in class discussions of the readings, and will be tested over the readings through quizzes, examinations, and written assignments. Individual instructors may also require additional writing assignments including, but not limited to, resumes, business letters, homework or reaction papers, and journals. Individual instructors may also require quizzes or examinations covering, but not limited to, grammar, reading assignments, logic, and rhetorical modes. Absence Policy: Since this is an Internet class, attendance is monitored through completion of assignments. If it becomes necessary to withdraw from the course, students MUST TAKE THE INITIATIVE to drop the class. STUDENTS WHO QUIT TURNING WORK IN WITHOUT OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE WILL RECEIVE AN "F." Students who are on financial aid and are not turning in work will be dropped. Plagiarism/Cheating: "Complete honesty is required of the student in the presentation of any and all phases of course work. This applies to quizzes of whatever length as well as to final examinations, to daily reports and to term papers" (South Plains College General Catalog). Except in extreme cases, disciplinary action in cases of cheating or plagiarism will be handled by and at the discretion of the instructor and, if necessary, in consultation with the departmental chairperson. Depending on the nature and the severity of the problem, individual instructors may assign penalties from zero for the assignment to an "F" in the course. Extreme cases may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from South Plains College Diversity Statement: In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction. Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger world andabout ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and can be. Disabilities Statement: Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Coordinator of Special Services. For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in rooms 809 and 811, Reese Center Building 8, 885-3048 ext. 4654. See WebCT Calendar for Assignments and Due Dates Instructor reserves the right to change due dates due to time constraints and student needs. Grading Policy: A student's work will be evaluated by means of A, B, C, D, or F: Superior, Good, Average, Poor, or Unacceptable. Numerical grades are assigned for convenience in averaging grades only. Late Work: Late assignments are deducted ten points for each class period late, except in cases of emergency. If such occurs, students should leave an e-mail message BEFORE the assignment is due to avoid the late penalty. Grading: Essays -----------------------------------------------------60 Listing Exercises-----------------------------------------------------30% Reading Quizzes/Discussion