ENG*101: Composition Section: 7, CRN: 3393 ENG*101: Composition Section: 11, CRN: 3398

MW 12:30-1:50 Beacon Hall 219 TR 3:30-4:50 Beacon Hall 219

Instructor: Karyn Smith Office: Beacon Hall 215H Drop-in* Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 2:00-2:45; Tuesday & Thursday 9:15-10:00 *No appointment necessary! Just stop byIll be there, and Ill make time for you. Appointments: Send me an e-mail to request a time to meet (if my drop-in office hours dont work with your schedule). Please give me at least 24 hours notice, and offer a range of available meeting times. Best way to contact me: KSmith@hcc.commnet.edu (Ill reply within 24 hours, Monday-Friday.) Write E101 in the subject line of all e-mails, and always sign your full name to every e-mail. Alternate contact info: My office phone number is 332-5133. (I will return calls during office hours.) Course Description: The study of skills necessary for effective written communication. The course includes analyses of outstanding prose works. The principles of rhetoric and logic are also applied in frequent writing assignments. Required Texts and Materials: *Johnson-Sheehan, Richard and Charles Paine. Writing Today. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2012. ISBN: 9780205210084. *A standard college-level dictionary. (Recommended online dictionaries: dictionary.com and www.m-w.com) * A notebook. *Two-pocket folders for your essays. *Regular access to the internet. (If you dont have the internet at home or work, you should plan to make regular use of HCC computer labs.) Summary of Major Assignments:
(Dates are subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Blackboard.)

Assignment Due Date Review: Complete Draft for peer review 9/16 Review: Revised Draft for a grade 9/18 OR 9/25 Rhetorical Analysis: Complete Draft for peer review 10/7 Rhetorical Analysis: Revised Draft for a grade 10/11 OR 10/16 Mid-term Learning Portfolio 10/11 OR 10/16 (Learning-Focused Reflection, Revision of your Review, and Rhetorical Analysis) Proposal: Complete Draft for review 11/4 Proposal: Revised Draft for a grade 11/11 OR 11/18 Argumentative Research Essay: Complete Draft for review 12/2 Argumentative Research Essay: Revised Draft for a grade see: Capstone Portfolio Class Presentation Based on Your Argumentative Research Essay 12/9 Capstone Portfolio 12/11, 3:30 p.m. (3:30 students) 12/16, 1:00 p.m. (12:30 students) (Learning-Focused Reflection, Revision of either your Rhetorical Analysis OR your Proposal, and Argumentative Research Essay)

ENG*101: Composition Section: 7, CRN: 3393 ENG*101: Composition Section: 11, CRN: 3398

MW 12:30-1:50 Beacon Hall 219 TR 3:30-4:50 Beacon Hall 219

Breakdown of Final Grade: 100 points: Review* 100 points: Rhetorical Analysis* 100 points: Proposal* 150 points: Argumentative Research Essay: Burning Question* *All major essays go through a required Peer Review drafting process. Some essays will be revised for your Portfolio work, and your Argumentative Research Essay will be revised based on your class presentation. Any essay that is submitted without going through the required process will earn a grade of 0. Essays that are not resubmitted when required will also earn a grade of 0. 100 points: Whichever essay earns the highest score this semester will be counted twice *You must write all 4 Essays in order to count your highest grade twice. If you do not write all 4 Essays, this grade will be recorded as a 0. 50 points: Final Class Presentation Based on Your Burning Question Research 200 points: Learning-Focused Reflection (Written at mid-term and at the end of the semester; 100 points each) 200 points: Class Participation (graded at mid-term and at the end of the semester) 1000 Possible Points Mid-Tern Grades will be assigned as follows: S= Satisfactory (Your grade at that time is passing, grades from A to C.) U=Unsatisfactory (You can do better: your grade is a C- or less.) N=No grade submitted Final Course Grades will be assigned as follows: 930+points=A 870-899=B+ 770-799 C+ 900-929=A830-869=B 730-769=C 800-829=B700-729=C-

670-69=D+ 630-669=D 600-629=D-

599 or less=F

To determine your current grade at any point in the semester, add up the total number of points youve earned, and divide that number by the total number of possible points thus far. Your earned points will be posted on Blackboard throughout the semester to help you keep track of your progress. NB: Many students have a target grade that they would like to earn in order to, for example, maintain financial aid or gain entry into a competitive program of study. If you are one of those students, start working for that grade TODAY. Be sure to stay on top of your work and to visit my office hours or send me an e-mail when you have questions or troubles with course materials. Im here to help you succeed, and I want the very best for you, but bear in mind that I cannot and will not magically turn (for example) C grades into (for example) A grades at the end of the semester. Grades of Incomplete: I will not allow a student to take an incomplete unless they have completed at least 60% of the coursework and they can provide official documentation of a truly exceptional set of circumstances. Failing Grades: Students fail my course for one of two reasons: either they do not complete the assigned work, or, they plagiarize their work. If you complete all of the assigned work, and you do not plagiarize, you should see your grades improve over the course of the semester. COURSE POLICIES Attendance: The number one way to succeed in ENG*101 is to attend every single class. Students who attend every class session should expect to passand even excelin ENG*101. 2

ENG*101: Composition Section: 7, CRN: 3393 ENG*101: Composition Section: 11, CRN: 3398

MW 12:30-1:50 Beacon Hall 219 TR 3:30-4:50 Beacon Hall 219

I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. I do not accept any form of documentation for absences. If you are absent on the due-date of a major assignment, you MUST provide official documentation of your absence in order to make up that work. No exceptions. In the unfortunate case that you do need to miss a class: E-mail me as soon as possible to let me know youll be absent. I dont need to know whyI count all absences the same, regardless of reason. E-mail at least two classmates for class notes. (Note: You can use the e-mail function on blackboard to get in touch with me and your classmates.) Check Blackboard for any missed work. After you get the class notes and missed work, be sure to stop by my office with any questions you have. Absence Penalties (taken from Class Participation points): First, Second, and Third Absences: -2 points each Every other absence: -5 points each Students who come to class without their textbooks will be marked as absent and will be subject to absence penalties. Late Arrivals/Tardies: Tardiness disrupts the class and will be penalized. You will lose two points from your Class Participation grade every time you arrive late to class. If you arrive to class more than 15 minutes late, you will be marked as absent and you will be subject to absence penalties. Essays and Classwork: The number two way to succeed in ENG*101 is to complete ALL assigned work: homework, readings, and major assignments. Readings and other assignments on the syllabus are due THAT DAY. If you do not have your work done, you will be marked as absent. Late Work For every assignment, you will have two deadlines: an earlier deadline if youd like to receive written feedback from me on your work, and a later deadline if youd just like a grade (with no written feedback from me). Students who choose the grade/no feedback option will have to visit office hours or schedule a time to meet with me if they would like to receive feedback. Essays submitted after the due dates will not be accepted. I do realize that occasionally life throws complications our way, but deadlines are important. To avoid turning in late papers, dont wait until the deadline to write on your assignment. If you work steadily on your assignments, you will write better and you will avoid being late. Handing in Your Work: All work must be posted on Google Docs and shared with ProfessorKSmith@gmail.com. Occasionally, I will also request a hard copy of your workI will indicate when hard copies are due on assignment instructions. I do not accept e-mailed papers for any reason. (This includes rough drafts.) 3

ENG*101: Composition Section: 7, CRN: 3393 ENG*101: Composition Section: 11, CRN: 3398

MW 12:30-1:50 Beacon Hall 219 TR 3:30-4:50 Beacon Hall 219

Your work will always be formatted according to MLA guidelines, printed on standard white paper, using a standard font (such as 12 point Times New Roman). I reserve the right to refuse work that is not properly formatted. I will NOT accept assignments: without draft work. about topics that I have not previously approved. if the topic has been changed without my approval. that do not follow assignment instructions. If your assignment falls into one of the above categories, I will hand back your work without a grade. You will have one week to fix the problem and your grade on the assignment will be reduced by 10%. Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty: Writing Today explains plagiarism in-depth in Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Citing Sources (pages 491-503). We will discuss this chapter and plagiarism in class. If youre unfamiliar with plagiarism, you should plan to read this chapter immediately. In addition, you must be aware of the Academic Dishonesty Policy on page 22 of the HCC 2013-2014 Catalog & Student Handbook: Academic Dishonesty Students of Housatonic Community College are expected to do their own work on assignments, laboratory exercises, quizzes, examinations and any other academic work. Academic dishonesty ultimately injures the individual and depreciates the value of grades received by other students. Cheating in any form is viewed by the faculty, the students and the administration as a most serious offense. Academic dishonesty can result in your receiving an F grade on the paper or exam in question, an F grade in the course, suspension from College, or expulsion from College. The last two penalties suspension or expulsion from College - can only be invoked through the Academic Dean. Faculty members may invoke the first two penalties - an F grade on the paper or exam in question or an F grade in the course. Faculty members try to explain to students exactly what is meant by academic dishonesty and plagiarism and what the penalties are at the beginning of the semester. If you are unsure of what the policy is or whether an activity might be considered academic dishonesty or plagiarism, it is wise to consult with the faculty member prior to undertaking the action or submitting the paper. The College Policy on Student Conduct (page 121 of the HCC 2013-2014 Catalog & Student Handbook) further requires that students: Demonstrate academic integrity by not engaging in conduct that has as its intent or effect the false representation of a students academic performance, including but not limited to: a. cheating on an examination, b. collaborating with others in work to be presented, contrary to the stated rules of the course, c. plagiarizing, including the submission of others ideas or papers (whether purchased, borrowed or otherwise obtained) as ones own, d. stealing or having unauthorized access to examination or course materials, e. falsifying records or laboratory or other data, f. submitting, if contrary to the rules of a course, work previously presented in another course, and 4

ENG*101: Composition Section: 7, CRN: 3393 ENG*101: Composition Section: 11, CRN: 3398

MW 12:30-1:50 Beacon Hall 219 TR 3:30-4:50 Beacon Hall 219

g. knowingly assisting another student in any of the above, including an arrangement whereby any work, classroom performance, examination, or other activity is submitted or performed by a person other than the student under whose name the work is submitted or performed; We will cover this topic extensively and early on in the semester. If youre worried that you dont understand the boundaries or definitions of plagiarism and academic dishonesty, please see me before the assignment due date. Should you engage in any form of Academic Dishonesty, either intentional or unintentional, my policy is as follows: 1st offense: Grade of 0 on the assignment; possibility of failing the course. 2nd offense: Final grade of F for the course. Cell Phones: I do not tolerate cell phone use during class time for any reason whatsoever. Cell phones should be turned off and kept in your book bag, coat pocket, or some other out-of-sight, out-of-mind place. If I catch you using your cell phone for any reason, you will be marked as absent for the day. Absences will result in penalties. Class Participation I encourage and enjoy lively classesmore important that liveliness, though, is a discussion focused on class material. Furthermore, class participation covers not only your contribution to class discussion, but coming to class prepared with your books and homework, bringing in drafts for group work, thoughtful collaboration and participation in group activities, and general effort and close attention to the activities of the classroom. Disruptive Behavior In the rare event that a student engage in some form of disruptive behavior (as defined by the Policy on Student Conduct on pages 121-122 of the HCC 2013-2014 Catalog & Student Handbook), I will follow the Procedure for Dealing with Disruptive Students explained on page 133 of the HCC 2013-2014 Catalog & Student Handbook. Extra Credit In the past, I have been known to occasionally give extra credit assignments. These assignments are always ask you to do work that will help you achieve course objectives. You should not expect to earn your grade based solely on extra credit, nor will I offer you special or individualized extra credit for any reason. Finally, I reserve the right to limit the amount of extra credit any student can earn for any reason whatsoever. Weather delays and cancellations: In the event that classes are cancelled, I expect you to keep up with the homework assigned during the day class was cancelled. If class is cancelled on a Monday, for example, when we return to school on Wednesday, you should have any assigned work from both Monday and Wednesday completed. Other: Ask questions when you feel confused! There are no silly/stupid questions, there are only questions that you need answered & dont ask. Communicate with me as soon as you run into problems. The sooner I know whats going on, the sooner I can help you. I cannot always help you after the fact. Finally, if you have any special learning needs, see me as soon as possible so I can accommodate those needs. We can also seek help from Disability Support Services. 5

ENG*101: Composition Section: 7, CRN: 3393 ENG*101: Composition Section: 11, CRN: 3398 COURSE INFORMATION

MW 12:30-1:50 Beacon Hall 219 TR 3:30-4:50 Beacon Hall 219

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION: The study of skills necessary for effective written communication. The course includes analyses of outstanding prose works. The principles of rhetoric and logic are also applied in frequent writing assignments. PREREQUISITES: Satisfactory score on placement examination or passing of an appropriate developmental course (usually ENG* 043). COURSE OBJECTIVES: GENERAL EDUCATION: 1.1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the humanities and their methods. 2.1 State a problem clearly. 2.2 Observe data accurately. 2.3 Analyze and organize facts and ideas. 2.4 Draw reasonable inferences from facts and ideas. 3.1 Write and speak clearly in standard English. 3.2 Receive and comprehend written and oral information. 3.3 Develop and explain a main idea. 3.4 Develop an argument to persuade an audience. 4.1 Collect and organize information about a topic. 4.2 Access information from libraries using printed and electronic sources. 5.1 Recognize ethical issues, both personal and public. 5.2 Understand the consequences of a decision or course of action. OTHER: Use formal conventions such as margins, titles, and pagination in accordance with MLA format. Demonstrate competence in grammar and mechanics. Differentiate among various logical principles such as fact, inference, and judgment. Learn standard elements of research, i.e. the library classification system, online book catalogue and databases, internet sources, reference books, indexes, and MLA documentation. Recognize plagiarism and the necessity of acknowledging sources. Identify basic elements of language to write grammatically correct sentences varied in structure. Organize sentences into properly structured paragraphs. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship between audience and purpose. Write several traditional academic essays (thesis, support, development, organization, transitions). Recognize and use different purposes and methods of development. Read, analyze, discuss, and write in response to college level texts, primarily works of nonfiction. COURSE CONTENT: PreWriting A. Brainstorming B. Choosing a Topic C. Narrowing a Topic D. Establishing a Thesis Organizing the Essay A. Audience B. Outline C. Introduction D. Middle Paragraphs E. Conclusion Revision A. Reconsidering Aim B. Reconsidering Tone C. Reconsidering Structure D. Multiple Drafts E. Peer Review

Editing A. Sentences Rhetorically Effective B. Word Choice C. Grammar D. Punctuation and Spelling E. Proofreading and Final Draft Methods of Development/Papers A. Description B. Narration C. Comparison D. Definition E. Classification and Division F. Cause and Effect

G. Persuasion/Argument (mandatory) H. Readings To Accompany Methods Research A. Library Tour B. Finding Books and Articles C. Taking Notes/Sources D. Documentation E. Plagiarism