ENGLISH 1301 COMPOSITION I COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Description
ENGLISH 1301 is a study of the principles of composition with emphasis on language, the mechanics of writing, types of discourse, and research and documentation.

Course Objectives
The goals of Composition I are to promote
            •  critical thinking, reading, and writing;
            •  clear, coherent, confident, and effective communication;
            •  collaborative writing and learning.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of English 1301, students should be able to
•  identify rhetorical purposes and methods of organization appropriate to topic, thesis, and   audience;
•  collect, read, analyze, and use information from a wide range of sources;
•  write a coherent essay observing appropriate grammatical, mechanical, and stylistic
    conventions;
•  evaluate, edit, and revise at all stages of the writing process.
 
 
Requirements
All students in all sections must receive “Accepted” on 4 to 6 essays to be eligible to receive a Test Permit for taking the Departmental test.  Of these essays, one will be a research paper of at least 1000 words, and one will be a textual analysis.  The research paper will use MLA style and will require a minimum of three sources, including at least two different types of sources. The remaining essays will achieve at least two of the following rhetorical aims:  expressive, literary, referential, and persuasive.  Together, all papers will comprise a minimum of 3500 words.  In writing each essay, students will use one or more of the following methods of development:  cause and effect, comparison/contrast, classification, definition, description, illustration, narration, process analysis, and evaluation. 

The students will also complete The Info Game, http://library.austincc.edu/infogame.htm, an on-line information literacy program.  Additional assignments are required for the grades of “B” and “A.”  Instructors may also assign readings, quizzes, multiple drafts, and other activities that affect final grades.  Instructors will provide specific written guidelines for each assignment and may require part or all of at least one paper to be written under supervision.

DEPARTMENTAL TEST:  The Departmental test will be taken under supervision in the Testing Center.  Given a selection to read, you will write an interpretive essay of at least 750 words analyzing the selection.  The Departmental test will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "RETEST" only.  If you do not pass on the first try, you may retest twice.   Your essay must include a summary, analysis, and evaluation and must demonstrate the following: 

            •   coherence, critical thinking, and an understanding of the selection's thesis,
                 purpose(s), and method(s) of organization;
            •   adherence to stylistic, grammatical, and mechanical conventions.
 Note from Ms. Buck: If you must retake the Departmental Test, you should plan to stop with a B or a C as you will not have time to go on for the A.

"B" Requirement:   Write an essay according to guidelines provided by your instructor.  Minimum length: 1000 words.  Your instructor may provide an alternative assignment.

"A" PAPER:   Following guidelines provided by your instructor, write an essay using two or more sources on a similar topic.  Minimum length:  1000 words.  MLA Documentation required.

Enrollment in ENGL 1302 requires credit for 1301, or its equivalent, with a least a grade of “C.”  Instructor will verify.

Grading
Your final grade will be determined by the grade level you complete.  Each paper will be marked "ACCEPTED," "EDIT," "REVISE," or "REWRITE."  (You may submit only one paper at a time; when one is ACCEPTED, you may submit the next one.)  In addition, compliance with your instructor's point system for deadlines and activities may determine your eligibility for a grade of "B" or "A."
 
     ACCEPTED:   the paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment and is relatively free of    grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. 
    
     EDIT:  the paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment but contains errors.  You must
                 avoid similar errors in subsequent papers in order to progress in the course.   
    
     REVISE:   the paper needs improvement in style, organization, or development. 
     REWRITE:  the paper does not fulfill the objectives of the assignment.  

Your instructor may establish deadlines by which you must complete a specific number of assignments or be subject to WITHDRAWAL from the course.  It is your responsibility to know whether your instructor will withdraw you if you do not meet such deadlines. Note from Ms. Buck: All due dates are listed on our calendar. The Late Paper Policy is stated in the grading document. I will NOT drop you. If you have NOT finished at least Papers 1-4 and the Ctest by the date indicated on our calendar, DROP THE CLASS to avoid an F as a final grade.
 

Scholastic Dishonesty
Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty (e.g., cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work).  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as (but not limited to) tests and quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework. 

Student Freedom of Expression
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class.  In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints.  These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn.  On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor.  It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.  

Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.