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English
1A
Purpose
and Rationale for the Course
The intent of
this course is to further develop writing skills through several
formal writing assignments and a few informal writing assignments,
to introduce students to explore post modern thought with a variety of topics, and to prepare
students for future academic and real world reading and writing
tasks.
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Course Goals
Expected Student Outcomes:
The student will learn to write clear and logical prose and to read college-level texts closely and effectively. Specific areas of study in composition include: A. Organization B. Strong paragraphing C. Effective language and style D. Tight and logical claims and premises E. Research skills F. Revision Specific areas of study in reading include: A. Identifying main ideas and supporting ideas B. Studying historical and theoretical backgrounds of published material C. Analyzing rhetorical modes or techniques D. Recognizing voice, tone, and point-of-view E. Building critical vocabulary F. Formulating critical evaluation
Course Requirements
Introduction: You must fulfill all requirements listed below with a satisfactory mark to receive a passing grade.
Requirements: 1. Four out-of-class essays 2. Two in-class essays 3. 8 Discussion Forums 4. Five Chat Rooms 5. 4 Grammar Exercises 6. Four Peer Revision Exercises
Policies
Introduction: Students are expected to act in a collegiate manner. Students should also be prepared to be challenged, intellectually and morally, by the books we read and the ideas we discuss. If a student finds something in this class offensive, I suggest s/he find another class or transfer to a college whose ideas mirror his/her own. Furthermore, cheating in any of its forms, using another person's answers, plagiarizing, et cetera will be reported to proper officials. Finally, regular participation and engagement are instrumental to your success in this class.
Additional information : Students will be allowed either one rewrite or one late paper, but only if s/he has turned in all drafts, which fulfill all essay requirements, of that particular essay. The late paper must be turned in no later than one week after the final draft due date. Any other late papers or assignments will not be accepted. All assignments must be keyboarded. Failure to turn in a paper will prevent a student from passing this class. All assignments must be received by midnight of their due date.
Texts
and Supplies
 Required
Texts: Required Texts: The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls , and Letters from the Earth by Mark Twain. I recommend that you purchase a handbook.
 Supplies--Clasp envelope, photocopies of your work as needed, notebook,
and portable storage device such as a cd rom or Pen Drive.
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Troubleshooting
At times, the MC distance learning server goes down. If this happens, simply wait a few hours and it should be back online. (Our technical support staff pride themselves in being and realize that you depend on a reliable server.) If the server remains down for more than 24 hours, I will adjust the syllabus to account for the lost time. When the server is down, you may want to email me at this special emergency email daughdrill.j@mccd.edu. I will try to check this email on a regular basis--even on the weekend. Again, if the server is down for just awhile, I will expect that we will continue with the schedule as posted.
Netiquette and Communicating in An Online Environment
The Internet allows users to employ language in a way they feel comfortable. Nevertheless, this is a college course, one that requires that students utilize their best English. To this end, refrain from using abbreviations (btw) or symbols (O:) as some do not understand them, and, more importantly, they do not meet the level of diction (word choice) for which you should strive. Also, one should be aware of his/her audience, whose diverse makeup includes different backgrounds, religions, ages, ethnicities, and genders.
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Grades
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Out-of-class papers - 600 points |
In-class papers - 200 points |
Dictations - 100 points
(25 apiece) |
Peer Revision 100 points
(25 per essay) |
Final 100 points |
Chats 100 points (20 point apiece) |
| 2000
points possible; 1080 -1200 = A; 960 - 1079 = B; 840 - 959 = C;
720 - 839 = D; 719 and below = F |
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Amendments
I reserve the right to revise the syllabus and course calendar; of course, sufficient warning will be given.
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