English 84

e-Mail:
daughdrill.j@mccd.edu

Phone:
(209) 381-6533

Office:
IAC Bldg. C
(IAC-245)
[view campus map]

Office Hours :
M,T,W,TH:
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday:
11:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m.
Or by appointment

English A

 Purpose and Rationale for the Course

The intention of this course is to further develop writing skills through several formal writing assignments, a few informal writing exercises, and grammar practice. Through class discussions, prewriting, writing, peer revisions, and rewriting, students will move to proficiency over the course of the semester. However, in order to be considered proficient, a student must do the following:

Expected Student Outcomes

• Make the appropriate connection between reading, critical thinking, and writing
• Be able to write at the English 1A entrance level.
• Make a claim/thesis
• Support a claim with relevant examples and details
• Develop support with appropriate methods, such as:
• narrative
• comparison/contrast
• illustrations/examples
• cause/effect
• argument
• Organize a documented multi-paragraph essay (of approximately 1000 words) with appropriate structure & documentation style.
• Make the best use of various appropriate resources, including the library, for research and acquaint himself/herself with study techniques and skills necessary for success in college.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of sound grammatical principles.
• Utilize writing resource tools, such as thesaurus, handbook of writing skills, and dictionary.
• Recognize the different levels, types, and formats of information including but not limited to primary vs. secondary, and popular vs. scholarly.

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Required texts--Sideways by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Joe College by Tom Perrotta, and The Brief Wadsworth Handbook by Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell.

Supplies--one 10x12 or larger clasp envelope; photocopies of your work as needed; portable storage device (pen drive); 200 page notebook; lab folder

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Students will complete four out-of-class essays that will range from 1000 to 1500 words, several in-class writings--including an in-class midterm and in-class final, and freewriting exercises. The in-class and the freewriting exercises will be used for class discussions, as springboards for your essays, and will be viewed regularly. The essays will be focused on identity, a subject with which all are familiar. Students will complete two drafts for the out-of-class essays, except for the first essay for which students will write three drafts, the first to be reviewed by me. The first drafts of all essays but the first will be reviewed by a small group of classmates. The final draft will be turned in for a grade. Students will be allowed either one rewrite and one late paper, but only if s/he has turned in all drafts, which fulfill all essay requirements, of that particular essay. 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.

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The class will focus on a theme of literacy. We will discuss and read and write about personal literacy, academic, and professional literacy. We will also read from Kirszner and Mandell's text. The class will make connections between the various texts through reading and discussion. Students will be expected to respond to out-of-class readings through several in-class writing assignments.

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Regular attendance is expected, and I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. If a student misses a class, s/he can not make up the work, regardless of excuse, but s/he should get notes from a classmate. A student is allowed three absences; on the fourth absence, I drop the student. I do accept one late paper, but it must be turned in no later than one week after the final draft due date of the offending paper.

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Because other courses require students to research and utilize that research in papers and other assignments, in this class students will be required to do research and incorporate it into the shorter papers in a minimal fashion and in a more comprehensive fashion in the term paper. This will give everyone practice in analyzing others' opinions and ideas, summarizing those ideas and opinions, and quoting and paraphrasing them in papers. Students combine experts' ideas with their own thoughts while simultaneously building a knowledge base.

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Students are expected to act in a collegiate manner. Thus, cell phones, iPods, and other electronic equipment will not be tolerated. Make sure these devices are inoperable during class time. Disruption of class will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Additionally, children are not allowed in class, for it is against the law. Finally, regular attendance, participation, and engagement are instrumental to your success in this class.

Supplemental Instruction

In this particular section of English A, we will have a Supplemental Instruction leader, Katie Mackey, who will be conducting outside of class study sessions two to three times per week. Though participation is not mandatory, it will aid those struggling in this class. (Typically half the class struggles.)

Grading will be decided by a point system; there are twelve hundred total points for the class, so students will be able to calculate their grades throughout the semester.