Calumet College of St. Joseph

SYLLABUS FOR RHETORIC & COMPOSTITION I

 

Term:  Fall, 2001-2002 (011) (Sept. 4 - Dec. 15)                                                      

Course Number: ENG 103y;         ENG103Y

Instructor:   Ms. Kimberly Allen

Office:  515

Office Phone: 219-473-4294

E-mail:  kimberlyallen@prodigy.net

Office Hours:  Before and after class or by appointment

 

Instructor Background: MA, English, Indiana State University, 1995                                                                                    BA, English,  St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, 1993

 

Adjunct faculty, Department of English, Calumet College of Saint Joseph, 1999-present

Adjunct faculty, Department of English, Indiana University Northwest, 2001-

 

Course Time: 7:00 - 10:00pm

 

Course Description:

English 103 is the study and practice of correct, lively, and clear writing.  In this course, we employ the writing workshop method of developing correct writing through both small and large group discussions,  reading and writing.  This course must be taken in the student's first semester at the College.

 

The writing workshop method also stresses revision.  Revision is an important part of the writing process, and papers should be revised and edited before placement in the student's portfolio.  While there will be no minimum page count for the portfolios, it would be very difficult for a student to pass without a substantial amount (45-50 pages) of writing and revision.

 

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies:

Students in this course will:

 

·                     Write sustained, well-developed pieces of prose.  This includes the competency exam given at the end of the semester. 

                Definition follows:

                1.             Central ideas clearly stated

                2.             Supportive material supportive and substantive

                3.             Ideas developed logically and clearly

                4.             Main points and supporting material ordered logically

                5.             Clear focus

                6.             Paragraphing used effectively

                7.             Word choice/sentence structure used appropriately

                8.             Mechanics used appropriately/effectively

 

·                     Identify the differences between personal and academic writing

 

·                     Develop a proficiency in using computer technology for writing papers

 

 

 

Textbooks:

CCSJ     The Mercury Reader

Hacker   A Writer's Reference

Wright    Black Boy

 

Learning Strategies:

·                     Class discussions (both large and small group)

·                     Writing (journal writing, in-class exercises and formal assignments)

·                     Collaboration and sharing of ideas concerning the entire writing process: prewriting, drafting, and revision

 

Assessment:

All writing classes use the portfolio as the primary means of assessment.  Overall portfolio, student progress, attendance/participation, and ability to meet ruberic standards will determine final grades.

 

Portfolio                                                                                                 70% of grade

Class participation, attendance, assigned exercises                  15% of grade

Journal                                                                                                  15% of grade

 

 

Class Policy for Assignments:

All assignments must be handed in on time.  With proper explanation, late papers my be accepted (at the instructor's discretion).  Turning in late papers will affect your final grade.  No more than two (2) late papers will be allowed.

 

Grading Scale:

A: 92-100                A-: 90-91               B+:  88-89     B: 82-87         B-:  80-81    C+: 78-79

C: 72-77                 C-: 70-71              D+:  68-69     D: 62-67         D-:  60-61    F:  59 & below

 

Class Policy on Attendance:

All Writing classes allow NINE (9) hours of absences.  This includes both excused and unexcused absences.  Any student missing more than nine hours of class will receive an F.

 

Class Policy on Electronic Devices:

The use of cell phones, beepers, or pagers during class is distracting and inconsiderate.  Please do not use these devices during class.  If you need to make calls, check messages, etc., do so outside of the writing lab, during the class break.

 

Course Outline:

Listed below is a schedule of topics for the semester.  I will hand out a separate reading/writing schedule for you to follow.  Please note that this schedule might change during the course of the semester (depending on time, class needs, etc.)

 

Class Dates:                                                                                                       Topics:

                                                                ENG103: THURSDAYS

September 6                                                                                                        Into. to class/Letter

September 13                                                                                                      Process Analysis ("how-to")

September 20                                                                                                      Narration ("how-it-happened")

September 27                                                                                                      Letter on Your Behalf

October 4                                                                                                              Conferences

October 11                                                                                                           Comparison/Contrast

October 18                                                                                                           Library Orientation/Persuasion

October 25                                                                                                           Cause and Effect

November 1                                                                                                          Summary

November 8                                                                                                          Conferences

November 15                                                                                                       Competency Exam Review

November 22                                                                                                       Thanksgiving--no classes

November 29                                                                                                       Competency Exam

December 6                                                                                                         Discuss Portfolio Assessment

December 13                                                                                                       Final Class--Portfolio Due

 

 

 

Class Dates:                                                                                                       Topics:

                                                                ENG103: MONDAYS

September 10                                                                                                      Into. to class/Letter

September 17                                                                                                      Process Analysis ("how-to")

September 24                                                                                                      Narration ("how-it-happened")

October 1                                                                                                              Letter on Your Behalf

October 8                                                                                                              Conferences

October 15                                                                                                           Comparison/Contrast

October 22                                                                                                           Library Orientation/Persuasion

October 29                                                                                                           Cause and Effect

November 5                                                                                                          Summary

November 12                                                                                                       Conferences

November 19                                                                                                       Competency Exam Review

November 26                                                                                                       Competency Exam

December 3                                                                                                         Discuss Portfolio Assessment

December 10                                                                                                       Final Class--Portfolio Due

 

 

Class Participation:

This class is a workshop.  This means what goes on in class is extremely important.  It is absolutely imperative that you attend all the classes and participate fully in class discussions.  Students should come to class prepared, having completed all assigned readings and writing assignments.

 

Center for Academic Excellence:

Tutoring assistance is free to all students of Calumet College of St. Joseph. Call the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), to make an appointment at 473-4287. The Center has experienced and well-trained tutors in most subject areas to help students who are struggling in a course or who are doing well and would like to do better. Regular weekly tutoring sessions are likely to improve your grade.

 

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances. (Academic Planner 2001/2002 p.27)  NOTE:  Papers for this course may be checked for plagiarism, via a new web service, www.turnitin.com.

 

Citation Guidelines:

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as prescribed by the particular discipline (i.e., MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian.).  All of these guidelines are available in the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or bookstore.  These texts outline how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

 

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. Written request for withdrawal must be received by the Registrar by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Note: Degree Completion Division (DCD) students should consult the DCD Student Handbook for information on DCD withdrawals.

 

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).