San Jos� State University Department of English and Comparative Literature English 1A, Composition 1 (GE A2), Sections 27, 49, and 58, Fall 2011 Instructor: Professor Williams Office Location: Faculty Office Building 215 Telephone: 408-924-5063 Email: marytw53@gmail.com Office Hours: T/R 12:00-1:00PM, W by appointment Class Days/Time: T/R 10:30AM, 1:30PM, 3:00PM Classroom: HGH 124, HGH 217, BBC 205 Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Placement by the English Proficiency Test (EPT), or passage of an approved substitute course for the EPT. Course Description English 1A is the first course in SJSU�s two-semester lower-division composition sequence; it provides an introduction to baccalaureate-level composition, with attention to the �personal voice� and personal experience, on the one hand, and the more formal attitudes and demands of writing at the university (expository and argumentative essays), on the other. Students will develop college-level reading abilities, rhetorical sophistication, and writing styles that give form and coherence to complex ideas and feelings. In this composition class, we will focus on developing critical thinking skills that allow you to analyze writings and develop your own writing. We will be dealing with varying perspectives on several complex issues that cannot be resolved easily, some of which you may have strong feelings about already. Through addressing these perspectives, you will develop your tolerance of and appreciation for ambiguity, a hallmark of sophisticated thinking that will be required in several of your other college courses. You will also develop your writer's voice and learn to express your ideas effectively, from personal opinions to analyses of arguments. I encourage you to express yourself, and I will push you to explain your thinking and opinions in writing and in class discussions. In fact, much of the knowledge we will be making will be based on our discussions, so keeping up with the readings and thoughtfully considering differing perspectives is one key to your success in this course. Additionally, to be successful in this course, you need to want to develop and diligently work on your writing skills, whether you are a beginner or more experienced writer. All writers can improve; even the best ones continue to work on their writing. Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives Students shall achieve the ability to write complete essays that demonstrate college-level proficiency in all of the following: � Clear and effective communication of meaning; � An identifiable focus, tailored to a particular audience and purpose (argumentative essays will Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 1 of 7 state their thesis clearly and show an awareness, implied or stated, of some opposing point of view); � The ability to perform effectively the essential steps of the writing process (prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, and editing); � The ability to explain, analyze, develop, and criticize ideas effectively; � Effective use within their own essays of supporting material drawn from reading or other sources; � Effective organization within the paragraph and the essay; � Accuracy, variety, and clarity of sentences; � Appropriate diction; � Control of conventional mechanics (e.g., punctuation, spelling, reference, agreement). Student Learning Objectives SLO 1: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to perform effectively the essential steps in the writing process (prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, and editing). SLO 2: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to express (explain, analyze, develop, and criticize) ideas effectively. SLO 3: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to use correct grammar (syntax, mechanics, and citation of sources) at a college level of sophistication. SLO 4: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to write for different audiences. Information Available Online You are responsible for the following information online at http://www.sjsu.edu/english/comp/policyforsyllabi.html � Course guidelines � Academic policies (academic integrity, plagiarism, ADA and DRC policies) � Adding and dropping classes Required Texts/Readings Textbooks The Curious Writer, Concise Edition, Third Edition, Bruce Ballenger, Longman, 2009. ISBN-10: 0-205-78019-9 or ISBN-13: 978-0-205-78019-8 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology, Third Edition, Samuel Cohen, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2011. ISBN-10: 0-312-60965-5 or ISBN-13: 978-0-312-60965-8 The Bedford Handbook, Eighth Edition, Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. For the hardcover, order ISBN-10: 0-312-47974-3 or ISBN-13: 978-0-312-47974-9. For the softcover, order ISBN-10: 0-312-48013-X or ISBN-13: 978-0-312-48013-4 A college-level English dictionary, such as Merriam-Webster or American Heritage. Other material requirements Large examination booklets, at least one of them a yellow examination book for the final. Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 2 of 7 Classroom Protocol The following are expectations of your behavior and work ethic while in class, and are all based on the requirement that we respect each other, even when we disagree with each other's perspectives: You will be on time to class and stay the entire time. All electronic devices will be turned off and stowed before entering class, unless you have an exception from the DRC. Electronic devices used during class will be confiscated for the class period. You will participate in class discussions, exercises, quizzes, and all other classroom activities. When not speaking, you will actively listen during discussions; you will not text or speak while someone else is speaking. You will bring your books to each class meeting. You will come to class prepared to participate, having read the assigned readings for the day, having completed any homework, and having prepared questions or comments about the assigned readings. Quizzes and other class activities may not be made up. If you miss a class, ask a classmate what you missed, including assignments. If you miss class due to illness, please contact me via email to let me know, and bring a doctor's note when you return to class so you can make up any missed homework. Assignments and Grading Policy Readings: All readings must be done prior to coming to class on the day they are assigned. � There will be assignments and quizzes based on the readings. Quizzes cannot be made up if you miss class. � Be prepared to discuss the readings in class, bringing pertinent questions or making helpful comments. In-class essays: There will be three in-class essays throughout the semester, beginning with the diagnostic essay. � Bring large exam booklets, pens, scratch paper, and a non-electronic dictionary. If you do not use a large examination booklet, there will be a 10-point (10%) deduction on the essay grade. � In-class essays cannot be made up without a written medical excuse or other documentation I deem acceptable; within one week, there will be no penalty. � You will stay the entire class period to write the in-class essay. Out-of-class essays: There will be four out-of-class essays throughout the semester. � You will receive assignments detailing all of the requirements for out-of-class essays, including due dates and word requirements. � All essays must be turned in on time, in hard copy. I do NOT accept emailed or faxed essays. � Late essays will be accepted only with a written medical excuse or other documentation I deem acceptable; within one week, there will be no penalty. � The penalty for late essays that are not excused is a 10-point (10%) deduction for each calendar day late, up to one week late. After that, I will not accept late essays. � All out-of-class essays will follow MLA guidelines for formatting and citations; failure to follow MLA guidelines will result in significant point deductions. Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 3 of 7 � All out-of-class essays must be uploaded to turnitin.com prior to coming to class on the day they are due. Failure to upload the essay within one week will result in a grade of F. � Uploading the essay late will result in a 10-point (10%) deduction for each calendar day late. � Peer-edited essays (when part of the assignment) must be turned in with the final essay or there will be a 10-point (10%) deduction. Rubrics: All essays are graded with a rubric that includes four categories: content and ideas, style, organization, and mechanics. Rubrics will be distributed and discussed in class. In-class and out-ofclass essays will be marked in addition to the rubrics. Read all marks and comments. This feedback system is designed to help you improve your writing; you are responsible for understanding all marks and comments and showing progress in subsequent writing assignments by using the feedback provided. If you do not understand any marks or comments, see me. A problem once marked in an assignment will receive harsher deductions on subsequent assignment, so use the feedback to improve your writing. Please note: All written work (essays, reader responses, homework assignments) must demonstrate competency in the grammatical, syntactical, and mechanical conventions of Standard English in order to receive a passing grade. In this course, a grammatically, syntactically, and mechanically competent piece of writing is one that contains no more than two errors that impede clear transmission of meaning and does not repeat an error marked on a previous assignment. All essays must be written and turned in to pass the course. There is a 48-hour waiting period to see me about an essay grade. Workshops: Most out-of-class essays will be workshopped in class prior to the essay due date. � The workshop protocol will be distributed and discussed in class prior to the first workshop. � A completed rough draft will be finished prior to the workshop; outlines, incomplete, handwritten, or electronic essays are not acceptable. � Workshops count into the participation grade and the essay grade. � Workshops cannot be made up. Homework: There will be homework assigned every week in class, made up of reader responses, paragraph revisions, grammar exercises, research assignments, and additional readings not on the syllabus. � All homework must be typed using a 12-point font, stapled, and turned in on time by the due date and will be used for class participation. � Homework cannot be made up without a written medical excuse or other documentation deemed acceptable by me; within one week, there will be no penalty. � If you miss class, contact another student to get any homework assignments. Class Participation: Your presence in class is necessary for participation. Class participation will be made up of in-class exercises, quizzes, and discussions based on the readings and homework. The discussion portion (including large and small group discussion) of the class participation grade is assessed as follows: A = Regular, helpful questions and comments; fully engaged B = Occasional, pertinent questions and comments; good listening C = Infrequent, tangential questions or comments; attentiveness questionable D = Rare interaction; disengaged from discussion; not prepared for class F = Regularly absent, physically or mentally Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 4 of 7 Active class participation depends upon preparation done outside of the class, which includes reader responses, paragraph revisions, and all other written homework. These assignments will be assessed as follows: 5 points (A) = all tasks completed fully, accurately, and demonstrates competent writing 4 points (B) = all tasks completed, demonstrates competent writing, though may contain a minor error 3 points (C) = most tasks completed, demonstrates fair writing, perhaps including a major error or a few minor errors 2 points (D) = tasks incomplete, demonstrates weak writing, including several errors 1 point (F) = tasks incomplete or mismanaged, demonstrates weak writing including errors that impede meaning There is no extra credit for this class. Grading: A-F. This class must be passed with a C or better to move on to CORE GE Area C3 and to satisfy the prerequisite for English 1B. A passing grade in the course signifies that the student is a capable college-level writer and reader of English. Your final grade will be determined as follows: Essays: 65% Diagnostic--in-class essay, 500-600 words--0%, Essay #2--out-of-class--Literacy or Education Memoir, 1000 words--7%, Essay #3--out-of-class--Revision of Memoir, 1300-1400 words--11%, Essay #4--out-of-class--Critical Review, 1400-1500 words--12%, Essay #5--in-class--Assessing Arguments, 750-1000 words--10%, Essay #6--out-of-class--Argument, 1500-1600 words--15%, Essay #7--in-class--Practice Final, 750-1000 words--10% Class Participation: 8% (Class participation includes quizzes, discussions, workshops, grammar exercises, etc.) Homework: 7% (Homework includes reader responses, paragraph revisions, questions on the readings, etc.) Final Exam: 20% SJSU Writing Center If you need or want tutoring on any part of the writing process or developing your writing skills, see me during office hours or go to the Writing Center. Tutoring is free and the tutors are experts. My former students who have used the Writing Center have been pleased with their help and have improved their own writing skills. Remember that all writers can improve, so take advantage of this wonderful resource! The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall. It is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. The Writing Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/about/staff/. Student Technology Resources Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library. Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 5 of 7 English 1A, Composition, Fall 2011, Course Schedule The instructor reserves the right to modify readings, assignments, and deadlines as necessary. All changes will be communicated in class with ample notice. Additional readings and all homework will be assigned in class or via email during the course of the semester. Table 1 Course Schedule Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 1 August 25 Welcome to English 1A and to college! Introduction and syllabus review; "Me Talk Pretty One Day," Sedaris (from email or handout); Essay #2 Assignment-Writing or Education Memoir--1000 words; Handout: Rubric for Essay #2; Homework: Send me a well-written email that includes your full name and which class section you are in (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4). 2 August 30 September 1 Essay #1: Diagnostic--500-600 words: Bring large bluebooks, pens, scratch paper, and a non-electronic dictionary; Curious Writer (CW): 1-15, 39-48; (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) CW: 16-38, 75-87; 50 Essays (50): "I Just Wanna Be Average," Rose, 331-46 (SLO 2, 4) 3 September 6 September 8 CW: 49-73, 88-95; 50: "Learning to Read and Write," Douglass, 129-36 (SLO 2, 4) Review Diagnostic essays; grammar exercises using student sentences; CW: 96105; 50: "Learning to Read," Malcolm X, 257-66 (SLO 2, 3, 4) 4 September 13 September 15 Workshop Essay #2; Essay #3 Assignment--Revision and Extending the Critical Context of Memoir--1300-1400 words; Handout: Rubric for Essay #3 (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) Essay #2 DUE; CW: 363-73; 50: "Graduation," Angelou, 20-33 (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 5 September 20 September 22 CW: 374-81 (Focus on sections 10.5, 10.6, 10.9, and 10.10); 50: "The Fourth of July," Lorde, 239-44 (SLO 1, 2, 4) CW: 381-88 (sections 10.11, 10.12, and 10.15); 50: "The Ways We Lie," Ericsson, 159-69; Handout: Workshop Protocol (SLO 1, 2, 4) 6 September 27 September 29 CW: 393-403; 50: "The Declaration of Independence," Jefferson, 187-95 (SLO 1, 2, 4) Workshop Essay #3; CW: 96-97, 100-01 (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 7 October 4 October 6 DUE: Essay #3; Essay #4 assignment--Critical Review--1400-1500 words; Handout: Rubric for Essay #4; CW: 221-24, 233-40 (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) CW: 243-49, 107-11, 293-304; 50: "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions," Stanton, 379-82 (SLO 2, 4) 8 October 11 October 13 CW: 251-54, 124-27; 50: "Television: The Plug-In Drug," Winn, 438-47 (SLO 2, 4) CW: 131-39, 255-59; 50: "Kid Kustomers," Schlosser, 353-58 (SLO 2, 4) Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 6 of 7 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 9 October 18 October 20 CW: 134-35; 50: "Sex, Drugs, Disasters, and the Extinction of Dinosaurs," Gould, 169-78 (SLO 2, 4) Workshop Essay #4, CW: 255-56 (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 10 October 25 October 27 DUE: Essay #4; Essay #6 assignment--Argument--1500-1600 words; Handout: Rubric for Essay #6; CW: 173-83; 50: "Ain't I a Woman?" Truth, 410-11 (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) CW: 184-97; 50: "The Men We Carry in Our Minds," Sanders, 346-52; "Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Space," Staples, 383-86 (SLO 2, 4) 11 November 1 November 3 CW: 198-205; 50: "Serving in Florida," Ehrenreich, 136-45 (SLO 2, 4) In-class essay--Essay #5--Assessing Arguments--750-1000 words; CW: 179-84 (review) (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4); 12 November 8 November 10 CW: 207-12; 50: "A Modest Proposal," Swift, 387-96 (SLO 2, 4) CW: 213-19; 50: "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King, Jr., 203-20 (SLO 2, 4) 13 November 15 November 17 Workshop Essay #6; CW: 213-16 (review) (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) Essay #6 DUE; 50: "On Morality," Didion, 106-11; Handout: Rubric for Final Exam (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 14 November 22 November 24 In-class essay--Essay #7--750-1000 words--Practice Final (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) Thanksgiving--No Class! 15 November 29 December 1 December 3 Review In-class Essay #7; Prepare for final exam (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) Prepare for final exam (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) Final Exam--Saturday, 8:00AM! 16 December 6 December 8 Semester Reflection--250-500 words (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) Cumulative Quiz! Final Exam December 3 8:00AM, place to be determined. Williams, English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 7 of 7