| Instructor: Dr. Jan Strever jstrever@scc.spokane.edu
Office: 239 A Old Main -- Office Hour: 10:30 -12:30 M-W-F
Phone: (509) 533-8035
Class homepage: http://ol.scc.spokane.edu/jstrever/fall201
Please read this syllabus very carefully and ask questions about any item that is
unclear to you. This syllabus is an agreement that defines our mutual expectations and
responsibilities as instructors and students in this course.
Overview of Course*
In this course you will learn to READ, REACT to what you read and then write about your
reactions. The course material will be learned through the following components:
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| Lectures: Will be offered on rhetorical terms, strategies, styles,
writing formats and the documentation process. |
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| Active class discussions: Participation through discussion is a vital
and mandatory part of class thus, all students will be expected to engage in discussion.
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| Seminar Papers: You will write short essays both in and outside of
class expanding on the essay format you learned in English 101. All of your essays will be
written in MLA format. |
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| Research Papers and/or Projects: You will write one 4-8 page research
essay using MLA format and one 6-10 page research paper.
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Course Outcomes:
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| The student will be able to write a clear, organized, detailed, college level essay
incorporating personal experiences as well as other sources in standard English both in
class and out of class. |
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| The student will be able to critically read and analyze professional and peer writing
and discuss this analysis using correct terminology. |
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| The student will be able to revise a draft and improve the quality of writing,
organization and content in subsequent drafts. |
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| The student will develop and/or refine his/her process for future writing in college
classes, in the work place, and in personal correspondence.
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| The student will be able to research and find information on a variety of topics in a
variety of ways. |
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| Students will become proficient at incorporating and analyzing research in their writing
while maintaining a personal voice. |
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| Students will better understand computer applications and be better able to experiment
with them. |
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| Students will understand the "flexible responsibility" necessary to succeed in
an online course. |
Responsibility Outcomes
A critical step in becoming a truly educated individual is that of taking
responsibility for one's own The following outcomes address this step:
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| Participating in class discussions in an informed and professional manner.
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| Asking questions when a concept is not clear.
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| Setting and balancing priorities.
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| Understanding and accepting consequences.
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| Demonstrating respect for others.
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Class Procedures and Requirements
1. Readings
Reading assignments are related to seminar questions for both in-class writing and out of
class seminar papers
2. Online Seminars
Once a week, all students are required to participate in a small group seminar. This will
take place with the Norton Connect software. What this means is that you will need to be
available for discussion on Wednesday and Thursday. You are expected to participate at
least two times during the day and/or evening at times that fit your schedule. This
is an asynchronous discussion. Our seminars focus on the week's readings and lectures, so
it is imperative to attend well-prepared. Read assignments carefully, marking important or
difficult passages, and take notes in the margin; write down questions you have. Active
participation is required and evaluated.
3. Seminar Papers
In addition to participating in the seminar discussion, you must have posted a completed
seminar paper in Norton Connect. A seminar paper is a 2 to 3 page analytical response to a
topic question designed by the instructor. It must be submitted according to manuscript
form -- first page without a title page. Use your handbook to help with formatting.
4. Research Essays
Academic writing most often requires research. Therefore, many papers will require using
either the text and/or outside sources; all students will be expected to demonstrate an
understanding of basic research and documentation skills. Two longer papers will require
this type of research. All papers should use MLA documentation form.
5. Weekly Discussion Board
Each week students are expected to respond to the questions posed for discussion.
6. Assessment Activities
In addition to writing assignments and class discussion, there might be reading quizzes,
both announced and unannounced, class activities, and self-evaluation opportunities. Each
assignment will be worth a certain number of points, and the total points for the quarter
will be the basis for your final grade. These points will be converted to percentages and
ultimately decimal grades based on the Community Colleges of Spokane's grading scale (see
catalog). You will be given a computer printout of your grades at least twice during the
quarter. You should also be keeping a record of your grades and all of your work in a
portfolio. This portfolio will be the basis for at least one self-assessment assignment.
If there is a question about your grade printout, we will have you submit your portfolio
for verification.
7. Reading Journal
Each Friday by midnight, students will submit a one to two page response to the
readings. These journals will be minimally marked
Participation and Attendance
1. Participation and good attendance are essential to a composition
class. Participation in this online learning community comes in the form of seminars,
discussions, and assignments. Meeting deadlines and attendance at the three class meetings
are mandatory.
2. Late Work and Withdrawals -- To receive credit for a seminar paper,
please turn it in at the time and date specified on the calendar. In addition, you
must have your seminar paper completed and posted on Norton Connect before you can
participate in the seminar discussion. In other words, you cannot attend your
seminar if you do not have your seminar paper completed and posted.
Seminar papers will not be accepted late; however, to allow for the unexpected, you may
turn in one seminar paper late without excuse or penalty if you submit it within one week
of its due date. To do this, you must post this late assignment in the Norton Connect Late
Paper Assignment. If you submit all seminar papers on time (in other words, if you do not
use your late-paper option), I will change your lowest seminar paper grade to full points.
There is NO late paper option for the research essays. You will know their due dates
well in advance and, therefore, should be able to plan for the unexpected. You should be
aware that I do not give "Z" grades lightly. If you stop attending the class, or
you decide to stop attending school altogether, please withdraw officially. If you are ill
and cannot come to campus, SCC can assist you in such a situation. |