Since this is a web-enhanced course, we will take advantage one of its features: the discussion board. Each week students are expected to respond to the week's prompt for five (5) points; these points enhance a students overall grade points, as questions are presented to provoke and stimulate student thinking. Students have only one week to respond to the week's question. After the week lapses, points will not be awarded. Moreover, we would encourage each student to read her peer's responses. While your response to the question may be worth 5 points; you will receive points only if you respond within the allotted time frame and you actually try to say something -- scribbling a throwaway sentence is not deemed an appropriate, academic response.  You will have exactly one week to respond, from Sunday to the following Saturday night at midnight.

Journal Sequence:  Readings and Reading Journal

Writing in your reading journal three days a week will encourage active participation in the reading/writing experience. Keep your journal in a three (3) clasp binder, as I will collect it at the end of the quarter. A reading journal related to each week's assignments is required. 

Weekly Writing Assignments from Journal

At the end of each week, you will be expected to read through your journal, find one entry that interests you and re-write that entry. This re-write will be typed, then turned in at the beginning of the first day of the class week. Typed journal entries (TJEs) are given points rather than grades. A check () is worth 10 points, a plus (+)=12 points, a plus-plus (++)=14 points, and a minus (-) will earn zero points.

Essays

To pass the class, you will write at least four revisable essays over the course of the quarter and three proctored, non-revised essays which are an entrance, mid-term and final exam.   All essay grades carry equal weight. Particular expectations will be given with each assignment. Keep all essays written during the quarter. To meet eligibility requirements for entrance into English 201 (a grade of 2.5 or higher), your writing must pass a departmental portfolio at the end of the quarter. 

Peer Feedback

Giving and receiving feedback is a vital part of the class and of learning. One day each week will be dedicated to the reading of each other's work. While you may think that you have nothing to offer, you would be surprised to know that your experience and knowledge will lend itself in a most efficient way in this class as long as you give it your best effort.

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. Of course, I will teach your what this means when the time comes for you to use it.

English 101 Exit Portfolio  

All students must pass the Exit Portfolio in order to pass out of English 101.

Assessment Activities 

In addition to writing assignments and class discussion, there will be 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).   Students should keep a record of grades and all of your work in a portfolio. This portfolio will be the basis for at least one self-assessment assignment. Please keep a copy of each and every assignment that you turn in to me.

ATTENDANCE AND OTHER HOUSEKEEPING POLICIES:

1. Keep in regular contact with your instructor and other class members. The two on-campus meetings are mandatory -- there are no exceptions. If you miss one of the meetings, you have not met the requirements of the class and cannot pass the class with a 2.0 or better.

2. Please familiarize yourself with what constitutes plagiarism and the consequences of it.

3. All papers and assignments are due at the time listed on the class web page.

4. Participation and good attendance are essential to any class. Meeting deadlines and attendance at the class meetings are mandatory, online or real time.

5. Allow plenty of time for your various homework activities--online classes are work and time intensive. 

6. This writing course will largely be a workshop. You are expected to play an active role as a member of a community of writers.

7. The key requirement is to be prepared and to participate and to do all of the assigned work -- readings and writings -- on time. You are responsible for all information presented in the class, whether or not you log-on to retrieve it.

8. If you have anything that might hinder your progress in this class, you need to let me know, so that I can help you. If you have special accommodations that need to be made to ensure your success in class, I need to be notified during the first part of the quarter.  

9. To receive credit for an assignment, please turn it in at the time and date specified.

10. Papers will not be accepted late; however, to allow for the unexpected, you may turn in one paper late without an excuse or penalty if you submit it within one week of its due date. To do this, you must attach your late paper certificate to the front cover. If you submit all papers on time (in other words, if you do not use your late-paper option), ten points will be added to your overall grade points at the end of the quarter.

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. 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, S.C.C. can assist you in such a situation.

Responsibility Outcomes

A critical step in becoming a truly educated individual is that of taking responsibility for one's own learning. The following outcomes address this step:

		Participating in class discussions in an informed and professional manner.
		Asking questions when a concept is not clear.
		Setting and balancing priorities.
		Understanding and accepting consequences.
		Demonstrating respect for others.

CLASS MATERIALS

Textbooks:

English 101 Handbook.
Nine Parts of Desire
 Best American Essays
1 Three Clasp Folder
2 Manila folders

Grading

To encourage you to take ownership of your progress in class, we will use web grading. You can access your grades at

https://secure.scc.spokane.edu/UserSpace/default.asp

Your user name is the first initial of your first name combined with your last name. For example, mine would be jstrever. 

If you have questions or concerns about a particular grade, please use the comment feature in the gradebook to notify me of the concern.  Also, please notify me within one week of the publication of the grade, so that we can stay current. I will not back track further than that, so do yourself a favor and stay on task. Moreover, let's be discrete about your grades -- if a problem arises, please arrange an appointment with me to discuss it.

A final comment about grades: please be advised if I find that students are spending an inordinate amount of time worrying their grades, as a dog worries or gnaws a bone, I will delete this feature from the class.

Click here to find out point percentages.

**I reserve the right to change the syllabus at any time (when I do, it is usually in your favor). Keep this syllabus handy for when you need it!