Course Syllabus
English 101: College Reading & Composition I
Fall 2021
Sections 17467, 17470 and 18826• 3 Hrs 20 Min/Week • Canvas
Instructor: Ayra L. Quinn, Ph.D.
Email: QuinnAL@lamission.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 10:00AM-12:00PM, Friday 9:00-10:35AM (Off Campus)
Catalog Description
Prerequisite: English 28 or ESL 8 or appropriate skill level demonstrated through the ENL assessment process| Lecture 3 hrs
Develops proficiency in college-level reading and writing through the application of the principles of rhetoric, argument, and critical thinking. Students will write expository essays based on college-level readings. Emphasis is placed on the research paper. This course requires the writing of a minimum of 6000 words in essays and a research paper.
|
Student Learning Outcomes |
|
#1. Students will be able to produce a unified essay of 1,000 words that shows mastery of critical thinking, logical organization, and mechanics.
|
Required Text
Axelrod and Cooper. The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing with 2016 MLA Update. ISBN: 978-1319087715
Course Requirements and Grading Scale
Writing Assignment #1: Extended Definitions 100 points
Writing Assignment #2: Compare/Contrast 100 points
Writing Assignment #3: Argument 100 points
Writing Assignment #4: Research Paper (6-8 pages) 100 points
Final Exam 100 points
Canvas Reading Quizzes 100 points
Other Assignments 150 points
Total: 750 points
Grading Rubric for Major Writing Assignments
A = Excellent
- Goes above and beyond in meeting the requirements of the assignment. Demonstrates high-level thinking with a sophisticated, creative, and well-supported thesis. Writing style is fluid, compelling, and engaging. Essay is cohesive throughout, MLA format is strictly observed, and there are few, if any, errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
B = Good
- Effectively satisfies all the requirements of the assignment. Thesis is strong, but perhaps could be further developed. Support is effective overall. Organization is logical. Writing style is appropriate for the course. MLA format is strictly observed, and there are some errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
C = Satisfactory
- Satisfies all the requirements of the assignment, but thesis could use more development. Argument is supported and organization is logical, but overall could be more effective. MLA format, grammar, punctuation, and syntax need improvement.
D/F = Unsatisfactory
- Does not satisfy all of the requirements of the assignment. There is either no thesis or the thesis is unclear/underdeveloped. Organization is illogical. MLA format is not strictly observed. Errors in grammar, punctuation, and syntax hinder effective communication.
Canvas Login/Help
Before the first day, please visit the Canvas login page at the link below and log on. You can find the syllabus, schedule, and other relevant materials at http://ilearn.laccd.edu. Use your SIS log in.
Tutorials:
How to change your password: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2893
How to set your notification preferences: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1286
How to reset your password if you forget it: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1517
I also encourage you to download the Canvas smart phone app. I recommend that you use Chrome or Firefox when using Canvas; Internet Explorer often creates issues with Canvas.
Canvas Site: http://ilearn.laccd.edu
Canvas Orientation: https://community.canvaslms.com/videos/1124
Canvas Phone App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/canvas-by-instructure/id480883488?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instructure.candroid&hl=en
Technical Access and Skills
An online course requires consistent access to a computer, a strong, reliable internet connection, and some basic knowledge on using email, word processing programs, and internet browsing. If you are not competent in these skills, consider taking a traditional lecture class.
The minimum computer requirements are:
Computer: either a Mac or PC with modem/wifi.
Broadband or high speed internet access is preferred and is required to view the videos.
Software: Web browser software, preferably Firefox or Chrome, e-mail address and a word processing program.
Get Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
Get Chrome: https://www.google.com/chrome
Students who do not have regular computer access may use computers in the campus Learning Resource Center. Be sure to save all your papers and assignments on a flash drive or the cloud.
Course Communication Policy
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You can email me at quinnal@lamission.edu, but you may receive a quicker response if you send me a message through Canvas. You should receive a response from me within 24 hours, but if I don’t respond after that, please feel free to resend the message. Please note that although you can log in at any time to complete course work, I will only be available between 8AM-5PM Monday-Friday to reply to emails and messages. That means that if you send me an email or Canvas message at 7PM on Friday, you may not hear back from me until Monday morning.
Assignment Due Dates
All the assignment deadlines are firm. However, I understand that life happens and I may make an exception if the situation warrants it. If you think you will need an extension for your work, please email me or send me a Canvas message. Please note that I very rarely grant extensions, and emergencies (such as severe illnesses) will require documentation. Please also note that you will not be eligible for more than one extension.
Exclusion Policy
- If you do not complete the first week’s assignments, you will be dropped from the class. You MUST complete the “Course Introductions” assignment by the deadline or you will be excluded from the course.
- If you miss more than three consecutive assignments, you may be dropped from the class. It is ultimately up to you to check your status in the course and drop the class if you no longer wish to be enrolled.
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
I expect you to do your own work at all times. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is claiming another’s words or ideas as your own without proper acknowledgment, whether or not the act is intentional. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result in zero credit on an assignment. It is your responsibility to ensure that your sources are properly cited and that you have given credit where it is due. If you are unsure whether or not you are committing plagiarism, it is your responsibility to consult with me before handing in an assignment.
Disability Statement
LAMC students with verified disabilities who are requesting academic accommodations should use the following procedure:
- Obtain documentation of your disability from a licensed professional. You can use the LAMC Disability Verification Form. Students exiting high school can use their IEP as a qualifying document.
- Make an appointment with a Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) Counselor or Specialist to review your documentation and discuss reasonable accommodations. Please call DSP&S at (818) 364-7732 or use the Online Counter Support on the DSP&S page to schedule an eCounseling appointment.
- Bring your disability documentation to your DSP&S eCounseling appointment, which will be held through Cranium Café. Be sure to use a laptop or computer with Chrome or Firefox (no smart phones) and a working video camera and microphone.
- Every semester, you are required to meet with your DSP&S Counselor to review your academic progress and accommodation letter. After meeting with them, your written accommodation agreement will be emailed to your professor(s).
Please complete this process in a timely manner to allow adequate time to provide accommodation. Students who have questions with technology accessing CraniumCafé or the webpage should send an email to Online Counter Support for further assistance; contact Adrian Gonzalez at gonzala@lamission.edu or Rachel Povolotsky at povolor@lamission.edu.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
As a student, not only do you have the pressure of succeeding in school, you may also be contending with work, financial issues, relationships, managing time effectively, getting enough sleep, etc. The staff and faculty of Los Angeles Mission College are here to provide support that will help you to be successful in your academic pursuits. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services offered on campus, including counseling and mental health services, by either visiting the Student Health Center (SHC), checking out the SHC webpage at: https://www.lamission.edu/healthcenter/ or calling: (818) 362-6182.
I also encourage you to enter the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-8255) into your cell phone in case you or someone you know is in distress and needs someone with whom to talk.
_________________________________________________________________
Reading/Assignment Schedule (subject to change depending on course needs)
Week 1 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Purdue Owl – Rhetorical Situations”
Assignments:
Course Introductions (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Wednesday, September 1)
Week 2 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Explaining a Concept” (pgs. 119-123)
“Supervolcanoes: A Catastrophe of Ice and Fire” (pgs. 124-129)
“What is Harmony? The Math Behind the Music – Harmony Definition”
“Chapter 16: Defining” (pgs. 562-568)
Week 3 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Love: The Right Chemistry” (pgs. 129-132)
“Purdue Owl – MLA Formatting and Style Guide”
Quizzes:
Quiz #1 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, September 19)
Assignments:
Prewriting for Essay #1 (20 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, September 19)
Week 4 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Do You Suffer From Decision Fatigue?” (pgs. 135-137)
“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” (pgs. 141-144)
Quizzes:
Quiz #2 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, September 26)
Quiz #3 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, September 26)
Assignments:
Essay #1 (100 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, September 26)
Week 5 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Analyzing and Synthesizing Opposing Arguments” (pgs. 170-177)
“Chapter 18: Comparing and Contrasting” (pgs. 576-581)
“Do Sports Helmets Help or Hurt?”
“The N.F.L.’s Head Cases”
Assignments:
Comparative Analysis Chart (20 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 3)
Week 6 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Financial Incentives for Organ Donation” (pgs. 220-221)
Quizzes:
Quiz #4 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 10)
Assignments:
Prewriting for Essay #2 (20 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 10)
Week 7 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“When Altruism Isn’t Moral (pgs. 225-228)
“Satel vs. the National Kidney Foundation: Should Kidney Donors Be Compensated?” (pgs. 187-191)
Quizzes:
Quiz #5 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 17)
Assignments:
Essay #2 (100 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 17)
Week 8 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Sentence Strategies for Argument” (pgs. 595-599)
“Arguing a Position” (pgs. 229-236)
“Children Need to Play, Not Compete” (pgs. 236-241)
“Evaluating the Logic of an Argument” (pg. 518)
“Responding to Objections and Alternatives” (pgs. 592-594)
“Using Rhetorical Strategies for Persuasion”
Quizzes:
Quiz #6 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 24)
Week 9 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Logical Fallacies”
“101 Thesis Statement”
Quizzes:
Quiz #7 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 31)
Assignments:
Sample Thesis Statements (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 31)
Week 10 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Working at McDonald’s” (pgs. 247-250)
“Why Privacy Matters Even If You Have ‘Nothing to Hide’” (pgs. 253-256)
Quizzes:
Quiz #8 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, November 7)
Quiz #9 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, November 7)
Assignments:
Prewriting for Essay #3 (20 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, November 7)
Week 11 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Using Sources to Support Your Ideas” (pgs. 632-633)
“Acknowledging Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism” (pgs. 633-635)
“Using Information From Sources to Support Your Claims” (pgs. 635-643)
Quizzes:
Quiz #10 (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, November 14)
Assignments:
Essay #3 (100 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, November 14)
Week 12 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Excelsior Online Writing Lab: Aristotelian Argument”
“Purdue Owl – Organizing Your Argument”
“THUNK – 106. The Toulmin Method of Argumentation”
“Rogerian Argumentation”
“Excelsior Online Writing Lab: Rogerian Argument”
Assignments:
Metacognitive Essay (20 points, due by 11:59PM on November 21)
Week 13 Readings and Assignments
Readings/Study Materials:
“Finding Sources and Conducting Field Research” (pgs. 609-624)
“Evaluating Sources” (pgs. 625-631)
“Citing and Documenting Sources in MLA Style” (pgs. 644-673)
“Edit and Proofread Your Draft” (pgs, 276-278)
Assignments:
Prewriting for Research Paper (20 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, November 28)
Week 14 Readings and Assignments
Assignments:
Research Paper (100 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, December 5)
Wrap-Up Discussion (10 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, December 5)
Week 15 Readings and Assignments
Assignments:
Final Exam (100 points, due by 11:59PM on Sunday, December 12)
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|