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English 21: English Fundamentals – Fall 2013

Los Angeles Southwest College English 21: English Fundamentals (9504)

Passage Program-Fall 2013 Instructor: Janelle Blount Course Website: Hours: Tuesday & Thursday www.eng21lasc.wordpress.com 9:35 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., in SSEC210

Office Hours: E-mail: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Room: Writing Lab or Room ________ & by appointment

Classmate Contacts: Name: ________________________________ _______________________________ Phone/E-mail: __________________________ _______________________________

Welcome to English 21 in the Passage Program! This semester, you will work to develop your writing, reading, vocabulary and critical thinking skills. You will also learn and practice the fundamentals of grammar and mechanics. The goal is for you to be a better reader, thinker and more confident writer by the end of this course. The skills you learn here will help you succeed both in and out of class. However, your education is ultimately YOUR responsibility. YOU determine your level of success. Successful college students are self-motivated. Successful college students understand the importance of studying the material, coming to class prepared and practicing skills learned. YOU CAN DO IT and I’m here to help.

Los Angeles Southwest Catalog Course Description: 21 English Fundamentals (3) NDA (Pass/No Pass) English 21 is a course in fundamentals. It prepares the student for English 28 by thoroughly examining the fundamentals of academic reading and writing. Students develop reading comprehension by studying literary and expository texts, which also provide models of and/or subjects for their compositions. Each writing assignment will further develop the students’ ability to communicate ideas clearly. Basic grammar, fundamental punctuation, and sentence structure are taught. English 21 introduces the student to basic academic reading, writing, and thinking. Lab time/Supplemental Instruction is required. 18 lab hours are required. Prerequisite: Completion of Developmental Communications 21 and 23 or ESL 6A and B with a grade of "C" or better, or appropriate placement recommendation based on assessment results and other multiple measures.

Required Texts: The Color of Water James McBride

The Miseducation of the Negro (This book is required, but the printed version is optional) Carter G. Woodson www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/misedne.html (free, online book)

Say the Word The Students of Los Angeles Southwest College

http://www.eng21lasc.wordpress.com/

http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/misedne.html


Recommended Texts & Materials: A Pocket Style Manual-Diana Hacker Dictionary – Webster’s New World College Dictionary or American Heritage College Dictionary Thesaurus – American Heritage College Thesaurus or Roget’s

Required Course Materials: 1 three ring binder

8 ½ x 11 notebook paper (plenty)

3 Blue or Green Composition Books (LASC bookstore)

2 Scantrons (Form 882-E)

#2 pencils, blue or black pens, and highlighters

Package of manila envelopes

A stapler

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to . . .

A. Write independent and dependent clauses with use of conjunctions and semi-colons. B. Identify and correct fragments, comma splices, and run-on sentences C. Write compositions of 150-300 words in length that supports a main point with specific

details, facts, and examples D. Read and analyze essays at pre-college level for main points and tone E. Evaluate the quality and reliability of support. F. Write effective and varied sentences G. Write a convincing, well-organized paragraph-composition (1-2 pages) and brief essay (2-3

pages) in class H. Analyze and summarize texts I. Apply active reading strategies that develop vocabulary and encourage critical analysis of

ideas in texts. J. Identify and correct common grammar and punctuation errors including: subject/verb

agreement, past participle and illogical shifts in verb tense, punctuation (comma, semi-colon, and apostrophe), pronoun agreement, case, and reference.

K. Write and support an explicit thesis statement L. Use basic textual support in compositions and create simple parenthetical citations using MLA

format. M. Recognize connections between two or more authors’ ideas. N. Differentiate rhetorical features such as compare-contrast, definition, description and

argument, and analyze effective arguments. O. Identify what campus resources can promote academic success and facilitate transfer to four-

year colleges and universities. This course will also facilitate the following Institutional Learning Outcomes:

A. Critical Thinking: Analyze problems by differentiating fact from opinions, using evidence, and using sound reasoning to specify multiple solutions and their consequences.

B. Communication: Effectively communicate thought in a clear, well-organized manner to persuade, inform, and convey ideas in academic, work, family and community settings.

C. Technical Competence: Utilize the appropriate technology effectively for informational, academic, personal, and professional needs.

D. Cultural Diversity: Respectfully engage with other cultures in an effort to understand them. E. Ethics: Practice and demonstrate standards of personal and professional integrity, honesty

and fairness; apply ethical principles in submission of all college work.


Course Work:

Refer to the Academic Integrity statement on pages four and five of this syllabus.

Blog Responses You are required to post weekly responses to various topics related to the class and the world around us on the class blog. Blog Responses should be at least 3-4 complete sentences. Support your ideas. State your point and back them with facts or personal anecdotes. Stay on topic. Respond to each other’s comments in a respectful manner. See other blog rules and guidelines on the class blog. Keep in mind comments will be read by me and others in class. Therefore, refrain from making any deeply personal, sensitive, revealing, private and inappropriate comments. NOTE: If you don’t have internet access at home, there are computer labs on campus. If accessing the class blog proves difficult, see me immediately. DO NOT WAIT until the day a response is due to seek help or explain your situation. Alternate plans can be arranged with notice.

Quizzes Quizzes will be given regularly to test your vocabulary and ensure that you are keeping up with the readings and attending class. They may be announced and/or unannounced. Missed quizzes cannot be made up, even if you arrive late to class.

Essays Essays provide you the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills learned in class. Previous drafts must be attached to final essays. NOTE: All writing assignments, except those designated as in class writing assignments, must be typed. Grading rubrics will be attached to final essays.

Other assignments, as listed below, will occur in class and serve to reinforce learning: o In Class Writing Responses (kept in a “journal”) o Plagiarism and MLA/Works Cited Assignments o Exams: Midterm and Final

Late Assignments Each student is allowed one late essay assignment. It must be submitted within a week from the original due date to receive credit. You must also attach the late paper pass included at the end of this syllabus. DO NOT e-mail me your essays and other typed assignments. They will NOT be accepted. Other late assignments will not be accepted.

Grading

Assignment Category # of Assign. Points Per Assignment Total Points % of Total Grade

Essays 4 100 400 40%

Lab Time TBD 250 25%

Mid-Term 1 100 100 10%

Final 1 100 100 10%

Blog Responses 10 10 100 10%

Journal (written responses) 10 5 50 5%

Plagiarism Activity 1 50 50 5%

MLA/Works Cited or Timed 1 50 50 5%

Writing Activity

Grand Total 35 - 1000 100%

900 - 1000 = A 800 - 899 = B 700 - 799 = C 600 - 699 = D 599 and below = F


Class Policies Attendance Because class discussions and group work are an integral part of this course, attendance is mandatory. Up to 3 absences are allowed. After that, you could be dropped. Students are expected to attend every class meeting, to arrive on time and stay throughout the class period. Excessive absenteeism will lower your grade, as will walking in and out of class. 3 tardies = 1 absence. Students may be dropped from class for excessive tardiness, or for failure to attend class the first day or during the entire first week of the class. I do not distinguish excused from unexcused absences.

Walking In and Out of Class When you arrive to class, make sure you have used the restroom, had a chance to eat, check your messages, etc. Walking in and out is rude and disruptive. If you must leave early, or have some other problem, you need to notify me in advance. Any student who makes a habit of walking in and out of class will be asked to leave. This will count against you attendance wise and impact your grade.

Preparedness You are expected to arrive on time. You will come to each class session prepared. You will have your books, binder, pens/pencils, any work that is due, and you will be prepared to discuss all readings/ assignments.

Cell Phones, iPods, etc. Turn them off and put them away when class begins! Although it may not seem possible, you can survive without talking and texting on your cell phone, or listening to your iPod, for a little over an hour. Talking and texting on cell phones not only distract you, but they are a distraction for me and your peers. Distractions interrupt/disrupt the class and I will not tolerate interruptions. You will be asked to leave if this occurs.

“Netiquette” and “Civilogue” This semester, you will post weekly responses to the class blog on various topics related to the class and the world around us. The term “netiquette” is a combination of the words internet and etiquette. The term “civilogue” is a combination of the words civil and dialogue. Both terms, as well as the words used to create them, are essential to the class. You may not agree with the views and opinions expressed by your peers, but you don’t have the right to be disrespectful. Personal attacks, profanity, vulgarity and comments that are not productive additions to the conversation will be deleted and you will not receive credit for the assignment.

Contacting Me E-mail is the best and quickest way to contact me. Thanks to modern technology, my e-mail is linked to my phone. Therefore, excuses such as, “I tried to contact you, but (fill in the blank)” will not work. If you have a problem, do not let it snowball. Contact me immediately. Students are expected to ask questions and obtain help from instructor via email and/or during office hours.

Student Conduct Disruption of classes or college activities is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Refer to the catalog and the Standards of Student Conduct in the college catalog and Schedule of Classes for more information.

Refer to the course website/blog for more information on Passage policies.


College Policies:

Academic Integrity (Plagiarism) Academic dishonesty is prohibited and will not be tolerated in this class. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade. Academic dishonesty of any type, such as cheating or knowingly furnishing false information, by a student provides grounds for disciplinary action by the instructor or college. In written work, no material may be copied from another without proper quotation marks, footnotes, or appropriate documentation.

o Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment, possible dismissal from the class and disciplinary action from the college. You will not receive credit for any essay missing previous drafts, citations and/or a Works Cited page.

Recording Devices State law in California prohibits the use of any electronic listening or recording device in a classroom without prior consent of the instructor and college administration. Any student who needs to use electronic aids must secure the consent of the instructor.

Campus Resources:

As stated earlier in this syllabus, if you are having problems, don’t let them snowball. Come and talk with me and check out some of the campus resources available to you.

Office of Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSP&S)-SSB 117 (323) 241-5480. The Office of Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) has been established to provide support services for all verified disabled students pursuing a college education. Any student who feels she/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability (learning, mental or physical) should contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

English Writing Center (Lab) -SSEC 116 (323) 241-5451. Email: [email protected] Monday-Wednesday: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, Thursday: 9:30 am - 7:30 pm, Saturday: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm All English 28 students must complete 18 lab hours in the English Writing Center, in addition to classroom assignments. Failure to complete lab work may result in failure to pass the course.

Student Grievance Process Anyone who believes a college decision has adversely affected status, rights, and/or privilege, as a student, should consult the instructor for resolution. If needed, confer with the English Department Chair, Darren Cifarelli as a second level of authority if no resolution is found with the instructor. Beyond that, the student can make an appointment with Dean Stephanie Brasley if there is still no resolution. Dean Brasley may refer the grievance to the Dean of Student Services. The Dean of the relevant academic department may refer the student to the Dean of Student Services or to the Executive Vice President if there is no resolution at level three. Further referral may be to the District Office of Diversity Programs.

mailto:[email protected]


English 21 Class Schedule – Fall 2013 9:35 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Book Abbreviation Key: The Miseducation of the Negro = TMEN Say the Word = STW The Color of Water = TCOW A Pocket Style Manual = APSM

NOTE: This syllabus and class schedule is subject to change if circumstances warrant it (e.g. student performance, etc.). Expect revisions and divergences.

Week Date In Class Topics Assignment

(Due Next Class Meeting)

1

Tue. 8/27

Welcome & introduction

Review syllabus and course policies

Purchase books and materials

Blog sign on and practice topic

Read “Education as Power” from Know Thyself by Dr. Na’im Akbar (handout)

Review Writing Basics Packet (handout)

Thur. 8/29

Discuss readings from Monday

"Who Are You?" (writing sample

Commonly confused words

Purchase books and materials

Read “Education as Power” from Know Thyself by Dr. Na’im Akbar (handout)

Begin reading The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson

Read syllabus and write out 4 questions about the course.

Blog Response #1

2

Tue. 9/3

Discuss handouts

Review of grammar & punctuation basics (APSM 17 & 18)

Sentence and paragraph construction (APSM 14 &15)

“The Essay Part I” Pre-writing and Basic Structure”

Intro. to Woodson and The Miseducation of the Negro

Read The Miseducation of the Negro

(TMEN): Preface and Chapters 1-3

Thur. 9/5 Books Needed Today!

“The Essay Part II”; APSM 1 and 3

Review writing samples

Punctuation: Commas, Colons, Semicolons

Subjects and Verbs, Pronouns, Adjectives & Adverbs

Clauses, Fragments & Run Ons


(TMEN): Preface and Chapters 1-3

Read Say the Word (STW) -TBA

Blog Response #2

Week 2 Review Sheet

Plagiarism Activity

APSM: 8 & 9

3

Tue. 9/10

Discuss Say the Word (STW) -TBA

Discuss The Miseducation of the Negro (TMEN):

Preface and Chapters 1-3 and group activity

Point of View and Types of Essays

“The Argumentative/Persuasive Essay: Crafting a Good Argument”

Essay Analysis: Examples of Good Essays

Week 3 Review Sheet


(TMEN):Chapters 4-5, & 7

Thur. 9/12

Week 3 Review Sheet

Discuss TMEN: Chapters 4-5, & 7

The Paragraph: Main Idea, Topic Sentence, Supporting Sentences, Transitions, Concluding Sentence

Essay #1 handout

Read TMEN: Chapters 8-10

Blog Response #3

Begin work on Essay #1 (bring 2 copies of draft )

Week 3 Review Sheet

4

Tue. 9/17

Week 4 Review Sheet

Discuss TMEN: Chapters 8-10

The Paragraph continued…

“Intro. to peer Editing”

Peer edit Essay #1 (3 copies)


Read Say the Word (STW) –TBA

Read APSM 25 - 26d.

Finish Essay #1




4

Thur. 9/19


Discuss Say the Word (STW)-TBA

5 paragraph essay structure

Essay #1 Final Draft Due!!

Blog Response #4

Basic Research Methods (handout w/ questions)


Week 4 Review Sheet

5

Tue. 9/24

Week 5 Review Sheet


Introductory Paragraphs; APSM 28: Forming & Supporting a Thesis

Group Activity - Identifying Thesis Statements



Thur. 9/26


Discuss Say the Word (STW)-TBA

Support/Developmental Paragraphs

In Class Writing Exercise

Read TMEN: Chapter 17 & Appendix

Blog Response #5

Week 5 Review Sheet

6

Tue. 10/1

Week 6 Review Sheet

Discuss TMEN: Chapter 17 & Appendix

Brief discussion on libraries and research/ “Basic Research Methods” (APSM 25 - 26d.)

MLA Style Part I – APSM 30 & 32

Using quotes in essays/Integrating research into essays

Finish reading The Miseducation of the Negro

Come to class with questions about MLA style

MLA practice handout

Thur. 10/3

Discuss TMEN: Chapter 17 & Appendix

Using Concrete/Specific Details & Examples

Transitions & group exercise

Essay #2 handout


MLA/ Works Cited Assignment

Essay #2 draft

7

Tue. 10/8

Week 7 Review Sheet

Peer editing refresher



Blog Response #6

Finish Essay #2

Thur. 10/10

Review of The Miseducation of the Negro

Mastering Timed Writing

Timed In Class Essay?


Begin reading The Color of Water (TCOW) Chapters 1-5 (pages 1-43)

Midterm Exam Study Guide

Week 7 Review Sheet

8

Tue. 10/15

Review of The Miseducation of the Negro

Grammar review

Midterm Study Guide

Study for Midterm

Continue reading The Color of Water (TCOW) Chapters 1-5 (pages 1-43)

Thur. 10/17

Midterm Exam

(Blue or Green Book & Scantron REQUIRED!) Finish reading The Color of Water

(TCOW) Chapters 1-5 (pages 1-43)


9

Tue. 10/22

Week 9 Review Sheet

Intro. to McBride & Discuss TCOW: Chapters 1-5

Discuss Say the Word (STW) –TBA with group activity

Review of grammar, sentence construction and essay writing basics

Agreement: Subject-Verb, Consistent Verb Tense

Read TCOW: Chapters 6-8 (pages 45-

78)

Thur. 10/24

Week 9 Review Sheet

Discuss TCOW: Chapters 6-8

Agreement Continued

Essay #3 handout

Read TCOW Chapters 9-11 (pages 79-115)

Essay #3 draft

Week 9 Review Sheet

Blog Response #7

10

Tue. 10/29

Week 10 Review Sheet

Modifiers & Parallel Structure


Finishing reading TCOW Chapters 9-11

(pages 79-115)


Finish Essay #3




10

Thur. 10/31

Discuss TCOW Chapters 9-11 (pages 79-115)

Sentence Variety & linking sentences together





11

Tue. 11/4


Discuss Say the Word (STW) –TBA


In Class Writing Exercise(s)


Thur. 11/6


Fine Tuning Your Essay (APSM 22 -24)

MLA Style Part II – Citation, Paraphrasing & Summarizing, Avoiding Plagiarism

Read TCOW Chapters 19-22 (pages

193-229)

Blog Response #8


12

Tue. 11/11

Veteran’s Day - No Class

(But, the wise student knows this is not a day of rest.) Get ahead on reading and brainstorm

ideas regarding upcoming and future assignments!



Thur. 11/13


Fine Tuning Your Essay Part II (APSM 44)/ The Revision Process

Peer editing refresher


Discuss Read Say the Word (STW) –TBA

Blog Response #9


Read TCOW Chapter 25 - Afterword

13

Tue. 11/18


Continue discussion on TCOW and Say the Word (STW) –TBA

Essay #4 handout

Individual student conferences

Finish reading TCOW Chapter 25 -

Afterword

Thur. 11/20

In Class Writing Exercises

Peer edit Essay #4 (Intro & Thesis Statement-3 copies)



Finish reading TCOW Chapter 25-Afterword

14

Tue. 11/25


Peer edit Essay #4 (Supporting Paragraphs & Conclusion-copies)

Discuss Say the Word (STW) –TBA



Final Exam Study Guide

Thur. 11/26

Thanksgiving Holiday-No Class Thanksgiving Holiday-No Class

15

Tue. 12/2

Discuss TCOW Chapter 25-Afterword

Themes & Connections between The Miseducation of the Negro & The Color of Water

Semester recap

Final Exam review

May submit Essay #4

Final Exam Study Guide

Blog Response #10

Study for the Final Exam

Thur. 12/3

Departmental Common Final Exam (Blue or Green Book REQUIRED!)


16 Tue. 12/12

Final Exam: Thursday, December 12th

from 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Blue or Green Book & Scantron REQUIRED!)

NOTE: The date and time for the Final Exam could change. You will be notified well in advance if this is the case.


English 21

J. Blount

_______________________________________

Your Name

______________________________________

Paper

_______________________

Date

English 21

My Dog Ate My Paper and Other Excuses Late Paper Pass

You’re off the hook just this one time regarding the submission of a late paper. Attach this to

one paper you wish to turn in late without penalty, courtesy of your kind instructor.

Although you will not incur any penalties, your late paper must be submitted within a week of its

original due date.

This pass may only be used only once, for a paper and not any other assignment. This pass

cannot stand as a substitute for any missed assignment. Any missed/skipped assignment voids

this pass.

This pass:

o Provides flexibility to those who may need it by allowing you to submit one late paper, no

later than a week after the original due date.

o Rewards those who turn in all assignments and keep up with deadlines.

Image obtained from Google.com

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