ENGLISH 103: CRITICAL REASONING AND WRITING
SPRING SEMESTER, 2007
Subject to Change-- Students will be notified in class of any changes.
Instructor: Rosalinda M. Ruíz TR 1:30 -2:50 p.m.
Voice Mail: (714) 992-7727 Room: 1402
CRN # 23553 E-mail:
Office: 2023-R4 Office Hours: MW 9-10 a.m., TR 12-1:30 p.m. & by appt.
Mailboxes: Campus Mailroom, 840 bldg.
Prerequisite
The prerequisite for this course can be fulfilled in one of the following ways (from the course outline): “A grade of ‘C’ or better in English 100 or English 100H.”
Description and Goals
English 103 is a three-unit college writing course focusing on the development of critical reasoning and writing skills, which includes both analysis and argumentation skills. By the end of this course, you should be able to evaluate college-level reading material, identify fallacies, analyze arguments, construct arguments using solid language skills, and include the use of reason in writing and other types of presentations. Your writing assignments should demonstrate a clear understanding of the various argumentative techniques used at the college level and from a variety of sources, including the use of pathos, ethos, and logos.
Required Texts and Materials
You must bring the following to each class session:
1. Rottenberg, Annette. Elements of Argument, eighth edition.
2. Loose-leaf paper and black or blue pens
3. College dictionary & access to a college handbook (for example, SF Writer)
4. 3 large blue books (when required)
5. Thesaurus (optional)
6. Access to a newspaper like The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, or The Orange County Register.
Course Requirements
1. 4 Essays (3 out of class papers [the minimum page requirement will vary] and 1 in-class paper)
· All prewriting, outlines, drafts, peer evaluations and any other related work must be turned in with the final draft.
· The essays will require research, and the MLA guidelines should be followed.
· Final drafts of essays must be typed (no handwritten work will be accepted), double-spaced, stapled on the upper left corner, and the print can only be on one side of the page. All work must be clearly marked with your name, class, time of class, date and my name. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that this information is included on all assignments. The heading must follow the required format (see separate handout). All papers must be titled, including in-class work. No folders or report covers will be required.
· If you are using a computer, use only a 12-point font. A standard style font is required. Your margins should be one inch from all sides. There are computer labs for your use located throughout the campus. Make sure to check their hours for availability.
· You are permitted to revise Essay #1 or #2. You may only revise the paper once, but in order to revise it, it first must be of an acceptable quality. You may not revise any paper that received an F. If you decide to revise a paper, you must see me during an office hour to discuss possible improvements and due dates. When you turn in a revision, please staple the graded final draft of the original paper. I will only count the higher of the two grades, but if all you do is correct the grammar errors, you will only receive a few additional points. You may not turn in a revision if you did not turn in a paper the day it was due.
· In order for an accurate assessment of your writing, all essays must be turned in for a grade-- if you have any missing papers, your grade will be seriously jeopardized and you may not pass the class. Please discuss with me before the due date any difficulties you may have with any of the papers.
· One important element of this course is feedback. You should receive various sources of feedback (the impressions the sources have of your writing, along with suggestions-- be careful not to allow someone else to write your paper for you, for that constitutes plagiarism). Of course, I will be helping you, but so will your classmates, family, friends, and others. In order to receive further feedback, I suggest you visit the Writing Center. I encourage you to visit them often; they can help you with any stage of the writing process. However, they are NOT an editing service. If you have an issue concerning mechanics, they can help you, but they will NOT correct your paper. When you go to the Writing Center, be sure to take your student ID for service. They cannot help you without your current Fullerton College ID. The Writing Center is located in the Library and Learning Resource Center (800) building, with the entrance facing the rear of the building (near the food court). Their phone number is (714) 992-7000 extension 25385.
· No late work will be accepted except in the case of an extreme emergency. Essays will be accepted within the first ten minutes of class only. Any out-of-class essay turned in after ten minutes will not be accepted unless it has a “late coupon” stapled to it, and each student is allowed one late coupon that permits the student to turn in a paper by 5 p.m. the same day the essay is due. Attach the late coupon to the end of the essay. The only essays permitted under the late coupon are essays #1, 2, or 4. A student who does not turn in a late coupon the entire semester may turn it in at the end of the semester for ten points of extra credit. If you have had an extreme emergency, however, written proof will be required. The only excused absences allowed are for severe illness, a death in the family, or a school sanctioned activity that can be verified. If there is an unexpected emergency or crisis, please contact me as soon as possible. Otherwise, no late assignments will be accepted and a zero grade will be assigned. If you know that you cannot attend a class, you must turn in your work early, or if you are ill, try to have the work turned in on time. Please refrain from asking me for extensions—they just create chaos. In the case of an emergency, please contact me as soon as possible-- usually a student and I come to a mutually satisfying agreement!
2. Final examination
· The final examination will be discussed at a future date.
3. Pop quizzes
· I will give pop quizzes occasionally on the assigned readings. If you are tardy or absent, you cannot make up the quizzes. I will drop the lowest grade, so if you miss one, it will be dropped. Pop quizzes may include multiple choice, fill-in and short answer questions. Please be sure to read all assigned readings before you come to class.
4. Writing journal
· You will need your blue books to respond to the entries I assign. Be sure to maintain the journal, for I will grade the entries on occasion.
5. In-class participation, peer groups, in-class work
· Participation is a very important part of the class. By participating in the class discussions, you can learn more from your peers and share your thoughts with the class. Participation itself does not receive a grade, but it can help you if you happen to be borderline in passing or not passing this class.
· You will need to join in the peer group discussions that I will assign. Full participation by all members of the class will be expected. A guideline of what is expected will be provided to the class at that time. You must bring whatever required materials are necessary to the discussions to share with your classmates. It is extremely important that you attend these class meetings since you cannot make up these assignments outside class.
· You will also be required to complete a peer evaluation forum, where your classmates will evaluate the rough drafts of selected essays. Please bring an anonymous copy of your rough draft (it should be almost complete) to class. The peer evaluations will be worth 15 points each.
· In-class work will be assigned occasionally and must be completed in the period assigned.
6. Attendance
· Attendance is an extremely vital element to attain success in this writing class. It is imperative that you attend all class meetings. If you do not attend the first or second class meetings, you may be dropped, and your seat may be taken by another student, so you should inform me of any absences. You are permitted three unexcused absences, and excessive absences (four or more) may result in the student being dropped. In addition, each absence after three will reduce the total point score by 30 points for each additional absence. If you want to drop the class, be sure to complete the entire process through Admissions and Records-- this will help to ensure proper grading and accurate records. Tardiness (arriving after the first ten minutes of class) is also extremely disruptive, so please get to class on time. If you are more than twenty minutes late, you are considered absent. Three tardies will equal one unexcused absence. If you know you will be late or absent, please let me know in advance, but that does not excuse you. Finally, if you leave before the end of class without letting me know, I will mark you absent. For additional details, read the 2004-2005 Catalog.
Grading
1. 5 Essays:
· Essay #1: 100 points
· Essay #2: 115 points
· Essay #3 (in-class): 175 points
· Essay #4: 290 points
2. Final examination: 170 points
3. Pop quizzes: 25 points
4. Writing journal: 25 points
5. Peer groups, in-class work, & peer discussions: 100 points
Total Points: 1000 points
1000-900: A 899-800: B 799-730: C 729-600: D 599 & below: F
Plagiarism & Turnitin.com
Plagiarism is a serious matter. Plagiarism involves the use or direct quotation of ideas or words expressed by others, whether it be in writing, in the spoken word, or in any other method of communication, without crediting your source correctly. If you are caught at any time plagiarizing an assignment, I will determine the severity of the situation, and will inform you of the consequences. You may be given a warning, you may receive an F on an assignment, or you may receive an F in the course. Plagiarism also includes any use of a classmate’s work. I may pursue further action in cases of cheating or plagiarism. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. If you are unsure or are unclear about how to attribute credit to a source, consult with me and I will help you. Further information about the school’s definition of plagiarism can be found in the 2005 Catalog. Attached to the syllabus is information about turnitin.com and instructions on using the plagiarism prevention website.
Academic Honesty
In addition, cheating and other methods of academic dishonesty shall not be tolerated. The 2002-2003 Catalog states: “Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material which demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades.” Please read the Catalog for a full understanding of the expectations and the consequences of the policy.
Breaks
This class receives a ten-minute break per class meeting. Since many of you have classes immediately following this one, I feel that leaving ten minutes early at the end of class might be the most beneficial for all of us.
Classroom Behavior
I expect the highest standards of behavior. In order to achieve an academic atmosphere, I will not tolerate any disruptions from students. I will not accept any vulgar, rude, obnoxious or immature behavior. This includes verbal and physical harassment, interruptions while others are speaking, and any other kinds of rude behavior. Respect should be shown to me and all your fellow classmates at all times. I will ask disruptive students to leave if I feel they are too much of a distraction, and further disciplinary action may be taken.
** PLEASE NOTE: all electronic devices (phones, pagers, any other items that make noise) should be shut OFF before the beginning of class. This is a rude disruption of class, and I will ask you to leave class for the day if your device interrupts the class. All phones, Ipods, and any type of musical or communication device must be left in your bags, not on the desk. This is a rude disruption of class, and I will ask you to leave class for the day if your device interrupts the class. As a consequence, you will have earned an absence for such a disturbance. This policy will be enforced.
Wait Time for Late Instructors
The following is located in the 2002-2003 Catalog:
“...if, due to unforeseen emergencies, the instructor does not arrive at the scheduled start time for class, students are to remain in class for fifteen minutes (unless otherwise notified by the division). If they do not receive notification to wait for the instructor to arrive, after fifteen minutes the students may leave with no penalty for absence or assigned work due for that class meeting.”
Emergency Response Message
Please take note of the safety features in and close to your classroom, as well as study the posted evacuation route. The most direct route of egress may not be the safest because of the existence of roofing tiles or other potentially hazardous conditions. Similarly, running out of the building can also be dangerous during severe earthquakes. During strong quakes the recommended response is to duck--cover--and hold until the shaking stops. Follow the guidance of your instructor. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and others.