English Department, North Campus
11380 N.W. 27th Avenue Miami, FL 33167
(305) 237-1305 Chairperson/(305) 237-8131 Secretary
Spring 2006-2 Syllabus for ENC 1102/TR 11:15 A. M.-12:30 P.M. /Ref # 386448/Room 7206
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Instructor: Jenniffer C. Niles Office Hours:
Office: Room 7316 MW 11:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Phone: (305) 237-1853 MW 2:50 p.m. -5:20 p.m.
E-mail: TR 12:40 p.m. –1:55 p.m.
Webpage: http://faculty.mdc.edu/jniles (Make appointments.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
English Composition II emphasizes the development of informative and persuasive essays, written responses to a variety of literary genres and/or non-fiction, and a documented paper based on research. Within each of the four competencies that comprise the course are a number of components which should not be considered as items in chronological order but, rather, as elements that operate in concert because writing is a holistic task.
Developing communication skills is, by its very nature, an ongoing process focusing on the interactive roles of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, which become more refined through college experiences. All courses have the responsibility of continuing to expand the communication skills of all students.
To satisfy the State Board of Education Rule 6a-10.30 (Gordon Rule requirement), STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE MULTIPLE COLLEGE-LEVELWRITING ASSIGNMENTS. Throughout this course, students will know in advance what they can learn, know how this course will develop their abilities to deal with what they learn, and see how their work in this course can benefit them in other courses and their lives outside of the college.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
· The Bedford Handbook 7th Ed. by Diana Hacker (complete packet)
· Criterion packet (purchase at bookstore)
· A paperback collegiate dictionary and thesaurus (optional)
· One 3-ring binder (at least 1 inch thick)
· Blue or black ink pens and a highlighter
· White, clean-edged, loose-leaf notebook paper
· At least four Scantron forms (the green ones) and a #2 pencil
· Access to a computer
“Not failure, but low aim, is crime.”—James Russell Lowell
REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS
· Four in-class timed writings
· Four reading responses
· One documented paper based on research
· Homework, in-class activities, and quizzes
NOTE: All essays will be graded holistically. (See 6-point Holistic Grading Scale.) To receive more detailed feedback on how to improve the quality of their essays, students must make appointments to review the papers with me.
To pass this course, students must…
1. Earn an average of C or higher as the final grade for ALL course work;
2. In addition to averaging a C or higher as the final grade for all course work, pass at least FOUR of the total number of essays with a C or higher (demonstrating PROFICIENCY IN COLLEGE-LEVEL WRITING SKILLS – SEE GORDON RULE REQUIREMENT);
3. Pass the research paper with a C or higher; students cannot pass the course if they do not complete and pass the research paper;
4. Have satisfactory attendance (no more than three absences and/or three instances of tardiness)
5. Actively participate in and contribute to classroom activities.
NOTE: To earn a course grade of C or higher, students must demonstrate proficiency in college-level writing skills, pass the required number of writing assignments, and complete and pass the research paper. Otherwise, students cannot pass the course even if the overall average for course work averages a C or higher.
GRADING POLICY
To advance to the next level, students must earn a final grade of A, B, or C.
Final grades will be determined as follows:
In-class Timed Writings……………………………………………………………30%
Reading Responses…………………….…………………………………………..25%
Research Paper/Presentation…….. ………………………………………………..25%
Homework, In-class Activities, and Quizzes..……………………………………..20%
Grade averages for individual class assignments
Cut off Percentages / Letter Grade / Holistic Essay Score97%
94% / A+
A / 6
90% / A- / 5
87%
84%
80% / B+
B
B- / 4
77%
74%
70% / C+
C
C- / 3
-67%
64%
60% / D+
D
D- / 2
59%-0%(No Grade) / F / 1
NOTE: Miami-Dade College does not assign + and – as part of final course grades.
Students are required to complete and submit all assignments BEFORE THE END OF CLASS ON THE DUE DATE. Skipping class to complete assignments and other reasons for absences are not acceptable excuses for turning in assignments late.
Late Assignments
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A PRIOR ARRANGEMENT WITH ME. If you have a critical issue that prevents you from turning in an assignment on time, you must speak with me BEFORE the day of class. IF I agree to accept the late assignment, you must submit it according to the arrangement I make with you. When necessary, I will request documentation.
DO NOT LEAVE ASSIGNMENTS IN MY MAILBOX OR IN MY OFFICE OR
E-MAIL THEM WITHOUT A PRIOR ARRANGEMENT WITH ME. SUCH ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE RETURNED UNGRADED—NO EXCEPTIONS.
Missed Assignments
Students will have an opportunity to make up ONE MISSED in-class essay and ONE MISSED grammar test. You must make up the assignment during my office hours no later than the day of the following class meeting. Students are responsible for contacting me to make arrangements for the make-up.
THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR OTHER MISSED ASSIGNMENTS, INCLUDING TIMED WRITINGS, READING RESPONSES, GRAMMAR QUIZZES, AND HOMEWORK AND IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES.
Paper Format and Portfolio
Each assignment you complete must comply with the preparation guidelines given (i.e. reading responses and research paper must be typed; in-class essays must be written in ink, etc.). All of your work must also be kept organized in your 3-ring binder.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
All classroom instruction, participation, and practice are an integral part of your success. Therefore, ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Three or more absences will result in the lowering of your final grade by one letter grade. I will take attendance at the start of each class meeting (and after breaks when necessary). I will also take note of your arriving late or leaving early. Three instances of lateness or early departures (10 minutes or more) will be equivalent to one absence.
If you do not intend to return to class after the second week, or if you are absent three or more times in a row, I recommend that you withdraw from the course. Otherwise, you will receive a failing grade at the end of the term.
Please note that at specific times during the term College Administration asks instructors to purge students who have violated the class attendance policy. If you are absent, I recommend that you contact a classmate and/or me for the assignment.
If there are outstanding circumstances that may affect your attendance and performance in class, please discuss them with me as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline for 100% refund ……………………………………………Tuesday, January 9
Last day to withdraw with grade of “W”……………………………..Wednesday, March 14
Last day of classes (instruction)………………………………………Friday, April 20
Last day of final exams……………………………………………….Friday, April 27
Grades available……………………………………………...... ……Saturday, April 28 Holidays………………………………………………………………Monday, January 15
Thursday, March 1*
Friday, April 6
RESOURCES
· To receive additional support with your writing and grammar skills, you may be advised to register for an ENC 1113 course for 1 or 2 credits in the Academic Support Center, Room 2209.
· To receive additional support with proofreading and grammar, you may be advised to register for one or more four/five-week sessions of ENC 1112 (Go to Room 7323 for assistance with registration).
· The English Computer Center (Room 7117) is available for you to type papers and to access the Internet and grammar websites for classroom-related assignments.
· The Computer Courtyard (Room 2101) is available for you to type papers and to access the Internet and grammar websites for classroom-related assignments. To have access to the English Computer Center and the Computer Courtyard, you must have a current copy of your class schedule.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to find out the hours of operation for each of the resources above so that you will know how best to use them to suit your needs.
· YOUR INSTRUCTOR is one of the most valuable resources in this class. Please make appointments to discuss assignments, skills, and your progress in the class. Remember I will not always be aware of your needs unless you express them to me. Be willing to accept honest, direct, constructive feedback.
No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” --Calvin Coolidge
ENC 1101 NILES
“It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong.”—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A Few Expectations
1. Your attendance and punctuality are going to play a vital role in your success in this class. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Attend class for the entire period and be on time.
2. Always come prepared for class. You must always have all class materials with you, including textbooks, pens, notebook paper, dictionary, etc. Students who do not purchase their textbooks by the second week of class may be asked not to return to class until doing so. If there are outstanding circumstances that prevent you from purchasing your textbooks on time, please discuss them with me by the end of the first week of class.
3. Save all of your work for mid-term and final review and assessment of your own progress.
4. Complete assignments according to the preparation guidelines and ALWAYS TURN ASSIGNMENTS IN ON TIME.
5. Display respectful behavior toward classmates and the instructor at all times. This includes listening while the instructor is lecturing or while other students are making comments; avoiding conversations about unrelated issues during class or group activities; refraining from leaving the classroom, especially during testing situations, unless in cases of emergencies; and coming to class rested and alert so that you can focus on your tasks.
6. TURN OFF ALL CELLPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM. Students will be asked to leave if these devices disrupt the class.
7. Remember that your success in this class, and in college in general, is dependent on your perception of your role as a college student. Treat this class as you would treat any other major responsibility in your life. You are primarily responsible for your success. Therefore, ask questions in class, make appointments to conference with me about your writing and other course material, and seek additional help as early as possible through the recourses available.
Regarding Plagiarism
Passing off someone else’s work as your own, either accidentally or intentionally, is a serious academic offense. Work that is plagiarized will automatically earn a failing grade (F). Students who plagiarize may also fail the course and be subject to expulsion from the institution.
ENC 1102 COURSE OUTLINE
2006-2
Prof. Jenniffer C. Niles
You must follow this outline with the professor’s direction. It is only a guide for the order in which chapters, skills, and assignments will be addressed. Detailed information, and additional handouts and exercises will be provided.
CHANGES BASED ON STUDENTS’ NEEDS MAY OCCUR.
WEEK 1: JAN. 4* Introductions
Getting-to Know-You Questionnaire
Diagnostic Essays
Purchase materials
WEEK 2: JAN. 9 Course Syllabus Discussion
Referrals, Feedback on Diagnostic Essays
CLAST Simulation (Pre-Test)
WEEK 3: JAN. 16 NO CLASS JAN.15 –MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY
Overview of the Basics-BH
Editing and Proofreading: In-class exercise
WEEK 4: JAN. 23 Overview of basic essay structure
Timed Writing #1
Reading Selection #1 - CR
WEEK 5: JAN. 30 Sentence Structure
Reading Response #1
WEEK 6: FEB. 6 Sentence Errors-BH
In-class Activity
Argumentation - BH
WEEK 7: FEB. 13 Argumentation continued-BH
Timed Writing #2
WEEK 8: FEB. 20 Grammar Test #1 (Sentence Errors)
Planning the Research Paper-BH
WEEK 9: FEB. 27 Reading Selection #2 – CR
Reading Response #2
Planning the Research Paper continued-BH
NO CLASS MARCH 1 – FACULTY CONFERENCE DAY
WEEK 10: MAR. 6 Working with Sources-BH
Subject-verb Agreement & Verb-related Errors-BH
Reading Selection #3
Reading Response #3
WEEK 11: MAR. 13 Timed Writing #3
Grammar Test #2 (Verbs)
Integrating Sources into Your Text-BH
WEEK 12: MAR. 20 MLA Documentation-BH
Pronouns-BH
Reading Selection #4-CR
Reading Response #4
WEEK 13: MAR. 27 MLA Documentation continued-BH
Works Cited - BH
Pronouns continued
WEEK 14: APR. 3 NO CLASS APRIL 6 – GOOD FRIDAY
Grammar Test #3 (Pronouns)
Punctuation-BH
WEEK 15: APR. 10 Punctuation continued
Timed Writing #4
Grammar Test #4 (Comprehensive)
WEEK 16: APR. 17 Research paper presentations
RESEARCH PAPERS DUE
WEEK 17: APR. 24 Advisement
**ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE ORIGINALS. STUDENTS WHO PLAGIARIZE WILL BE PENALIZED.
FOR DETAILS ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, SEE STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK.