Dr. T. Greene
Office C317H tel: 978-556-3336
email:

ENG 101 Syllabus Spring 2008

Instructional Objectives

English 101 is designed to help students

  • Read a variety of texts critically and analytically
  • Improve oral and written communication skills
  • Deal constructively with issues related to social justice
  • Develop effective processes for writing both revised and impromptu essays

Required Text

75 Thematic Readings Across the Curriculum 1st Edition by Chris Anson (McGraw Hill)

Requirements

  • Essays: During the semester you will write 3-4short (3-5 pp) essays. Each essay hasa first, second and final draft.
  • Research Paper: The capstone project of the semester is a research paper of approximately 8-10 pages incorporating outside sources.
  • Readings: Class will often focus on one or more readings from the textbook or on a handout. Participation in these class sessions requires students to read assignments in advance and to prepare notes.
  • Class Exercises: Class sessions often include short exercise assignments or multiple choice quizzes, which are collected and graded by the instructor.
  • Attendance: Much of the learning in ENG 101 takes place during class. I strongly recommend that you try to avoid more than 2 absences, and always try to be on time. More than 6 absences may result in a grade of NP.

Teaching Procedures:

Because writing is an activity rather than a content topic, English 101is a workshop course. Class sessions usually consist of active learning activities such as seminars and collaborative (group) work. In addition, every class session includes some kind of writing.

Class exercises and quizzes are designed to help students focus on particular ideas from the readings or the subjects raised in class. Quizzes and exercises are an important part of the work of the class.

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism in this course is defined as deliberately presenting another person’s writing or ideas as your own. Plagiarism includes presenting anything that you did not write yourself as your own work. Plagiarism is a violation of the NECC Academic Ethics and is a major offense. Penalties for plagiarism can include a variety of measures including expulsion. Any work submitted as an assignment in this course is subject to review using electronic plagiarism detection tools.

Grading

Students in English 101 receive a letter grade according to the following criteria:

A / 3 or fewer hours of absences, seldom or never late
All assignments turned in complete and on time
Often exceeds stated expectations on class exercises & quizzes
Evidence of outstanding effort
Has obviously carefully read and annotated all required readings
Evidence of large and/or challenging improvement in writing ability
B / About 4 or 5 hours absent, occasionally late
Most assignments turned in on time, and all complete
Sometimes surpasses stated expectations on class exercises & quizzes
Evidence of better-than-average effort
Apparently completes most required reading
Evidence of change and improvement in writing ability
C / 6 or more hours ofabsences, often late
Assignments sometimes late, but complete
Perfunctory fulfillment of expectations on class exercises & quizzes
Minimal effort evident
Apparently inconsistent in completing required reading assignments
Little or no evidence of improvement in writing ability
D/F or NP / Students who do not meet the minimum expectations for a C will receive a lower grade. Students who miss an assignment or have more than 6 hours of absences may receive a grade of NP.

Tentative Schedule

Schedule / Anthology Chapter / Assignment /

Catalog Description

English 101: Basic Composition I
A required course to develop critical thinking and clear, effective writing. Students will demonstrate their competence through a variety of writing assignments including essays and a research paper. Successful completion of a research paper is required to pass this course.
3.000 Credit Hours, 3.000 Lecture hours
Course Satisfies: Humanities, Liberal Arts, Open/Free
Prerequisites/General Requirements: Basic Reading proficiency and Basic Writing proficiency
Week 1 / Introduction / Essay #1
Week 2 / Ch1: The Reflective Life
Week 3 / Ch2: Languages and Literature
Week 4 / Ch3: Religion / Essay #2
Week 5 / Ch4: Philosophy and Ethics
Week 6 / Ch5: Cultural Studies
Week 7 / Ch6: Education / Essay #3
Week 8 / Ch7: Race
Week 9 / Ch8: Gender Studies
Week 10 / Ch9: Marriage and Family / Essay #4
Week 11 / Ch10: Political Science
Week 12 / Ch11: Economics
Week 13 / Ch12: Brave New World / Research Paper
Week 14 / Ch13: Environment
Week 15 / Ch14: Medicine

Specific assignments will be announced in class and posted on the class Web site:

1