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RHETORIC 096-009/RHT 086-003

Fall 2010 - Ms. Maureen Musker

Office # – E102D / 708-456-0300 ext. 3954 / E-mail -

Faculty webpage (for homework assignments) - go to the Triton home page atwww.triton.edu, type “English Department” in the search box, when the page comes up, scroll down and click on my name. Make this page a “favorite” or “bookmark.”

Office Hours– M/W 7:30-8am and 12-2pm, M 6-7pm, T/Th 8-9:30 (via email), F 12-1pm

Class Meetings – M/W/F 10:00-11:50, E307 / Computer Classroom E146 – as noted on schedule

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a Learning Communities course that pairs reading and writing classes together to enhance the learning experience. Communication involves reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and in this linked course, we will focus on the relationship of all four of these, but especially the first two, which are naturally intertwined. What you learn about language and methods of comprehending a reading text will help you as a writer of texts. And once you know the elements of effective writing, it will help you become a more critical reader as you will be able to analyze other writers’ work from an educated point of view. We will be using various media to explore issues surrounding literacy, identity, diversity and community.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the Learning Communities structure of this course, enrollment is required in both RHT 086-003 and RHT 096-009. You CANNOT drop one class and remain in the other. If you drop one, you will be dropped from both. At the end of the semester, however, you will, receive two separate grades: one for RHT 086 and one for RHT 096.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed so that by the end of the semester you will:

  • Be aware of the relationship between reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Understand reading and writing as processes and yourself as an active participant in those processes.
  • Develop a set of comprehension and composition strategies that will make reading and writing more meaningful and apply these strategies in an academic setting.
  • Recognize textual elements and patterns to better understand your own writing.
  • Express ideas in writing that are clearly organized and logically stated for your reader.
  • Examine critically your own texts and those of others, questioning the assumptions and perspectives.
  • Demonstrate a mastery ofeffective language skills: grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
  • Become proficient using the computer as a tool for writing, reading, and research.

COURSE MATERIALS

Required Texts (to be brought to each class meeting)

Making Reading Relevant: The Art of Connecting 2nded.byTeri Quick, Melissa Zimmer and Diane

Hocevar – IF YOU CANNOT BUY THE BOOK, YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS CLASS!

  • RHT 096 Writing Reference – can only be purchased at the Triton bookstore
  • Portable dictionary – (Longman Dictionary of American English or Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English is suggested, but any pocket dictionary will do.)

Required Supplies

  • Current Triton ID
  • Index Cards – 3x5
  • Notebook and Folder
  • Stapler, pens, and highlighter
  • PC flashdrive

Required Technology (all available on Triton campus)

  • Word processing
  • Internet access
  • Triton email account

COURSE WORK

Major Writing

  • Portfolio

You will create a writing portfolio consisting of multiple draft essays. All drafts—prewriting, outline, rough draft, rewriting plan, rewritten final draft, assessments—of each essay will be collected in your portfolio folder until the end of the semester. All rough and final drafts must be typed and double-spaced. In order to receive full credit, you must turn in a rough draft and final draft on time.

Major Reading

  • Assignments

You are expected to keep up with all assigned readings, whether from your text or provided handouts. To understand various texts, you’ll complete activities, such as annotations, comprehension worksheets, vocabulary exercises, discussion questions, graphic organizers, and summaries.

Class Participation

  • Daily Homework

Short homework assignments must be handed in (copied if done in textbook) and will be accepted only at the beginning of class.Consult my faculty website—NOT the class schedule—for these assignments.

  • In-Class Activities

You will be completing individual and group work during class. Sometimes this will be handed in at the endof class; sometimes the results will be shared with the class. All students are required to participate in these activities in order to get credit for attending class that day.

  • Quizzes

There will be a series of quizzes scheduled throughout the semester on writing concepts, readings, and vocabulary. These quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class. If you are tardy, you will not be given extra time to complete the quiz. If you are absent, these quizzes cannot be made up. The only exceptions are Word Parts quizzes as long as you contact me and make the quiz up before our next class.

PLEASE NOTE: You are expected to turn in presentable work. This includes STAPLING an assignment (BEFORE YOU GET TO CLASS) if it consists of multiple pages. You are NOT allowed to borrow another student’s stapler. Points will be deducted for substandard presentation.

Attendance

  • Absences

You are allowed five absences. Upon the sixth absence, you can be dropped from the course.

  • Tardiness

Threetardies (more than five minutes late) equal one absence. If you are tardy, please enter the room quietly and begin the work in progress. You CANNOT turn in homework for credit.

Please Note: Once you are in class, you are expected to stay in class. If you leave during the course of the class, it will count as a 1/3 absence. If you are gone for more than five minutes, you must take an absence for that class meeting.

Also note that while we will have a break between classes as you normally would, returning to the second half of class late counts as a tardy.

Make-up Policy

Short quizzes and other homework may not be made up for a grade. If you are absent, check my faculty website before the next class to find out the homework you missed, so that you can stay on schedule. If you email work to me, in order to receive credit, it must be sent before our next scheduled meeting time. Also, if you email me, you must follow up with a phone call to make sure the email was received. It’s up to you to get on track before you return from your absence. Please do not interrupt me during class to catch up on what you missed. You can, however, schedule a conference with me to do so.

To receive full credit, papers must be turned in on the due date in proper format. Final draft packets of essays will only be accepted one class past the due date. Any such late papers will be lowered by one full grade. After the deadline, you will receive a 0 for that paper, even if you turned in a rough draft.

Conferences

Any time you want to discuss your progress in the class or spend one-on-one time reviewing any concepts you’re having trouble with, I encourage you to schedule a conference with me. If you are falling behind in class, I may require you to schedule a conference in order to stay in the class.

Tutoring

Based on your work, you may be required to go to the Academic Success Center (Room A-100, ext. 3361) for tutoring or to see me for individual tutoring in order to receive assignment grades.

Grades

Although this class is linked, you will receive two separate grades upon completion of this course: one for RHT 096 and one for RHT 086.

RHT 096

All work will be assigned a point value. Your final grade will be calculated based on a point percentage system. Depending on what we accomplish, the tentative breakdown is as follows:

  • 60 % = Major writing assignments = 600 points as follows:

3 multiple draft essays @ 40 points each = 120 points

2 major rewrites @ 100 points each = 200 points

1 major rewrite with research = 100 points

3 in-class essays = 80 points

Portfolio with Reflective Essay = 100 points

  • 20 % = Class participation = 200 points

Please note that each essay will consist of several parts. Grades for each part other than the final draft packet are part of the participation grade. This grade is also made up of points from in daily homework assignments, quizzes, class presentations, discussions, and your contribution to a positive classroom environment.

  • 10 % = Online exercises
  • 10 % = Final exam = 100 points

Exit Exam / Final Grades

A= 90-100% )

B= 80-89%) one of these averages + 4 on exit exam + reading requirement = move to RHT 101

C= 70-79%)

R= Retake RHT 096 because either

1) score of 3 on the exit assessment and your writing skills need more work to get to RHT 101 level

OR

2) you failed to fulfill the class requirements

RHT 086

All work will be assigned a point value. Your final grade will be calculated based on a point percentage system. Depending on what we accomplish, the tentative breakdown is as follows:

  • 40% = Major reading assignments
  • 20 % = Class participation

These points include group work, in-class presentations, discussions, and your contribution to a positive classroom environment as well as daily homework and quiz grades.

  • 15% = Literature project
  • 15 % = Vocabulary quizzes
  • 10% = Final Exam

Final Grade – An A.B or C average is required to pass the class. Once you pass, you have fulfilled your reading prerequisite for RHT 101. Remember though you CANNOT register for RHT 101 unless you are at college level in writing as well.

A= 90-100%

B= 80-89%

C= 70-79%

R= 69% or below. You failed to fulfill the class requirements or are not yet reading effectively at college level = retake RHT 086.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Triton College closely adheres to principles of academic honesty and integrity. All incidents of cheating will result in a disciplinary response from college officials.

Violations of academic honesty include:

  • Copying someone else’s work or answers
  • Turning in the same paper to two different classes without permission from both instructors
  • Having someone take an exam in your place
  • Plagiarism – Putting your name on someone else’s words, whether all or part of an essay, is an act of plagiarism and will not be tolerated. Acts of plagiarism will result in serious consequences, ranging from the receipt of a “0” on an assignment to dismissal from the class. Please consult your student handbook for Triton’s policy regarding plagiarism.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

The success of this class requires that all of us be respectful of one another. That means when someone is speaking, whether it’s me or another student, no one else should be talking or making noise of any sort. In addition, cell phones must be turned off or switched to “vibrate” before class. Any cell phone use, including text messaging or message checking during class will result in dismissal from class that day.

With everyone’s cooperation, we can create a welcoming, non-threatening classroom atmosphere that promotes learning. Behavior that in any way detracts from this goal may result in removal from a class session and loss of any points earnable during that session.

TRITON RESOURCES (for hours & contact information, see next page)

As Triton students, you have the right to use many facilities on this campus, including the Library/Learning Resource Center, Center for Access and Accommodative Services, Academic Success Center (tutoring and ESL practice tables), ETRC (computer lab), Counseling Services, Transfer Center, Career Services Center, and more. Check your catalog for additional information or feel free to ask me if you have any general questions about the campus and services offered. While I won’t be able to answer all questions, I’ll at least point you in the right direction. In order to take full advantage of all campus resources and to fully participate in this course, you must obtain a Triton ID.

FALL 2010 - ACADEMIC SUPPORT RESOURCES

The following resources are available to support your academic success at Triton College. Some require a current Triton ID. To obtain one, visit the Welcome Desk in the College Center. Two forms of ID are required: current class schedule and a picture ID. M-Th 8-7:30 / Fri 8-4 / Sat 9-1pm. $5 replacement fee.

Academic Success Center (ASC)- Services include individual and small-group tutoring, academic study skills and college life skills workshops.
Location: Room A -106, on the lower level of the Learning Resource Center (Library)
Contact: To schedule an appointment, call: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3361.

Educational Technology Resource Center (ETRC) – Resources include computers for
drafting/printing papers, color printers, MSOffice 2007 and internetaccess. Limited tutoring available, please contact the ETRC for more detailed information.

Location: A Building (Room A-100)
Contact: For more information, call: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3361.

Library - Resources include books, dvds, periodicals, e-books, and online databases.

LAPTOP LOAN - Mac laptops*and printers are available for use in-house with both current Triton and State IDs. Wireless access and group study rooms for student use.

Location: The northern end of the Learning Resource Building - A Building

Contact:Reference Desk: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3698 or 3154 / Circulation Desk: Ext. 3215

The ASC, ETRC and Library Operating Hours (NEW HOURS):
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday Closed

*HP laptops are available for loan at the Office of Student Life in the “B” building.

Counseling Department - Counselors assist students to identify interests and skills for the selection of major/career, to develop an academic plan, and to address personal concerns. Location: College Center - Room B-100

Contact: To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3588, or come to the College Center during walk-in counseling or e-mail at .

The Counseling Department Hours(fall and spring semesters):
Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. / Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. / Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Center for Access and Accommodative Services: Academic accommodations and campus accessibility services are available for students who have medical, physical, sensory or learning disabilities and are participating in academic and continuing education programs. Location: A-125 and A-141 (in the Learning Resource Center building) Contact: To request services, call the staff: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3854 or 3917.

The CAAS hours (fall, spring and summer semesters):

Monday-Tuesday • 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday • 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday • 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

RHT 086/096 / FALL 2010

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

8/23 Introduction to class
Freewriting
Text Layout
8/25 Writing/Reading Assessment
Campus Resources
Essay Structure (Hazards)
8/27 Syllabus review
Previewing – Text layout – Venn Diagram
Assessment Review – 4 Bases
Text - Chapter Three
8/30Materials / Campus Resources checklist
Reading Process
Annotating – Hazards / One Person’s Path
9/1E-146
Websites/E-mail/Triton myspace
Writing Process - Invisible freewriting
Journal One
9/3 Annotating cont’d.
Prewriting/prereading review
Main ideas – Unity – Chapter Two
9/6 LABOR DAY – NO CLASS
9/8 Journal One Due
Clustering
Main ideas cont’d.
9/10 Essay structure
Illustration Essay Assignment
Outlining for unity and comprehension
9/13 Reviewing sample essays
Marking key sentences
Introductions and conclusions
9/15 E-146
Draft Essay #1 due
Composing rough draft – Essay #2
10/13 E-146
Rewrite assignment #1
Revising for dominant impression
Considering audience and purpose
10/15 READING DAY
10/18Rewrite draft #1 due - Peer review
Editing checklist – verb use-conferences
Flashcards #3 due
10/20 E-146
Rewrite packet #1 due
Argument practice
10/22 Word Parts Quiz #3
Status updates
Sentence structure
10/25Part two online due
Sentence structure
Holistic scoring
10/27 Sentence structure
“Most Evil Character”- Textual Evidence
10/29Flashcard #4 due
Media Day - Round Robin FW
Elements of fiction – Reading assigned
11/1 Word Part Quiz #4
Annotating fiction – Chapter Four
11/3 E-146
Argument practice – Essay and summary
Coherence
11/5 Reading day – plot summaries
Argument review
11/8 Reading Part One –
Annotations, packet, quiz
Graphic organizers – Chapter Seven
12/6 Rewrite #3 packet with research due
In-class essay writing review
Portfolio assignment
12/8 FINAL EXAM – Part One – In-class essay
Review for reading exam
Review for objective final
12/10 FINAL EXAM – Part Two – Writing
FINAL EXAM – Reading
WRITING PORTFOLIO DUE
12/13 FINAL CONFERENCES
12-2pm in E307 / 9/17Editing and revising practice
Rewriting plans
Unity review – Parallel language
9/20 Draft Essay #3 due
Rewriting Plans
Vocabulary strategies – Word parts
Chapter One
9/22 E-146
Bedford Diagnostic
Rewriting Essays
9/24 Flashcards #1 due
Bedford assignment
Review annotating
9/27 Labeled Illustration Packets Due
Vocabulary – Review Word Parts
Context Clues
9/29 Word Parts Quiz #1
Supporting anecdotes – “White Coat”
10/1 Vocabulary strategies – Dictionary use
Summarizing
10/4 Flashcards #2 due - review
Summarizing cont’d.
10/6 E-146
Word Parts Quiz #2
Drafting a summary
Post-grade reflections
10/8Summary review
Descriptive writing
Sensory detail – “Diner” annotation
ChapterFive
10/11Part One online due
Descriptive techniques
Prewriting / rewriting for detail
11/10 E-146
Rewrite #2 assignment - conferences
Considering audience and purpose
Comparisons to strengthen arguments
11/12 Part Three online due
Rewrite peer groups & conferences
Reading Part Two –
Annotations, packet, quiz
11/15 Flashcards #5 due
Reading Part Three –
Annotations, packet, quiz
Project
11/17 E-146
Rewrite packet #2 due
Pair edit for language use
In-class essay
11/19 Word Parts Quiz #5
Rewrite #3 assignment
Brainstorming solutions
11/22 Counterarguments - debate
Fact/opinion – Inferences
Chapter Four – Giving Candy
Organizing the argument
11/24-28 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY-
NO CLASS
11/29 Rewrite #3 draft due
Critiquing an argument
Review sample essay with research
12/1E-146
Researching online/documenting sources
Conferences
12/3 Rewrite #3 with research and
annotated research articles due
Review documenting sources
Peer review

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are expected to keep this schedule throughout the semester for reference. It is a basic guide to the order in which material will be covered but is TENTATIVE or subject to CHANGE. Note that regular homework exercises are not included here but will be assigned on a class-by-class basis. If you lose this schedule, print a replacement from my webpage.