COURSE SYLLABUS
English Composition I
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Fall Semester, 2010
Instructor: Philip J. Kowalski
Office: McIver 113
ENG 101-45 MW 2:00-3:15 P.M. Petty 227
ENG101-49 MW 3:30-4:45 P.M. Petty 227
Office Hours: MWF 1:00-1:50 PM
Course Description: English Composition I is an introductory writing course designed to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for academic success at the college level. In order to accomplish this goal, you will read a variety of texts, develop an argumentative stance toward them, and write and revise essays that figure as models of college-level writing. Classroom discussion will also require you to introduce and unpack the readings for other students, and to initiate and lead the discussion.
Required Texts: The required texts for the course are as follows:
Colombo, et al., Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 8th edition, 2010
Eggers, Zeitoun, Vintage Books, 2010
Requirements: You will be required to write at least four (4) 3-4 pp. argumentative essays that respond to one or more of the course readings. These essays will be written as initial drafts with an emphasis on revision. The final assignment for the course is a portfolio of your work, which includes revised versions of the formal writing assignments from the course, plus earlier drafts and revisions. The portfolio also includes a reflective letter or essay which discusses your work in English 101 and articulates the reasoning behind the choices made and the selections included, the strengths and weaknesses of the portfolio, and your plans for further improvement and growth in their writing.
Student Learning Goals: By the end of the course, you should be able to do the following:
1. Analyze texts, construct cogent arguments, and provide evidence for their ideas in writing
2. Be familiar with rhetorical concepts of audience, writer, message and context, and how to employ these in both formal and informal writing situations
3. Have the ability to summarize, paraphrase, and use direct quotations in writing
4. Know the importance of writing-to-learn through sequenced assignments rooted in a common theme or focus
5. Understand the act of writing as a public and community-based process through the activities of drafting, peer review, and revision
Academic Integrity Policy: Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating, plagiarism, misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the fundamental activity of UNCG and shall not be tolerated. To ensure that you understand the university’s policy on academic integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at <http://academic integrity.uncg.edu>. I expect you to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy.
Attendance and Late Papers: You are expected to attend all classes, but you may miss two (2) class sessions without penalty. Excessive absence in the form of six (6) or more missed classes will result in failure of the course. You are also encouraged to notify me ahead of time if you know you will not be able to attend class on a certain date, and I will take that into consideration. Additionally, you must submit papers on the day they are due. Papers will be marked one letter grade down for each day that they are late.
Grading: Your final grade will consist of the average of the four essays submitted (20% each), with attendance and class participation constituting the remaining 20%. Since this course emphasizes revision, however, your grade will also be heavily influenced by the final portfolio.
Disability Services: Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see me about accommodations as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit from such accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Disability Services on campus before such accommodations can be made. The office is located on the second floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite 215, and the office open 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 334-5440, and the email address is .
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
Monday, 8/23 First Day of Class; Course Introduction
Wednesday, 8/25 Rereading America, pp. 22-52
Monday, 8/30 RA, pp. 61-89
Wednesday, 9/1 RA, pp. 89-107
Monday, 9/6 Labor Day: No Class
Wednesday, 9/8 RA, pp. 128-157
Monday, 9/13 RA, pp. 157-186
Wednesday, 9/15 RA, pp. 194-219; Essay #1 Due (optional revision)
Monday, 9/20 RA, pp. 219-249
Wednesday, 9/22 RA, pp. 254-278
Monday, 9/27 RA, pp. 279-303
Wednesday, 9/29 RA, pp. 304-328
Monday, 10/4 RA, pp. 330-357
Wednesday, 10/6 RA, pp. 357-372
Monday, 10/11 Fall Break: No Class
Wednesday, 10/13 RA, pp. 374-397
Monday, 10/18 RA, pp. 398-421; Essay #2 Due (optional revision)
Wednesday, 10/20 RA, pp. 422-438
Monday, 10/25 RA, pp. 439-461
Wednesday, 10/27 RA, pp. 462-483
Monday, 11/1 RA, pp. 483-514
Wednesday, 11/3 RA, pp. 527-546
Monday, 11/8 RA, pp. 546-574
Wednesday, 11/10 RA, pp. 575-601
Monday, 11/15 RA, pp. 601-618
Wednesday, 11/17 RA, pp. 618-638; Essay #3 Due (optional revision)
Monday, 11/22 Zeitoun, pp. 3-81
Wednesday, 11/24 Thanksgiving Break: No Class
Monday, 11/29 Zeitoun, pp. 85-170
Wednesday, 12/1 Zeitoun, pp. 175-239
Monday, 12/6 Zeitoun, pp. 239-325; Essay #4 Due (final draft); Last Day of Class