User Name and Password:  

You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these words you will not be able to access the course materials. The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page of your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password please go to this page and read the instructions: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm,  to receive further assistance.

In the box below please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:

COURSE INFORMATION:

English 1A Online (3 Units)

English Composition and Reading (ENGL 1A)|

Instructor: Phil Fitzpatrick

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION:

Instructor's Name: Phil Fitzpatrick

Instructor's Email address: pfitzpatrick@bcconline.com

In the box below type, I know how to contact my instructor.

1. Course Description

* 3.0 units

* Lecture/lab hours 3-5

* [Prerequisites: English 50 with a C grade or better, or Assessment recommendation for English 1A.]

* Intensive online course on intermediate composition, revising, and mechanics in a variety of essay forms including a research essay

* mastery of MLA documentation techniques

* learning about, using, and perfecting peer editing techniques

* weekly discussions with instructor and classmates on topics relating to writing

COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

English composition and reading using descriptive, narrative, expository, argumentative, essay and research techniques. UC/CSU (CAN ENGL 2)

2. Course Objectives

* review frequently missed grammar and punctuation rules

* refine sentence structure, transitional sentences, and developing a thesis

* incorporate prior knowledge and experience in essay writing

* gain confidence in research and documentation

* develop skills of critical reading on topics of current interest

* develop new skills of exchanging constructive criticism with peers

3. Benchmark Learning Outcomes

* write comprehensive, articulate, and persuasive essays of several types

* demonstrate mastery of punctuation and grammar

* earn grade of C or better on all 5 major essays

* earn grade of C or better on research paper and final

* demonstrate mastery of documentation techniques both on research paper and exam

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Define Learning Outcomes of this Course:

At the successful completion of English 1A, students will be able to:

• Read and interpret college level texts
• Write short essays at the college level in a variety of modes, using a variety of strategies
• Think more critically, using enhanced cognitive skills.
• Submit a minimum of 6 formal essays in a variety of modes, using a variety of strategies: (they will write a minimum of 3000 words).
• Read critically between 100 and 250 pages of text and incorporate ideas and materials from such reading into a variety of discussion forms: pairs, groups, full class, honing their summarizing and paraphrasing skills.
• Practice and receive feedback on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
• Identify various essay modes and strategies and to produce such essays.
• Analyze essays and other literary forms, using the vocabulary peculiar to the language arts: thesis, main idea, evidence, logical fallacies, casual analysis, etc.
• Employ various critical thinking skills in college level (and life) reading and writing activities: drawing inferences, identifying assumptions, identifying and correcting logical fallacies, judging claims (theses) and supporting evidence.
• Succeed in English 1C and other college level classes.
• Feel confident in their reading, writing, and thinking skills, thus in themselves.

In the box below type one reason why you took this course and the objective above which interests you the most.

4. Textbook

 – The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, 9^th ed. By Axelrod and Cooper

I understand that I must have The St. Martin's Guide to Writing (9th edition), a floppy disk, access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account and access to Microsoft Word by the second day of class.

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

5. Critical Thinking Skills

* objectivity in all forms of essay writing

* selection of topics

* using correct vocabulary and punctuation

* location, organization, and citation of resource material

* mastery of communication with peers on issues relating to composition and revision

6. Methods of Instruction

* weekly lectures

* discussion board postings and responses

* weekly peer editing

* weekly writing assignments including 1^st and occasional 2^nd drafts

* email responses

* quizzes and tests

* midterm and final exam

7. Grading Procedure

Grading Scale

900-1000 pts = A,

800-899 pts = B,

700-799 = C,

600-699 = D,

below 600 = F

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand the above grading policy and agree to its terms.

8. Attendance & Punctuality

Students are expected to submit all assignments on or before the day that they are due, to participate in the Discussion Board and Peer Editing sessions promptly, and to communicate with peers and instructor regularly. Unless some arrangement has been made at least 48 hours ahead of time, late work will not be accepted.

In the box below type:

I understand the standards for participation and agree to abide by them.

9. Topical Outline by Week

1. syllabus form; writing sample; postings; punctuation quiz; peer editor; character
2. description or definition essay; peer editing; research topics
3. compare & contrast essay, Pt. I; begin research
4. compare & contrast essay, Pt. II; proctor form due; midterm; research paper abstract
5. argument; taking a position
6. research techniques and MLA documentation; start research paper
7. literary analysis essay
8. final exam

10. Weekly Schedule

Mon/Tues…………………………read text and lecture; 1^st post to the Discussion Board

Tue/Wed……...………………….. review lecture; begin draft

Wed/Thurs………………………...revise draft & submit draft

Thur/Fri…………………………...submit draft; reply to posting

Saturday/Sunday…………………..work on 2^nd draft, if one is due

Monday……………………………submit 2^nd draft

In the box below type:

I understand the course schedule and agree to abide by them.

ONLINE LEARNING PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES:

It is your responsibility to email the instructor if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus.

It is your responsibility to confirm your enrollment either via the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/  or by calling (760)252-2411 extension 7236 if you are having problems accessing the course material. After you have confirmed your enrollment go to http://www.bcconline.com/orient/  and read the password link. Following this procedure will ensure you are helped in the fastest manner possible.

By enrolling for this class, the assumption is that you possess the necessary skills to read at the college level, to enter and perform research on the internet, to email using proper email etiquette and to post to the discussions.

When emailing your instructor (pfitzpatrick@bcconline.com), include your full name in the body of the email, or else you will not receive a reply and/or your assignment will not be graded. Send all email with the name of the assignment being submitted in the subject line. Example subject lines for a "Rush" assignment or emergency would be either "question" or "S.O.S."

Email assignments will have a one week turnaround time for scoring, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one week turnaround time period. This means you should always wait 7 days from the due date for response.

(Note: proofread your emails before you send them just as you would proofread your class assignments. Similarly, proofread all postings to the Discussion Board.)

There is an Instructor's Posting Area (IPA) at the top of the discussion page. Be sure to check this at least once a week for messages and clarifications. Do not post in the instructor's posting area. Should you have a concern with your class, please email me your question. It is not appropriate for students to post their concerns in the IPA.

In the box below type: I understand and agree to abide by the online learning procedures and guidelines written above.

IMPORTANT:

You will not officially start this course until you complete the orientation sessions at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/.  No course work should be started or completed until after you have reviewed the orientation area. The orientation area will answer many frequently asked questions (FAQs) about online instruction and will also provide tutorials on common problems students encounter while participating in online courses. If you are experiencing technical difficulties and/or need to learn how to use courseware, you should first check the orientation area thoroughly and carefully to see if the answer to your technical question is there. If your technical question is not answered on the website you may then send an email to webmaster@bcconline.com  with your question.

RESOURCES FOR ONLINE STUDENTS:

Online classes are administered under the Distance Education division and as such there are no regular class meetings. Sometimes the terminology and/or the breadth of the class may seem daunting or overwhelming to you. If so, you may request a tutor for your class by emailing bctutorial@bcconline.com.  You can also use http://www.bcconline.com/orient/  for technical assistance.

In the box below type:

I understand I can request a tutor from bctutorial@bcconline.com, and that I may use the http://www.bcconline.com/orient/  website for technical assistance.

SUBMITTAL OF WORK: Correct and complete submission is part of the assignment. Read each assignment carefully, proofread your work thoroughly, and submit work as required. All papers must be submitted using the interactive forms provided with each lesson. Any work at all sent in an incorrect format will not be accepted or graded.

In the box below type:

I understand that work must be submitted as instructed and will be rejected without a grade if submitted in any other format.

ONLINE DISCUSSIONS:

There will be online "discussion" sessions throughout the course. All work and participation in these discussions is required and must be conducted within the time frame stated. No postings to the discussion group after deadlines will be scored. Students must check the board several times a week to read new posts by other students and the instructor. DO NOT edit profile in discussion group.

In the box below type:

I understand that inappropriate or late postings to online discussions will receive no grade. Students should not edit their profile in the discussion group.

PROCTOR STATEMENT:

There will be no on-campus meeting for the final exam. You will have to find a proctor approved by the instructor--for example, a librarian or education officer, and an approved testing site, such as a library or an education center, to take the exam. Send the instructor the name, location and fax number of the proctor. Proctors for this course must have access to a working fax number, and proctor information must be received by the end of the third week of class.

In the box below type:

I understand that if I cannot attend the final exam in campus, it is my responsibility to find a proctor, to have the proctor approved by the instructor before the 4th week of class, and to arrange for a means of contact between my instructor and the proctor.

ACADEMIC HONESTY and PLAGIARISM:

Essay writing frequently - and in the case of research writing ALWAYS - involves gathering, reading, and often quoting the work of other writers. Failure to credit one's sources in an essay of any kind constitutes "plagiarism." It s of the utmost importance that students understand what plagiarism is, how it can be avoided, and what the consequences are if it occurs. It is assumed that your work is your own. Furthermore, it is assumed that when you use the writing and/or the thinking of someone else, you will credit that source in an appropriate fashion. Finally, you MUST be willing to ask for help if you do NOT understand this agreement, when you encounter difficulty attempting to credit sources, or when you are trying without success to transform source material into your own work in an appropriate manner.

It is your responsibility to learn how to give proper credit for materials taken from other sources.

Your work may be submitted to a plagiarism search. Any occurrence of plagiarism for any reason will result in automatic failure in the course.

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand the policy on plagiarism, its consequences and agree to abide by it.

PARTICIPATION:

Participation at all levels of this course is mandatory. Failure to participate fully will inevitably lead to the student's having to drop the course or receive a grade of "F."

Students must make whatever preparations are necessary and take whatever precautions are advisable not to fall behind on the schedule and to take an active roll in the activities of the course. Making a personal schedule based on the instructor's timetable in the syllabus will help the student remain fully engaged in the course and virtually guarantee successful performance.

Documented absences (health and/or military) are permissible provided the instructor is informed at the earliest possible date by appropriate personnel.

DISCLAIMER:

All dates are subject to change with advanced notice to the student in the Instructor's Posting area.

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified.

In the box below type:

I understand a syllabus is a general guideline for students to use in planning their time for a particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to adjust to the changes.