ENGL 1A -- Ms. James -- Syllabus -- Barstow College

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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: Michelle James, M.A.

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION:

Ms. Michelle James, M.A.

mjames@bcconline.com

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

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Text: The St. Martin's Guide to Writing, 9th edition

USB drive to save and back up assignments

Regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. There are computers in the Barstow College labs, and the Ft. Irwin lab is also available for your use. You can also access public use computers at local libraries, schools and copy centers.

Regular access to an email account.

Access to a computer with Microsoft Word.

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand that I must have The St. Martin's Guide to Writing (9th edition), a backup drive, 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.

COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

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

SYLLABUS & ORIENTATION INSTRUCTIONS:

You must fill out this syllabus if you intend to take the course. Read through the following syllabus and follow all directions. You must also complete the student orientation requirements, which are located at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/ prior to starting the class materials. This area was created to help students move through the course website more effectively.

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand that I must read and then submit this completed syllabus to receive my username and password for course access and to remain enrolled in this course. I also understand that I must complete the student orientation prior to starting coursework.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Write effectively in the following modes: description, narration, argumentation, process and exposition.

Understand and use effective English prose style, including such elements as paragraph types, sentence variety, emphasis, detail, and succinctness, as well as mold these elements into effective original essays.

Analyze prose models, make decisions about those models, and use stylistic elements of those models in their own writing.

Write an effective original college-level research paper.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Define Learning Outcomes of this Course:

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

1. Students will be able to read and analyze a college-level article or essay and compose an essay in response that goes beyond a standard five-paragraph essay. Assessment method:

Pre and post test

Writing assignments

2. Students will incorporate research into essays using MLA documentation style. Assessment method:

Essays including research

Exercises using MLA documentation style

From the course objectives and student learning outcomes listed above, list the one that interests you the most and tell me why it interests you.

PREREQUISITES & REQUIREMENTS:

English 50 with a C grade or better, or Assessment recommendation for English 1A.

See Required Materials section of syllabus.

Student must understand the intensity of a 9 week course and be prepared to keep up with the fast-paced schedule.

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand and am prepared for the demands of a 9 week course and meet all prerequisite requirements.

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 https://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 (mjames@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 course in the subject line. Email without an appropriate subject line will be deleted and will not be read. With the current high incidence of viruses and unsolicited email, I automatically delete all email without appropriate subject lines. You will not be notified if your email is unopened or deleted.

Example subject line: "ENGL1A".

Please allow up to 48 hours for response to any email. Forty-eight hours response time does not include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Always allow for 48 hours, excluding Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

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.

Important Note: Although it is convenient to quickly send an email to an instructor the moment you have a question or comment, please keep in mind that instructors have many students sending email to them. Send email in the same manner you use to make phone calls, office visits, or send letters. Carefully plan and write the messages you do send and use everyone's time wisely.

There is an instructor's message board 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 instructor's posting area. Students who post in the instructor's posting area will receive a warning and their posting will be deleted unanswered. Students who ignore the warning and post again to the instructor's posting area will be dropped from the class.

At the conclusion of the class students may find out their grades by going on the Internet at https://bcregweb.barstow.edu/. I do not email or post student grades and will not respond to inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course.

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.

If your question pertains to class materials you should email the instructor at mjames@bcconline.com. The webmaster cannot answer course related questions, and Ms. James does not answer technical questions. See email instructions and guidelines on the previous page.

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:

Read each assignment carefully and submit work as required. Various assignments will be posted online, submitted online or sent by email. All papers must be submitted at Turnitin.com. See the Instructor Postings area for registration instructions and passwords. Any work at all sent in an incorrect format will not be accepted or graded. Correct and complete submission is part of the assignment. Multiple submissions of work are not acceptable. The first submission will always be scored and additional submissions will be deleted unopened.

In the box below type:

I understand that work must be submitted as instructed and will be rejected ungraded 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.

In the box below type:

I understand that inappropriate or late postings to online discussions will receive no grade, and that students who do not edit their profile in the discussion group will receive no credit for their postings.

QUIZZES:

There will also be on-line quizzes throughout the course that you will take. Each quiz must be taken by the deadline. No late quizzes will be accepted.

In the box below type:

I understand that late quizzes will receive no grade.

PROCTOR STATEMENT:

There will be one on-campus meeting for the final exam. If you cannot attend the exam meeting 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. The computer labs at Barstow College will be proctoring your exam if you come to campus. The Barstow College Library does not proctor exams. 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 on 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.

ASSIGNMENTS & METHODS OF EVALUATION:

Grades will be calculated as follows:

5 Essays
500 points

1 Research Paper
200 points

7 Discussions
140 points

7 Quizzes
350 points

1 Assignment
20 points

Midterm Examination
100 points

Final Examination
100 points

Total Points (Subject to some minor variations, if necessary.)

1410 points

To end the course at A level, you need to have earned 1269-1410 points.

To end the course at B level, you need to have earned 1128-1268 points.

To end the course at C level, you need to have earned 987-1127 points.

To end the course at D level, you need to have earned 846-986 points.

To end the course at F level, you need to have earned 0-845 points.

The total Points Earned Divided By Total Points Possible Equals Percent.

Letter Grades

A B C D F

90-100% 80-89% 70-79% 60-69% 0-59%

Holistic Grading Guide for Writing Essays and Paragraphs:

The thesis statement or topic sentence is clear and well-defined. The introductory paragraph of the essay is excellent. Body paragraphs and supporting sentences show logical development and clear relationships. Body paragraphs contain topic sentences. Transitions are used effectively. Ideas are illustrated with specific examples. The conclusion paragraph or concluding sentence signals the end of the essay or paragraph by summarizing points or ideas. The writer follows all of the specific requirements for the assignment. The written piece shows a superior writing style and originality in presenting ideas. The writing contains no writing errors or few writing errors that detract from the content.

The thesis statement or topic sentence is obvious, but may need development. The introductory paragraph of the essay is above average. Body paragraphs or supporting sentences show good development and relationships. Body paragraphs contain topic sentences and supporting details. Transitions are used. Ideas are illustrated with examples. The conclusion or concluding sentence signals the end of the essay or paragraph. The concluding paragraph summarizes the major points of the essay. The writer follows the requirements of the assignment. The written piece shows an above average writing style. The writing may contain a few errors that detract from the content.

The thesis sentence or topic sentence is apparent, but may be vague or too general. The introductory paragraph of the essay may need some improvement. Body paragraphs or supporting sentences may show loose development or lack sufficient examples. Body paragraphs may contain undeveloped topic sentences. Transitions could be used more effectively. The conclusion or concluding sentence may lack a signal of the end of the essay or paragraph. The conclusion may lack a summary of major points. The writer follows most of the requirements for the assignment. The written piece shows an average writing style, but lack of original thought. Writing errors may detract from the content.

The thesis sentence or topic sentence is unclear or undeveloped. The introductory paragraph of the essay may be in need of improvement. Body paragraphs or supporting sentences may lack development. Examples are not used to support ideas. Body paragraphs may lack topic sentences. Transitions are not used effectively. Conclusion or concluding sentence may be lacking. The writer may not have followed the requirements of the assignment. The written piece may show below average writing style. Writing errors detract from the content.

The thesis or topic sentence is ineffective or lacking. The introductory paragraph of the essay is in need of major improvement. Body paragraphs or supporting sentences are undeveloped or incoherent. Information is not presented in a logical manner. Transitions and topic sentences may be undeveloped or lacking. Ideas lack development. The conclusion or concluding sentence may be lacking. The writer does not follow the requirements of the assignments. The piece shows an immature writing style. Serious writing errors detract from the content.

Please type the following in the box below:

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

ACADEMIC HONESTY and PLAGIARISM:

Plagiarism is presenting the work of another as your own and is a crime punishable by failure in the class, expulsion from the college, and legal action. It is the student's responsibility to learn how to give proper credit for materials taken from other sources.

All work submitted is subject to a plagiarism search. All work must be original compositions written for this course. This means that you cannot take essays you have written in other courses and resubmit them in this course. Any occurrence of plagiarism for any reason will result in automatic failure of the assignment and possible automatic failure in the course. Plagiarized work may not be resubmitted.

Please type the following in the box below:

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

ACCEPTANCE OF LATE WORK:

Prompt completion and submittal of all assignments is vital to the learning process and required. Late assignments will affect a student's grade. Late work (no matter the cause of lateness) may not be accepted at all at the discretion of the instructor. In some situations, late work will be accepted (at the discretion of the instructor) with late penalty deductions or replacement assignments.

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand that all of my assignments, discussion group postings, papers, quizzes and tests must be turned in on time and the failure to do so may result in late penalties deductions, replacement assignments or refusal of acceptance by instructor.

PARTICIPATION:

Instructors have the authority to establish standards for class participation. It is each student's responsibility to meet these requirements or the instructor may lower the grade or drop him/her from the course.

If the student misses more than 10% of all class assignments for any reason, he or she may be dropped by the instructor. Remember, it is the student's responsibility to drop a class, not the instructor's. If the student does not drop, but remains on class roll, a grade of F may result.

It is suggested that each student on campus or online employ effective time management skills and protect the time schedule necessary to do well in this course. You may find it helpful to construct a "master" time schedule for the forthcoming semester (include study periods) and share it with your family and friends so that they will know in advance of the semester what to expected of you. There are no make-ups. Be sure to schedule the final in your personal scheduler. Do not plan to move, get married, go on vacation or any other such activity during this class unless you are a great time manager. Only hospital emergencies or TDY (for military) which are documented and/or verifiable will allow you to make up work. The final is a substantial portion of your grade.

In the box below type:

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

WRITTEN WORK:

The standard length for essays is 450 words and 900 words for the research paper. To receive credit for the course, all major essays and the research paper must be successfully completed and submitted on time. All papers should be in MLA format. Papers that do not meet the minimum word requirement will receive an automatic "D" (60) score.

Written reports, presentations, quizzes and class exercises will be executed with proper grammar in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling and improper grammar.

In the box below type:

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

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS & TESTS:

Major assignments are due on the designated dates listed on the front page of this course and will not be accepted after the date listed for the assignment.

Dates are subject to change, but any changes will be given at least a week in advance. In addition, you may have short writing assignments, quizzes and discussion questions.

Please type the following in the box below:

I understand the major assignment and test due dates and agree to turn them all in by the designated dates listed on the front page of this course and I understand assignments will not be accepted after the date listed for the assignment.

FINAL EXAM:

Taking the final examination on time is mandatory. No late finals will be accepted.

On-Campus Final:

There will be an on-campus final exam. The test will also be available at Fort Irwin. If you cannot attend the exam, you will have to find an approved proctor--for example, a military educational officer, a clergy member, a librarian or an educational official--and an approved testing site, such as a military educational center, a church, a library or a school, to take the exam. Your proctor and testing site must be approved by the instructor before the 4th week of class.

INTERNET RESEARCH:

Read and use the information on the websites listed below about electronic research. Each site has excellent information you can use to evaluate all your sources.

Websites:

http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html

http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Evaluation.html

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.

COURSE OUTLINE FOR TERM:

9 Week Term

IMPORTANT: Additional information not listed below and further instructions are posted on the course website for each week of the course. You are responsible for accessing these areas (with your assigned username and password) and submitting work by due dates listed on front page of course.

Lesson 1

READ:

"Introduction," pages 1-12.

Chapter 11, "A Catalog of Invention Strategies," pages 562-574.

COMPLETE:

Read & submit completed syllabus.

Complete student orientation.

DISCUSS:

Post your introduction of 5-12 sentences in Lesson 1 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts.

QUIZ:

Chapter 11 & Course Syllabus Information

WRITE:

Topic: What do you like or dislike about writing? 300-350 words required. Submit paper at Turnitin.com.

Lesson 2

READ:

Chapter 14: "Narrating," pages 615-627.

Chapter 2: "Remembering an Event," pages 14-63.

Also read page 748 and review page 772.

DISCUSS:

Post your response of 5-12 sentences to the assigned discussion topic in the Lesson 2 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts. Topic: Plagiarism.

QUIZ:

Narration, Plagiarism & Basic MLA paper format.

WRITE:

Narrative Essay

Topic: Remembering an Event

450-525 words required.

Submit paper at Turnitin.com.

Lesson 3

READ:

Chapter 15: "Describing," pages 639-646.

Chapter 18: "Comparing and Contrasting," pages 653-658.

DISCUSS:

Post your response of 5-12 sentences to the assigned discussion topic in the Lesson 3 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts. Topic: Can you guess where I am?

QUIZ:

Describing, Comparing and Contrasting.

WRITE:

Descriptive Essay

Topic: Explaining a Place using 5 Senses

450-525 words required.

Submit paper at Turnitin.com.

Lesson 4

READ:

Chapter 4: "Explaining a Concept," pages 126-159.

Chapter 5: "Finding Common Ground," pages 184-190.

Chapter 16: "Defining," pages 639-646.

Chapter 17: "Classifying," pages 647-652.

DISCUSS:

Post your response of 5-12 sentences to the assigned discussion topic in the Lesson 4 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts. Topic: Explain a concept.

QUIZ:

Material from Lesson 4 assigned readings.

WRITE:

Comparing and Contrasting Essay

Topic: Opposing Viewpoints

450-525 words required.

Submit paper at Turnitin.com.

Lesson 5

COMPLETE:

Review Chapters 23 & 24. Be very familiar with these chapters in order to use them the rest of the course to look up information you need when you write your papers for Lessons 6, 7 & 8. Review posted Lesson 5 handouts and web links.

http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/humanities/english.html

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/UsingSources_MLA.html

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/MLACitations.htm

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/MLA_WCited.html

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/MLA-Format4LitRefWorks.htm

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/MLA-Format4Websites.htm

DISCUSS:

A discussion area has been set up to ask questions or get help with Chapters 23 and 24 & the Midterm Exam. This discussion is not graded, and you do not have to post anything here.

EXAM:

Midterm Exam

Covers all book readings from Lessons 1-4.

All questions are either multiple choice, matching, or true/false.

There are no essay or short answer questions on the Midterm Exam.

Lesson 6

READ:

Chapter 6: "Arguing a Position," pages 264-319.

Chapter 7: "Proposing a Solution," pages 320-383.

DISCUSS:

Post your response of 5-12 sentences to the assigned discussion topic in the Lesson 6 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts. Topic: Argumentative thesis statement and support.

QUIZ:

Material from Lesson 6 assigned readings.

WRITE:

Argument Essay

Topic: Controversial Issue

450-525 words required.

Submit paper at Turnitin.com.

Lesson 7

READ:

Chapter 10: "Analyzing Stories," pages 504-561.

Review posted Lesson 7 handouts and web links.

DISCUSS:

Post your response of 5-12 sentences to the assigned discussion topic in the Lesson 7 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts. Topic: A Story of an Hour.

QUIZ:

Literary Analysis and literary terms.

WRITE:

Literary Analysis Essay

Topic: Assigned Short Story

450-525 words required.

Submit paper at Turnitin.com..

Lesson 8

READ:

Review posted Lesson 8 handouts and web links.

DISCUSS:

Post your response of 5-12 sentences to the assigned discussion topic in the Lesson 8 discussion area. Respond to 2 other posts. Topic: Writing research papers.

QUIZ:

Identifying logical fallacies.

WRITE:

Research Paper

Topic: expand on your Argument Essay

900-1050 words required.

Submit paper at Turnitin.com.

Lesson 9

DISCUSS:

A discussion area has been set up to ask questions or get help with the Final Exam. This discussion is not graded, and you do not have to post anything here.

EXAM:

Final Exam

You will be given 5 essay topics by the test facilitator.

You will choose 1 of the essay topics and write an essay of 450-525 words.

In the box below, please type the following: I understand the course schedule above and agree to complete all of my assignments by the due dates listed on the front page of this course.

Disability Statement:

If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Office of Student Support (OSS) office to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The OSS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7225 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing oss@bcconline.com.

In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the OSS department.

After filling out this form, copy the confirmation page and send it via email to mjames@bcconline.com.

click here to go to the discussion group