1. USER NAME AND PASSWORD:   (top of page)

You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these you will not be able to access the course materials.

Your username and password are your B#

NOTE: username AND password are the same.

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.

 In the box below please explain where to go for assistance using your user name and password:

2. INSTRUCTOR'S INFORMATION: (top of page)

• Instructor's Name: Mrs. Penny Shreve-Smith
• Instructor's Email Address: pshreve@bcconline.com  or pshreve@barstow.edu
• Instructor's Phone Number: (760) 252-2411 ext. 7486
• Office: B-15B
• Office Hours:
  • ONLINE Courses Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday - 8-9 am  CORRECTION!
  • CAMPUS Courses Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday - 9-10 am  CORRECTION!
  • NOTE: I am often in my office at other times, and will accommodate students' schedules.

 3. EMAIL  (top of page)

E-Mail Guidelines:

When emailing your instructor (pshreve@bcconline.com), write the name of the name of the course in the subject line and Lesson # or the specific words: problem, question or comment.

 EXAMPLES:
       "English 50 - Lesson 2 - problem" or "ENGL 50 Week 2 Essay - question"

Remember, in ALL campus email include your full name and course if relevant.

As a rule, all e-mail questions and problems are responded to within 24 hours during business week (Monday-Thursday). On the weekend or on holidays, it may take longer. After all, it is the weekend (or a holiday) :)

 In the box below please type in the following:

1) Instructor's ONLINE Courses office hours
2) Best time for you to contact the instructor
3) Preferred method of contact (phone, e-mail, in person, etc.)

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.

4. GETTING STARTED IN CLASS: (top of page)

First Week of Class:

• Complete interactive syllabus by end of the first week.
  IMPORTANT: Students who do not complete the syllabus on time risk being dropped from the class!
• Familiarize yourself with the on-line environment - click buttons and links, find discussion board, etc.
• Complete Lesson ONE assignments before the due date

Orientation - Online Environment:

• Students should complete the orientation tutorials located at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/  during the first week. These tutorials can help students move through the course website more effectively.

Knowing your responsibilities

• Attendance, participation, and completing assignments are vital in the learning process. Though online courses allow for more flexibility, deadlines, and participation are still crucial to success.
• 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.
• See Barstow College Attendance Policies http://www.bcconline.com/schedule/admision.htm

5. GRADES (top of page)

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADE BREAKDOWN:  (top of page)

• Midterm and Final (300pts)
• 4 essays (400pts)
• Researched essay (150pts)
• Discussion board, weekly assignments, and quizzes (250pts)
  - lowest of each will be dropped

Total possible points = 1100 pts

GRADING SCALE (top of page)

Grade Scale will be the standard 10% system:

ON-LINE GRADE PROGRAM: MMICROGRADE (top of page)

Grades are periodically updated on Micrograde, a web-based "grade book," at http://www.eclassinfo.com/  during the class. Students are able to monitor their progress by accessing this site.

Printable Instructions for accessing grades on Micrograde - See link on home page or click HERE

IMPORTANT: I do not email student grades and do not respond to inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course. So be sure you can access your grades before then.

In the box below type the following:

1) Webpage of online grade book system used in class   2) What # will be used as student User name and Password

FINAL GRADES: (top of page)

At the conclusion of the class students may find out their grades by calling (760) 252-6868 (local or out of state) and (877) 336-6868 (toll free within California). You may also find out your grade by going on the Internet at https://bcregweb.barstow.edu. 

 

6. TEXTBOOK (top of page)

Textbook: College Writing Skills With Readings 8th Edition by John Langan CORRECTION!

Textbook is needed during the first week of class.

In box below type whether you have the textbook already, or when you expect to have the textbook.

7. STUDENT SKILLS EXPECTED (top of page)

• Ability to read college level texts including on-line weekly assignments and assigned text book pages.
• Ability to create and submit college level written materials.
• Ability to structure time to do readings, weekly assignments. **There are no make-ups, so be sure to keep track of assignment due dates.
• Ability to send email, use e-mail etiquette.
• Ability to copy, paste, and attach files as necessary.
• Ability to access and use discussion groups, the web, and word processing.

**If you do not have Internet access you may use the computer lab on campus; be sure to check times available for each lab to coordinate with your schedule.

 

8. WRITTEN WORK EXPECTATIONS  (top of page)

Written work: essays 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. Lazy writing even in discussions is not acceptable.

Be sure to spellcheck work in appropriate word-processing software BEFORE posting to discussion board or submitting assignments
Work that shows lack of preparation or significant errors will be marked down.

Standards include but are not limited to:

• Essay Length - see below
• Following Essay instructions - Often topic choices are given or restricted. Read instructions carefully.
• Title - see below
• Spelling - see below
• Punctuation
• Readability
• Paragraph structure
• Essay structure

NOTE: It is understood that some of the standards will be clarified and/or reinforced during the class.

Length:

Essays will be between 350-600 words (1 ½ - 2½ pages)

Another factor of length for weekly essays will be a minimum of FIVE paragraphs

Research paper will be between 750-1000 words (3-5 pages)

Titles: All essays should have a title. The name of the assignment is NOT considered a title.

Use an original, descriptive title. Not "Research Essay" - not "Analysis Essay" - not "Theme #1" . . .

A title should interest the reader in reading, and encourages more people to read it. When writing a title, imagine you are a fisherman, trying to hook a fish. . . . The title should reflect the content, honestly. It is not a sentence; it is a phrase.

From The Pearson ALC

Spelling:

Don't Trust Spell Check

Even though you should ALWAYS run spell check, it is not a foolproof system. Spell check, and even grammar check, does not always know what word you mean (you're or your, our or out, loose or lose, etc.).

Do you have the Spell Check Blues?

I have a spelling checker

It came with my PC.
It plane lee marks four my revue
Miss steaks aye can knot sea.

For rest of poem go to Spell Check Blues

Not sure how to turn on or use the spell check in Microsoft word? Check out this link:

Turn on or off automatic spelling and grammar checking

Troubleshoot spelling, grammar, and other proofing tools

In the box below type the following:

1) One standard of writing you believe will be easy for you. Briefly explain why
2) One standard that will be most difficult. Briefly explain why.

9. SUBMITTING WORK FOR THE CLASS:  (top of page)

How to submit?

All essays and the research paper are to be submitted via turnitin.com.
See the Turnitin.com Instructions for submitting essays to turnitin.com.

REMEMBER: If there is EVER a problem with submission to turnitin.com., attach essay in RTF format OR copy and paste the essay into an e-mail and send it directly to the instructor as soon as possible to avoid being marked down for late.

Formatting:

ESSAYS in TURNITIN.COM - When reviewing the essay before final submission to turnitin.com, it will appear as if your formatting is gone. Do not worry, I still see the formatting if you upload the file as attachment in Word or RTF. If you copy paste, then yes all the formatting will be gone - students should upload documents, NOT copy paste into turnitin.com.

OTHER MINI WRITING ASSIGNMENTS - When submitting other mini writing assignments or discussion board posting, text boxes do not accommodate formatting, so any bolding, italicizing, or underlining or paragraph indents will be lost.

To compensate use the following faux formatting rules:

• For paragraphs, put an extra return (enter key) extra between paragraphs
• For title and essay, put an extra return between essay and title
• For italics or underlining, put asterisks (*) around word or phrase

Late Policy:

• Late essays will be accepted marked down each day late. After 3 days, I will not grade the essay.
• Late lesson assignments may be turned in ONE day late, but will lose ½ the points.
• Late quizzes may be completed ONE day late, but will lose 1/2 the points.

In the box below type the following:

1) the format you should use submit essays to turnitin.com
2) One faux formatting rule you may need to use to reflect format in text boxes
 

10. WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS  (top of page)

DISCUSSION BOARD:

Posting Guidelines:

A posting place at the top of the discussion page indicates the instructor's message board to you. Be sure to check this each week so that you do not miss messages and clarifications; remember that sometimes no instructor posting will have been made.

Students are not to post in the instructor's posting area. Should you have a concern with your class please email your question.

Posting Times and Late Policies:

Students are to POST to the discussion board by Friday each week
Students are to RESPOND to peers (usually TWO) by the following MONDAY.

These deadlines ensure everyone has some one to respond to and discuss ideas with for their peer responses

I grade each discussion activity holistically

• Did it do the required activity or post
• Were peer responses friendly and real responses versus short responses that show little thought such as I agree, Yes, OMG, or LOL.
• Were posts and responses readable, relatively error free, and appropriate tone
• Late posts or responses will be marked down or not graded (depending on lateness).

REMEMBER: I realize everyone has an off day, so I drop lowest discussion board, weekly lesson assignment or activity, and quiz score. (Does NOT include essays or the occassional larger lesson task)

QUIZZES: (top of page)

There will be on-line quizzes pertinent to each lesson/assignment/chapter which you will take during the one week period allocated to each lesson.

Sometimes there will be more than one quiz depending on Weekly Lesson.

REMEMBER: I realize everyone has an off day, so I drop lowest discussion board, weekly lesson assignment or activity, and quiz score. (Does NOT include essays or the occassional larger lesson task)

 

LESSON ASSIGNMENTS OR ACTIVITIES: (top of page)

• There are usually small assignments in each lesson which are due by posted deadlines.
• These are usually sent via text boxes embedded in the lesson or at the end of the lesson
• If there is EVER a problem with submission, copy and paste the essay into an e-mail and send it directly to the instructor.

REMEMBER: I realize everyone has an off day, so I drop lowest discussion board, weekly lesson assignment or activity, and quiz score. (Does NOT include essays or the occassional larger lesson task)

 

ESSAYS: (top of page)

While essays are not due every week, because of the short class length it may seem like they are sometimes.
For essay assignments, follow the general guide below:

• Submit on time
• Include an outline (not necessary for timed tests like Midterm or Final)
• Use MLA formatting (including Time New Roman font and double space)
• Show understanding of the lesson
• Use given reading as appropriate by referencing reading, quoting, etc.
• Have a MINIMUM of 5 paragraphs
• Be appropriate length
• Checked for spelling and punctuation (take pride in your work)
• Include Works Cited page if required an/or appropriate
• Submit to turnitin.com

REMEMBER: If there is EVER a problem with submission to turnitin.com., attach essay in RTF format OR copy and paste the essay into an e-mail and send it directly to the instructor as soon as possible to avoid being marked down for late.

Turnaround Time: Most essay assignments will have a one week turnaround time for grades and responses.

In the box below list the four types of weekly assignments (see above) and in a sentence or two briefly discuss a concern you have about completing TWO of these types of weekly assignments.

11. MIDTERM AND FINAL (top of page)

• The midterm and final are to be taken ON campus -  you are expected to physically show up
• These physical meetings are to verify that YOU are the one taking the course
• The physical meetings are open access usually for about a week to go to the Computer Commons in the Learning Resource Center at the Main Campus in Barstow
• Only emergencies which are documented and/or verifiable TDY are acceptable reasons for having to make up a test.
   
• HOWEVER, if you are unable to take the midterm or final on the main campus, or at Barstow College's satellite at Ft. Irwin, you must find a proctor and completely fill out the proctor form and send it to the instructor by the end of the first week of class.

PROCTOR STATEMENT: (top of page)

• If you cannot take the exams on campus, you need to find a proctor approved by the instructor, for example, a librarian or education officer, and an approved site, such as a library or an education center, to take the exam.
• Proctors are subject to instructor approval
• Send the instructor the name, location and fax number of the proctor.
• Proctors for this course must have access to a working fax number.
• See Proctor Form on Course homepage.
• Proctor form must be received by the end of second week of class!

In the box below state whether you will be taking the midterm and final on campus or if you will be using a off campus proctor which requires a proctor form.

12. ACADEMIC HONESTY:  (top of page) 

Plagiarism is claiming as your own a paper, report, article, outline or speech which in whole or in part was prepared by someone other than yourself. Plagiarism can result in failure of the course.

Think you know all about plagiarism and how to avoid it? Maybe you do, but to be safe check out these links:

• English 50 Academic Honesty Link
• Avoiding Plagiarism by Cynthia Camp - Helpful Real Life tips
• Barstow Community College Academic Honesty Policies

In the box below write in your own words what plagiarism is and give one example of plagiarism. (Obviously, the example will be either made up or something you have seen other students do because you would have never done this - just to let you know I am trying to be facetious. How am I doing?)

 13. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: (top of page)

• Internet browser to access web pages. Netscape 3.0, Internet Explorer 3.0 or the equivalent is the minimum.
• Email address to receive class materials. A free email account such as Yahoo is acceptable.

For basic e-mail and computer questions go to the Barstow Community College orientation page: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/

14. TROUBLESHOOTING: (top of page)

If you have problems or questions about syllabus, weekly assignments, or proctoring, contact your instructor.

If you are having problems accessing the course material, confirm your enrollment either via the Internet at https://ias.barstow.cc.ca.us/  or by calling (760)252-2411 x7700. After you have confirmed your enrollment go to http://www.bcconline.com/orient/  and re-read the password link. This site offers answers to many frequently asked questions about BCC online instruction and also provides tutorials on common problems students encounter while doing online courses.

If you continue to have technical difficulties (log in, quiz access, etc.), email webmaster@bcconline.com  first and then the instructor if your problems are not corrected in a timely manner.

In the box below write type in the following:

1) where you should look first for answers to technical problems
2) who should you contact if you continue to have problems.

15. META- DESCRIPTION (top of page)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Units: 3 Lecture: 3 hours Lab: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Credit in English 102, or assessment recommendation for English 50.
Catalog Description: English Composition with emphasis on paragraphing, the multi-paragraph essay, research skills. Designed to prepare students for English 1A. Degree Applicable.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:  (top of page)
(What students should be able to demonstrate before entering English 1A)

1.     Students will be able to read and analyze an article or essay and compose an essay in response.
Assessment methods: Pre and post tests and/or writing assignments

Core Competencies addressed by SLO:

X

Communication

X

Critical Thinking

Global Awareness

Personal & Professional Development

 2.    Students will be able to incorporate research into essays using MLA documentation style.
Assessment methods:  Writing essays that include research and/or exercises using MLA documentation.

Core Competencies addressed by SLO:

X

Communication

X

Critical Thinking

Global Awareness

X

Personal & Professional Development

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  (top of page)

At the successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Understand paragraph and essay structure.
• Write a paragraph that contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
• Compose short five-paragraph essays with an introductory paragraph containing a thesis; body paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting sentences with examples, explanations, details, and transitions; and a concluding paragraph with reworded thesis, summary, and clincher.
• Write short essays in the following rhetorical modes: description, narration, exposition, and argumentation.
• Write a researched essay using MLA style documentation: find resources; integrate in-text resource material; prepare works cited page.
• Demonstrate use of standard English in writing assignments.
• Cognitive Domain
  • Identify/Distinguish main ideas-supporting points.
  • Enlarge concept vocabulary using context clues, improving dictionary skills, employing synonyms and antonyms, and studying etymologies.
  • Draw valid inferences.
  • Make reasonable predictions of outcomes.
  • Apply (transfer) ideas to other texts/tasks.
• Affective Domain
  • Develop self-image, competency, and preparedness to succeed in English 1A.
  • Enhance taste of and appreciation for successful writing.
  • Acquire a lifelong commitment to and valuing of writing.
  • Understand the importance of choice and why a writer makes them

16. SYLLABUS DISCLAIMER (top of page)

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.