San Jose State University Department of English and Comparative Literature English 1A, Composition 1 (GE A2) Section 16, Fall 2011 Instructor: Office Location: Nicole Hughes FO 213 Telephone: Email: Office Hours: Class Days/Time: Classroom: (408) 924-4418 nicoleashleyhughes@yahoo.com T/Th 2:00 - 3:00 and by appointment T/Th 9:00 - 10:15 Boccardo Business Center 221 GE Category: Course Description Written Communication A2 English 1A is the first course in SJSU�s two-semester lower-division composition sequence; it provides an introduction to baccalaureate-level composition, with attention to the �personal voice� and personal experience, on the one hand, and the more formal attitudes and demands of writing at the university (expository and argumentative essays), on the other. Students will develop college-level reading abilities, rhetorical sophistication, and writing styles that give form and coherence to complex ideas and feelings. Prerequisites: Placement by the English Proficiency Test (EPT), or passage of an approved substitute course for the EPT. Section Description In this course we will focus on writing as a process that includes brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, etc. This means it is absolutely necessary you allow time outside of class to engage in the process in order to truly improve as a writer. Our classroom will function as a learning community where we mentor one another and use writing to explore new ideas and discover knowledge. I encourage discussion over lecturing so it is especially important you have read and thought about the material assigned in the previous class. By the end of the semester each student will submit a piece of writing for publication whether it be a scholarly article to an undergraduate journal in your field or a movie review in a newspaper or on a website and provide me with submission verification. English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 1 of 9 Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives Students shall achieve the ability to write complete essays that demonstrate college-level proficiency in all of the following: � Clear and effective communication of meaning. � An identifiable focus, tailored to a particular audience and purpose (argumentative essays will state their thesis clearly and show an awareness, implied or stated, of some opposing point of view). � The ability to perform effectively the essential steps of the writing process (prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, and editing). � The ability to explain, analyze, develop, and criticize ideas effectively. � Effective use within their own essays of supporting material drawn from reading or other sources. � Effective organization within the paragraph and the essay. � Accuracy, variety, and clarity of sentences. � Appropriate diction. � Control of conventional mechanics (e.g. punctuation, spelling, reference, agreement). Student Learning Objectives: SLO 1: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to perform effectively the essential steps in the writing process (prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, and editing). SLO 2: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to express (explain, analyze, develop, and criticize) ideas effectively. SLO 3: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to use correct grammar (syntax, mechanics, and citation of sources) at a college level of sophistication. SLO 4: Students shall write complete essays that demonstrate the ability to write for different audiences. Course Content Diversity: Assignments (both reading and writing) shall address issues of race, class, and gender when appropriate, and the perspectives of women and diverse cultural groups shall be incorporated into course instruction and materials in an inclusive and comprehensive manner whenever possible. The University Essay Final Exam: A common essay final, graded holistically, shall count 20 percent towards the course grade. A single university-wide final will be developed around a college-level reading passage each semester by the English Department Composition Committee. All faculty members teaching individual sections will grade the examination holistically under controlled conditions. Students must take the final exam in order to pass the course. English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 2 of 9 Tutoring: San Jose State University provides students with free tutoring at the Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) and at the Writing Center. Both of these centers will help students at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to major reorganization to stylistic polishing. Students of all abilities are encouraged to use these services; it is a common myth that these services are for �dumb� students, but no published author made it without another pair of eyes on her/his work. LARC is located under the 10th Street parking garage in SSC 600. (408) 924-2308 The Writing Center is located on the first floor of Clark Hall in Room 126. (408) 924-2308. You can schedule an appointment here: http://sjsu.edu/writingcenter/tutoring/ requestforappointment/index.htm Course Protocol Late Work: Late work receives a reduction of one letter grade per class session it is late. If you are sick or have to miss class for any other reason on the day something is due, arrange to have a classmate turn it in if you do not want a grade reduction. Quizzes and in-class writing cannot be made up. I do not accept work by email or in my mailbox. If your printer breaks down or a gerbil ate your work, the only solution is to turn the work in late for partial credit. I only accept late work if it includes at the top: Due Date, Date Turned In, Total Grade Reduction. I reserve the right to adjust this policy under special circumstances. Absences: If you miss a class, contact a classmate to get notes, assignments, etc. It is up to you to show up prepared to the next class session. Please do not ask me to do extra things for you if you miss class. Required Texts/Readings Books The Curious Writer, Third Edition, Bruce Ballenger ISBN - 13: 978-0-205-78019-8 The Best American Essays, 6th College Edition, Robert Antwan ISBN: 13: 978-1-4390-8387-1 The Everyday Writer, Fourth Edition, Andrew A. Lunsford ISBN: 13: 978-0-312-59457-2 Online and scanned documents provided by me Other equipment/material requirements Yellow exam booklets for in-class essays and final exam Notebook specifically for this course (you will turn it in to me periodically) Revisions: You may revise up to TWO in-class or out-of-class essays if you are unhappy with the grade. To do so, follow these guidelines: 1) Carefully read my feedback, and see me if you have questions; 2) Get assistance in the Writing Center or the LARC and have the tutor sign the paper or e-mail me; 3) Type a cover sheet explaining what you have changed and why, and how you think those changes improved the paper; 4) Staple the cover sheet on top; in the middle is English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 3 of 9 your revised paper; and on the bottom is the first version with my comments on it; 5) Revisions must be submitted no later than 2 weeks after the paper was returned. Paper Format: � 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced � On the first page: Name, English 1A, and Class Time � Number each page with your last name and page number in upper-right-hand corner (e.g. Hughes 3) � Staple before class. I will not accept papers that are not stapled. Electronic devices: Cellphones, ipods, laptops, etc. are not allowed in class. Turn them off and put them away before class begins and do not take them out again until class has finished. Assignments and Grading Policy Grading: A-F. This class must be passed with a C or better to move on to CORE GE Area C3 and to satisfy the prerequisite for English 1B. A passing grade in the course signifies that the student is a capable college-level writer and reader of English. Turnitin.com: All student work is subject to review at http://www.turnitin.com to identify possible sources of plagiarism. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will be reported to the proper authorities and may result in a grade of F. You are required to submit all out of class essays to turnitin.com. In-class essays 15% ICE 1 (Diagnostic) 0% ICE 2 5% ICE 3 5% ICE 4 5% Out-of-class essays 40% OCE 1 (Personal Voice) 8% OCE 2 (Review) 8% OCE 3 (Critical) 12% OCE 4 (Argumentative, includes proposal) 12% Departmental Final 20% Reading responses and journal entries (includes class participation 15% and one-on-one conferences) Revisions (includes participation in writing workshops) 10% Extra Credit: If you attend one of the literary-related events included on the last page of the syllabus and write a paper on the experience, you can receive a maximum of 5% added to your grade, depending on the quality of the paper. The paper must include your thoughts about the event before you attend, a description of the event that creates a picture for your reader about the most significant elements of the event, your reflections on what you learned at the event, and English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 4 of 9 your critique of the event (e.g. would you recommend others attend such an event? Why or why not?). SLO 1, 2, 3, and 4. Final Course Grades will be determined on the following scale: 97-100 = A+ 87-89 = B+ 77-79 = C+ 67-69 = D+ (not passing) 96-93 = A 86-83 = B 76-73 = C 66-63 = D (not passing) 92-90 = A-82-80 = B-72-70 = C- (not passing) In-class Essays: You will be assigned four in-class essays. These will be completed using a yellow exam book. In-class essays will focus on responses and/or exploration of themes in the assigned readings from The Best American Essays. SLO 2, 3, and 4. Out-of-class Essays: These should follow the paper format laid out for you previously in the syllabus. You will complete four out-of-class essays. You should utilize each part of the writing process for these essays. You will submit a draft and a final draft to either me or your peer workshop group (this will be indicated in the course schedule). These papers should have more depth and be more polished than your in-class essays. SLO 1, 2, 3, and 4. Journal Entries: You will keep a journal of brief writing exercises completed during class. You will not be graded on the quality of content. This journal should help you experiment with different approaches to and parts of the writing process. SLO 1. Reading Responses: You will write a one-page response to every chapter assigned in The Curious Writer. You will not be graded on the quality of content. These responses are to be used by you during discussion and don�t have to read like completed essays (you can list your points, include questions, anything you would like to remember for discussion). SLO 2, 3, and 4. University Policies Information available online You are responsible for reading the following information online at http://www.sjsu.edu/english/comp/policyforsyllabi.html � Course guidelines � Academic policies (academic integrity, plagiarism, ADA and DRC policies) � Adding and dropping classes English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 5 of 9 English 1A, Fall 2011, Course Schedule This schedule is subject to change; changes will be announced in class NOTE: Exercises, discussion and quizzes on common errors, punctuation, word choice, etc. will be assigned as these issues arise in student work from bedfordstmartins.com/everdaywriter. Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 1 Thurs. 8/25 Introductions, review syllabus and schedule. Reading Assignment to be done by 8/30: The Curious Writer (TCW), Chapter 1 pgs. 3-37 (you may skip the exercises included in the textbook), bring a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion. 2 Tue. 8/30 Thur. 9/1 In-class (IC) Essay #1 (500 words) Diagnostic Reading Assignment to be done by 9/6: The Best American Essays (BAE), Silent Dancing, pg. 57-66 (bring in an old photograph to class 9/6 that reflects some piece of your past or heritage). 3 Tue. 9/6 Thur. 9/8 Reading Assignment to be done by 9/8: TCW, Chapter 3 pgs. 75-105, bring a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion. Reading Assignments to be done by 9/13: TCW, Chapter 2 pgs. 32-73, bring a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion. AND BAE, Shipwrecked, pg. 130-138. 4 Tue. 9/13 Thur. 9/15 OC Essay #1 draft due to instructor Reading Assignment to be done by 9/15: Caught by Jonathan Franzen (handout will be provided in class). Reading Assignment to be done by 9/20: TCW, Chapter 10 pgs. 363-403, bring a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion. English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 6 of 9 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 5 Tue. 9/20 Thur. 9/22 Homework: TBD Hand back OC Essay #1 Reading Assignment to be done by 9/27: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris (handout will be provided in class). 6 Tue. 9/27 Thur. 9/29 OC Essay #1 final draft due. Reading Assignment to be done by 10/4: TCW, Chapter 4, pg. 107-139, bring in a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion AND BAE, Lifelike, pg. 241-251 - plan to attend an event (reading, live concert, sporting event, play, etc.) by 10/5 and take copious notes. 7 Tue. 10/4 Thur. 10/6 Reading Assignment to be done by 10/6: TCW, Chapter 5, pg. 141-171, bring in a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion. IC Essay #2 (500 words) Reading Assignment to be done by 10/11: TCW, Chapter 9, pg. 293-361, bring a one page typed response that you can refer to during discussion AND a summary of what type of citation method is used in your field including a citation of two of your textbooks/novels from other classes. 8 Tue. 10/11 Thur. 10/13 Reading Assignment to be done by 10/18: Read and bring in a short story, poem, or essay in your native language (if this isn�t english please provide a two paragraph summary of the narrative). OC Essay #2 due with 3 copies for workshop - Review (1,000 words); peer workshop. Reading Assignment to be done by 10/18: BAE, Ali in Havana, pg. 265-287 AND a Studs Terkel interview (handout will be provided in class). 9 Tue. 10/18 Thur. 10/20 Homework: TBD OC Essay #2 final draft due - Review (1,000 words) English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 7 of 9 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 10 Tue. 10/25 Thur. 10/27 IC Essay #3 (500 words) Reading Assignment to be done by 10/27: TCW, Chapter 6, pg. 173-219, bring one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion AND BAE, An Orgy of Power, pg. 308-323. Reading Assignment to be done by 11/1: TCW, Chapter 8, pg. 261-291, bring one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion AND The BAE, Shouting �Fire!�, pg. 289-295. 11 Tue. 11/1 Thur. 11/3 OC Essays #3 draft due (2,000 words) - Critical. Reading Assignment to be done by 11/3: TCW, Chapter 7, pg. 221-259, bring a one page typed reading response that you can refer to during discussion. Homework: TBD 12 Tue. 11/8 Thur. 11/10 Hand back OC Essay #3 draft with instructor comments - take to LARC or Writing Center. Homework: TBD 13 Tue. 11/15 Thur. 11/17 Homework: TBD OC Essay #3 Critical drafts and final draft due to instructor with LARC or Writing Center reflection attached. 14 Tue. 11/ 22 Thurs. 11/24 IC Essay #4 (500 words); preparation for final. No Class. Thanksgiving Holiday. E-mail me argumentative essay proposal. 15 Tue. 11/29 Thurs. 12/1 Homework: TBD OC Essay #4 draft due (2,000 words) with three copies for workshop - Argumentative Essay; peer workshop. English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 8 of 9 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines FINAL Saturday, 12/3 8:00 a.m. Place TBD, NOTE: This is *NOT* the time you will find if you were to look at the ordinary scheduling of final exams 16 Tue. 12/6 OC Essay #4 final draft due AND a copy of the essay you submitted for publication including a cover page detailing where you submitted and status of submission; course evaluations; discussion of/analysis of the final. Important SJSU dates Fall 2011 Monday August 22 Mon-Tues August 22-23 Wednesday August 24 Monday September 5 Tuesday September 6 Tuesday September 13 Wednesday September 21 Friday November 11 Wednesday November 23 Thursday November 24 Friday November 25 Thursday December 8 Friday December 9 Mon-Fri December 12-16 Monday December 19 Tuesday December 20 Wednesday December 21 Monday December 26 Academic Year Begins � Fall Semester Begins Pre-Instruction Activities: Orientation, Advisement, Faculty Meetings and Conferences (P) First Day of Instruction � Classes Begin Labor Day - Campus Closed (L) Last Day to Drop Courses Without an Entry on Student�s Permanent Record (D) Last Day to Add Courses & Register Late (A) Enrollment Census Date (CD) Veteran�s Day - Campus Closed (V) Classes that start at 5:00 PM or later will not meet Thanksgiving Holiday - Campus Closed (T) Rescheduled Holiday - Campus Closed (RH) Last Day of Instruction - Last Day of Classes Study/Conference Day (no classes or exams) (SC) Final Examinations (exams) Final Examinations Make-Up Day (MU) Grade Evaluation Day (E) Grades Due From Faculty - End of Fall Semester (G) Christmas Holiday Observed - Campus Closed (CH) English 1A, Fall 2011 Page 9 of 9