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ENG 101 – Section E02 – Spring Semester, 2011
Great Basin College - Nevada
Course Syllabus
ENG 101 ~ Composition I
Elko – “Live Section” – Section E02
~ Spring Semester, 2011 ~
Instructor: Dr. Kevin Marie Laxalt Email Address:
Phone: (775) 753-2340
Office Location: Elko Campus, McMullen Hall: Room #117
Office Hours: Tuesday: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. & Wednesday: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
& Thursday: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (or by appointment)
Location of Class & Time: Location of class – HTC 123
Mondays & Wednesdays: 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Length of Class: Monday, January 24, 2011 through Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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Catalog Description: This course includes critical reading and writing of the expository essay.
It emphasizes pre-writing, strategies for organization, and revision.
Prerequisite: Successful passing of ENG 095; placement test; or equivalent ACT/SAT score.
Departmental Description: This course is a university transfer course in critical reading, critical thinking, and expository/expressive writing. It emphasizes the organization and revision of the informal essay. It introduces the student to fundamental rhetorical concepts such as audience awareness, purpose, thesis, and a variety of organizational patterns. In its reading component, it emphasizes the modern essay and may include a benchmark novel or work of nonfiction. In its style component it offers practice in arranging words, sentences, and paragraphs to their best advantage. The course’s greatest strength is offering students repeated practice in revising writing before a final grade is assigned. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the kinds of thinking, reading, and writing that other college courses require. It allows anyone who aspires to a two-year or four-year degree to acquire sound writing skills, especially the ability to produce clear, concise, and interesting prose.
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Required Texts
Faigley, Lester, Backpack Writing, Second Edition, New York, NY: Longman – Pearson Higher
Education, Inc., 2008. (ISBN#13: 978-74349-0)
Kelly, Joseph, ed., The Seagull Reader – Essays, Second Edition, New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Co, 2008. (ISBN#: 13-978-0-393-93092-4)
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Optional Text(s)
If you have a resource manual from ENG 095 or another GBC course (The Everyday Writer,
4th Edition, How to Write Anything, SF Writer, 5th Edition, or any other approved titles), know that you will still be using it for this class. You will definitely be referring to a sourcebook for the final essay (some of you may choose to use it for the second essay as well). If you do not choose to purchase the recommended sourcebook listed below, you are advised to utilize the MLA Handbook (the most recent edition) for all research writing. These books are available at both the Academic Success Center and the GBC Library. Whatever source you choose to use, it is essential that it includes the MLA updates of 2009.
My personal recommendation for a quality sourcebook for ENG 101 is:
Ruskiewitz, John, Seward, Daniel, & Hairston, Maxine, SF Writer, 5th Edition, Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson, a division of Prentice-Hall, 2010.
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Required Supplies
#1. Three small “mini-portfolio” folders.
#2. Divider tabs for “mini-portfolios”. (You will probably need at least 18-20 in all.)
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Course Design
Methods of Instruction: Instructional formats will include: lecture, small group discussion and analysis of essays, a writing workshop format engaging students in all stages of the Writing Process, small group practice activities, and oral presentations.
WebCampus Enhanced Instruction: In order to make it easier to transmit papers, notes, etc.,
I will be designing this course as a WebCampus Enhanced course. For me that means that I may post some forms, etc. online in Webcampus. For many of our required handouts (that I do not have stored electronically) students will need to turn them in to me in person. This is not an online course.
This Journey Called Writing: Writing is a process. All writers are constantly in a journey of improving their own skills. Trust and respect will be critical factors in this class. One puts his/her “soul” out there when one attempts to write – it’s a very risky endeavor. It is expected that everyone will work to create a very safe and comfortable environment for one another. It is further expected that everyone will work cooperatively with each and every one of his/her peers in this class. Let’s treat it as an honor to share such a powerful art.
Tutoring Requirements & Services
· GBC has a wonderful tutorial service available for your writing needs. It is called The Academic Success Center. It is located in the EIT Building, Room 114. By visiting the ASC you will be able to revise any college paper with a trained writing tutor. This is a very powerful opportunity. Take advantage of it. Their phone number is: 753-2149.
· The ASC hours this semester are: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
You can also submit your papers and receive tutor comments via email. To do so:
Create your paper in Microsoft Word or other word processing software.
Save as an RTF formatted document (if you need help with this, phone the ASC).
Email as an attachment to .
· There will be a minimum of 3 Tutor visits required this semester. You may be required to visit the ASC more than 3 times (contingent upon instructor’s requirements).
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Course Emphases: This course has been designed across four primary learning focuses.
#1. Students will be actively engaged in the acquisition of a solid foundation of vocabulary and terminology required for college-level English. Terms such as “thesis”, “rhetoric”, “style”, “tone” etc. will be reviewed.
#2. Students will be actively engaged in the analysis of writing with specific emphasis on the “essay” genre. Both required texts will include these essays (The Seagull Reader and The Backpack Writer). The instructor will provide supplemental essays as well. Students will also be engaged in the analysis of one another’s pieces via the peer-review process.
#3. Students will be actively engaged in practicing particular skills across the writing process. These skills will include stylistic issues, organizational issues, basic convention issues, and research issues.
#4. Students will be actively engaged in the application of writing. This will be a critical element of this class. Students will take each of the three primary essays required for this course through the entire writing process: pre-writing, rough drafts, revised copies, edited copies, & final published pieces.
Classroom Policies & Procedures:
Ø RESPONSIBILITY, RESPONSIBILITY, RESPONSIBILITY ~
It’s up to you!
Ø You will be required to actively engage in READING, WRITING & CRITICAL THINKING across this entire semester. The establishment of a consistent study schedule (for study hours outside of class time) is strongly recommended.
Ø Respect one another by treating one another with honest dignity.
Ø Be prepared for every class. All assigned reading materials must be completed before walking in. Student must demonstrate responsibility by bringing books & other required materials to every class.
Ø Consider it a privilege to work with every single individual in this class.
Ø Active listening is essential – please listen while others are speaking.
Ø Come prepared to class with a positive & energetic attitude (no whining allowed).
Ø Be on time to all classes & attend the entire class session.
Ø Participate appropriately. Activities or interruptions such as side conversations, working on other class assignments during class, sleeping, or demonstrating any other distracting activities are unacceptable.
Ø Please communicate with the professor as soon as possible if you are having specific problems or concerns with the class. Do not hide behind emails. Phone calls and/or actual appointments are preferred.
Ø All cell phones must be turned off before entering the classroom. You may not exit the classroom in order to use your cell phone.
Ø No text-messaging is allowed during class. Should you choose to do so, you may be asked to leave.
Ø No late assignments will be accepted (unless an excused absence has been granted).
Ø Should your behavior become disruptive, you may be asked to leave my class
(see GBC Student Conduct Policy). This is college. Adult behaviors are expected.
Ø The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the syllabus and the tentative course schedule if necessary. Should this occur, students will be notified in a timely fashion and the rationale will be given for any such decision.
“YOU MUST BE PRESENT IN ORDER TO WIN”
Research tells us that a student’s learning is greatly enhanced by his/her physical presence in class.
Attendance Policy:
“Unexcused hours of absence in excess of the number of course credit hours is excessive. This translates to three hours of absence for a three-credit class. This translates to three hours of absence for a 3-credit class. An instructor may drop any student who has excessive unexcused absences.”
GBC Catalog, 2010 – 2011 (pg. 52)
v Per the GBC absence policy you will have the opportunity to miss only 3 sessions of this class – I call these “freebies”. Beyond that . . . see the enclosed grid for how your attendance will impact your grade. You will be required to sign in at the start of every class.
v Being late to class is unacceptable; this behavior is problematic due to the fact that it becomes a great distraction to the instructional process. Learning time is lost as everyone works to re-group from such distractions. Should you have more than 2 tardies, it may indicate a life skill issue. By your third tardy you will need to meet with me in order to discuss your behavior. During icy and cold weather
I will allow for some lenience.
v You must notify me as soon as possible if you are experiencing any emergencies and/or extenuating circumstances. I will request documentation for all. Only then will I record your absence as “excused”.
Attendance Grid
Class Session Information / Numerical Record / Running Count / Impact on Letter Grade31 Total Class Sessions
(2 sessions x 16 weeks)
(only 1 session – Pres. Day Holiday Week: 2-21) / Zero Absences
31 days present
(100% Total Attendance) / 31 / None – Grade earned will not be impacted.
Instructor provides
3 “Freebies” per GBC policy (1 week of class)
Total Missed = 3 / 3 “Freebies” Taken
(100% Required Attendance) / -3
28 / None – Grade earned will not be impacted.
1 additional absence
Total Missed = 4
(2 weeks of class) /
27 Days present / -1
27 / Grade earned will drop 1 full level.
1- additional absence
Total Missed = 5
(2 ½ weeks of class) / 26 Days Present / -1
26 / Grade earned will drop 2 full levels.
More than 5 total absences. / > 5 Absences / Less than 25 / Automatic Failure
ENG 101 ~ Course Outcomes and Assessments/Measurements:
Learner OutcomesThrough the process of and upon completion of this course the student will be able to: / Assessments/Measurements
The instructor will measure the student’s required outcomes by evaluating the:
#1. Generate ideas for writing. / #1. Evidence in pre-writing activities, rough drafts, writing exercises.
#2. Choose appropriate point of view, diction. / #2. Written essays assessed with checklist and rubric instruments.
#3. Organize essays into relevant rhetorical pattern. / #3. Completion of essay outlines.
Written essays assessed with checklist and rubric instruments.
#4. Apply principles of coherence, clarity,
and unity. / #4. Quality and connectedness of sentences and paragraphs in essays assessed with checklist and rubric instruments.
#5. Write clear, well-focused thesis statements. / #5. Writing exercises and written essays assessed with checklist and rubric instrument.
#6. Use fundamentals of revision. / #6. Comparison of all stages of drafts within the writing process. Evidence in mini-portfolios (evaluated with rubric) and Completion of Revision Reflection Sheets.
#7. Demonstrate knowledge of standard writing conventions. / #7. Edited essays assessed with checklist and rubric instruments. Completion of Revision Reflection Sheets.
#8. Research information using books,
online resources and interviews. / #8. Argument essay assessed with checklist and rubric instrument, writing exercises.
#9. Analyze sample essays by identifying explicit & implicit messages in the content. / #9. Reader Responses for Seagull Reader.
Discussion of Essays in Primary Text.
#10. Demonstrate proficiency in using MLA or APA format for in-text citations and Works Cited page. / #10. Argument essay assessed with checklist and rubric instrument. Successful completion of citation assignments.
#11. Develop & utilize supportive interpersonal skills as a means for providing effective feedback on writing. / #11. Evidence of true effort in peer-conference process. Successful completion of Peer-Review form.
#12. Demonstrate skill in working through the writing process and synthesizing one’s efforts in a holistic product. / #12. Three mini-portfolios as assessed with Portfolio rubric.
#13. Write a clear & concise essay using appropriate organizational format in limited time period. / #13. In-class essays as assessed with rubric.
Great Basin College Official Statements:
I. Disability Access:
“Great Basin College supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the ADA Officer (Julie Byrnes) in Elko at (775) 753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate accommodations.” Remember – this is your federal right.
II. Academic Integrity Policy:
Academic dishonesty is defined as “an act of deception in which a student claims
credit for the work or effort of another person or uses unauthorized materials or
fabricated information in any academic work.” Academic dishonesty is a violation of the GBC Student Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated in this class. Any evidence of academic dishonesty/plagiarism in this course will result in a failing grade on the assignment and/or a failing grade for the course. Appropriate institutional consequences will also be employed if necessary such as academic probation or suspension. This is a very critical offense. If you are ever uncertain about your use of another person’s work (ideas, language, data, etc.) you must come to see me about it.