CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE: Composition II
SECTION: ENGL 1020 4A
CREDIT HOURS: 4.5
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: 08/31/2009—11/16/2009
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES: Monday and Wednesday 10:00 AM—11:55 AM
WITHDRAWAL DATE: October 31, 2009
CLASS LOCATION: Building 7, Room 109
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:Darin Jensen
OFFICE LOCATION:Fort Omaha, Building 10, Room 202
OFFICE TELEPHONE:457-2802
OFFICE HOURS:Monday through Thursday 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and by appointment—I am here often, so please call.
EMAIL ADDRESS:
FACULTY WEB SITE:under construction
ACADEMIC AREA:English
DEAN’S CONTACT INFO:Susann Suprenant, Dean
SOC-MAH, 738-4585*
*Note: The dean’s area number is given in case you have an issue that you are unable to resolve with an instructor. The dean can only help you, however, if you have a written record (e-mail) showing your attempt to first resolve the issue with the instructor directly.
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Description:
The student further develops the skills learned in ENGL 1010 as he or she interprets, synthesizes and organizes primary and/or secondary sources of information for the purpose of composing a research report/paper.
RATIONALE:
Today, many positions in the work world require the ability to assimilate, analyze, organize, and evaluate sources of information and present this information in well-written reports. Especially important are the abilities to argue and “build a case” for something. This course is designed to enable students to achieve such competence.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
ENGL 1010 and INFO 1001
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students further develop the skills learned in ENG 1010 as s/he interprets, synthesizes and organizes primary and/or secondary sources of information for the purpose of composing a research paper.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
(1)Compose and evaluate a research paper;
(2)Use various primary and/or secondary sources; and
(3)Use an appropriate method of documentation.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
(1)The Research Process: A Complete Guide and Reference for Writers. 2nd Edition. Maner, Martin. Boston: McGraw Hill, 1996
(2)American Heritage College Dictionary
(3)Folders for collecting notes, in-class writings, and assignments
(4)Paper, writing utensil
(5)An electronic storage device for saving all class work
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
Course Structure
Activities occurring during class time will involve reading, writing, discussion, and workshop review of student writing. Other lessons will be incorporated as needed.
COURSE ASSESSMENT:
Drafts of writings, workshop participation, and quizzes cannot be made up or turned in late; these grades depend entirely on the student being present, punctual, and prepared on the due dates.
*Note – All written work for this class must be typed. Handwritten homework will not be accepted. This means that if you do not own a home computer, you must plan on spending a few hours a week in one of the computer labs on campus in order to complete your work.
Grading Policy
Your final grade in the course will be based on your:
(1)attendance,
(2)participation, and
(3)completion of required assignments.
Grading Scale
A = 90—100
B = 80—89
C = 70—79
D = 60—69
F = 69 or Below
The final course grade will be determined based on the percentages below:
Exercises10%
Thesis05%
Preliminary Bibliography10%
Prospectus05%
Annotated Bibliography10%
Sentence Outline05%
Draft One10%
Research Poster-session Presentation15%
Final Draft and Abstract20%
Participation10%
Total grade possible100%
Maintenance of Student Records
All major assignments will be returned with comments and evaluation within one week of their due dates. Students are responsible for keeping all returned work.
Student Services Important Dates
2009 – 2010 FALL
August 29 – November 16, 2009
Fall Tuition Payment Deadline...... August 3 (M)
Fall Quarter Begins ...... August 29 (SA)
Labor Day Recess (College Closed)...... September 5-7 (SA-M)
Winter Priority Registration begins...... September 23 (W)
Winter General Registration begins...... October 7 (W)
Student Withdraw Deadline for “W” grade...... varies by class*
Graduation Application Deadline Fall Quarter...... November 1(S)
Summer Term “I” Grades Due ...... November 10th(T)
Last Day of Fall Classes ...... November 16 (M)
Grades Due and Posted to WebAdvisor by 5 p.m...... November 18(W)
*The Last Day to Drop for a “W” grade is also the last day for students to change from Credit to Audit or Audit to Credit with instructor approval. Students must drop by this date to avoid being assigned a grade of “F”. NOTE: “Last day to drop” refers to grades only.
To view the Last Day to Drop specific to your course section, go to the online class schedule at and click on the Important Dates next to the course.
The Refund drop dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the number of sessions for the course. NOTE: Refer to refund policy below to determine the last day to receive a refund for your course.
REFUND POLICY
Eligibility for a refund is automatically calculated by the date of the withdrawal. The amount of refund is based on the number of class meetings held prior to the withdrawal compared to the total number of scheduled sessions for the course.
For refund or account questions call: (402) 457-2405 or 1-800-228-9553, extension 2405.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:
Attendance Policy
Your attendance is vital to your success in this course. If you are absent from class, I assume it is for a good reason and therefore make no distinction between excused and unexcused absences (with the exception of excused absences for documented military duties). When you miss class, you miss important information, directions, and class discussions that cannot be made up; you are nevertheless responsible for turning in work due that day on time and coming prepared for the following class. You may miss up to two classes without affecting your course standing. Upon the third absence, however, a student’s final grade will be lowered by 10% (for example, a 76% less 10% of the grade achieved would leave 66%).
Upon the fourth absence, the student will receive a failing grade (FX) for the course. Because punctuality is important, being late or leaving early by 5 or 10 minutes will count as a half absence; being late or leaving early by 15 minutes or more is counted as a full absence.
Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Date published in the Class Schedule at may be disenrolled from the class (WX). There is no appeal for this disenrollment.
This policy is in accordance with the English department’s policy that students must be present for at least 80% of class sessions to have the opportunity to earn a passing grade. There will be no exceptions to this policy, including circumstances such as illness or family emergency; the two allowed absences are for such issues.
Expected Classroom Behavior
As a student in this class, you are expected to treat your fellow classmates and your instructor with respect. Respect can be defined as being polite and kind. All students come to class with different backgrounds, beliefs, and values, and we will treat views with the respect they deserve.
As a college student, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning through active involvement. This means that you must attend all class sessions, read all assigned materials, ask questions as needed, participate thoughtfully in class discussions and projects, and complete assigned writing projects on time, revising as needed. The extent to which you participate in these activities as well as the skill level and depth of knowledge you display in their completion will influence the final grade you earn in this course.
Understand that certain behaviors disrupt the classroom environment for other students and the instructor, and they will not be tolerated. These include, but are not limited to, the usage of portable electronic devices in class (beepers, cell phones, text messaging, games), usage of computers during class for non-related work (e-mail, internet surfing, chatting), and sleeping. Any student engaging in these behaviors will be dismissed from class and will receive an absence for the day; the final participation grade will likewise be negatively affected. Finally, any student who is disrespectful either to other students or to the instructor will be required to meet with the instructor to discuss ways he or she will change the behavior. If the behavior continues to be a problem, proceedings to remove the student from the class will be initiated with the campus dean as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct ( which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. For electronic communication, you may also wish to review information at
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for class work may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism, or the use of someone else’s words or ideas without giving proper credit, is a most serious academic offense and will be treated as such in this course. Any student who presents someone else’s work or ideas as his or her own will receive the grade of a zero for the assignment, and revision will not be an option. This may result in overall failure of the class. Additionally, the instructor may contact your dean to alert him or her to the situation, and other disciplinary action may follow.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and online at
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please visit and/or contact Student Services.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at 457-2900 or .
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
Course Schedule
Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Chapters covered for the week are listed on the bar above the week. Homework (other than as listed on the syllabus) will be determined in each class based on what we complete while in class, so if you are not present, you must contact me or a classmate to learn what is expected of you in the next class. Late notes will receive a maximum of half credit, so make sure they are in on time.
Week 18/31-9/4 Introduction: What is Research?
Day 1:Introduction
Getting to know each other
Going over the syllabus
Exercise 1 in class
HMWK: Read Preface, Introduction, Chapter 1—to page 12. Take written notes. Complete Exercise 2.
Day 2:Discuss Chapter 1and Exercise 2
Generate a list of potential topics
HMWK: Read Chapter 2. Take Written Notes.
Week 29/7-9/11
Finding a Topic
Day 1:NO CLASS—LABOR DAY
Day 2:Generating a hypothesis, Exercise 3 in class.
HMWK: Complete Exercise 4 and 5. Generate a thesis and research question
Read chapter 3, complete Exercise 6 and 7.
Week 39/14-9/18
Thesis Question and Evaluation of Sources
Day 1: Peer-review thesis and research questions. Challenging an argument. Rhetorical triangle. Exercise 8 in class.
HMWK: Read Chapter 4. Complete Exercise 9 and 10
Day 2:Finding and evaluating sources. Documenting Sources.
HMWK: Read Chapter 5. Complete Exercise 11
Week 49/21-9/25
Prospectus, Thesis and Preliminary Bibliography
Day 1: Peer-review and workshop prospect. I will meet with each student during class or office hours to review.
HMWK: Complete Prospectus.
Day 2:Present Prospectus and discuss everyone’s research thus far
HMWK: Read Chapter 6. Complete Exercise 12.
Week 59/28-10/2
Research, Research, Research
Day 1:Evaluating Materials. Brown Article in class.
HMWK: Read Chapter 7. Complete Exercise 15.
Day 2:An Annotated Bibliography
HMWK: Create Bibliography of your sources.
Read Chapter 8. Read all sources.
Week 610/5-10/9
Annotated Bibliography
Day 1:Work on Annotated bibliography.
HMWK: Annotated Bibliography.
Day 2:Present Annotated bib in class. What is surprising about your research? Annotated Bibliography due.
HMWK: Read Chapter 9. Complete Exercise 17.
Week 7 10/12-10/16
Sentence Outline and Organization
Day 1:Creating a draft—sentence outlines for organization.
Day 2:Workshop day—I will meet with students to go over their outlines.
HMWK: Read Chapter 10.
Complete Exercise18.
Complete Sentence Outline
Week 810/19-10/23
Rough Draft and Editing
Day 1: Sentence Outline Due.
HMWK: Read Chapter 11.
Day 2:Workshop Rough Draft
Week 910/26-10/30
Rough Draft and Editing
Day 1: Editing and Revision. Mechanics and Style in class
Read: Orwell’s Politics and the English Language
Rough Draft Due
Day 2: Editing, Re-visioning and style
Clarity in writing. Editing tricks and tips.
Week 1011/2-11/6
Final Draft
Day 1:Rough drafts returned. Workshop drafts in class.
Day 2:How to present your research in a poster session.
Final Draft Due
Week 1111/9-11/13
Research Presentation
Day 1: Working day for Research Poster-sessions
Day 2: Research Poster-session Presentation and class evaluations.