Course Syllabus and Expectations

I.Textbooks And Other Materials:

  1. REQUIRED: Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book 1 by Kemper/Meyer/Van Rys/Sebranek

ISBN: 9781133803966

  1. REQUIRED: Aplia Login
  2. Blackboard and Turnitin.com Login
  3. REQUIRED: Writing Utensil (i.e. pencil, pen)
  4. REQUIRED: Highlighter

II.Course Goals:

  1. Construct a 3-4 page Personal Narrative essay using MLA format and formal writing constructs.
  2. Complete a Presentation on an approved text/Conducting critical discussion of literary text.
  3. Identify and properly use the signal words that indicate directionality in narration for the purpose of understanding reading and for the purpose of constructing written narratives.
  4. Construct a 4-5 page Cause and Effect essay using MLA format and formal writing constructs.
  5. Demonstrate vocabulary understanding by completing Aplia quizzes with an average of 70% or above.
  6. Demonstrate reading comprehension by completing examinations and quizzes with an average of 70% or above.
  7. Identify and properly use the signal words that indicate relationship in Cause and Effect for the purpose of understanding reading and for the purpose of constructing Cause and Effect research papers.
  8. Use, Define, and Apply at least three Content area reading strategies such as KWL charts, Context Maps, Exit Slips, or Marking and Annotating on a weekly basis for the purpose of tracking and improving reading comprehension and critical literacy skills.

III.Learning Outcomes:

  1. Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, andevaluate the information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths.
  2. Comprehend and use vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing.
  3. Identify and analyze the audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts.
  4. Describe and apply insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts.
  5. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate reading comprehension, clear focus, logical development of ideas, and use of appropriate language that advance the writer’s purpose.
  6. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing situations.
  7. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and words of other writers in student writing using established strategies.
  8. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a claim.
  9. Develop and use effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments.
  10. Recognize and apply the conventions of Standard English in reading and writing.

*Please Note: These learning outcomes are aligned with the College Readiness Standards of English/Language Arts along with Cross-Disciplinary Standards. For more information see:

IV.Grading Procedures:

  1. Participation is mandatory. 20% of your grade will be based on regular participation in your lecture section. If you miss class or don’t participate you won’t complete the in class activities.
  2. Homework is worth up to 20% of your grade. No late homework is accepted.
  3. You will have a Group Project Presentation due at the end of the semester regarding how a specific grammar rule you have learned thus far applies to your major or area of study. More details will be given out as the semester progresses. This assignment is worth 20% of your grade.
  4. Major Exams, Tests, and the completion of the Post Diagnostic assessments altogether are worth 20% of the overall grade. Tests and Major Exams cannot be made up without valid documentation.
  5. Quizzes will be completed during your section on Apliaand will be worth 20% of your final grade.
  6. Extra credit: No extra credit will be given. Come to class ready to work.
  7. Grading Scale: You must complete the course with a C or better to progress to the next TSI Course.

90-100 = DA

80- 89 = DB

70- 79 = DC

60- 69 = DD

0 – 59 = DF

V.Class Assignments:

  1. General Note: Each assignment is a tool to reinforce skills and material taught in the classroom. The amount of homework is carefully considered. Homework is not assigned busy work, but rather it is assigned because of its vital importance to the learning process. Therefore, students are expected to complete all assignments by the due date. Handouts and extra information, as well as web assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Please note assignments are subject to change if the instructor deems it necessary and posting areas are on your syllabus.
  2. All assignments must be typed and submitted to the appropriate place. I will consider punctuation, spelling, and grammar in the grading process. The exercises and assignments will be graded for both style and for content. You must also bring them to class with you (if asked to) on the assigned due date. That means you will need to be responsible and make sure you can print before you come to class.
  3. Due Dates and Late Penalties: Assignments are due on the due date (unless otherwise specified). Any late assignment will result in a grade ofzero.
  4. End of the Semester: There will be no curve at the end of the semester. You must earn your grade by submitting high quality work on time, attending all class meetings, and participating in class discussions and exercises. Students who come to class prepared are consistently the most successful students.

VI.Absences:

  1. There are no excused absences. I will track your attendance and progress daily. Your presence in class is tracked using an ID reader provided at the beginning of each class session for you to swipe your Texas Tech identification card. Remember you are ONLY allowed FIVE absences for the ENTIRE semester.
  2. Attendance will be monitored using an ID reader and it is your responsibility to bring your Tech student ID to every class period AND swipe your ID. If you(not a classmate) do not swipe your ID, you will be counted absent regardless of whether or not you are present. In the event that an ID card(s) is swiped by anyone other than the student who owns the ID card, all parties will receive an absence, a zero for the day, AND referral to the Office of Student Conduct. Absences are reported to the TSI office daily, they will not be removed unless there is an internal error.
  3. Additionally, part of being in attendance means being focused and prepared; if you are texting, sleeping, or have not read, expect to be counted absent.
  4. Tardies and Leaving Class Early: If you are more than 10 minutes late for class, you will be marked absent for the class. Leaving class early, without prior approval, will result in an absence.
  5. TSI Developmental program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the rules of attendance will result in a student being withdrawn from Texas Tech University. Withdraws are subject to University policies as set forth in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students will be emailed the Appeal form and it is to be returned to Holden Hall 78 within five (5) days of exceeding allowed absences.

VII.Office Hours

  1. I encourage you to come see me in my office during these hours. These hours are reserved for you and your concerns, so please make use of this time. If you cannot meet during these times because of work or another class, contact me to set up an individual appointment at a different time.

VIII.Email:

  1. I check my e-mail regularly. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Typically, I do not check email between Friday and Sunday. I will respond to any emails that I receive over the weekend on Monday afternoon. Remember that all emails should be sent via Blackboard, TTU emails will not receive a reply.
  2. I expect students to use professional language and tone in all communication with me, including email correspondence. My office hours or appointments are the best way for us to address more complex questions and concerns about the course.

IX.Supplies:

  1. BE PREPARED FOR CLASS. Always bring the following to class:
  2. Text Books.
  3. Notebook paper
  4. Technology Access Code
  5. Pen or Pencil

X.Classroom Rules and Procedures:

  1. You are to always exhibit integrity. Any action should reflect this idea.
  2. Having integrity includes adhering to the following standards:
  3. Be prompt. Class begins precisely on time, therefore a student is considered tardy if he or she is more than ten (10) minutes late.
  4. Be prepared with all supplies and textbooks.
  5. Be kind and respectful. All actions and words should reflect kindness and respect for both the instructor and all other students. I will not tolerate rude or disrespectful behavior directed at any member of this class. We are all adults and should act as such. Anyone exhibiting disrespectful or vulgar language and/or behavior will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.
  6. Be honest. Honesty is an important part of integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating includes sharing homework answers, looking at another student’s test or quiz, and talking (even whispering) during a test or quiz. Plagiarism is another form of cheating and will be addressed in more detail in the next section of the syllabus. If the student has a doubt as to what constitutes cheating, the instructor will gladly answer any questions.
  7. Be mentally present. Use of electronic devices during class will not be tolerated. If your phone rings or if I see you using a cell phone, blackberry, iPod, or other (non-medical) electronic device during class, you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day. Laptops will only be allowed if necessary for completing the activities scheduled for that day.
  8. Be on task. There are times in class when it is appropriate to speak to your peers (i.e., during group work). However, a general rule of thumb- if I am speaking, you are not, you are listening.
  9. NO CELL PHONES, non-medical electronics, I PODS (or i-anything), or NET SURFING in class, unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If you are experiencing an emergency and need your cell phone on please notify me BEFORE class begins! Failure to follow this directive may result in your dismissal and one marked absence for the affected class period.

*****NOTE: Students are expected to conduct themselves in manner conducive to learning and are prohibited from engaging in distracting behavior, inappropriate behavior will result minimally, in a request to leave class. Comments or actions promoting discrimination of any sort will result in serious disciplinary action, and or possible loss of credit for the course.

XI.Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

  1. Texas Tech University aims "to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension" (Undergraduate Handbook 49).
  2. Although the university broadly defines the types of "dishonesty" that compromise academic integrity, the most common offense for this course is plagiarism. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, "the appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that is attributable in whole or in part to another source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression and media, and presenting that material as one's own academic work being offered for credit" (Onsite Politics xxviii).
  3. Students who are found guilty of plagiarism will receive a 0 for the assignment, as well as further consequences at the discretion of the Dean of Students and TSI Assistant Director. For more information on Academic Integrity visit:

**NOTE-For example, this means “NO” you can NOT turn in that paper you wrote about Holes in the 5th grade to me, and expect to get a good grade.

XII.Disabilities

  1. “Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office in 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
  2. “No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to the completion of this approved university process" (TTU OP 34.22, p.2). For more information call Student Disability Services at 742-2405 or visit

XIII.Title IX Statement

  1. Texas Tech University is dedicated to providing a safe and equitable learning environment for all students. Discrimination, sexual assault, and harassment are not tolerated by the university. You are encouraged to report any incidents to The Student Resolution Center: (806) 742-SAFE (7233). The TTU Counseling Center ( provides confidential support (806-742-3674) and the Voices of Hope Lubbock Rape Crisis Center has a 24-hour hotline: 806-763-RAPE (7273). For more information about support, reporting options, and other resources, go to:

XIV.Observance of a Religious Holy Day

  1. “Religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused may not be penalized for the absence; however, documentation is required.

XV.If Your Grade Drops Below a C

If at any time a TSI student falls below a C in ANY TSI course, he/she will be required to meet with the TSIAdvisor(s)/Assistant Director twice a month and attend an hour of tutoring per week. Determination of required tutoringwill begin after the first assignment/first paper or at the discretion of the TSI Instructor. Required tutoring will befactored into a student’s grade.

XVI.CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AND COURSE SCHEDULE: I reserve the right to change the dates on this syllabus. All changes will be made accessible to students via classroom announcements, Blackboard e-mail, and also through Aplia.

Date / Reading List / Lecture Notes / CCRS / Objectives, Discussion, Thoughts, and Assignments
6/7
T / Syllabus and Introductions / Cheating
Attendance Policy / ALL
6/8
W / Aplia Introduction/ Turnitin.com / How to Complete Homework and Assignments / ALL / *Aplia pre-assessment
6/9
R / Nelson Denny / Diagnostic Measurement / ALL / *Nelson Denny pre-assessment
6/10
F / Reading-Writing Connection
(Chapter 1) / STRAP strategy / Understand Reading and Writing
Use the traits for Reading and writing
Use graphic organizers for reading and writing
Review the reading-writing connection
6/13
M / Academic Reading and Learning
(Chapter 2) / Read to learn
Understand the reading process
Use basic reading strategies
Read critically
Improve vocabulary
Read Graphics
Review reading and learning
6/14
T / The Traits of Academic Reading
(Chapter 3) / Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word choice and sentences
Review
6/15
W / Academic Writing and Learning
(Chapter 4) / Write to Learn
Write to Share
Understand the writing process
Use writing strategies
Think critically and logically
Review academic writing and learning
6/16
R / The Traits of Academic Writing
(Chapter 5) / Ideas
Focus
Organization
Voice
Word choice and sentences
Conventions
Review
6/17
F / Sentence Basics
(Chapter 17)
Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
(Chapter 18) / Understand subjects and predicates.
Work with special subjects
Work with special predicates
Understand adjectives
Understand adverbs
Use prepositional phrases
Use clauses
Apply clauses
Apply sentence basics in a real-world context
Create simple sentences
Create simple sentences with compound subjects
Create simple sentences with compound verbs
Create compound sentences
Create complex sentences
Create complex sentences with relative clauses
Apply simple, compound, and complex sentences in a real-world context.
6/20
M / Agreement
(Chapter 19)
Sentence Problems
(Chapter 20) / Make subjects and verbs agree
Make two subjects agree with verbs
Practice agreement with I and you
Practice agreement with indefinite pronouns
Practice pronoun-antecedent agreement
Correct other pronoun problems
Check agreement in a real-world context
Correct common fragments
Correct tricky fragments
Correct comma splices
Correct run-on sentences
Correct rambling sentences
Correct misplaced and dangling modifiers
Correct shifts in sentence construction
Check for fragments in a real-world context
Correct comma splices and run-ons in a real-world context
Correct sentence problems in a real-world context.
6/21
T / Midterm Examination / Midterm will be held on 6/21/2016
6/22
W / Narration
(Chapter 10) / What is a Narrative?
Reviewing and Analyzing different narratives / Understand Narration
Learn about reading strategies for narration
Reading and Responding to a narrative
Learn to write your own narrative
6/23
R / Project Presentation: Real World Application (Chapter 21)
Project Presentation: Real World Application (Chapter 22) / Personal Narrative Topic Due 6/23/2016 to Blackboard by 11:55 PM.
6/24
F / Project Presentation: Real World Application (Chapter 23)
Project Presentation: Real World Application (Chapter 24)
6/27
M / Project Presentation: Real World Application (Chapter 25)
Cause – Effect
(Chapter 12)
Website Search / PERSONAL NARRATIVES DUE TO Turnitin.com by 11:55PM on 6/27/2016
6/28
T / Inferences
Using Context Clues
Making Inferences
Establishing a Purpose for Reading and Writing / Draw & support complex inferences from text to summarize, draw conclusions, and distinguish facts from simple assertions and opinions
6/29
W / Cause and Effect topic due to Blackboard by 11:55 PM on 6/29/2016
6/30
R / Project Presentation: Real World Application (Chapter 26)