Angelina College
Liberal Arts Division
Integrated Reading and Writing 0420
General Syllabus
- BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A.Course Description: The purpose of the course will be on applying critical reading skills for organizing, analyzing, and retaining material and developing written work appropriate to the audience, purpose, situation, and length of the assignment. This course is designed to prepare students for college level reading and writing intensive courses including English 1301. Students will learn to write effective, logical essays, utilizing textual support to develop reading comprehension strategies, and to analyze, synthesize, and make value judgments using critical thinking. The course fulfills TSI requirements for reading and writing. Students who successfully complete this course will qualify to take English 1301. The class will meet twice and will require one hour of lab each week. This course cannot be used toward credit for an associate degree and is not intended for transfer to a senior college. Lab. Fee. (pre-requisite: satisfactory performance as defined by a C or better in INRW 0410, Integrated Reading and Writing I, or a score of 346-348 LEVEL 5 in Reading AND a score 356-359 LEVEL 5 in Writing)
B.Intended Audience: The intended audience includes students who have not satisfied the TSI reading or writing requirements.
C. Instructor:
Name: (Sheila) Rene’ Jones
E-mail Address:
- STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
Through the Texas core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning.
- Core Objectives: Critical Thinking Skills (CT)- to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information *
- Communication Skills (COM)-to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication*
- Teamwork (TW)-to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal*
- Personal Responsibility (PR)-to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making*
B.Learning Outcomes-
Upon the successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, and evaluate 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.
C.Course Objectives for all sections
I. The goal of INRW 0420 is to prepare students for college-level courses such as freshman composition, history, government, psychology, and other freshman college courses.
- Course Objectives as determined by the instructor –
See C above.
(as determined by the instructor)
III.ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A.Assessments for the Core Objectives-
(TBA-final formulation is still in progress)
B.Assessments for Learning Outcomes for all sections—
1. Competency in locating explicit textual information, drawing complex inferences, and describing, analyzing, and evaluating the information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths will be assessed through in-class discussions which will ease students into inquiry regarding a text’s content and focus. Such inquiry will begin in the form of direct questions asked of students regarding a given text that will be formerly assigned for reading prior to such discussions. In-class quizzes in response to reading will also be utilized to address this need.
2. Competency in comprehending and using vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing will be assessed through required marginalia and required active reading strategies which will be directly applied to texts and demonstrated by each student for any/all assigned readings. Students will be required to markup any/all assigned readings and to share such markups, including any obscure definitions on text, questions, or critical insights.
3. Competency in identifying and analyzing the audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts will be assessed through the students’ participation in direct written responses to any quizzes and or informative sessions and or discussions.
4. Competency in describing and applying insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts will be assessed through the student’s required participation in argumentative and analytical writing.
5. Competency in composing 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 will be assessed through assigned essays requiring explicit thesis and focused support.
6. Competency in determining and using effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing situations will be assessed through roundtable sessions and conferences with students as the semester progresses.
7. Competency in generating ideas and gathering information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and words of other writers in student writing using established strategies will be assessed through the successful completion of written content illustrating the direct integration as well as critical insights of outside sources within the writer’s work.
8. Competency in evaluating relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a claim will be assessed through essays which will require specific assignment direction.
9. Competency in developing and using effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments will be assessed through the requirement of outlines, handwritten drafts, and a minimum of one typed rough draft prior to submission of final essay.
10. Competency in recognizing and applying the conventions of standard English in reading and writing will be assessed through major essays which will be graded with a rubric outlining such conventions
C.Assessments for the Course Objectives as determined by the instructor –
See B above.
- INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
- Methodologies common to all sections
Methodologies that may be utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to) lecture notes, visual power point presentations, paper and pencil or online reading and grammar exercises, class discussions, individual/class/group work, roundtable sessions, or conferences with students.
B.Methodologies determined by the instructor
See A above.
V.COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A.Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment –
-Kemper, Dave et al. Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing, Book 2, 2nd Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2016, Print.
-Online Aplia program, Code will be provided
-One binder or pocket folder for coursework and supplement material, including handouts given to the student.
-A two-pocket folder for your essays; this will be your writing portfolio
-A USB drive is vital to a college writing course
Personal ear phones or plugs for use in the lab
I encourage students to purchase a dictionary and/or thesaurus. Also dictionary.com is a free app!
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:
Since this course focuses on using Word processing to assist in the writing process, one hour each week will be spent in the computer lab working on a combination of writing and reading activities.
B.Assignments –
ESSAYS:
Students will receive an Assignment Sheet for each essay that is required.
ESSAYS: There will be a total of three major written assignments: 1) a narrative/descriptive formal essay with a major revision; 2) a formal argumentative essay and 3) a timed argumentative essay as the final exam worth 10% of the overall grade for the semester. All assignments (except timed essays) will be peer-reviewed, evaluated by the instructor, and revised by the student author for a final grade.
TURNING IN PORTFOLIOS: Major assignments (unless it is an in-class assignment) must be typed, stapled, and presented in a pocket folder (portfolio) to the instructor at the beginning of class on the due date. I will only accept assignments presented in a portfolio. Late portfolios will be deducted ten (10) points per day (although I do not count Saturday or Sunday) until turned in according to instructions. I will not accept final written assignments by email unless the assignment directly indicates the student to do so, or the student has contacted me previously and made clear arrangements. Students should consult the specific Assignment Sheet for the exact documents that are required in the portfolio.
Lab: Students will be required to complete lab at the following website: Students must attend lab for one hour each week. Additionally, students may work on lab on their own in order to complete all the activities. Lab assignments are worth 10% (100 points) of the overall grade for this class.
C.Course Policies – (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.)
Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Angelina College (AC) admits students without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies of AC should be directed to: Dr. Patricia McKenzie, Vice President and Dean of Instruction, 3500 South First, Lufkin, TX 75904, telephone (936) 633-5201.
Attendance – Students enrolled in a developmental course must not only attend, but must also participate and otherwise meet all of the requirements as outlined in the syllabus distributed by the instructor. Attendance is mandatory and the student may not "withdraw" from a developmental course until *TSI (The Texas Success Initiative, Texas Education Code - Section 51.3062) requirements have been satisfied.
Under the requirements of the Success Initiative, failure to attend and participate in required developmental classes and labs may result in mandatory withdrawal from college as defined in the contract for attendance and participation.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor –
Attendance: I will take attendance at the beginning of the class session. It is the student’s responsibility to remind the instructor to change attendance if he or she suspects that they have been marked absent. Please do this after class. If a student incurs more than four absences, he or she may be dropped from this class. Students with six absences or more will be immediately dropped from class unless the student can work out a plan with the instructor before returning to class. Remember: It is absolutely your choice to be in class. If you must be absent, however, you will not be credited nor pardoned for material missed during class. Unless you make prior arrangements (in a timely manner) with me concerning an absence, it is up to the instructor’s discretion whether you will be allowed to make up any work. I encourage students to network with each other in and outside of class in order to have professional resources when necessary. Additionally, students are encouraged to visit with me by email and during office hours.
Attendance Grade: Each student will receive a grade based on his or her attendance. The Attendance grade works as follows:
100 points—no more than one (1) absence
90 points--no more than two (2) absences
80 points—no more than three (3) absences
70 points—no more than four (4) absences
60 points—no more than five (5) absences
More than four (6) absences may result in a “0” for this specific grade.
The attendance grade is 10% of the final course grade.
Class Participation:
- Students should be on time for class. Students should be in their seats and ready to work when class starts. Excessive tardiness (more than two) will have consequences to the attendance grade. Be professional and punctual!
2.Cell phones should be put on silent. Students should refrain from texting and/or interacting with a phone during class. If there is an emergency, please step outside of the classroom if you need to talk. Other electronic devices (other than those necessary to the class or for disabilities) must be cleared by the instructor before use in the classroom. Students should put their phones and electronic devices out of sight during class time.
3. Student participation individually and in groups is expected at the college level. All students will participate in peer-editing. Each student is expected to complete assignments as instructed.
4. Respect your fellow class members and the instructor at all times. Behavior that interferes with a learning environment will not be tolerated. Please refrain from talking when I am lecturing. Only once will I stop the lecture and ask a student to discontinue talking. The second time I have to stop lecture because of a student’s interruption, the student will be asked to leave class, and will not be readmitted to the next class session until they talk to me personally about the situation. Our classroom is a community of students, and all students are encouraged to participate in class in asking questions and providing comments; remember, our classroom is a professional atmosphere, and must be treated as such. I do my best to allow students time to converse in almost every class session. Therefore, I expect and will maintain order within the classroom setting in order to facilitate the optimal learning environment.
5. Students should not leave the classroom once an in-class writing assignment or an exam has been handed out. Additionally, students should recognize that leaving and re-entering class causes interruptions, so this activity should be kept to a minimum during regular class time in order to respect all members of the classroom. If you need to leave and re-enter class, please be as quiet and professional as possible.
6. Take lecture notes or participate in discussion until the instructor dismisses class. Please refrain from preparing to leave the classroom until class is dismissed. Students are not allowed to sleep during class. Be professional! Students will receive one warning about sleeping in class; if the student sleeps in class again, he or she will be asked to leave the classroom and will be marked absent for the class session.
7. Eating and drinking beverages is discouraged in the classroom; however, if you need to bring a beverage to class, be responsible and clean up appropriately.
8. Please do not bring children to class. Please understand that the presence of a child in the college classroom is not conducive to learning, and is an inappropriate place for children.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM:
It is the student's responsibility to do his/her own work and do it honestly. Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses which will be dealt with promptly. If I find you cheating on a test or if I suspect plagiarism on an essay, you may receive an automatic F in the course.
COMPLAINTS/QUESTIONS:
If you have any complaints or questions, please see me first; I can usually help resolve the problem. In the event that I cannot, I will direct you to the appropriate person who will be able to help you out.
VI.COURSE CONTENT:
A.Required Content/ Topics – (common to all sections)
Mechanics Emphasis:
Mechanics and grammar study is an ongoing one that is an integral part of the writing process. Each student will be tested at the beginning of the semester and will be given specific assigned studies to correct any weaknesses. Each student will be given a major test at the end of the semester to determine the student's mastery of mechanics and grammar. Further, all essays will be evaluated closely for correct usage, spelling, and correct use of sentence parts.
Essay Writing:
College level essay writing is chiefly expository writing with some occasional creative writings, if desired. The process approach to teaching writing will be used to promote unified writing and thinking processes. The teacher will initiate brainstorming or other heuristics to encourage free and fluent expression---then introduced different rhetorical modes for developing and organizing paragraphs and full essays. Each class time or homework assignment should require some writing.
Argumentation:
Argumentation includes but is not limited to induction and deduction, logical thinking, fallacies in argument, emotional appeals. Argumentative writing may be taught throughout the semester or in a two to three week unit. At least one grade should be from an argumentative essay.
Reading Emphasis:
College level reading will involve but not be limited to the following reading comprehension and vocabulary areas: Vocabulary in context (synonym, antonym, general context, and examples), main idea, supporting details (major and minor supporting details), implied main idea, relationships (transitions I and II), inference, fact and opinion, and purpose and tone.
Integrated Reading and Writing LAB : Students will be required to attend one hour of lab each week during the semester. Students can also access lab off campus, but each student is required to spend one hour in lab each week of the semester.
B. Additional Content --Please see the class calendar for specific assignments and readings.
VII.EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A.Grading Criteria(percents, extra credit, etc.)
- Grade Distribution for English 0320:
50% EssaysWill include a minimum of three (3) essays including one (1) timed essay.