ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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WELCOME TO ENGLISH COMPOSITION I!

Welcome to English Composition I. My name is Tiffany Smith. I will be facilitating your learning this semester. This syllabus is a great

way to get to know me, the course, expectations, communication plans, and the schedule of activities. Take your time and read the syllabus

carefully as your understanding of this information will be integral to your success in this class. This course is a ground, face-to-face course

that meets each week on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am – 9:15amEST. Enjoy the journey!

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor: Tiffany Smith

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY (teaching style)

English education, inclusive of the English language, is the vehicle by which speakers can learn to convey desired messages. This

process of discovery begins with the ability to decode the English language, and then progresses to the ability to analyze text. The

analysis of text both informs and educates the reader about issues pertaining to self, community, and/or the world one is a part of.

Analysis of text draws individual questions to increase an individual’s knowledge on particular subjects and one’s ability to reason

and make decisions.

If I had to describe my teaching style in a single sentence, based on previous feedback from students, I would say that I expect a lot

but only because I give a lot. I am present throughout the semester, and I work hard to build a curriculum that I believe will enhance

your knowledge of English composition. In return, I expect you to work hard. No student that has worked hard throughout the

semester has failed my course. You may not receive an A, but you will pass and you will learn something!

COMMUNICATION WITH THE INSTRUCTOR

Email Address: tsmith234@gsu.edu (please allow 24 hours to reply to email messages)

Emergency Contact Phone Number: 314-874-7383 (use in cases of emergency only; text messaging is allowed)

Online Course URL: icollege.gsu.edu

Office Hours & Location Office Hours are Wednesdays: 9:00am-11:00am. We will meet at 25 Park Place,

22nd floor.

Will students be able to meet with the

Instructor outside the office hours?

iCollege has a web conferencing application that allows students to meet with the

Instructor online. You can request to meet with the Instructor to address any

questions or concerns you have.

How are questions/concerns answered? 1. Students can meet with me during my office hours.

2. Students can email me using the email address above only. Email

messages will be answered within 24-48 hours of receipt. (Note: Students

are encouraged to cc: themselves on all email correspondence to ensure

delivery.)

3. Students can post questions to the WaterCOOLER discussion topic inside

the iCollege course site. (Click the arrow next to “Communications” and

select “Discussions” to get there.)

Will you be able to share your experience

with the Instructor?

Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping

education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course, please take time to fill out

the online course evaluation.

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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COURSE INFORMATION

What is this course all about?

This course is designed to increase the student’s ability to construct written prose of various kinds. It focuses on methods of

organization, analysis, research skills, and the production of short expository and argumentative essays; readings consider issues of

contemporary, social, and cultural concern. A passing grade is C.

What are the overall course goals?

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

● engage in writing as a process, including various invention heuristics (brainstorming, for example) gathering evidence,

considering audience, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading

● engage in the collaborative, social aspects of writing, and use writing as a tool for learning

● use language to explore and analyze contemporary multicultural, global, and international questions

● demonstrate how to use writing aids, such as handbooks, dictionaries, online aids, and tutors

● gather, summarize, synthesize, and explain information from various sources

● use grammatical, stylistic, and mechanical formats and conventions appropriate for a variety of audiences

● critique their own and others’ work in written and oral formats

● produce coherent, organized, readable prose for a variety of rhetorical situations

● reflect on what contributed to their writing process and evaluate their own work

How will you accomplish these goals?

Readings & Research

You will complete reading assignments to enhance your knowledge and understanding of different types of writings.

You will study how to retrieve reliable source material from both the internet and online journal articles.

Peer Reviews

The class before the final due date of your essays with be dedicated to peer review workshops, during which we will read each

other’s work.

You are required to bring a draft of your essay to class to participate in all peer review activities.

Online Discussions

You will participate in online discussions to both share your essay evaluations and engage with peers on their evaluations.

Group Activities (in-class)

You will participate in group activities where you will discuss readings and practice evaluating essays.

Essay Writing

You will complete a Literary Narrative. It will range in length from 3-5 pps.

You will complete a Micro-Ethnography/Spatial Analysis that will range in length from 3-5 pps.

You will complete an Argumentative Paper. This essay will have a research component that will range in length from 4-6pps.

Turnitin Submissions

All drafts and final papers will be turned in via Turnitin. You will complete written assignments that require you to integrate

reliable web material in your written document by adding direct quotes, paraphrased and summarized data to your written work.

You will submit your papers to Turnitin, so you can 1) evaluate your ability to properly cite information you have added, 2) give

you feedback on your work at the paragraph and sentence level, and 3) offer you a scoring guide so you can see how your essay is

graded.

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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COURSE INFORMATION (continued)

How are assignments administered?

This is a face-to-face course. You are required to meet Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am – 9:15amEST.

Assignments are given at each class session and are posted in the online classroom after class. The iCollege course site can be

accessed by visiting the following web page: icollege.gsu.edu.

ONLINE CLASSROOM

Will the course be enhanced with an online classroom?

Yes! Although this is a face-to-face course, students will access iCollege to review course information, check homework

assignments, communicate with peers, check grades and submit writing assignments.

You are also required to have internet access, so you can access the iCollege course site.

The iCollege course site can be accessed by visiting the following web page: icollege.gsu.edu.

What are the technological requirements accessing the online classroom?

iCollege is powered by Brightspace. There are particular technical requirements needed for Brightspace to work on your Windows or

Mac computers. Take a look at the university’s web page for information on connecting to Brightspace. Click here.

What kind of technical support is available?

Technical support is available via the following web site: http://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/it-services/training-and-

learning-resources/icollege/taking-courses-in-icollege-for-students/.

Students can also contact the Technical Service Desk:

Phone: 404-413-4357

Email: help@gsu.edu

What are the minimum technical skills required for the course?

● You need experience:

○ creating documents in Microsoft Word and uploading files to the computer in cases where papers need to be turned in via

Turnitin in the online iCollege course site.

○ opening and replying to eMail messages. Students must have a university email address and check it regularly.

○ moving between multiple internet windows, so you can easily move around within the iCollege course site.

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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COURSE MATERIALS

What course materials do you need?

Textbook

○ Title: Guide to First Year Writing, 5th edition

○ Author: Lopez, Elizabeth, Angela M. Christie, and

Kristen Ruccio

○ Publisher: Fountainhead

○ Copyright Date: 2016

○ Binding: Trade Cloth

○ Type: Print

Textbook

o Title: Enrique’s Journey

o Author: Sonia Nazario

o Publisher: Random House

o Copyright Date: 2006

o Binding: Trade Cloth

o Type: Print

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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COURSE GRADING & ASSESSMENT

Grading Criteria (in-general)

All assignments are graded based on a point system (points earned divided by points possible). Early in the semester, when you are

new to the course and my grading style, the points per assignment are low. As the semester goes on and you repeat many of the skills

learned early on, the points per assignment will increase. Points possible are included for every assignment. For all writing

assignments, a scoring guide is available for your reference and for grading purposes.

How can you view your grades and progress in the course?

iCollege Online Grade book: Inside the iCollege course site, there is a grade book that includes all of the assignments you complete in

this course. Assignments are graded within 1-2 weeks after completion, and they are posted here.

How are letter grades determined?

SUPERIOR

100-93 A

92-90 A-

SATISFACTORY

89-88 B+

87-83 B

82-80 B-

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT (Note: A C or better is required to pass this course or have it count as a prerequisite for another course.)

79-78 C+

77-70 C

FAILING

69-60 D

Below 60 F

ASSIGNMENTS Weight

First Year Book Reading Quiz 5%

Essay 1: Literary Narrative 10%

Essay 2: Micro-Ethnography/Spatial Analysis 20%

Essay 3: An Argument Paper 30%

Final Essay: Revise one essay of your choice (either Essay 1, 2, or 3) 20%

Attendance 5%

Process/Homework: in- and out-of-class activities 10%

Total 100%

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

What does the instructor expect from you?

The culture of this classroom is one of respect and kindness for one another. We are all here to support learning for each other. That

means that you are equally responsible for facilitating learning for your peers as I am. We will work together, so everyone is

successful. Most importantly, BE PRESENT when in class. Don’t use class time to talk on your phone, text, or engage your peers

about non-classroom related topics. Please take calls outside the classroom and return when finished.

Also, please use these rules when communicating in the online environment:

1. Be Respectful: respect your classmate by offering constructive communication and criticism. When you need assistance

with something, send a note to me that is respectful not a note that yells at me or uses a disrespectful tone because you are

frustrated.

2. Be Helpful: If you notice that a classmate is struggling with assignment instructions, resources, etc., offer to help.

3. Tell the truth: do not add information to this course site that you did not complete yourself.

4. Do not flame: do not post inflammatory material or derogatory comments to the course site. Do not add fuel to the fire of a

problem. Work to come up with a resolution that will help your classmate, not hurt them.

5. Do not Use ALL CAPS: Do not use ALL CAPS to yell at each other. While use of ALL CAPS can be used to emphasize

words in your writing, it can be seen as offensive.

Will you ever get to turn in late work?

NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED. Late work will not be accepted, even for a reduced grade. All assignments should be

submitted, in person, on time, and in the correct format. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is your

responsibility to make arrangements to have the assignment to your instructor by class time. In-class assignments cannot

be made up for credit if you are absent. Please see your instructor if you are having any difficulty completing an

assignment before it becomes late and affects your grade.

In case of a major extenuating emergency, notify me immediately. If you have extenuating circumstances that require you to

be late, send me an EMAIL (tsmith234@gsu.edu), and we can discuss solutions to your problem.

In case of a valid, documented emergency, absences can be excused and deadlines for major assignments (exams, essays,

annotated bibliography) can be extended. If you have any questions or doubts as to the nature of your absence and its

ability to be excused, ask your instructor as soon as possible. Your instructor is much better equipped to help you

accommodate an absence with advance notice. Ultimately, your instructor reserves the right, at his or her sole discretion,

to excuse (or not excuse) absences for circumstances that are not already outlined on GSU’s Lower Division Studies

Attendance Policy on at www.english.gsu.edu/~lds.

Is attendance mandatory?

YES!

1. IN PERSON: You are expected to arrive to each class session on Tuesday and Thursday. If you miss class, it is your

responsibility to find out what you missed. You should: email me (tsmith234@gsu.edu) AND check the iCollege course

site. Students that miss 4 or more class sessions should meet with me to discuss progress in the course.

a. Students MUST arrive within 15 minutes of the start of class AND complete the Intro Writing assignment to

get credit for attending class. 10% of student’s grade is based on student’s attendance in class.

2. ON-LINE: You are expected to complete the assigned online activities. Students that fail to visit the online course site and

complete the online activities will lose points for the missing assignments AND participation points for activities that are

missed.

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Why is important to be ethical in the class?

In this country, as in many others, college and universities are set up as a marketplace of ideas. This means that the ideas, research,

and words of an individual are considered the PROPERTY of that individual, even though that individual may share them with others

via publication. Just as an inventor is credited for an invention, the writer of an idea must receive credit for that idea. And, just as

inventors are protected by patents, writers, researchers and artists are protected by copyright laws.

To be unethical means you have:

1. presented someone’s work or ideas as if they were your own

2. copied, word-for-word, someone elses writing without putting that passage in quotation marks and identifying the source

3. taken someone’s writing, changing some of the words, and not identified the source

4. taken someone’s ideas or organization of ideas, put them into his/her own words and not identified the source

5. asked someone else to change the student’s writing, a tutor, a friend or relative, for instance AND created the impression that

this is your own work

6. purchased or downloaded papers or passages from the Web

Why is important to NOT plagiarize?

Institutional Policy: Georgia State University defines plagiarism as . . .

“ . . . any paraphrasing or summarizing of the works of another person without acknowledgment, including the submitting of another

student's work as one's own . . . [It] frequently involves a failure to acknowledge in the text . . . the quotation of paragraphs, sentences,

or even phrases written by someone else.” At GSU, “the student is responsible for understanding the legitimate use of sources . . . and

the consequences of violating this responsibility.”

(For the university’s policies, see in the student catalog, “Academic Honesty,” http://www2.gsu.edu/~catalogs/2010-

2011/undergraduate/1300/1380_academic_honesty.htm)

Department Policy: The Department of English expects all students to adhere to the university’s Code of Student

Conduct, especially as it pertains to plagiarism, cheating, multiple submissions, and academic honesty. Please refer to the Policy on

Academic Honesty (Section 409 of the Faculty Handbook). Penalty for violation of this policy will result in a zero for the assignment,

possible failure of the course, and, in some cases, suspension or expulsion.

What resources and support are available to you?

Writing Studio: The purpose of the Writing Studio is to enhance the writing instruction by providing undergraduate and graduate

students with an experienced reader who engages them in conversation about their writing assignments and ideas, and familiarizes

them with audience expectations and academic genre conventions. They focus on the rhetorical aspects of texts and provide one-on-

one, student-centered teaching that corresponds to each writer’s composing process. Although they are not a line-editing or

proofreading service, the Writing Studio is happy to discuss grammar concerns with students from a holistic perspective. Tutors will

be alert listeners, will ask questions and will not judge or evaluate the work in progress. The Writing Studio offers 30 minute sessions

(for undergraduate students) and 60 minute sessions (for graduate students) for face-to-face tutoring. Through Write/Chat, our online

tutoring service, they offer 15-minute sessions that address short, brief concerns. In addition, the GSU Writing Studio will sponsor

workshops, led by faculty and staff, on various topics dealing with academic writing. Please visit the Writing Studio in GCB 976 or

at www.writingstudio.gsu.edu for more information.

Georgia State University Pullen Library is a great source of information about sources (books, magazines, online journal articles,

etc.). They have both in-person and online resources. You will be required to find books in the library catalog, and you may even run

into a situation where the book needs to be ordered. You will be required to find sources in the online database. Familiarize yourself

with library by visiting them AND viewing their web site: http://library.gsu.edu/.

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

What if you would like additional course support?

Georgia State University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who

wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. Students may only be

accommodated upon issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible for providing

a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought.

According to the ADA (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:s3406enr.txt.pdf):

‘‘SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF DISABILITY. ‘‘As used in this Act: ‘‘(1) DISABILITY.—The term ‘disability’ means, with respect to

an individual— ‘‘(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such

individual...major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating,

sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and

working. ‘‘(B) MAJOR BODILY FUNCTIONS.—For purposes of paragraph (1), a major life activity also includes the operation of a

major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder,

neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

What if you completed most of the course but need more time to finish?

In order to receive a grade of "incomplete," a student must inform the instructor, either in person or in writing, of his/her inability

(non-academic reasons) to complete the requirements of the course. Incompletes will be assigned at the instructor's discretion and the

terms for removal of the "I" are dictated by the instructor. A grade of incomplete will only be considered for students who are a)

passing the course with a C or better, b) present a legitimate, non-academic reason to the instructor, and c) have only one

major assignment left to finish.

What if you decide you want to take this course at a later date?

There are many things to take into consideration when electing to withdraw from a course. For information about withdrawing from a

course, click here: http://registrar.gsu.edu/registration/withdrawals/.

For English Majors!

English Majors and the Graduation Portfolio

The English department at GSU requires an exit portfolio of all students graduating with a degree in English. Ideally, students should

work on this each semester, selecting 1-2 papers from each course in the major and revising them, with direction from faculty

members. The portfolio includes revised work and a reflective essay about what you’ve learned.

Each concentration (literature, creative writing, rhetoric/composition, and secondary education) within the major has specific items to

place in the portfolio, so be sure to download the packet from our website at

http://english.gsu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate_resources/senior-portfolios/. In preparation for this assessment, each student

must apply for graduation with the Graduation office and also sign up in the English Department portfolio assessment system at

http://www.wac.gsu.edu/EngDept/signup.php.

The Senior Portfolio is due at the midpoint of the semester you intend to graduate. Please check the university’s academic calendar for

that date. Please direct questions about your portfolio to a faculty advisor or the instructor of your senior seminar. You may also

contact Dr. Stephen Dobranski, Director of Undergraduate Studies, for more information.

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

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COURSE SCHEDULE

NOTE: this schedule is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Students can expect to get notifications of the change in the during

the class session and via the iCollege course (announcements/start here page). A more specific daily course schedule can be found in the

iCollege course site on the Daily Coursework page.

WEEK: Tuesday, Thursday TOPIC

Week One: 8/23, 8/25 Introduction to the Class, iCollege and the Syllabus

Discussion of Enrique’s Journey

Syllabus Quiz (iCollege)

Week Two: 8/30, 9/1 Discuss Enrique’s Journey, Review for Quiz

Discuss Taking Advantage of the Writing Studio

Online Essay Quiz (iCollege): Enrique’s Journey

Week Three: 9/6, 9/8 Discuss the definition of Rhetoric (Ch. 1)

Practice Arguing – The Three Appeals: Ethos, Pathos and Logos (Ch. 1, pg. 13-14)

Discuss the Modern Writing Process (Ch. 4, pg. 123-125)

Introduce Essay #1/Essay #1-1st Draft

(Draft #1 to be turned in to the Dropbox by Tuesday, 9/13, start of class.)

Week Four: 9/13, 9/15 Discuss more on The Three Appeals (Ch. 3, pgs. 93-115)

Drafting/Revising: Essay #1

Complete Essay #1

(All final papers are turned in to the Dropbox by Tuesday, 9/20, start of class..)

Week Five: 9/20, 9/22 Discuss Chapter 2: Responding Rhetorically

Practice Responding Rhetorically, Thinking about Thinking (Ch. 2, 35-61)

Discuss Invention Strategies (Ch. 4, pgs. 144-147)

Introduce Essay #2

Week Six: 9/27, 9/29 Evaluate a speech using The Rhetorical Triangle (Ch. 2 66-68) and Kairos (Ch. 3, 84-92)

Discuss the interaction between texts and images (Ch. 2, pg. 75)

Essay #2-Draft #1

(Draft #1 to be turned in to the Dropbox by Tuesday, 10/4, start of class.)

Week Seven: 10/4, 10/6 Discuss the Stasis Theory (Ch. 4, 126-132)

Discuss Peer Editing

Participate in Peer Editing Session

Complete Essay #2

(All final papers are turned in to Dropbox by Tuesday, 10/11, start of class.)

Week Eight: 10/11, 11/13 Mid-term Conferences

Note: Semester Midpoint is Tuesday, October 11/Last Day to Withdraw

Week Nine: 10/18, 10/20 Start Argument Paper Unit

Begin Generating Ideas – Free Write & Locate Research

Discuss Finding and Evaluating Sources (Ch. 5, pgs. 144-145; pgs. 163-174; pgs. 187-190)

ENGL 1101-021: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

Fall 2016

Page 10 of 10

WEEK: Tuesday, Thursday TOPIC

Week 10: 10/25, 10/27 Continue Argument Paper Unit

Discuss the Thesis Statement (Ch. 5 174-177)

Drafting the Thesis and the Body of the Paper

Addition of Logos (Ch. 3, pgs. 93-99)

Peer Revision

Draft #1 due mid-week

Draft #2 due by the start of class on 11/1

Week 11: 11/1, 11/3 Continue Argument Paper Unit

Revision of the Thesis and the body

Addition of the Introduction and Closing

Addition of Pathos (Ch. 3, pgs. 103-109)

Peer Revision

Draft #3 due mid-week

Draft #4 due by start of class on 11/8

Week 12: 11/8, 11/10 Complete the Argument Paper

Addition of Opposing View/Rebuttal

Synthesis of the paper with Sources (Ch. 5, pgs. 185-186; pgs. 192-200)

Final Paper due by start of class on 11/15

Week 13: 11/15, 11/17 Preparation for Final Essay

Peer Revision Groups

Plans for Critique

Draft #1 of Revised Paper due by 11/20 at midnight

Week 14: 11/22, 11/24 THANKSGIVING BREAK WEEK

Week 15: 11/29, 12/1 Workshop: Final Essay

Draft #2 of the Revised Paper due by 12/4 at midnight

Week 16: 12/6, 12/8 Last Week of Classes

Peer Workshop: Final Essay

Final Essay due by 12/11 at midnight

Exam Week – No Class

Yeah! You have reached the end of the syllabus.

Proceed to iCollege to take the Syllabus Quiz.