College-level composition course designed to assist students in writing 750- to 1500-word essays on topics in various academic disciplines. Focuses on development and support of ideas, essay structure, critical thinking, analysis of readings, and other aspects of writing. Students are introduced to research techniques and documentation. 3 lecture hours
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A Text and Reader (FIAW), 4nd Ed. By Stuart Greene and April Lidinsky. Published by Bedford/St. Martin’s 2018.
Access to Blackboard and the Purdue OWL
COURSE POLICIES – ASSIGNMENTS
➢ All essays must be completed to earn a C in this course. In other words, you cannot skip any essays. Even if you’ve received all passing grades, if you’re missing one of the four essays, you cannot receive a grade higher than a “D.” You cannot pass this course without passing Essay Four, which is the final exam.
➢ Late work: Late work jeopardizes your ability to keep up with course work, and it is unprofessional. Make a plan for meeting deadline and meet them. This is a full-length course session, which means there’s really no reason for being late on assignments. Contact the instructor in advance to discuss extenuating circumstances. Late work may only be accepted at the discretion of the instructor and will be penalized.
➢ Mandatory revision of non-passing essay submissions. For Essays 1, 2, and 3 ONLY, if the essay grade is 69 or below, you must revise it, and you will receive one opportunity to bring the grade to passing. Resubmissions are due one week after your graded essay is returned to you. It is your responsibility to revise; if you do not meet the deadline for resubmittal, your grade will stand, and you will fail the course (because all essays must be submitted and passing in order to pass the course). ESSAY FOUR IS CONSIDERED THE FINAL EXAM AND MAY NOT BE REVISED.
➢ Complete all course work. It is true that you must submit and earn a passing grade on all four essays in order to potentially pass the course. However, if you do not complete the majority of other coursework category assignments, the instructor reserves the right to fail you from the course, even if your essay scores are passing.
➢ All students now have access to the Microsoft Office Suite via Office 365 in the Mercer Portal, as well as access to Blackboard and Mercer Mail. ALL assignments for this course
will be given and submitted through Blackboard. Please check your Mercer email and/or Blackboard Course Announcements daily for any changes. It is your responsibility to keep up with course changes, as well as any issues with any assignments via Blackboard. I will post issues first in the assignment comments area, then follow-up with Mercer Mail, so it’s absolutely essential for you to keep current with Instructor communications.
COURSE POLICIES – ATTENDANCE
➢ Your online “attendance” will be counted through your completion of assignments by the assigned dates and active postings on the discussion board. You should log into our course an absolute minimum of 2 times per week to check for updates and to complete assignments.
➢ If you do not complete assignments or post on the discussion board for a whole week, it will be considered two “absences.”
➢ If there are two full weeks in which you do not complete assignments or post to the discussion board, it will be considered four absences and you will either fail the course or I may withdraw you from the course. If you are having personal/health issues, technology issues, or trouble keeping up with the work, please let me know and I will help you.
➢ Note: if you do not complete any of the assignments in the first week of class, I will mark you down as “Never Attended,” and you will be automatically withdrawn from the course.
➢ Withdrawals: If you stop attending class (see above), I may withdraw you from the course. Withdrawals after a certain date can affect your eligibility to receive financial aid, and you will still be responsible for paying all tuition. If you need to withdraw, be aware of the withdrawal dates (see your student handbook or check online), and please let me know what is going on that is causing you to want to withdraw. I will try to do whatever I can to help you stay on track with the class so you can succeed. Please note, however, I am not obligated to withdraw you if you stop attending class (you may instead receive a failing grade).
➢ Class participation is an important part of the learning process. Being an active member of class by engaging in class discussion, peer review, and other activities is an important part of your grade.
➢ Etiquette on the Discussion Board: We will all have different opinions, and we will discuss different positions in a respectful manner. While discussion and argument is encouraged, disrespectful behavior or rudeness, including but not limited to outbursts, explicit insubordination, gender, racial, and sexual orientation slurs, will not be tolerated.
➢ In our discussions, you will note that you are being asked to think deeply about the texts under consideration AND to interact with your classmates in a meaningful discussion. You will need to display critical thinking and analytical skills in both posts that you originate AND in your comments. To that end, comments/ replies such “I agree” or “Good point” that do not offer any additional analysis or critique will not count towards your grade.
➢ Here is a list of prompts to help you reply to your classmates:
Your example helped me understand ___ because ___
Your post made me think about ___
I have a similar example to share ___
Your example helped clarify ___ but now I am wondering about ___
I wonder if you could expand on ___
I have a counter example I’d like to share ___
While I agree with your post, I want to toss out this possible different perspective: ___
COURSE POLICIES – STUDENT RESOURCES
➢ Student Success Coach: Mercer students have a Student Success Coach available to support their efforts during their first semester through graduation. Students can connect with a Coach by emailing Successcoach@mccc.edu or calling 570-3451. www.mccc.edu/coaching has useful information about coaching and student success. For additional information, please contact: Latonya Ashford Ligon at 570-3292 or by email ashfordl@mccc.edu .
➢ Academic Advising after your first semester: Faculty advisors provide help with completing your major after your first semester. Your faculty advisor should be listed on the MyMercer portal. If you need further assistance please contact your division Executive Assistant. Liberal Arts: Debbie Stotland LA162 570-3378 Stotland@mccc.edu; Business & Stem: Doris Geck BS134 570-3482 Geckd@mccc.edu; Health Professions: Barbara Pieslak MS126 570-3383 pieslakb@mccc.edu
➢ Use your “MyMercer” Portal: Your “MyMercer” portal contains your MercerMail, financial information, class schedule, grades, your advisor and other information. Check your “MyMercer” portal every day. Visit www.mccc.edu/mymercer to access your portal.
➢ Center for Inclusion, Transition and Accessibility: Arlene Stinson, Director: Mercer County Community College recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity and the Center for Transition, Inclusion and Accessibility works to ensure inclusive learning environments by encouraging the college community to examine accessibility and through the delivery of effective academic accommodations to qualified individuals. Mercer County Community College is in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).For information on Universal Design for Learning, information regarding meeting the needs of students with disabilities, or information regarding the provision of academic accommodations please visit the Center for
➢ Tutorial Center: Charles Haas, DirectorTutoring Center services are free and available for all students. Drop in or contact the following to schedule an appointment. Charles Haas (WWC), LB214, 570-3452, haasc@mcccc.edu; Angela Frumin, (TC) 311, frumina@mccc.edu or John Kashmer, (WWC), LB214, kashmerj@mccc.edu
➢ Career and Transfer Center: Planning to go to work or to transfer to a 4-year college after completing your Mercer degree? Contact the Career and Transfer Center for support and advice. Letrice Thomas (WWC transfer services), SC201, 570-3397, thomasl@mccc.edu
➢ Counseling Services: Are you experiencing personal challenges, feeling overwhelmed? Are you having stress and anxiety? Counseling services are available free of charge. Contact: Dorothy Gasparro Ed.S, LPC, NCC, SC239, 570-3354, gasparrd@mccc.edu
➢ Veteran’s Services: If you are currently serving or have served in the US Armed Forces, or are a family member of someone who has, our Veterans Services Team is here to help you optimize your education benefits. Contact: John Becker, SC220, 570-3240 or Jennifer Whitfield, SC222, 570-3269, whitfiej@mccc.edu or vets@mccc.edu
COURSE POLICIES – ACADEMIC HONESTY
➢ Your Academic Integrity Agreement: As a student at MCCC, I understand and support each individual's right to learn in an atmosphere of honesty and fairness at Mercer County Community College. As a trustworthy, fair, and ethical member of the Mercer community, I also recognize that the responsibility for maintaining these values in our community rests with each individual member. Therefore, by taking this course, I agree to uphold and abide by the College's Academic Integrity Policy and accept the consequences of that policy.
➢ For more information regarding the Academic Integrity Policy, please refer to pages 59 – 62 of the MCCC Student Handbook.
➢ In this class, violations of academic integrity will always be reported to the Academic Integrity Committee and will incur a penalty appropriate to the offense, including zero on the assignment and possible failure of the course.
COURSE GOALS
At the end of this class, you will be able to work with college-level texts and write a collegelevel argumentative essay. To demonstrate this level of achievement, you will be able to:
interpret texts within the framework presented by an assigned question and present a new idea (central claim, or thesis) that draws from these interpretations.
quote and discuss significant and appropriate passages to support an interpretation in relation to the thesis. (This course objective focuses on selecting and introducing a relevant passage and demonstrating comprehension. It emphasizes communication about relevant portions of the text.)
analyze concepts and language, including well-chosen quotations, to support a thesis or emerging thesis (This course objective emphasizes analysis that clarifies how the well-chosen passage supports the writer’s argument.) 4. show clear boundaries between the ideas in the assigned texts and the essay writer’s original ideas in order to avoid plagiarism and work with others’ ideas in ethical ways
provide a sufficiently developed essay (e.g. enough paragraphs to sustain a thesis or emerging thesis)
summarize and paraphrase in order to demonstrate an accurate understanding of the arguments put forward by texts
organize an essay that shows logical progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph.
write an essay in which errors do not seriously impede readers’ comprehension.
identify and use a relevant library source
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & GRADE WEIGHTS
You will receive grades on a 100-point scale which will be used to calculate your final grade:
Routinely check Blackboard. This schedule is subject to change. Any changes will be posted in course announcements.
UNIT ONE: Mandatory Diagnostic and Class Introductions, Tues 9/3 – Sun 9/8: Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by the dates listed.
Establish a pre-course writing sample. (Take on campus; due by close of testing center or proctor location hours on 9/7).
Understand the policies (course and college) that govern this class.
Become proficient in navigating the ENG 101 online environment.
Meet your classmates by participating in an Introductions forum (due by 9/8 at 11:55pm).
Get all course texts.
UNIT TWO: MLA Format, Email Etiquette, Mon 9/9 – Sun 9/15: Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun 9/15 at 11:55pm
Understand and begin incorporating MLA into your papers.
Understand email etiquette and use it throughout the rest of the semester.
Identify the qualities of Academic Writing and consider how you might incorporate them into your own work.
Participate in the Unit 2 discussion forum. See forum directions for deadlines.
UNIT THREE: Becoming an Academic Writer, Mon 9/16 – Sun 9/29
Lesson One: How to Read Effectively – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun 9/22 at 11:55pm
READ: From Inquiry to Academic Writing (FIAW): Ch. 1 pgs. 1-11(Complete Practice Sequence).
VIEW: Video - "How to Do a Close Reading."
READ: the handouts: "Instagram is the Worst Social Media App for Mental Health," and "I Love Instagram."
EXERCISE: Write a paragraph or two comparing the two readings, taking a stance, one way or the other, on Instagram. Use the readings as evidence in your comparison.
Lesson Two: How to Annotate and Do a Rhetorical Analysis – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun, 9/29, 2019 at 11:55PM
READ: FIAW Chap. 2 pgs. 38-52, skimming the blue pages.
READ: In the Purdue OWL "The Elements of Analysis."
READ: "Stop Googling. Let's Talk," by Sherry Turkle. This reading will be one of two Turkle readings to be used for next week's Essay One.
READ: FIAW pg. 59-62, "The Flight from Conversation," by Sherry Turkle. The reading will be used as a basis for the Rhetorical Analysis.
READING: Citing in Text Primer. Review for use Rhetorical Analysis and Essay One.
REVIEW: MLA 8th Sample Essay. Use this formatting for your Rhetorical Analysis.
ANNOTATE: the Turkle textbook reading, as well as "Stop Googling. Let's Talk," highlighting the text or commenting in the margins as you read.
SUBMIT RHETORICAL ANALYSIS: Using your annotations and any notes, write a 1.5-2 page rhetorical analysis of Turkle's essay, "The Flight from Conversation," on pg. 59-62 in FIAW.
UNIT FOUR: Thesis & Critical Thinking and Essay 1, Mon 9/30 – Sun 10/13
Lesson One: Theses, Arguments and Claims – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sunday, Oct 6 at 11:55PM
READ: FIAW Ch. 4 pg. 87-101, skipping blue pages.
LINK: to the Purdue OWL: "Organizing Your Argument."
POWERPOINT: Review presentation on Types of Claims.
READING & EXERCISE: "Doesn't Anyone Get a C Anymore?" by Phil Primack
DISCUSS: we will also be discussing the reading assignments.
DRAFTING: Revise your thesis and build your argument for Essay 1
Lesson Two: Avoid Plagiarism – Cite! – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun, Oct 13 at 11:55pm
LINK: to the Purdue OWL - MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics.
READING & EXERCISE: on citing using "Grade Inflation Gone Wild" by Stuart Rojstaczer starting on pg. 108 in FIAW
REVIEW: Mercer Academic Integrity Policy
REVIEW: Short tutorial on MLA 8th formatting and citing.
REVIEW: MLA 8th Quick Guide - citing and citation basics.
UNIT FIVE: Learning to Highlight New Ideas, Mon 10/14– Sun 10/27:
Lesson One: From Paragraphing to Developing a Thesis – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun 10/20 at 11:55PM
READ: FIAW Chapter 6, beginning on pg. 141-153.
ESSAY TWO PREVIEW: “Reinventing America”
LINK: to The Purdue OWL - "On Paragraphs."
READ: the article "Can We Please Change Our National Anthem to 'America the Beautiful'?"
READ: "Reinventing 'America:' Call for a New National Identity," starting on pg. 322 in FIAW.
EXERCISE and VIDEOS: on paragraphing
DRAFTING: For Essay Two, creating thesis and adding content
Lesson Two: Introductions and Conclusions – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by listed due dates:
READ: FIAW Ch. 11, pgs. 315-322.
READ: "Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich, FIAW pg. 340.
READ: "What is a 'System of Privilege'?" by Allan G. Johnson, FIAW, pg. 454.
DISCUSS both readings
EXERCISE: on Introductions and Conclusions Due Tues, 10/22 by 11:55pm
CONTINUE REVIEWING: Internet articles for Essay Two.
SUBMIT Essay 2 (“Reinventing America”), Due Sun, 10/27 by 11:55pm
UNIT SIX: High Impact and Ethical Ways of Working with Sources, Mon 10/28 – Sun 11/17:
Lesson One: Summary, Paraphrase, and Synthesis – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun 11/3 at 11:55PM
READ: FIAW Ch. 3 pgs. 64-77, skimming the blue articles, and pgs. 187-188.
READ: FIAW "Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt: Advertising and Violence," by Jean Kilbourne, pg. 554.
READ: FIAW "Dude, You're a Fag: Adolescent Masculinity and the Fag Discourse," on pg. 464
READ: FIAW "Post-Princess Models of Gender: The New Man in Disney/Pixar," pg. 542. All three readings will be used for Essay Three.
PREVIEW ESSAY THREE: "Conversations About Gender."
EXERCISE AND READING: On Paraphrase, Summary, and Synthesis.
Be prepared to discuss the readings.
Lesson Two: Quoting and Quotations – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun, 11/10 at 11:55pm
READ: Purdue OWL "MLA Formatting Quotations."
READ: Handout "Military Recruiters Don't Belong in High School Cafeterias."
EXERCISE: On quotations and signal phrases
DISCUSS: Be prepared to discuss the readings.
DRAFTING: Creating your thesis and adding content for Essay Three
Lesson Three: Integrating Quotations and Signal Phases into your Writing – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun, 11/17 at 11:55pm
READ: FIAW Ch. 7 pgs. 165-176.
READ: about reviewing your sources with the CRAAP Test.
READ: handout "No Appetite for Good-For-You School Lunches" by Vivian Yee.
EXERCISE: Internet sourcing using "No Appetite for..."
SUBMIT ESSAY 3 (“Why Do We Make So Much of Gender?”)
UNIT SEVEN: “Finding a New Text for a Conversation”, Friday 11/18 – Thursday 12/12
Lesson One: Citation Practice and Advanced Research & Library Resources Tutorial – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Mon 11/25 at 11:55pm
READ: FIAW pg. 716 "Why Bother?" by Michael Pollen, and any supporting material of your choosing in Chapter 18 that you'll use for Essay Four.
RESEARCH: sourcing for Essay Four.
REVIEW: MLA 8th Edition QuickGuide Works Cited citations.
EXERCISE: On Library Database citing. TO BE COMPLETED AFTER VIEWING THE LIBRARY CLASS TUTORIAL.
READ: Citation Review - Multiple Selections from an Anthology - read to complete Exercise
EXERCISE: Citation Practice for Essay Four.
LIBRARY RESOURCES TUTORIAL: View to complete the exercise on Library Databases.
PREVIEW: ESSAY FOUR - "Why Bother?"
Lesson Two: Review, Revise, Finalize – Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Thurs 12/12 at 11:55pm
RESEARCH: For Essay Four. Online sourcing, Library Database, all compared against the CRAAP Test.
REVIEW: Citing In-Text Refresher.
REVIEW: Citations, MLA Formatting and Sourcing.
REVIEW: When to Paraphrase and When to Quote.
REVIEW: Review, review, and more review.
SUBMIT ESSAY 4 (“Why Bother”)
UNIT EIGHT: Course Review & Goal Setting, Friday, 12/13 – Sun 12/15: Complete / Submit the following tasks and assignments by Sun 12/15 at 11:55pm
