English 21
Los Angeles Southwest College
Instructor: Tommy Amano-Tompkins Spring
2015
Section 0912: Tues-Thurs 8:00-9:25 am Location:
SSEC301B
Office Hours: Tues 9:30-10 am in SSEC121-H
Website: http://caliteach21Sp15.blogspot.com
Introduction: Welcome to English 21! By enrolling in this course, you have
committed to helping your instructor and classmates create an environment to
improve reading and writing skills. You will participate in classroom
discussions, do the reading and writing assignments, and attend a weekly
session at the Writing Center. Plan to
visit your instructors during office hours, the Student Success Center located
in SSEC 110 and 110-A, the Reading Center (SSEC 116A), and the English Writing
Center SSEC116, and like or follow LASC on Facebook or Twitter to learn about
all the resources and opportunities available in our learning community. If anyone needs special accommodations to
ensure success in this course, visit the Disabled Students Programs and
Services (DSPS) located in the Student Services Building.
English 21 is an
inquiry-based writing course. We will
use writing to investigate issues that influence our lives, and in so doing,
develop habits of mind that are important not only for writers but for active
participants in our community. These
habits include: distinguishing between facts and opinion, reading critically,
engaging with diverse ideas, recognizing rhetorical styles, and understanding
and applying the writing process. In
short, we will investigate not only how writing may be used to communicate
ideas but also how we can use writing and reading to create and express our own
ideas.
Course Description: English 21 introduces the student to basic
academic reading, writing, and thinking. Students develop reading comprehension
by studying shorter published essay, which then provide models for their
compositions. Basic grammar is covered as an essential component of the writing
process.
Eighteen (18) lab hours are also required. The focus of the class is compositions and
essays (up to 500 words), including the research paper.
Prerequisite: Developmental Communications
21 and 23 OR ESL 6A and 6B with a grade of “C” or better OR appropriate
placement recommendation based on assessment results and other multiple
measures.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon
successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
Apply in writing rules for Standard English
sentences, grammar, and word usage.
2.
Write a 300-500 word 3-paragraph essay that is
unified, well-organized, coherent and adequately supported in facts, examples,
and details.
Required
Texts:
Stepping Stones: A Guided
Approach to Writing Sentences and Paragraphs by Chris Juzwiak (ISBN 0312675992)
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (ISBN 0743451791)
Say The Word: An Anthology of LASC Student Writing, by The Students of Los Angeles Southwest
College
Assignments:
Composition 1 (100
words)
5% 50 points
Composition 2 (150
words)
7% 70
Composition 3 (200
words) 10% 100
Composition 4 (300
words) 15% 150
Reading Analysis
Presentation 1 (150-200 words) 4% 40
Reading Analysis
Presentation 2 (150-200 words) 4% 40
In-Class Essay (200
words)
5% 50
Final Exam (300 words) 15% 150
Homework 10% 100
LAB Portfolio 20%
200
Participation 5%
50
Total 100% 1000 points
Note:
English 21 is a pass/no pass class. To receive a passing grade in this course, you
must turn in all coursework and pass the final exam. In other words, grades in this class are
dependent on successful performance in all areas of the class (participation,
attendance, lab work, writing, and reading), not just one area. All components must be successfully completed
to receive a passing grade.
Written
Compositions: All essays and written compositions written
outside the classroom must be typed on a computer. Please double-space your work. Writing on a
word processor improves writing skills.
Because writing is a process of prewriting, organizing, composing,
revising, and editing, traditional methods of typing or handwriting assignments
are often time-consuming and ineffective.
Certainly, they discourage revision.
Computers, on the other hand, make revision and the writing process more
manageable at every stage. There are
computer labs in several locations on campus, most noticeably in the Cox
Library (3rd floor) and in the TEC Building.
Planning
/ Discovery: When you turn in an essay, you must turn in all
prewriting, drafts, and peer reviews as well as the final draft to receive
credit on the essay.
Peer
Review: We will be peer reviewing rough drafts for all
take-home essays. In order to be
eligible to be turned in for credit with the final version of the essay, the
rough draft must be present in class on day that it is due and the author must
participate in peer review. Failure to
attend class or failure to thoroughly complete the peer review will result in
the reduction of your essay grade by 10%.
Revisions:
All take-home essays, except Essay 4, may be revised and resubmitted for re-evaluation. Revisions must be turned in within two weeks
of the original assignment due date.
Reading
Assignments: Reading assignments should be completed prior
to the due date on the syllabus. Being
prepared for class and earning full credit for participation includes keeping
up with the reading assignments and coming to class prepared to discuss
them.
Late
Work: Late work will not be accepted without emergency
documentation. Failure to turn in an
assignment will result in a “0” for that assignment.
Participation:
Our classroom needs to be an optimal, positive environment
for learning, so that you can focus on the course materials without
disturbance; therefore, all cell phones, hands-free and other electronic
devices must be turned off and put away before class. No texting, no phones on vibrate since this
is audible, and, of course, no answering phones. If you have an emergency that requires you to
be available by phone during class hours, please notify your instructor before
class starts, and sit near the door with your phone on a silent setting. It is never okay to disrupt the learning
environment.
English
Writing Center (Lab): The English Writing Center (SSEC 116) is
located in the Social Sciences and English Complex (SSEC) in Room 116. The EWC
is where English 21 and English 28 students fulfill the required lab component
of these courses. We provide a friendly, comfortable atmosphere for these
students to use online lab assignments to improve their reading and writing
skills. We also help promote English Department events and publications. Our
goal is to be a support system and encouraging environment for basic skills
English students.
English Writing Center Hours:
Monday:
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Tuesday:
9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Wednesday:
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Thursday:
9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Friday:
CLOSED
Saturday 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Policies:
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory. Attend each
class and be on time. To create a
learning environment, we all must attend class on time. Anyone who fails to follow the attendance
policy may be dropped from the class at the instructor’s discretion. Anyone who arrives late to class risks being
counted as absent; anyone leaving early must notify the instructor of his/her
obligation at the beginning of the period.
If there is a dispute over attendance, the attendance sheet will serve
as proof of attendance.
Excused
Absences: There are no excused absences. Attendance is mandatory. Each student is allowed only 3 absences
(regardless of the reason), the Los Angeles Community College District
limit. Upon a student’s 4th
absence, the student may be dropped from the class unless there are dire
extenuating circumstances that can be documented.
Partial
Absences: Any student who arrives late or leaves early
will receive an “L” on the roster. A
student who leaves class early or goes in and out of class excessively will
receive a “P” for partial attendance for that class meeting. No student has the
right to disrupt the learning environment for other students.
Being
Dropped from the Class: Upon the 4th absence created by
missed classes, tardiness, partial absences, or a combination, the student may
be dropped from the class.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone
else’s words or ideas as your own (for example, checking the internet for a
little information on a subject and then using that information as if it were
something you thought of). It also
consists of cheating on quizzes or exams, or having someone else write your essays
for you. Any student who presents
another’s work as his or her own will fail this course and risk further action
taken by L.A. Southwest College and the L.A. Community College District,
including expulsion from the college.
Classroom
Conduct: College, and this classroom specifically, are places
that ask for active participation in various activities in the process to being
an informed and participating citizen.
Part of the process will include writing activities and discussions. Sleeping, engaging in side conversations,
doing other homework, playing with your cell phone or electronic devices, or
other activities that are disruptive to the class will negatively affect the
participation component of our class, may result in you being asked to leave
(and thus being marked absent), and may warrant a referral to the Dean for
further action.
Classroom
Environment: Our
classroom needs to be an optimal, positive environment for learning, so that
you can focus on the course materials without disturbance; therefore, all cell
phones, hands-free and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away
before class. No texting, no phones on
vibrate since this is audible, and, of course, no answering phones. If you have an emergency that requires you to
be available by phone during class hours, please notify your instructor before
class starts, and sit near the door with your phone on a silent setting. It is never okay to disrupt the learning
environment.
Resources:
Student
Success Center: LASC, like many other colleges, offers services
and resources beyond the classroom and teachers to help students achieve
academic goals. The SSC offers tutoring,
a study lab, workshops, as well as a computer lab open 8am-8pm Monday through
Thursday.
English
Writing Center Tutoring (SSEC 116): The English Writing
Center also provides walk-in and by-appointment tutoring in writing for any
student in any class, and offers numerous special workshops throughout the
semester. For tutoring help, it is best
to go into a tutoring session with specific problems in mind. Tutors do not edit but help revise. See hours
of operation above.
Grievances:
Anyone who believes a college decision has adversely
affected status, rights, and/or privilege as a student should consult the
instructor for resolution, and, if needed, confer with the English Department
Chair, Darren Cifarelli as a second level of authority if no resolution is
found. Beyond that, the student can make
an appointment with the Dean Stephanie Brasley if there is still no resolution. Dean Brasley may refer the grievance to the
Dean of Student Services.
Students
with disabilities: Accommodations are provided to a student
with a verified disability and are determined by the educational limitations
the disability places on the student.
Any one in need of assistance or accommodations should contact the
instructor by the end of the first day of class. FYI- DSPS office (323) 241-548
Schedule of Topics and Assignments (subject to change)
Date
|
Homework
& class preparation to complete before
class
Unless
otherwise noted, all assignments are from Stepping
Stones
***IMPORTANT: For
grammar activities from Stepping Stones,
turn in answers to even numbered questions only. Answers to
odd numbered questions are in the back of the book. ***
|
Quizzes,
exams, and major assignments
|
Week 1
|
Tues. 2/10
|
|
Diagnostic writing
|
Thurs. 2/12
|
Read: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Written homework: One paragraph
summary + thesis
In-class:
Discuss purpose and audience
|
|
Week 2
|
Tues. 2/17
|
Read Chapter 2: Developing a
Topic, pp. 20-37
Chapter 10: The Simple Sentence, pp. 225-234
Written homework: Chapter 10 - Activities 1-4 & 7-9
***IMPORTANT: For
grammar activities from Stepping Stones,
turn in answers to even numbered questions only. Answers to
odd numbered questions are in the back of the book. ***
In-class: Writing process, Introduce Composition 1 assignment
|
Thurs. 2/19
|
Read Chapter 7: Developing Details, pp. 139-149
“A Duty to Heal” by Pius Kamau, pp.
449-450
Written homework: Chapter 10 - Activities 11, 12, 14, & 15
One-paragraph
reaction to “A Duty to Heal”
*** Last day to drop
class with refund and no “W” is Feb. 22
|
|
|
Tues. 2/24
|
Read Chapter 4: Outlining Your
Paragraph, pp. 66-72
Patterns
of Development; Description, pp. 172-3
|
Bring photo for Composition 1
|
Thurs. 2/26
|
Read Chapter 5: Composing the
Paragraph, pp. 88-112
Chapter 10: The Simple Sentence,
pp. 246-254
Written homework: Chapter 10 – Activities
27, 28, 30, 31, & 33
|
Ferret of Composition 1
|
Week 4
|
Tues. 3/3
|
Read Chapter 6: Revising, pp. 113-122
Chapter 15: Using Verbs Correctly, pp. 381-395
Written homework: Chapter 15 - Activities
1-4
|
Outline of Composition 1
|
Thurs. 3/5
|
Read Chapter 6: Revising, pp. 123-131
In
class: Read
and discuss “Caring Makes Us Human” by Troy Chapman, pp. 467-468; introduce
Composition 2 assignment
|
Rough Draft of Comp 1 due
|
Week 5
|
Tues. 3/10
|
Read Exemplification; Narration,
pp. 176-178
Chapter 7: Developing Details, pp.
152-163
Chapter 15: Using Verbs Correctly, pp. 395-401
Written homework: Chapter
15 - Activities 6-10
|
Final Draft Comp 1 due
|
Thurs. 3/12
|
Read Chapter 11: Compound Sentences, pp. 265-283
Written homework: Chapter 11 Activities
10, 12, 14, 16
|
Freewrite Comp 2
|
Week 6
|
Tues. 3/17
|
Read Chapter 11: Compound Sentences, pp. 283-301
Written homework: Chapter 11 Activities
23-24, 27-28
In class: Read and discuss “The Sanctuary of School” by Lynda Barry, pp.
445-447
|
Outline of Composition 2 due
|
Thurs. 3/19
|
Review simple and compound sentences (chapter 11)
|
Draft of Composition 2
|
Week 7
|
Tues. 3/24
|
Read Chapter
12: The Complex Sentence, pp. 302-315
Written homework: Chapter 12 Activities 1, 3, 5, 7, & 9
Read Devil in a Blue
Dress, Ch. 1-3, pp. 45-68.
|
(Reading Analysis Presentation 1 – if
you’re signed up)
|
Thurs. 3/26
|
Read Devil in a Blue
Dress, Ch. 4-7, pp. 69-96.
In class: Introduce
Composition 3 assignment
|
Composition 2 due
(Reading
Analysis Presentation 1 – if you’re signed up)
|
Week 8
|
Tues. 3/31
|
CESAR CHAVEZ DAY HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
|
|
Thurs. 4/2
|
Read Chapter 9: Moving from
Paragraphs to Essays, pp. 203-212
Chapter
12: The Complex Sentence, pp. 315-327
Written
homework: Chapter 12 Activities 10, 13, & 15
Read Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 8-11, pp. 97-128.
|
(Reading Analysis
Presentation 1 – if you’re signed up)
|
Spring Break
|
|
NO CLASSES 4/4-4/10/15
|
|
Week 9
|
Tues. 4/14
|
Read Chapter 9: Moving from Paragraphs to Essays, pp.
213-221
Read Chapter 16: Using Pronouns Correctly, pp. 416-426
Written
homework: Chapter 16 Activities 1, 4, 7-8
Read Devil in a Blue
Dress, Ch. 12-16, pp. 129-154
|
(Reading Analysis Presentation 1 – if you’re signed up)
|
Thurs. 4/16
|
Read Chapter 16: Using Pronouns Correctly, pp. 427-438
Written
homework: Chapter 16 Activities 10-11, 13, & 15
Read Devil in a Blue
Dress, Ch. 17-19
|
(Reading
Analysis Presentation 2 – if you’re signed up)
|
Week 10
|
Tues. 4/21
|
Read Appendix A: Punctuation and Capitalization, pp.
487-493
Written homework: Appendix A
Activities 1 & 3
Read Devil in a Blue
Dress, Ch. 20-22, pp. 183-209.
|
(Reading
Analysis Presentation 2 – if you’re signed up)
|
Thurs. 4/23
|
Read Devil in a Blue Dress, Ch. 23-26, pp. 210-235.
|
(Reading
Analysis Presentation 2 – if you’re signed up)
Thesis statement for composition 3 due (in-class)
|
Week 11
|
Tues. 4/28
|
Read Appendix A: Puctuation and Capitalization, pp. 494-499
Written homework: Activities 4-6
Read Devil in a Blue Dress, Ch. 27-31, pp. 236-263.
|
Easy wheel due
|
Thurs. 4/30
|
Discuss
DevilAZ
|
|
|
|
Tues. 5/5
|
In-class: Introduce Essay outline
|
Outline composition 3
|
Thurs. 5/7
|
workshop
*** Last day to drop class with “W” is May 10
|
|
|
|
Tues. 5/12
|
In-class: workshop
|
Rough draft due
|
Thurs. 5/14
|
In-class: TBA: Read handout
|
Composition 3 due
|
Week 14
|
Tues. 5/19
|
Re-read: Chapter 9 Stepping
Stones
Prepare
for final exam
|
Draft of Essay review
|
Thurs. 5/21
|
Review essential steps in writing a good essay
(re-read selected Stepping Stones material
How to read and revise a rough draft
|
Draft of Essay review
|
Week 15
|
Tues. 5/26
|
Extra
Credit volunteers: Read first paragraphs out loud in class
|
Final draft of Essay 4 due
|
Thurs. 5/28
|
In-class:
Peer review of drafts of Essay 4
|
|
Finals Week
|
Tues. 6/2
|
Final Exam 8:00 am - 10:00 am period
|
Essay 4 due
|
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