Fall 2021 Course Syllabus Course: ENGL-1301- Section: 4 Composition I

Instructor Information
Instructor	Caitlin James
E-mail	jamescr1@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6415
Office	Location: Student Center - Room: 416 Hours: MWF 12:00- 2:00, TTH 11:00-1:00. Also by appointment (masks highly encouraged).
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Course Information
Description	Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.
Prerequisites	Basic skills competency (TSI complete) in reading and writing required.
Learning Outcomes	Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes. (PSLO 1) Measured by essay rubric. 2. Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.(PSLO 1 & 4) Measured by class discussion, team work, and essay rubric. 3. Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose. (PSLO 2) Meaured by essay rubric. 4. Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts. (PSLO Alpha, 1,4,6) Measured by pre-test/post-test, class discussion and essay rubric. 5. Use Edited American English in academic essays. (PSLO 2) Measured by essay rubric.
Core Objectives	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. * Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills- Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion. PSLO 2: Communication Skills ? Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication. Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task. PSLO 4: Teamwork Skills- Shows the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal. Helps the team move forward by discussing merits of alternative ideas; Treats team members respectfully; uses positive facial, vocal or written tone, or language to convey a positive attitude; Motivates teammates by expressing confidence about the importance of the task; Provides assistance/encouragement to team members; Completes all assigned tasks by deadline; Addresses conflict constructively; or helps the group avoid conflict completely. PSLO 6: Personal Responsibility Skills ? Integrates choices, actions and consequences in ethical decision-making. Recognizes ethical issues when presented in a complex, multilayered (gray) context; recognizes cross- relationships among the issues; discusses in detail/ analyzes core beliefs; the discussion has greater depth and clarity showing the independent application of ethical perspectives/ concepts to an ethical question accurately; and is able to consider full implications of the application.
Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. No book is required for this course, all readings are public domain on the Internet. Links, pdfs, and handouts will be provided by the Instructor.
Lecture Topics Outline	ALL of the writing in this class must be written by the student enrolled in the class without any outside help. The essays are in-class assignments but may be worked on as homework assignments if the Instructor specifies. Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person preparing work for credit. All essays will be submitted through Blackboard's Safe Assign link and a hard copy will also be submitted at the end of class. Students will be asked to leave the classroom immediately if caught texting/using a phone or smartwatch while working on ANY class assignment. If caught twice, they will not be allowed to return. Phones should be placed on the upper left desk corner during class. Brief glancing is acceptable; reading the screen is not. NO LATE WORK. NO MAKE-UP WORK. MUST bring a flash drive & notebook to class EVERY TIME we meet. This class can be a lot of fun even though your favorite activity may not be writing. Just be forewarned: we write and write and write and ... you get the picture! This IS a composition class and the only way to improve one's writing is to actually write! STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE FINAL TO PASS THE CLASS. Students will have to write IN class, during class, and write each paper by themselves with NO OUTSIDE help. If a student is caught plagiarizing the grade is a 0. There is NO makeup assignment for a plagiarized paper. If he/she is plagiarizing a second time, the student will be asked not to return and an F will be given for the final course grade.
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1: Intro to course, cover syllabus. PSLO Pre-test. Log on to LamarPA and email. Netiquette Review, Six Traits Good Writing, Grammar/Punctuation, TED talk diagnostic writing. Week 2: Grammar/Punctuation, Fiction, Writing Week 3: Essay#1 Due: Narrative, Grammar/Punctuation Week 4: Fiction, Writing Week 5: Essay#2 Due: Descriptive Week 6: Fiction, Writing Week 7: Essay#3 Due: Division/Classification Week 8: Intro to Library Research and Annotated Bibliography Week 9: Research & Anno Bibs, Intro to Etymology/Definition Week 10: Anno-Bibs due, Etymology, Intro to Group Projects Week 11: Group Projects, Group Presentations due Week 12: Essay #4 Due: Etymology/Definition Week 13: Argumentation/Persuasion Workshop, Writing Week 14: Argumentation/Persuasion, Intro to Satire Week 15: Essay #5 Due, Review for Final Week 16: Final Exam
Final Exam Date	December 6, 2021 - 9:0 AM   Through  December 6, 2021 - 10:0 AM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Narrative- 10% Descriptive- 15% Division/Classification- 15% Definition Essay- 15% Annotated Bibliography- 10% Argument essay- 20% Quizzes- 15% _______________________ 100%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	1. Plagiarism can be defined as submitting another person’s ideas, words, images, or data without giving that person credit or proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism, a form of academic dishonesty, is tantamount to stealing and will not be tolerated. In order to clarify what constitutes plagiarism, you should be aware that you have committed plagiarism when you: •    Use phrases, quotes or ideas not your own; •    Paraphrase the work of another even though you may have changed the wording or syntax; •    Use facts or data not considered common knowledge; •    Submit a paper written for another class (academic dishonesty); •    Submit a paper from an essay service or agency even though you may have paid for it (these papers are usually of low quality, so you probably did not get your money’s worth); •    Submit a paper by another person even though he or she may have given you permission to use it. Plagiarism not only encompasses written work, but also computer data, research, musical scores, video programs, and visual arts. LSCPA plagiarism course of action (from Student Handbook pages 29-30): https://www.lamarpa.edu/Lamar/media/Lamar/Files/Policies/LSCPA-Student-Handbook.pdf Plagiarism is a serious issue, especially in the academic environment, and now that you are in college you are responsible for yourself and knowing what plagiarism is. Ignorance is NOT a defense. Instructors MUST be able to rely on the integrity of a student’s work in order to maintain a climate for successful learning. Plagiarism reflects on character; therefore, you should diligently avoid inadvertent plagiarism. When you are unsure if acknowledgment is needed, ask the teacher. The penalties for blatant plagiarism include loss of credit for the assignment (it will be a 0, zero) with NO opportunity to rewrite it. This may significantly lower your final grade. Furthermore, plagiarism, a form of cheating, can result in serious repercussions at the college level. We will discuss methods for avoiding plagiarism throughout the semester. Owl at Purdue has an excellent website that thoroughly describes plagiarism and how to avoid it. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/avoiding_plagiarism/index.html If a student is caught plagiarizing, the instructor has the right to re-grade any and all previous assignments also. 2. The Instructor reserves 2 weeks to grade all submitted essays. 3. The Instructor reserves the right to not allow you to enter the classroom late, as this disrupts everyone who has shown up on time. 4. Students are expected to have mature decorum and participate during lectures and activities, you will not be given credit for simply warming a seat.
Attendance Policy	A student with several (more than 3) absences will suffer a grade reduction. Missing more than what is allowed during the semester will result in a failure to meet class objectives. Excessive tardiness will, likewise, have an effect on the grade. Please DO NOT disrupt the class by arriving late; it is not just distracting but it is also rude. I will be here, so I expect you to be. COVID addendum will be explained in class and added to a folder on Blackboard.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLSCPA.
Other	In order to discuss your grade, you must first email me jamescr1@lamarpa.edu and then a time can be set to have a phone or office meeting.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Department	General Education and Developmental Studies Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341 If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.