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Notes from our discussion (8/28)

Vocabulary

euphemism:

1.	the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

2.	the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”

pedagogy:

1.	the function or work of a teacher; teaching.

2.	the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.

etymology:

1.	the derivation of a word.

2.	an account of the history of a particular word or element of a word.

3.	the study of historical linguistic change, esp. as manifested in individual words.

References:

Plato's Cave

Penguin Handbook Chapter 6: Critical Reading and Viewing

(click to enlarge)

Inspired Eccentricity

(click to enlarge)

Writing Prompt # 1

Writing Prompt # 1

Describe your experience with writing. What sort of writing have you done? Have you written a research essay? Used MLA (Modern Language Association) documentation?

Do you like to write? Why or why not?

Course Calendar

This is a tentative schedule. I will distribute written revisions as I adapt the syllabus to meet your needs. )
LS=Life Studies
PH=Penguin Handbook

WEEK 1

T 8/26 Welcome and Introduction to Course
Writing Sample: In-class
Read: “Finding a Trail” p 1 in LS
Journal: Write at least one page about what you like to read.

R 8/28
Discussion: Critical Reading Strategies
Read: “Inspired Eccentricity” by bell hooks. p77 in LS
"Critical Reading and Viewing" Ch 6 in PH
Journal: Write at least one page about a person (family member, friend) who you knew when you were growing up.

Journals

Your journal is a place where you can do in-class writing prompts, collect ideas for future writing (write quotes, paste pictures or favorite passages), and respond to the things you read. In addition to in-class writing assignments, I will assign homework (in the form of a writing exercise) that you should do in your journal. Bring your journal to each class meeting.

Course Requirements, Grades, Ettiquette

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Much of the coursework will be done in class and cannot be made up. Because of this, attendance is essential. Students with more than three absences will be dropped from the class. Frequent tardiness will also result in a lower attendance grade. Assigned work includes reading, language studies, and paragraph and essay writing. Students will write five revised, edited essays and take the Eng. Dept. Writing Exam. In addition, students will practice timed essay writing to prepare for essay exams in other classes. Each student will keep a portfolio of all revised and timed essays. This will be used to measure student progress and make placement recommendations at the end of the semester. Students without complete portfolios will receive no credit for the course and be ineligible for English 110 placement.

GRADING POLICY:

English 100 is a credit/ no-credit course: in order to earn credit, you must earn at least a “C” (73%) grade based on the amount of work you complete, as well as the strength of your essays. You must complete (draft, edit, revise) all of the essays to pass the course. I will give letter grades to your essays based on the English Department’s rubric. You will submit a portfolio of your work near the end of the semester. The portfolio will contain your three best essays. This portfolio will be read and evaluated by two outside readers. We will talk about the criteria these readers will use, and I will “grade” your papers according to this criteria.

Here is a rough breakdown of how I will evaluate your work:

Essays 1-5: 60%
Portfolio: 15%
Participation (includes attendance) and journal: 25%



CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:

Students and teachers have a right to a classroom environment free from distractions. If you bring a cell phone to campus, please be sure that it is turned off before you enter the classroom.

Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is a fundamental requirement of all students, and any instances of academic dishonesty will be reported in accordance with the SBCC Academic Honesty Policy. In addition, all essays must be saved as Word documents and may be submitted to turnitin.com

IMPORTANT: Students with disabilities who are requesting accommodations should use the following SBCC procedure: contact the DSPS office in SS160 (X2364), present documentation of disability for review by a disabilities specialist, discuss options for support through DSPS, and present a signed DSPS authorization for accommodation to your instructor.

Texts and Supplies

Required Textbooks:

Life Studies, 7th ed. Cavitch, David (companion website)
The Brief Penguin Handbook. Faigley, Lester (companion website)

Required Supplies:

A notebook to be used as a journal
Binder of folder for handouts
Manila folder for portfolio submission

Recommended Texts and Supplies:

Dictionary
Thesaurus
Thumb drive/jump drive

Specific Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon completion of English 100, successful students will be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate comprehension of assigned texts by identifying the main ideas and supporting examples.
2. Develop organized paragraphs supported with evidence from class texts and personal experience or observation.
3. Create a thesis to focus on a purpose and respond to a rhetorical situation.
4. Respond to the needs of an academic audience by choosing appropriate syntax, diction, grammar, and mechanics.
5. Apply instructional feedback to the stages of the writing process.

Course Description

English 100 is an intensive writing course for students who need work in basic expository composition, in preparation for English 110 and other college level courses which require essay exams and expository writing. Grammar and composition are taught in an integrated way that stresses the dynamics of the writing process: pre-writing, composing, revising, and editing. Readings provide models of good writing and ideas and information for essays. Individual student conferences are used to provide assistance with writing and evaluate student progress. The three unit course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Students must complete all work in order to be considered for English 110 placement. Students who complete all course requirements and receive an English 110 assessment for their writing will receive credit for English 100 and eligibility for English 110. Students who complete all course requirements but do not receive an English 110 assessment for their writing will receive credit for English 100A. Students receiving credit for English 100A may repeat English 100 one time only.


The pre-freshman course (ENG 100) and the freshman English courses (ENG 110 and 111) provide all students with a foundation in college writing, the reading of nonfiction, fiction, drama, poetry and research. All of these courses have a strong emphasis on development of critical thinking skills in logic and argumentation.


The objective of the English Department is to provide each student with the opportunity to develop his or her own reading, writing, research and critical \ thinking abilities for successful transfer to universities and for functioning in society and the job market.