Harrisburg Area Community College: Gettysburg Campus

Spring Grove Area High School

College in the High School (CHS)

ENGLISH 101 : English Composition I

SYLLABUS

Spring Semester 2014

Instructor: Steve Perago 225-4731 (x7322)

E-mail: peragos@sgasd.org

COURSE

Class Meeting Times Classroom Lab

ENGL 101 CRN 35492 Period 9/10 Room 322 Room 321

Required Materials:

Eschholz, Paul and Alfred Rosa. Subject and Strategy. 12th ed., Boston: Bedford

Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual. Sixth Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.

A flash drive

Catalog Description:

English 101 is designed for the development of fluency in writing clear, forceful, effective prose.

Prerequisites:

Placement through College Testing and Placement Program or completion of English 051

with a grade of “C” or higher. English 003 is a pre- or co-requisite.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of English 101, students will be able to:

Respond appropriately to the needs of different audiences and rhetorical contexts in terms

of voice, tone, level of formality, format, and structure

Connect critical thinking with reading and writing activities by summarizing, analyzing,

critiquing, and synthesizing information from various texts

Integrate their ideas appropriately with the ideas of others in discussion and writing

Demonstrate flexible recursive writing strategies for generating ideas, planning, drafting,

revising, and editing drafts

Develop strong writing that focuses on a purpose and demonstrates clear organization and

coherence

Work collaboratively with others to develop written work or to respond critically to other

students’ work

Demonstrate the ability to write under pressure and with time constraints

Demonstrate the basic ability to locate, summarize, synthesize, critique, and cite college-

level resources

Demonstrate a knowledge of writing conventions ranging from structure and

paragraphing to tone and mechanics

Demonstrate the ability to edit writing for clarity, style and adherence to conventions

POLICIES

Attendance/Absence:

HACC Administrative Policy 661 will be followed regarding attendance and absence. See your

Student Handbook for the full Procedure.

The policy states that “students are expected to attend all scheduled classes/laboratories

and are responsible for all class work and assignments.”

An excused absence is defined as “beyond the student’s control to prevent,” and

“significant enough to reasonably prohibit attendance in class.”

An unexcused absence is “within the student’s control to prevent, or “not significant

enough to reasonably prohibit attendance in class, even if controllable.”

A student’s course grade may be lowered after unexcused absences exceed 10% of total

class hours. (Approximately six 43 minute classes)

Additionally, students may be dropped from the course if unexcused absences exceed

15% of total class hours. (Approximately nine 43 minute classes)

Finally, “the determination of what constitutes an excused versus an unexcused absence

shall be made by the instructor.”

My Attendance Philosophy:

Prior arrangements for an excused absence are common courtesy. If you know that you

will be absent from class, it is your responsibility to inform me in advance by email

(peragos@sgasd.org) with your name, the date(s) you will be absent and the reason for

absence. Assignments due during that absence must be submitted early or on time despite

your absence (via email or otherwise).

Upon returning to class, it is your responsibility to be prepared for class that day. You

should contact me or another student for assignments.

I will accept valid medical substantiation accepted by the Spring Grove School District as

an excused absence. I will make the determination of what is or is not excused for

anything other than a medical reason. It is crucial that you discuss an absence with me in

advance or immediately upon your return. If I do not hear from you, I will consider the

absence unexcused. Acknowledgement of your absence on my part does not

automatically assume that the absence is excused.

Failure due to absence will result in an “F” although you may have the option of

withdrawing with a “W.” See your HACC Student Handbook for the following:

“W” eligibility

“I” eligibility and requirements

Absences resulting in an “F.”

The instructor may reduce the course grade after unexcused absences exceed 10% of the

total class hours that will take place throughout the semester (nine days).

Instructors may drop a student from a class with the concurrence of the division/campus

administrator when absences exceed 15% of the total class hours that will take place

throughout the semester and when excessive absences preclude the possibility of the

student attaining the stated learning outcomes for the course.

Students arriving late will be marked as tardy. Three tardy violations will be considered

as 1 day’s absence.

Students assigned to ISS (In-School Suspension) for a high school offense seriously

jeopardize their investment in this class as this will be considered an unexcused absence.

A high school class or high school activity shall not supersede this class. This is a

college-level course that happens to be held in a high school; it is a wonderful

opportunity but should not be mistaken for the secondary level. When you are assigned to

English 101, you become a student of HACC. Exceptions may be made by the instructor

on an individual basis.

Academic dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or effort of another person, or uses unauthorized material or fabricated information in any academic work. It includes, but is not limited to:

A. Cheating – giving or receiving answers on assigned material, using materials or aids forbidden by the instructor, unauthorized possession of examinations, or any other intentional use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aid.

B. Plagiarism – the offering of someone else’s work, words, or idea as one’s own or using material from another source without acknowledgement.

C. Interference – interfering without permission with the work of another student either by obtaining, changing or destroying the work of another student.

D. Buying or selling of term papers, homework, examinations, laboratory assignments, computer programs, etc.

E. Falsifying of one’s own or another’s academic records, or falsifying of admissions, registration, or other related college materials.

F. Knowingly assisting someone who engages in A-E above.

Faculty may impose the following disciplinary actions within the context of a course,

a. lowering of a grade or failure for a particular assignment,

b. lowering of a grade in the course,

c. failure and/or dismissal from the course.

Withdrawal Policy:

According to policy AP667: No grade will be recorded for students who withdraw during the

refund period.

The refund period ends the second Friday from the first day of class. This date will be August

30, 2013.

A W grade will be granted by the instructor upon request of the student from the end of the

refund period until the midpoint of the course as defined in the College calendar.

In order to be eligible for the W grade, the student must have

1. attended class in a manner consistent with the instructor’s attendance policy

2. completed the required graded material

3. not been dishonest in completing the work

From the midpoint of the course through the conclusion of the course, which is the last class

period, the student will receive a grade of W or F, depending upon the instructor’s assessment of

the student’s performance, which may take into account extenuating circumstances.

Incomplete (I) Grades:

The instructor reserves the right to determine whether an I grade will be granted for incomplete

work. An I grade will only be considered for this course when extreme circumstances have arisen

which unreasonably limits the student’s ability to complete the course within the designated

terms of the semester.

Incomplete work must be completed within a time period determined by the instructor, not to

exceed eight weeks.

Class Expectations:

This is your education and your investment. Punctual attendance and active participation are

important factors in your academic success. Common sense dictates that it is in your own best

interest to remain current in your preparations. Your education is your responsibility. I expect

you to give a sincere effort.

Having materials necessary for class and meeting deadlines can only help your success.

Disregarding either will be considered as failure of thorough preparation.

All written work must be typed and should adhere to the MLA format unless otherwise specified.

Format models will be given within the first two weeks of class and can be found in the Pocket

Style Manual.

Students should check the syllabus on a regular basis for assignments and due dates. A DUE

DATE IS A DUE DATE; assignments will be considered late if they are not received at the start

of class on the day it is due. If you are not in school, the assignment is still due (via email) at the

time of the beginning of class. Assignments received after the class period but on the same

day will lose 5% of the total grade. Assignments received after the due date will lose 10% of

the total grade per day.

Since we have access to a computer lab, I expect that you will be using the computer for class

work. If you are not working on your class essays or other assigned work for this class, I will

assume that you have finished and reserve the right to ask you to submit your work for

evaluation at that time.

OFFICE FOR DISABILITY SERVICES STATEMENT:

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) / (717) 337-3855 x 3021 determines what

accommodations are appropriate for students with disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to

make any necessary contacts to the ODS and to notify me of any special needs.

EEOC Policy 005:

It is the policy of Harrisburg Area Community College, in full accordance with the law, not to

discriminate in employment, student admissions, and student services on the basis of race, color,

religion, age, political affiliation or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, disability, place of

birth, General Education Development Certification (GED), marital status, sexual orientation,

gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic history/information or any legally protected

classification. HACC recognizes its responsibility to promote the principles of equal opportunity

for employment, student admissions, and student services taking active steps to recruit minorities

and women.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (‘PHR Act’) prohibits discrimination against

prospective and current students because of race, color, sex, religious creed, ancestry, national

origin, handicap or disability, record of a handicap or disability, perceived handicap or disability,

relationship or association with an individual with a handicap or disability, use of a guide or

support animal, and/or handling or training of support or guide animals.

The Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (‘PFEO Act’) prohibits discrimination

against prospective and current students because of race, religion, color, ancestry, national

origin, sex, handicap or disability, record of a handicap or disability, perceived handicap or

disability, and a relationship or association with an individual with a handicap or disability.

Information about these laws may be obtained by visiting the Pennsylvania Human Relations

Commission website at www.phrc.state.pa.us.

http://www.hacc.edu/StudentServices/DisabilityServices/Contact-Us.cfm

English 101 – FALL 2012 Course Syllabus

Course requirements may include (time permitting):

Usage Quizzes: 50-100 points each (weekly or biweekly)

Short Response Pieces: 50 points (reader responses/reactions/reflections)

6 throughout the semester; 3 per marking period

These will often be based on one or more of the Subject or

Strategy questions that follow each selection in the book.

These will be due on the day we discuss the selection. These will

not be accepted late for reduced credit. I want your ideas to be

original, not influenced by our discussion in class.

Responses should be submitted on paper unless I specify

otherwise.

Essay #1 - Description: 250 points

Essay #2 - Narration: 250 points

Essay #3 - Illustration: 250 points

Essay #4 - Compare and Contrast: 250 points

Outline/prewriting for each essay: 10 points

First Draft for each essay: 50 points

In-class final exam: 50 points for grammar and usage

50 points for essay response

Grading Scale:

Grades will be determined by the following scale:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 0-59

Essay Requirements:

Adhere to MLA Papers format (A Pocket Style Manual 104-158)

Please use 12 point Times New Roman or Calibri font

Essays should be 4-8 pages unless directions specify otherwise; to ensure 4 complete pages you

should have at least one word on the 5th page.

Students will submit essay drafts in the instructor’s Completed Work folder on the SG common

drive.

(If you are not in school you can email the draft to me.)

General Activities – All Information Here is Tentative

Inclement weather may force changes to our schedule

Note: The weekly activities listed below are subject to slight changes if we should get ahead

or behind the proposed schedule.

Week One January 21-24

Syllabus Preview

Read “Introduction For Students” (Handout)

Initial writing sample

Review and practice parts of a sentence, phrases and clauses (to prepare for usage concepts)

Week Two January 27-31

Read and discuss Chapter 1: Reading Subject & Strategy pg. 1 - 15

Read and discuss Chapter 2: Writing Subject & Strategy pg. 16 - 40

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 38 “Use Adjectives and Adverbs

Appropriately”

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 40 “Repair Sentence Fragments”

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 42 “Revise Run-on Sentences”

Read, discuss and practice pg. 55 in A Pocket Style Manual “The Comma”

Practice commas; practice identifying and fixing run-on sentences and fragments

Quiz on adjectives, adverbs, phrases, clauses, run-ons and fragments

Week Three February 3-7

Read and discuss Chapter 3 : Six Writers on Writing

“Sh*tty First Drafts” Subject & Strategy pg. 47-51

“Writing for an Audience” Subject & Strategy pg. 52-55

“Simplicity” Subject & Strategy pg. 56-59

“How to Say Nothing in 500 Words” pg. 243-255

Journal response #1

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 30 “Use Pronouns with Care”

Read, discuss and practice pg. 2-3 in A Pocket Style Manual “Tighten wordy sentences”

And pg. 3 “Prefer Active Verbs”

Practice pronoun and comma usage; practice finding and fixing run-on sentences and fragments

Quiz on commas

Week Four- February 10-14

Read and discuss Chapter 5: Description Subject & Strategy pg. 121 - 132

Read and discuss “A View from the Bridge” Subject & Strategy pg. 133 – 137

“Rock Dust” Subject & Strategy pg. 139 - 143

Prewriting and first draft for Essay # 1: Description

Discuss MLA format (heading, spacing, font, etc.) Pocket Style Manual p. 155-162

Read, discuss and practice Pocket Style Manual pg. 5 “Balance Parallel Ideas”

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 20 “Make Subjects and Verbs Agree”

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 24 “Be Alert to Other Problems With

Verbs”

Quiz on pronoun usage and active vs. passive verbs

Week Five and Six – February 17-21

Read and discuss “Remembering Lobo” Subject and Strategy pg. 144 - 149

“The Barrio” Subject and Strategy pg. 150 - 155

“Sister Flowers” Subject and Strategy pg. 156 - 162

Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)

Revise and write 2nd draft of Description Essay

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 6 “Add Needed Words”

Quiz on parallel structure, verbs, and subject/verb agreement

Week Seven- February 24-27

Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts

Write Final draft of Description Essay (Due ____________)

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 8 “Eliminate Confusing Shifts”

Quiz on needed words and confusing shifts

Week Eight – March 3-7

Read and discuss Chapter 4: Narration Subject & Strategy pg. 73-84

Prewriting and first draft for Narration Essay

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 9 “Untangle Mixed Constructions”

Quiz on mixed constructions

Week Nine and Ten – March 10-14 and 17-21 (end of MP 3)

Read and discuss “Coming to an Awareness of Language” Subject & Strategy pg. 85-89

“From An American Childhood” Subject & Strategy pg. 90-95

“Stranger Than True” Subject & Strategy pg. 96-101

Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)

Revise and write 2nd draft of Narration Essay

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 10 “Repair Misplaced and Dangling

Modifiers”

Week Eleven – March 24-28

Read and discuss “Not Close Enough for Comfort” Subject & Strategy pg. 102-107

“Vernon Can Read” Subject & Strategy pg. 108-116

Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts

Write Final draft of Narration Essay (Due __________)

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 13 “Provide sentence variety”

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 62 “The semicolon and the colon”

Quiz on dangling and misplaced modifiers

Week Twelve – March 31-April 4

Read and discuss Chapter 6 : Illustration Subject & Strategy pg. 167-181

Creating an outline for an essay

Prewriting and first draft for Illustration Essay

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 15 “Find an Appropriate Voice”

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 71 “Other marks”

Quiz on punctuation: semicolon, colon, dash, etc.

Week Thirteen and Fourteen – April 7-11 and 14-17

Read and discuss “Be Specific” Subject & Strategy pg. 182-185

“If You Had One Day . . .” Subject & Strategy pg. 186-191

“Breaking the Rules” (handout)

Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)

Revise and write 2nd draft of Illustration Essay

Read, discuss and practice A Pocket Style Manual pg. 82 “Spelling and the hyphen”

Week Fifteen - April 21-25

Read and discuss “Blue Collar Brilliance” Subject & Strategy pg. 202-212

“In Full Bloom” Subject & Strategy pg. 213-219

Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts

Write Final draft of Illustration Essay (Due _________________)

Quiz on the hyphen and verbs

Week Sixteen – April 28-May 2

Read and discuss Chapter 8: Compare and Contrast Subject & Strategy pg. 281-332

Read and discuss “Neat People vs. Sloppy People” Subject & Strategy pg. 318-322

Read and discuss “Two Ways of Seeing a River” (handout)

Prewriting and first draft for Compare and Contrast Essay

Week Seventeen – May 5-May 9

Read and discuss “Of Weirdos and Eccentrics” (handout)

Read and discuss “Who Was More Important: Lincoln or Darwin?” Subject & Strategy pg. 307-

317

Read and discuss “Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts” Subject & Strategy pg. 323-329

Finish and submit 1st draft (Due _______________)

Revise and write 2nd draft of Compare and Contrast Essay

Week Eighteen and Nineteen- May 12-16 and 19-23

Peer edit and revise 2nd drafts

Write Final draft of Compare and Contrast Essay (Due _________________))

Final Essay Exam – in-class essay question response