ENGLISH 1302COMPOSITION II COURSE SYLLABUS

Prerequisite

Enrollment in ENGL 1302 requires credit for ENGL 1301, or its equivalent, with at least a grade of “C.”  Instructor will verify.

Course Description

ENGLISH 1302 is a continuation of English 1301 with emphasis on analysis of readings in prose fiction.  Students will use literary elements to interpret short fiction.

Course Objectives

The goals of Composition II are to promote

•  Critical thinking, reading, and writing within an intercultural context;

•  Clear, coherent, confident, and effective communication;

•  Collaborative writing and learning;

•  Literary analysis.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of English 1302, students should be able to

•  Think, read, and write critically;

•  Effectively use referential (interpretive/analytical) writing;

•  Critically analyze fiction;

•  Appreciate and understand how the elements of fiction work together.

Student Learning Outcomes

·      Analyze and discuss parts of short story and how they relate to the story as a whole

·      Write objectively, concisely and analytically about short stories

·      Discuss central idea, character, conflict, setting, point of view, language and tone of short story

·      Relate elements of fiction to short story as a whole

Core Curriculum Outcomes

·      Content – Uses compelling and relevant content to illustrate mastery of the subject.

·      Organization – Presents information in a unified and coherent manner.  Thesis clearly stated and supported.

·      Sources and Evidence – Effectively utilizes a wide variety of relevant and credible materials with exceptional citations (when required).

·      Writing Conventions (grammar/spelling/usage/punctuation/formatting) – Uses language that communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency.

Requirements

This course will focus on seven elements of fiction: central idea, character, conflict, point of view, setting, language, and tone.  These elements will be incorporated into five to seven writing assignments, varying in length from 200-1000 words (for a minimum total of 2500 words) and using either a cumulative or single-element approach.  To qualify for the Departmental Exam, in at least one paper students must demonstrate their mastery of MLA style for documentation by using parenthetical documentation and providing a list of works cited that contains at least one source other than the primary source.

Accept/Edit/Revise/Rewrite

All students in all sections must receive “Accepted” on the writing assignments to be eligible to receive a Test Permit for taking the Departmental Exam.  Additional assignments are required for the grades of "B" and "A."  Your instructor will also assign readings, quizzes, and other activities that affect your grade.  Your instructor will provide 1) a class activity schedule (calendar) with deadlines and 2) specific written guidelines for each assignment.

Your final grade will be determined by the grade level you complete.  Each paper will be marked "ACCEPTED," "EDIT," "REVISE," or "REWRITE."   (You may submit only one paper at a time:  when one is ACCEPTED, you may submit the next one.)  In addition, compliance with your instructor's point system for deadlines and quizzes will determine your eligibility for a grade of "B" or "A." 

ACCEPTED:   The paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment and is relatively     free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. 

EDIT:   The paper fulfills the objectives of the assignment but contains  errors. You must avoid similar errors in subsequent papers in order to progress in the course. 

REVISE: The paper needs improvement in style, organization, or development. 

REWRITE: The paper does not fulfill the objectives of the assignment.

No letter grades or scores will be marked on the first seven essays. The instructor accepts essays after edits, revisions, or rewrites are completed. Turn in the first draft, along with the new versions. Staple the new version of each essay behind the original version.

The Departmental Exam

To earn a “C,” The Departmental Exam will be taken under supervision in the Testing Center.  Given a story to read, you will write a critical analysis of at least 750 words.  Your instructor will provide you more detailed instructions about the test, which will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "RETEST" only.  If you do not pass on the first try, you may retest once. Your essay must discuss three of the elements of fiction, other than central idea, and must demonstrate the following: 

•  Coherence, analytical thinking, and an understanding of the story. 

•  Adherence to stylistic, grammatical, and mechanical conventions. 

To earn a "B," a student must receive "ACCEPTED" on all work for a "C" and receive "ACCEPTED" on the “B” paper, which will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "REWRITE" only.    Rewrite must be on a different story.

(1)  Write a well-developed analytical essay focusing on a single element of an assigned short story.  Minimum length:  1000 words  or

(2)  Write an evaluative essay (with clearly stated criteria) on an assigned story. 

Minimum length:  1000 words

To earn an "A," a student must receive "ACCEPTED" on all work for both a "C" and a "B" and receive "ACCEPTED" on the “A” paper, which will be evaluated "ACCEPTED" or "REWRITE" only.    Rewrite must be on a different story/different stories.

“A” Paper Format: Write an analytical essay comparing/contrasting two short stories and following guidelines provided by your instructor.  Discuss two elements of fiction most important in revealing the central idea.  Minimum length:  1000 words

A first draft of Essay #5 and all previous papers must be submitted by 7-31-12 to avoid WITHDRAWAL from the course.  It is your responsibility to know whether your instructor will withdraw you if you cannot meet such deadlines. Communicate via email if necessary.

NOTE:  You must provide your instructor with a Composition II File Folder (available in the bookstores) for your papers.  Your instructor will keep your folders for one semester following your enrollment.  You are responsible for making copies of any papers you want to keep for your files.

Learning Lab Policy for “B” and “A” Papers

Departmental policy allows students to receive only very general assistance writing “B” and “A” papers in Composition I and II.  Examples of such assistance include pre-writing activities and review of writing principles and of grammar and documentation conventions in response to student questions.  In addition, individual faculty are free to prohibit students from seeking specific kinds of or any assistance on the “B” and “A” papers and may do so by sending a memo to the learning labs and by stipulating the restriction in class syllabi.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests and quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.

Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.

Student Freedom of Expression

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class.  In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints.  These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn.  On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor.  It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class.  In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints.  These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn.  On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor.  It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  Students are also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count toward this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Incompletes

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work.  You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs.  Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom.  Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts in order to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://austincc.edu/emergency/ .

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all.  Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Use of ACC email

All College email communications to students will be sent to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely faction.  ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACC mail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.  Students are encouraged to check their ACC mail frequently.

Testing Center Policy

Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

·      ACC Photo ID

·      Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)

·      Course Number (e.g., 1302)

·      Course Synonym (e.g.,10123)

·      Course Section ( e.g., 005)

·      Instructor’s Name

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

Student and Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at http://www.austincc.edu/s4

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

Reading Assignments in Short Fiction (6^th ed.) for Comp II class, Summer 2012

Tu 5-29-12--Introduction to the course; review syllabus.

Th 5-31-12—Preview Essay #1, central idea.

Essay #1: central idea (implied theme or in some cases the “moral” of the story)

Essay #1 must include one MLA parenthetical note and a Works Cited page.

Tu 6-5-12—Guy de Maupassant: “The Necklace” p. 789

Th 6-7-12--Shirley Jackson: “The Lottery” p. 562 (See p. 1254 note on this story.)

Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #1 (due Thurs., 6-14-12).

Essay #2: characterization of the protagonist (the main character)

Tu 6-12-12--John Steinbeck: “Chrysanthemums” p. 1051

Th 6-14-12--Perri Klass: “Not a Good Girl” p. 675

Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #2 (due Thurs., 6-21-12).

Essay #3: conflicts (internal and external)

Tu  6-19-12--Jack London: “To Build a Fire” p. 735

Th  6-21-12--Ralph Ellison: “King of the Bingo Game” p. 383

Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #3 (due Thurs., 6-28-12).

Essay #4: point of view (type of narrator)

Tu 6-26-12--John Updike: “A & P” p. 1110

Th 6-28-12--Mary Gaitskill: “Tiny, Smiling Daddy,” p. 455

Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #4 (due Thurs., 7-5-12).

Essay #5: setting aspects (the effects of setting in the story)

Tu 7-3-12--William Faulkner: “Dry September” p. 395

Th 7-5-12--Frank O’Connor: “Guests of the Nation” p. 915

Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #5 (due Thurs., 7-12-12).

Essay #6: language aspects (including figures of speech, irony, and symbolism)

Tu 7-10-12--James Baldwin: “Sonny’s Blues” p. 84

Th 7-12-12--T. Coraghessan Boyle: “Greasy Lake” p. 144  

Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #6 (due Thurs., 7-19-12).

Essay #7: author’s implied tone (author’s apparent attitude)

Tu 7-17-12--Kate Chopin: “The Story of an Hour” p. 267

Th 7-19-12--Raymond Carver: “Cathedral” p. 160         

 Choose one of the two stories above for Essay #7 (due Tues., 7-24-12).

Last day to withdraw is Wed., 8-1-12. A first draft of Essay #5 must be in no later than Tu 7-31-12. Write the Departmental Exam paper after Essay #7 is accepted. After the Dept. Exam, turn in the B and A papers, only one per class meeting, by Tu 8-14-12. No additional essays are accepted after Tu 8-14-12.

Discussion Topics for English 1302-033, Comp II class, Summer 2012

Each class period will be devoted to discussions of short stories and their basic elements,

such as central idea, characterization, conflict, point of view, setting, language, and tone.

Also, class discussions will include methods of analysis and general writing strategies to

use in developing essays that summarize, analyze, and evaluate short fiction.

Tu 5-29-12--Introduction to the course; review syllabus.

Th 5-31-12—Preview Essay #1, central idea.

Essay #1: central idea (implied theme or in some cases the “moral” of the story)

Essay #1 must include one MLA parenthetical note and a Works Cited page.

Tu 6-5-12—Guy de Maupassant: “The Necklace” p. 789

Th 6-7-12--Shirley Jackson: “The Lottery” p. 562 (See p. 1254 note on this story.)

Essay #2: characterization of the protagonist (the main character)

Tu 6-12-12--John Steinbeck: “Chrysanthemums” p. 1051

Th 6-14-12--Perri Klass: “Not a Good Girl” p. 675

Essay #3: conflicts (internal and external)

Tu  6-19-12--Jack London: “To Build a Fire” p. 735

Th  6-21-12--Ralph Ellison: “King of the Bingo Game” p. 383

Essay #4: point of view (type of narrator)

Tu 6-26-12--John Updike: “A & P” p. 1110

Th 6-28-12--Mary Gaitskill: “Tiny, Smiling Daddy,” p. 455

Essay #5: setting aspects (the effects of setting in the story)

Tu 7-3-12--William Faulkner: “Dry September” p. 395

Th 7-5-12--Frank O’Connor: “Guests of the Nation” p. 915

Essay #6: language aspects (including figures of speech, irony, and symbolism)

Tu 7-10-12--James Baldwin: “Sonny’s Blues” p. 84

Th 7-12-12--T. Coraghessan Boyle: “Greasy Lake” p. 144  

Essay #7: author’s implied tone (author’s apparent attitude)

Tu 7-17-12--Kate Chopin: “The Story of an Hour” p. 267

Th 7-19-12--Raymond Carver: “Cathedral” p. 160         

Course Objectives

The goals of Composition II are to promote

•  Critical thinking, reading, and writing within an intercultural context;

•  Clear, coherent, confident, and effective communication;

•  Collaborative writing and learning;

•  Literary analysis.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of English 1302, students should be able to

•  Think, read, and write critically;

•  Effectively use referential (interpretive/analytical) writing;

•  Critically analyze fiction;

•  Appreciate and understand how the elements of fiction work together.

Student Learning Outcomes

·      Analyze and discuss parts of short story and how they relate to the story as a whole

·      Write objectively, concisely and analytically about short stories

·      Discuss central idea, character, conflict, setting, point of view, language and tone of short story

·      Relate elements of fiction to short story as a whole

Core Curriculum Outcomes

·      Content – Uses compelling and relevant content to illustrate mastery of the subject.

·      Organization – Presents information in a unified and coherent manner.  Thesis clearly stated and supported.

·      Sources and Evidence – Effectively utilizes a wide variety of relevant and credible materials with exceptional citations (when required).

·      Writing Conventions (grammar/spelling/usage/punctuation/formatting) – Uses language that communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency.