English 1A, Reading and Composition

Sections #6339 & #6392

Fall 2021, 4 Units

Professor Elayne Rodriguez Kelley (click to read bio!)

How To Reach Me

Office Hours: Mondays/Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 and Tuesdays/Thursdays 11-12. To reach me, call, text, or email me through Canvas. At that point, we can open up a Zoom should we need to confer.

Phone:  (424) 488-3114 (Call or text)

Email:  Please communicate with me through our Canvas Inbox. For reference, my campus email is ekelley@elcamino.edu.

Canvas: http://elcamino.instructure.com (There is also a Canvas Student app.)

The Books You Need

  Boyle, Gregory. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. 

 

  

Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers: The Story of Success.

I found a free download of Outliers here! 

 

 Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun. 

The Tech You Need

-Access to an up-to-date computer with internet access

-A Chrome or Firefox browser on your computer (Canvas IS NOT compatible with Safari, nor is it compatible with Mac's Pages word processing program; you will need to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs for all of your papers.)

-(Optional) The Canvas app on your cell phone or tablet. While the app has its limitations, it's a nice way to stay connected. You can set your notifications to alert you about announcement I send or grades I post.

This Class is About...

Course Catalog Description

This course is designed to strengthen the students' ability to read with understanding and discernment, to discuss assigned readings intelligently, and to write clearly. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to write an essay in which each paragraph relates to a controlling idea, has an introduction and conclusion, and contains primary and secondary support. College-level reading material will be assigned to provide the stimulus for class discussion and writing assignments, including a required research paper.

Course Objectives

1. Recognize and revise sentence-level grammar and usage errors.
2. Read and apply critical-thinking skills to numerous published articles and to college-level, book-length works for the purpose of writing and discussion.
3. Apply appropriate strategies in the writing process including dissecting and understanding prompts, prewriting, composing, revising, and editing techniques.
4. Compose coherent, multi-paragraph, thesis-driven essays with logical and appropriate supporting ideas, including in-text citations.
5. Demonstrate the ability to locate and utilize a variety of academic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and scholarly websites.
6. Demonstrate the ability to write coherent, text-driven, timed in-class essays.
7. Utilize MLA guidelines to format essays, cite sources in the texts of essays, and compile Works Cited lists.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Upon completion of this course, students will:

1. Complete a research-based essay that has been written out of class and undergone revision. It should demonstrate the student’s ability to thoughtfully support a single thesis using analysis and synthesis. 
2. Integrate multiple sources, including a book-length work and a variety of academic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and scholarly websites. Citations must be in MLA format and include a Works Cited page. 
3. Demonstrate logical paragraph composition and sentence structure. The essay should have correct grammar, spelling, and word use. 

Student Equity

We in the ECC English Department believe that access to a high-quality education in an inclusive, anti-racist, culturally responsive environment is the right of all students. In addition, as an educator, I recognize that individual abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and learning differences, as well as systemic structures—including our existing economic, educational, and socio-political systems—affect how students absorb, process, and respond to all that occurs within a classroom. I know that I am in a unique position of authority, but I invite you to collaborate with me as we strive to create a classroom environment that acknowledges all people's contribution to the curriculum and builds a diverse community.

If You Are a Student With Disability...

I am here to support you so that you can be successful in this course! I welcome ALL learners and believe a neuro-diverse classroom enriches, broadens, and heightens learning for all students. If you have a special need and/or an IEP, I urge and encourage you to contact the Special Resource Center. Keep in mind, because of privacy laws, the Special Resource Center does not let me know if one of my students has an IEP and/or can receive special accommodations. The student must initiate contact with the SRC. The following is our college’s statement for students with special needs…

El Camino College promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all programs and services. If you believe you may need accommodations in this class now or at any point in the semester, please go to the Special Resource Center (SRC) or call (310) 660-3295. You are also encouraged to communicate with your instructors. For more information, visit http://www.elcamino.edu/student/studentservices/src

My Attendance Policy

Because this is an online class, you have the convenience of building your own weekly schedule. Keep in mind that there are hard due dates each week. I do take attendance, and I expect you to sign-in to our Canvas course weekly and complete assignments. A new unit (referred to as a “module”) is published weekly every Monday. Every module contains assignments that are due by the following Monday night by 11:59 p.m. This class requires you to log in weekly and complete assignments. If I see no activity and engagement--this includes assignment submissions--from you for two weeks (roughly 10% of the class meetings), I will assume you no longer want to be in this class, and I will drop you.  Furthermore, it is imperative that you submit/post at least one assignment the first week of the semester by Friday 9/3/21 by 11: 59 p.m. to secure your spot in this class. If not, I am obligated by the college to  include your name in a “no show” report and drop you from this course. The following is our college’s statement about attendance…

The El Camino College policy on attendance states, “Students are expected to attend their classes regularly. Students who miss the first class meeting or who are not in regular attendance during the add period for the class may be dropped by the instructor. Students whose absences from a class exceed 10% of the scheduled class meeting times may be dropped by the instructor. However, students are responsible for dropping a class within the deadlines published in the class schedule. Students who stop attending but do not drop may receive a failing grade."

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism...

Because we do not meet face-to-face, I rely on our virtual communication to get to know you. This means that I look to emails, discussion posts, discussion replies, and essays to get a sense of you as a writer. As a student in higher education, it is now your duty to value academic integrity. I expect that all writing and ideas shared this semester will be authentically yours. Keep in mind, if someone else writes any of your writing for this class (this includes essays, quizzes, and discussion posts), it is considered plagiarism. If you hire an online “bot” service to help you (even if it is just for topic and paragraph starters), it falls under the realm of plagiarism even if the website claims it is not. All writing for this class must be done by you, or I will be obligated to report you to the college for plagiarism, as stated in the college’s message. Understand that the objective of your college writing courses is to help you build an important skill that will undoubtedly help you become a more successful college student and graduate. In my experience, most students turn to plagiarism when they are on a time crunch and/or do not seek help from their instructor when they need it. Give yourself enough time and ask for help when you need it! The following is our college’s statement about plagiarism…

El Camino College places a high value on the integrity of its student scholars. When an instructor determines there is evidence of dishonesty in any academic work (including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or theft of exam materials), disciplinary sanctions appropriate to the misconduct (defined in AP 5500) may be taken. A failing grade on an assignment in which academic dishonesty has occurred and/or suspension from class are possible consequences for academic dishonesty (AP 5520). I encourage you to speak with me if you have any questions about Academic Integrity.

Recording in the Classroom...

Our college has specific rules about when and how to record classroom lectures or content (whether they are in person or virtual). If you feel you to need to record any of our course content and are unsure whether you are allowed to, please contact me. Our college statement on recording in the classroom says...

The use of any recording device during class without the prior consent of the instructor is prohibited, except as necessary to provide reasonable auxiliary aids and academic adjustments to disabled students who present official documentation from the Special Resource Center to the instructor prior to recording. This is to protect privacy and to create a safe classroom environment where all participants can discuss potentially controversial or sensitive subjects freely. If you want to take a photograph or make an audio or video recording, you must get the prior written permission of the instructor. The instructor also may require the verbal and/or written permission of everyone present. Even if a student gets permission to record, the recordings are only for personal use and may not be distributed, posted, published, or shared in any manner. A student who records without instructor permission or distributes any recordings is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with El Camino College District Administrative Procedure 5500 Standards of Student Conduct. 

Child Abuse/Gender-based or Sexual Misconduct

I value your safety and well-being! As an educator, I am a mandated reporter. This means that if you reveal to me any instance of child abuse, child neglect, harassment, sexual assaults, stalking, or intimate partner violence, I will report it to the Office of Staff and Student Diversity. Please read the college's statement on the topic...

You should know that if you reveal child abuse, child neglect, or gender-based or sexual misconduct (including harassment, sexual assault, stalking, or intimate partner violence) to any instructor, we are required by law to report the problem to the Office of Staff and Student Diversity. However, psychologists are not required to report your incident. To speak confidentially with a psychologist, contact the Student Health Center for an appointment: 310.660.3643. For more information, visit http://www.elcamino.edu/about/depts/diversity/misconduct.aspx 

Classroom Courtesy

Keep in mind that even though this is a virtual environment, it is still an academic setting. I expect you to post appropriate content that aligns with the content and requirements of the course. Please respond to your peers’ posts with professionalism and respect.

Grading

This is the grading scale: 100-90: A, 89-80: B, 79-70: C, 69-60: D, 59-0: F. Your final grade is based on the amount of points earned divided by the total points available for this class. The final week of the semester, I offer 10+ extra credit points. I reserve the right to omit or change assignments and alter due dates (typically in your favor!).

• Four Major Papers, 600 points 
• Discussions: 250 points 
• Support Assignments (Quizzes, Thesis Checks, MLA, etc.): 80 points 
• Drafts and Peer Review: 70 points 

Total Points: 1000 Points

Late Work Policy

I release weekly modules (units) every Monday, and the assignments in them are due the following Monday by 11:59 p.m., which is when the assignment closes for submission. If you have a circumstance that prevents you from turning in an assignment on time, please contact me.

How to Receive Support During Our Campus's Closure

I welcome you to the class; our class will be a great haven during these unprecedented times. The pandemic has brought changes to our lives, including the way we teach and learn. For many, it has also brought new levels of stress and, likely, added responsibility. I understand. By taking this class, you will be adding more responsibilities. I will do my best to work with you. Your demonstration of learning the standards and meeting deadlines is still an important part of this class and of the college experience. Standards such as these are an integral part of a college education. A quality, equity-infused education remains El Camino College’s primary goal. However, in order to serve you equitably during these times, communication will be more important than ever. You must remain in constant communication so that I can work with you on a case-by-case basis should a need arise. Check your ECC email, Canvas inbox, and Canvas announcements often, and write me whenever you have a question or concern. You also must remain vigilant in utilizing any of our numerous ECC campus resources, which are designed to help you succeed. I will do my best to help put you in touch with those services.

A list of resources is below. Please click the links below to access detailed and current information about each service.

• Writing Center 
  Free tutoring is available for writing assignments, grammar, and vocabular

 

• The Tutoring Center 

      The LRC Tutorial Program offers free drop-in tutoring in a variety of subjects. 

• Student Health Center 
  The Health Center offers free and low cost medical and psychological services as well as free workshops on topics like test anxiety. 

• Special Resource Center – SRC 
  The SRC provides free disability services, including interpreters, testing accommodations, counseling, and adaptive computer technology. 
• Counseling 

      Counselors are available for online chat, telephone calls, and virtual appointments. Also, chat with a front desk staff member is available to help navigate the scheduling process            and address quick questions. 

• Warrior Emergency Fund 

      This is for emergency needs resulting from COVID-19 

• Free and Low-Cost Internet 

      The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has provided this list of services. Please note that the provider needs to be available in your area. 

• Laptop Loan & Internet Access Hotspot Program 

      You must also have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the California Dream Act application (to apply click here). Laptop, hotspot, and calculator          supplies are limited and not guaranteed. 

Important Dates

Fall Semester Classes Begin	Saturday, August 28, 2021
First Day to Apply for Fall Degrees and Certificates	Saturday, August 28, 2021
Add Codes Needed to Add Full-Semester and First 8-Week Classes	Saturday, August 28, 2021
Weekday Classes Begin	Monday, August 30, 2021
Labor Day Holiday (Campus Closed)	Monday, September 6, 2021
Last Day to Add Classes (Full-Semester Classes*)	Sunday, September 12, 2021
Last Day to Drop Without Notation (Full-Semester Classes*)	Sunday, September 12, 2021
Last Day to Drop for Enrollment Fee Refund (Full-Semester Classes*)	Sunday, September 12, 2021
Last Day to Challenge Residency Status for Current Semester	Sunday, September 12, 2021
Last Day to Apply for Fall Degrees and Certificates	Friday, October 15, 2021
First 8-Week Classes End	Friday, October 22, 2021
Midterm Classes Begin	Saturday, October 23, 2021
Veterans Day Holiday	Thursday, November 11, 2021
Last Day to Drop with a “W”	Friday, November 19, 2021
Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus Closed)	Thursday, November 25 - Sunday, November 28, 2021
Last Day of Semester	Friday, December 17, 2021

Our Class Schedule

Below is a schedule of our class’s major paper due dates and the reading schedule. There are weekly Discussions, Quizzes, and Assignments published in our course. The following schedule is fluid, and due dates can change if I feel it will benefit the class. However, if any changes are made, you will be alerted ahead of time. You will have ample time to complete all assignments. The major assignments are the following:

• Four formal papers (long-term papers that have undergone The Writing Process)
• Online Discussions

Week 1	-Introductions -Canvas and Syllabus review -Talk to the Text
Week 2	-Begin Paper 1 rough draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -MLA Document Formatting -Read Tattoos Intro-Ch. 2.
Week 3	- Paper 1 revision checklist -Transitions -Understanding a rubric -Peer Reviews -Read Tattoos Ch. 3-Ch. 5.
Week 4	-Paper 1 final draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Begin Paper 2 -Read Tattoos Ch. 6-9.
Week 5	-Paper 2 intro due by next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -OER Text/Topic Selection -OER Text/Grammar: Sent. Structure -Thesis building -Read Outliers Intro.
Week 6	Paper 2 Works Cited page due by next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Source and Quote Integration -Read Outliers Ch. 1.
Week 7	-Paper 2 final draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Begin Paper 3 -Read Outliers Ch. 2.
Week 8	-Midterms
Week 9	-Paper 3 research and intro due by next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Read Outliers Ch. 8.
Week 10	-Paper 3 Rough Draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Read Outliers Chapter 9 & Epilogue.
Week 11	-Paper 3 Final Draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Read A Raisin in the Sun Act I.
Week 12	-Begin Research Paper -Research Paper Proposals -Read A Raisin in the Sun Acts II & III
Week 13	-Research Paper annotated bibliography and outline due next Monday by 11:59 p.m.
Week 14	-Research Project Draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m.
Week 15	-Research Presentations -Paper 4 Revision Checklist and Peer Review
Week 16	-Finals -Research Project final draft due Friday 12/17/21 by 11:59 p.m.