English 1A, Reading and Composition #6339

Tuesdays 10:15 a.m.-12:20 p.m. in H-205 

Fall 2022, 4 Units

Professor Elayne Rodriguez Kelley (click to read bio!)

How To Reach Me

Office: Humanities 221-H

Phone:  (424) 488-3114 (Call or text)

Email:  Simply send me a message through our Canvas "Inbox" located to the left in the universal toolbar.

Office Hours:

I am in my office HUM 221-H on Mondays 11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m., Tuesdays 12:20 p.m.-1:10 p.m., Wednesdays 11:50 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Come visit me there!

We can meet online Thursdays 8 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Inbox me or text me, and I will send you a link!

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! 

The Tech You Need

-Access to an up-to-date computer with internet access. El Camino College students are eligible for laptop and Hotspot loans. No application is needed. Starting August 29th: please go to the second floor of the library, room 263 M-Th from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. You may also check out units on Saturday, August 27^th from 12:00 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Please email eyates@elcamino.edu for questions.

-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 when I send an announcement or post a grade.

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. 

COVID-19 Protocols

In order to keep everyone healthy and our class moving smoothly throughout the semester, I will follow the COVID-19 protocols the campus has in place.

1.) Each day, you will receive an email or text from World Back to Work/Blue Pass. You need to answer some basic health questions, and if you "pass," you are given access to a Blue Pass. I am required to check your digital Blue Pass each time I take attendance, so please have it ready at the beginning of class. If you do not pass the health screen and cannot come to class, please send me a message so we can make arrangements.

2.) Our campus follows the L.A. County guidelines on mask usage. Currently, there is no mask mandate in L.A. county, so masks are not mandated on our campus unless an instructor requires them in their classroom.  Keep in mind, studies show wearing a mask can slow the spread of COVID-19, so I encourage you to wear one. However, I am currently making mask usage optional in our class. 

3.) If you are ill, especially if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., coughing, fever, body aches, etc.), please stay home to recuperate. Email me, and I will work with you so that you can complete your work through Canvas.

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, so it is important you initate contact with the SRC and with me, so you receive the help you need. 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

In order to hold your spot in this class, you need to attend a class meeting Week 1. If there are circumstances that prevent you from attending, please send me a message so you are not dropped. You are expected to attend class regularly. The ECC attendance policy states that students can only miss 10% of the scheduled class meetings. This translates to roughly three absences a semester. However, because we are operating during a pandemic, and your health and safety are a priority, if you are ill I ask that you do not attend class. Instead, please send me a message letting me know you cannot make it to class, and we will make arrangements. Below is the attendance policy from the college handbook.

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...

As a student in higher education, your academic integrity is of the utmost importance. 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

I value a safe and friendly classroom. I expect that both in-class and virtual interactions and content will be respectful, professional, and friendly. If you have personal business you need to attend to on your phone, I ask that you leave the classroom to do so (This includes sending/receiving texts or emails or taking/making phone calls.)

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 expect all assignments to be turned in by their due date. If you have an extraordinary circumstance that prevents you from turning in an assignment on time, please contact me so we can make arrangements. 

How to Receive Support

I am a direct point of contact for you at ECC, so do not hesitate to reach out to me for support. If I don't know the answer to something, I will find it. Additionally, our campus is filled with resources that are free to all students! 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 vocabulary
• 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

Weekday Classes Begin Monday, August 29, 2022
Labor Day Holiday (Campus Closed) Monday, September 05, 2022
Last Day to Add with an Add Code Sunday, September 11, 2022
Last Day to Drop for a Refund/No Notation on Your Record Sunday, September 11, 2022
Last Day to Apply for Degrees and Certificates (Fall) Friday, October 14, 2022
Veterans Day Holiday (Campus Closed) Friday, November 11, 2022
Last Day to Drop with a notation, Friday, November 18, 2022
Thanksgiving Day Holiday/Weekend (Campus Closed) Thursday-Friday, November 24-25, 2022
Fall Semester Ends Friday, December 16, 2022

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  -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  -Begin Paper 2 -Read Tattoos Ch. 6-9.
Week 5	-Paper 2 intro  -OER Text/Topic Selection -OER Text/Grammar: Sent. Structure -Thesis building -Read Outliers Intro.
Week 6	Paper 2 Works Cited page  -Source and Quote Integration -Read Outliers Ch. 1.
Week 7	-Paper 2 final draft  -Begin Paper 3 -Read Outliers Ch. 2.
Week 8	-Midterms
Week 9	-Paper 3 research and intro -Read Outliers Ch. 8.
Week 10	-Paper 3 Rough Draft  -Read Outliers Chapter 9 & Epilogue.
Week 11	-Paper 3 Final Draft  -selected readings
Week 12	-Begin Research Paper -Research Paper Proposals -selected readings
Week 13	-Research Paper annotated bibliography and outline
Week 14	-Research Project Draft
Week 15	-Research Presentations -Paper 4 Revision Checklist and Peer Review
Week 16	-Finals -Research Project final draft