Course Syllabus
English 1A, Reading and Composition
Online
Section #4600
Spring 2023, 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:
(In person) Mondays 11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m. and Wednesdays 11:50 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in HUM 221-H. Come visit me there!
(Online) Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Message me through Canvas or text me, and I will send you a Zoom link!
| The Books You Need |
Boyle, Gregory. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.
Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in the Sun.
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 loans. No application is needed. Go to the Study Center on the second floor of the library to check out laptops, hotspots, and calculators. If you have questions, email lrc@elcamino.edu.
-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:
- Recognize and revise sentence-level grammar and usage errors.
- Read and apply critical-thinking skills to numerous published articles and to college-level, book-length works for the purpose of writing and discussion.
- Apply appropriate strategies in the writing process including dissecting and understanding prompts, prewriting, composing, revising, and editing techniques.
- Compose coherent, multi-paragraph, thesis-driven essays with logical and appropriate supporting ideas, including in-text citations.
- Demonstrate the ability to locate and utilize a variety of academic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and scholarly websites.
- Demonstrate the ability to write coherent, text-driven, timed in-class essays.
- Utilize MLA guidelines to format essays, cite sources in the texts of essays, and compile Works Cited lists.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, so it is important you initiate 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 |
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 2/17/23 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 utilize an online “bot” service (i.e., ChatGPT) 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 parties listed below. Please read the college's statement on the topic...
Sexual or Gender‐Based Misconduct: Please know that if you reveal gender‐based or sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, or intimate partner violence) that has taken place on campus or in connection with a school activity to an instructor, counselor, or librarian, we are required by law to report the problem to the Office of Title IX, Diversity & Inclusion. In addition, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Medical Physicians in the Student Health Center are required per California Licensing Requirements to report these types of incidents to local law enforcement.
If you want to discuss gender‐based or sexual misconduct confidentially, Clinical Psychologists in the Student Health Center are not required to report such issues to the Office of Title IX, Diversity & Inclusion. Contact the Student Health Center for an appointment at 310.660.3643, or visit the Student Health Services website. For more information, visit the Sexual and Gender‐based Misconduct website.
Child Abuse/Neglect: Any information you share about child abuse or neglect to any ECC employee, including Clinical Psychologists in the Student Health Center, is required by law to be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services.
| 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. I offer one 10+ points extra credit assignment during the semester. I reserve the right to omit or add assignments (typically in your favor!), but the course is worth approximately 1000 points.
- Four Major Papers: 450 points
- One Timed Writing: 50 points
- Weekly Discussions: 300 points
- Support Assignments (Quizzes, Thesis Checks, MLA, etc.): 100 points
- Drafts and Peer Review: 100 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. All assignments are due by their due dates. If you have an extraordinary circumstance that prevents you from turning in an assignment on time, please contact me.
| 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.
Free tutoring is available for writing assignments, grammar, and vocabulary
The LRC Tutorial Program offers free drop-in tutoring in a variety of subjects.
The Health Center offers free and low cost medical and psychological services as well as free workshops on topics like test anxiety.
The SRC provides free disability services, including interpreters, testing accommodations, counseling, and adaptive computer technology.
Counselors are available for online chat, telephone calls, and virtual appointments. Also, chat with a front desk staff memberis available to help navigate the scheduling process and address quick questions.
This is for emergency needs resulting from COVID-19
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.
The Warrior Pantry offers healthy food items and toiletries to students to help them succeed in their classwork without distractions caused by food insecurity.
| Important Dates |
Important Dates:
· Washington's Day Holiday Observed (Campus Closed): Monday, February 20, 2023
· Last Day to Add (Full Semester Courses): Sunday, February 26, 2023
· Last Day to Drop for a Refund with No Notation (Full Semester Courses): Sunday, February 26, 2023
· Spring Recess (Faculty and Students): Saturday - Friday, April 8-14, 2023
· Last Day to Drop w/ a "W" (Full Semester Courses): Friday, May 12, 2023
· Memorial Day Holiday (Campus Closed): Monday, May 29, 2023
· Spring Semester Ends: Friday, June 9, 2023
The Add, Drop w/ No Notation, and Drop deadlines for 8-week classes are different. Those should be obtained from your MyECC class roster, where they appear at the top. This is because the dates can vary by section. If a date appears incorrect, or if you have questions, please notify the Division Office, and we will follow up with Admissions and Records.
| 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)
- One Timed Writing Assignment
- Online Discussions
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Week 1
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-Introductions -Canvas and Syllabus review -Talk to the Text |
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Week 2
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-Begin Paper 1 rough draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -MLA Document Formatting -Read Tattoos Intro-Ch. 2.
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Week 3
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- Paper 1 revision checklist -Transitions -Understanding a rubric -Peer Reviews -Read Tattoos Ch. 3-Ch. 5.
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Week 4
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-Paper 1 final draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Begin Paper 2 -Read Tattoos Ch. 6-9.
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Week 5
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-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.
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Week 6
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Paper 2 Works Cited page due by next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Source and Quote Integration -Read Outliers Ch. 1.
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Week 7
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-Paper 2 final draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Begin Paper 3 -Read Outliers Ch. 2.
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Week 8
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-Midterms
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Week 9
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-Paper 3 research and intro due by next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Read Outliers Ch. 8.
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Week 10
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-Paper 3 Rough Draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -Read Outliers Chapter 9 & Epilogue. |
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Week 11
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-Paper 3 Final Draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. -A Raisin in the Sun |
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Week 12
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-Begin Research Paper -Research Paper Proposals -A Raisin in the Sun
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Week 13
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-Research Paper annotated bibliography and outline due next Monday by 11:59 p.m.
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Week 14
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-Research Project Draft due next Monday by 11:59 p.m. |
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Week 15
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-Research Presentations -Paper 4 Revision Checklist and Peer Review
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Week 16
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-Finals -Research Project final draft due Friday 6/9/23 by 11:59 p.m. |