Course Syllabus
English 1A, Reading and Composition
Online Asynchronous Instruction
Section #4601
Fall 2024, 4 Units
Professor Elayne Rodriguez Kelley (click to read bio!)
| How To Reach Me |
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Phone: (424) 488-3114 (Call or text)
Office: Humanities 221-H
Email: Simply send me a message through our Canvas "Inbox," located to the left in the universal toolbar.
Office Hours: Virtual or in my office in the Humanities building, 221-H. Visit me there!
- Tuesday--12:20 p.m.-1:15 p.m. (in my office or virtual--DM or text me for a Zoom link)
- Wednesday--12:20 p.m.-1:15 p.m. (in my office or virtual--DM or text me for a Zoom link)
- Thursday--11:00 a.m.-1:10 p.m. (in my office or virtual--DM or text me for a Zoom link)
| The Books You Need |
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Boyle, Gregory. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.
Campoverdi, Alejandra. First Gen: A Memoir
English Composition I. (OER Textbook. Free!)
| The Tech You Need |
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-Access to an up-to-date computer with internet access. El Camino College students are eligible for laptop loans. HereLinks to an external site. is more information.
-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 your papers.
-(Optional) The Canvas app on your cell phone or tablet. While the app has limitations, it's a nice way to stay connected. You can set your notifications to alert you when I send out an announcement or post a grade.
| This Class is About... |
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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 |
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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 contributions to the curriculum and builds a diverse community.
| If You Are a Student With a Disability... |
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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 |
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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, you must submit/post at least one assignment the first week of the semester by Saturday 8/31/24 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... |
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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 or something (i.e., ChatGPT or another generative AI equivalent) else writes any of your writing for this class (this includes essays and discussion posts), it is considered plagiarism. This semester, we will explore how to use AI tools ethically to benefit our learning and improve our writing, but all writing submitted 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 below. Understand that the objective of your college writing courses is to help you build important communication and critical thinking skills 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... |
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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 need to record any of our course content and are unsure whether you are allowed to, please contact me. Our college's 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.
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Gender‐Based or Sexual Misconduct and Child Abuse/Neglect Sexual or Gender‐Based Misconduct |
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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 assault, 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...
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 |
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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 course content and requirements. Please communicate with me and your peers with professionalism and respect.
| Grading |
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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 number 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 |
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I release weekly modules (units) every Monday, and the assignments in each weekly module are due the following Monday by 11:59 p.m., which is when the assignment closes for submission. All assignments are due by their posted 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 |
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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.
- Reading and Writing Studio
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.
You must also have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the California Dream Act application. 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 |
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| Our Class Schedule |
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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 Basic Formatting -Read Tattoos Intro-Ch. 2.
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Week 3
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-What is a thesis statement? -Grammar lesson on sentences -Paper 1 revision checklist -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. -Grammar lesson: sentence variety and capitalization -Read Tattoos Ch. 6-9.
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Week 5
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-Begin Paper 2 -How to write a strong intro
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Week 6
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-Paper 2 progress -Research lesson -Source and Quote Integration -Begin First Gen
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Week 7
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-Paper 2 -Transitions/Transitional phrases -Edit your paper by recording yourself -Read First Gen
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Week 8
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-Midterms -Paper 2 DUE
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Week 9
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-Start Paper 3 -What is analysis? -Read First Gen
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Week 10
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-Block quotes -Plagiarism lesson -Read First Gen |
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Week 11
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-What is a blueprint thesis statement? Is it for you? -Peer Review -assigned reading |
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Week 12
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-Paper 3 due -Start Research Project -assigned reading
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Week 13
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-Research Paper annotated bibliography and outline
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Week 14
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-Research Project Draft |
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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 Saturday 12/14/24 by 11:59 p.m. (This is the last day of the semester.) |