Course Syllabus
Syllabus
English&101: College Research and Writing
Spring 2020 | 5 Credits, Online | Section 3173
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor: Mary Fox (she/her/hers)
Email: mfox@tacomacc.edu
Phone: (253) 460-4474 (office); (253) 254-6164 (google voice). Both numbers will forward your messages to my email.
Office Hour: I'll have online office hours through Zoom. I'll let you know the days and times once I understand what will work for students in our class
Quick Links to Syllabus Sections and Policies
Course Details || Learning Outcomes || Textbooks || Technology
Class Participation || Graded Course Work || Late Work
Building Community || Classroom Concerns || General Expectations
How to Succeed in This Class || Important Contact & Communication Info
Access and Accommodations || Library || Writing and Tutoring Center || Student Resources
College Closure and Class Cancellation || Academic Dishonesty || Grading
Course Details
English&101 focuses on the study and application of the principles of college writing. Students read, analyze, and write informative, reflective, and argumentative papers, as well as learn to develop ideas fully, organize them effectively, and express them clearly. English&101 readings focus on research-based thinking and writing. We'll approach writing as a process that includes early, messy drafts; revisions; and final, polished work. back to top
Contact & Communication Plan
Since we are fully online this quarter, it will be best to communicate through Canvas messages and TCC email. Canvas messages are often the safest way to connect: if students use their personal emails, they often get filtered into my junkmail and I miss them! Feel free to call if you'd like to talk: (253) 254-6164 (google voice) or (253) 460-4474 (office). If you leave a message at either of those numbers, they'll be forwarded to my email. I'll reply to messages within 24 hours but usually much more quickly.
Chosen Names and Personal Pronouns: Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to the gender identity. Please call me Mary or Ms. Fox. Class rosters don't list gender or pronouns, so you may be asked to indicate the pronouns you use so that I don't make assumptions based on your name and/or appearance/self presentation (you are not obligated to do so). If you use a chosen name, please let me know. Chosen names and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen, so I encourage an environment of openness to correction and learning. Thank you.
Learning Outcomes
Degree Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- read and understand writing assignments
- consider the audience, purpose and text in any writing situation
- read texts carefully and critically
- do good research
- consider the ideas of others
- express their own ideas
- develop and support a strong thesis/focus for writing
- explain ideas in appropriate detail
- organize information logically
- show where information came from
- use collaboration to improve thinking and writing
- proofread and edit carefully to control errors.
Textbooks & Supplemental Materials
This class does not require a textbook. We will use a variety of free resources, including Open Education Resources (OER) and the Tacoma Community College Library.
Technology
As in other colleges around the country and world, all TCC classes will be online this quarter. You will need access to a computer, smart phone or other device as well as regular Internet access. We know that this will be a huge issue for many students. Please let me know if this will be a challenge for you. TCC is 100% committed to making this work for all students.
Class Participation
We are in a unique situation. None of us signed up to take or teach classes online this quarter. So it will be important for all of us to stay engaged, ask questions, support each other, and learn from our mistakes. To encourage you to check Canvas regularly and keep up with your assignments, students who participate each week in readings, discussions, quizzes and assignments will earn 10 points per week for a total of 100 participation points for the quarter.
Graded Coursework
Grades in our class will be based on:
1) weekly readings, discussion posts, assignments, and quizzes
2) three papers
3) participation
4) extra credit.
Late Work
I accept late Canvas assignments and discussion posts for half credit. I accept late papers, and they are downgraded 10 points for each day late. However, if you know ahead of time that specific situations will prevent you from submitting work on time, please let me know so that we can make arrangements for you to do that without a late grade.
Building Community
In an online setting, it is expected that we will conduct ourselves in a respectful and open-minded manner. Balancing your time as a student with the rest of your life, especially in this unsettline time, can be very difficult. It is easy to get frustrated, especially in an online environment, but I want to emphasize the importance of respecting diversity and being pro-active and responsible for yourself, your words, and your actions. My primary goal is to support you as you take responsibility for your education, so please communicate and do so with kindness and respect. The general idea of "treat others the way you want to be treated" is something I take very seriously and will be very explicit about throughout the quarter.
Classroom Concerns
If you have concerns about our class, your first step is to talk with me so that we can address them and you can succeed. However, if we are unable to address your concerns, your next step is to talk to the co-chair of the Written and Oral Communication Department, Steve Johns, sjohns@tacomacc.edu. Sometimes, it's helpful to have someone from outside the class help us to resolve problems!
General Expectations
I expect you to…
- Approach this class seriously, be respectful and gracious with your classmates and me, ask questions, and do the best your can so you can move forward in your academic journey. I don't expect you to be perfect, though I do have high expectations for all students.
You can expect me to….
- Approach this class seriously, be respectful and gracious with you and your classmates, ask and answer questions promptly, and do my best to support your success. Please don't expect me to be perfect but do hold me accountable to be clear, organized, respectful -- the best teacher I can be.
How to Succeed In This Class
- To ensure you don't lose work, it is recommended that you work offline using a word processing application such as Microsoft Word and then copy/paste your post into the course's discussion forum.
- Feel free to ask questions when things aren't clear to you this quarter. This is a new way of teaching and learning for me and students, and I will count on you to let me know when things don't make sense or don't work!
- Check out these Canvas resources to become familiar with some of the tools we'll use this quarter.
- Find a specific space and time that works for you to do your work. You may submit work on or before the deadline for full credit. For many students, it's helpful to complete more than one assignment in one sitting. In fact, you may often do all of the week's work in a day or two, if that helps you to stay organized and focused.
- Get yourself organized. One of the best things about online classes is that you can do the work at a time and pace that works for you and the people around you. Two of the serious challenges are that it is easy to procrastinate and/or run into unexpected life issues, such as sick children. Online classes mean you have both freedom and responsibility. I encourage you to be realistic about the time commitment you'll need for your classes and make sure to carve it out every day.
Access and Accommodations
Your access in the learning environment is important to me. If you have already established disability accommodations with the Access Services office, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. You can request that Access Services email your Letter of Accommodation to me, or you can provide me with printed copies.
If you have a disability or health condition that may benefit from accommodations to ensure access and support success in this course—and have not yet established services, please contact Access Services at (253) 460-4437 or access@tacomacc.edu.
Library
TCC’s Library offers access to a range of research materials including books, e-books, DVDs/CDs, and subscription databases that carry thousands of publications covering a wide range of disciplines. The faculty librarians offer research support for all students, of all levels of research experience. Library faculty will be available online this quarter.
Writing and Tutoring Center
TCC’s Writing and Tutoring Center offers you one-on-one help with your writing. Tutors are available to discuss your work, help you to think about your writing process, suggest revising strategies, and discuss ways to approach an assignment. All services are free and online this quarter. Contact the Center at 566-6032.
Student Resources
I recognize that TCC students experience a range of information and resource needs in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Especially now, as we are all living in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for students to be aware of available resources. TCC's Student Resources Guide has information and resources to help you with everything from Canvas support to food and housing insecurity.
Academic Dishonesty
It is the official policy of Tacoma Community College that cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and other forms of academic misconduct are grounds for disciplinary action under the Code of Students Rights and Responsibilities. The student accused of academic dishonesty may be reported to the Associate Vice President of Students Services for initiation of disciplinary proceedings which could result in disciplinary sanctions ranging from a warning to expulsion from the College. Definitions of academic dishonesty and descriptions of the hearing and appeal process are included in the Tacoma Community College Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty, available in all administrative offices.
English&101 is intended to give you practice using and creating information in a safe, low pressure environment, so forms of plagiarism will be dealt with initially as an opportunity for individual or group instruction as appropriate. Continued or deliberate plagiarism may result in a 0 (zero) score given to that work.
Work that is a clear product of cheating, such as copying from a fellow student, will be given a 0 (zero) score. Deliberate, repeated plagiarism and cheating will result in a referral to Student Services. See the student conduct section of your TCC Portal for more information, then, ask your instructors, Library faculty, and Writing and Tutoring Center when you have questions about plagiarism and academic honesty.
Grading
I will use the standard grading scale to calculate final grades. I'll add more information about grades for specific assignments soon. I'm still adjusting assignments and points to better fit this quarter's unique circumstances.
Course Calendar
You will see a course calendar below this syllabus window. It changes as I make changes to the Modules; however, I go by what is published in the Modules, so please use the Modules as your course calendar. Check Announcements each time you log in to see any messages about our calendar or other items.
Course Summary:
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