Course Syllabus
Syllabus
English 103: Introduction to Literature
Fall 2020 | Five Credits, Online | Section HY02 3788
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor: Mary Fox (she, her, hers) Call me Mary or Ms. Fox, whichever you prefer
Email: mfox@tacomacc.edu
Student Zoom Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:45-11 AM and 4-5 PM, Please use this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6334009625
Course Details
First day of quarter: Sept. 21, 2020
Last day of quarter: Dec. 10, 2020
Final Exam: We will not have a final exam for this class.
Hello!
Welcome to English 103, Introduction to Literature. I'm your instructor, Mary Fox, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. Please call me Mary or Ms. Fox, whichever you are most comfortable with. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and working with you this quarter.
In this class, we'll read and discuss poems, short stories, films, lyrics, and other literature from a variety of cultures within the United States. We'll explore similarities and differences between the works, and we'll think about what we can learn about each other through the work of our writers and an examination of our own cultural identities.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
TCC’s Strategic Plan affirms the college’s commitment to equitable and anti-racist practices. Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Value Statement reads: “We recognize historic inequities and empower our community to challenge and overcome systemic barriers to create a campus and society where all people can be their authentic selves and are welcomed, heard, known, represented, and successful.” I am proud of this statement and promise to work with you and my colleagues to uphold it.
Chosen Names and Pronouns
Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. 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. However, you are not obligated to share your pronouns. 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 seriousness and openness to correction and learning.
Student Resources
This is an overwhelming time in so many ways. During this quarter, you may encounter a real-life need that impacts your work in class. Any student who has difficulty affording groceries, accessing enough food to eat every day, or lacks a safe and stable place to live is urged to contact Jennifer Fountain, the TCC Dean of Retention and Student Success, jfountain@tacomacc.edu, 253-566-5159. TCC has many campus and community resources that can assist with student needs. You may also notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to share other resources that I may be aware of.
Frequently called TCC numbers:
Financial Aid 253.566.5080
Enrollment Services 253.566.5325
Canvas Help Line 253.566.5176
Mental Health Resources:
Help for Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreak: 1-877-726-4727
Pierce County Crisis Line 1-800-576-7764
WA State Domestic Violence Helpline 1-800-562-6025
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line: crisistextline.org text 741741
Class Information
English&103 HY02 3788. Our class is fully online. The week’s readings, videos, and assignments will available by Sunday evening, and you will usually be able to work ahead if you like. Students are not required to be in class on specific days and times.
This is the description of English 103 in the TCC College Catalog: The application and further development of writing principles covered in ENGL&101. The writing - primarily analytical - is based on
the reading and discussion of literature. This course may not be taken S/U.
Contact & Communication Plan
The best way to communicate with me is through email or Canvas messaging. I check both several times a day and you'll usually receive a response that same day, unless there are unexpected circumstances. Feel free to set Canvas so that it sends you a message when I make a comment on your work. It can be easy to feel disconnected in an online class, so I hope we use all tools possible to stay engaged. To set Canvas so that it sends you a message when you receive comments, go to Canvas>Account>Notifications>Course Activities>Submission Comments. Click on the check mark for immediate notification to your email or text, depending on what you prefer. You may also want to take a look at other possible notifications and see what you would like to receive..
Learning Outcomes
Degree Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the TCC Associates Degree, you will be able to:
- Core of Knowledge (COK): Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas (Written Communication, Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences) or, as applicable, specific professional/technical content, and program-level content and apply this knowledge to academic endeavors.
- Communication (COM): Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and technological means to make connections between self and others.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CRT): Compare, analyze and evaluate information and ideas to solve problems.
- Information & Information Technology (IIT): Locate, evaluate, retrieve and ethically use relevant and current information of appropriate authority for academic or, as applicable, specific professional/ technical applications.
- Intercultural Collaboration & Diversity (ICD): Demonstrate successful application of an interdependent, diverse, and multicultural worldview through collaborative engagement.
- Responsibility & Ethics (RES): Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes responsible and ethical behavior toward individuals, the community, and the environment.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of English 103, you will be able to:
1. Analyze specific elements of short stories, poetry, song lyrics and film;
2. Explore the cultural and moral values/themes a work reflects and to evaluate them respectfully in light of your own cultural identities/values;
3. Acknowledge how your own cultural identities enrich and/or limit your understanding of experiences and literature of various communities;
4. Read literature that reflects a variety of ethnic backgrounds and cultures;
5. Write focused and well-developed discussions of a films or literary pieces;
6. Conduct library and internet research;
7. Demonstrate careful and intentional use of language to express ideas and achieve a purpose for your audience.
Textbooks & Supplemental Materials
Students are not required to buy a textbook for this class. Instead, we will use free Open Educational Resources, other readings and videos, and the wonderful TCC library.
Technology
Since this is an online course, you will need regular access to technology and the internet. Some assignments can be completed on your phone but others will be easier if done from a desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you need support using technology or learning how to use Canvas, please check Canvas resources and tutorials or email support@tacomacc.edu. I know that many students are sharing computers and other technology with others, so when you face technology challenges, please let me know so that we can make a plan. I am 100% committed to making this work for you.
Graded Coursework
Students demonstrate what they know and what they’ve learned in different ways, and I am very interested in research that questions and critiques traditional grading practices. In our class, we’ll have regular discussion posts, quizzes, and informal and formal writing assignments to 1) help you to show what you’ve learned and what you are confused about and to 2) help me understand places where individual students and the class as a whole are confident in their learning and places where we may need to review things.
For many assignments, including discussion posts and short weekly writing, you will earn full credit grade by completing the assignment requirements, and I will not judge every little aspect of your writing. I will offer plenty of specific feedback intended to encourage you to grow as a writer and expand your thinking. Final letter grades will be based on 1) weekly discussion posts, quizzes, and writing (about 80%) 2) a final reflective essay (about 10%) and 2) participation (about 10%),
Late Work
I accept late work for partial credit. The details will be explained as part of specific assignment guidelines.
Acceptable Behavior
I expect all of us to treat each other with kindness, dignity, and respect. Balancing our time as students and teachers with the rest of our lives can be very challenging, especially now, with so many things pulling at us from all directions. It is easy to get frustrated, especially in an online environment, but I want to emphasize the importance of respecting diversity, being open to learning about each other, and being pro-active and responsible for yourself, your words, and your actions. I promise to do the same. My primary goal is to support you as you take responsibility for your education, so please communicate and do so with kindness. The general idea of "treat others the way you want to be treated" along with our outlined code of conduct, is something I take very seriously and will be very explicit about throughout the quarter.
The TCC Code of Conduct (Links to an external site.) can be found on the TCC website (http://www.tacomacc.edu/abouttcc/policies/codeofstudentconduct)
Classroom Concerns
If you have concerns about our class, please talk with me so that I can understand them and we can move forward. If we are unable to do this, your next step is to talk with the department co-chair, Steve Johns, sjohns@tacomacc.edu. Sometimes, it’s helpful to have someone from outside of class help us to understand each other’s perspective and solve problems!
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.
Access Services offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Services are established through an interactive process that begins with an intake appointment. Access Services is located in Building 7.
Accommodations for Religion/Conscience
Reasonable Accommodations for Religion/Conscience: Students who will be absent from class activities due to reasons of faith or conscience may seek reasonable accommodations so that grades are not impacted. Requests must be made within the first two weeks of the quarter and should follow the procedures listed in the Leave for Faith & Conscience policy website.
Library
We'll use the TCC throughout the quarter to learn helpful research strategies for college work, to find credible information on the topics we're exploring, and to better understand how to use information ethically and carefully in college papers and projects. Due to COVID restrictions this quarter, the library will be open only to check out and return library items. We will not be able to use library computers or study rooms until further notice. Please feel free to explore the library's website and learn about all of the resources offered for students: https://tacomacc.libguides.com/TCCLibrary
Writing and Tutoring Center
TCC's Writing and Tutoring Center (WTC) offers free tutoring and support for many of the classes you will take at TCC. This quarter, the WTC will be offering a variety of ways for you to get help with your writing, from submitting papers for feedback to attending Zoom tutoring sessions. The WTC is one of TCC's hidden gems: The tutors are a great support system for so many students, many of whom reach out to the WTC for help getting started with an assignment all they way through writing and polishing their papers.
I think this is the link to connect you to the WTC: https://tacomacc.instructure.com/courses/1937964
Safety
We care about the safety of our campus and community and all of us are needed in order to create a safe and secure learning environment. Please review the full list of safety resources available to you, which are listed on our TCC Ready website (Links to an external site.). Additionally, please watch this brief video (Links to an external site.) to familiarize yourself with our general safety practices. Please program the Public Safety number into your cell phone (253-566-5111) or 5111 from any campus phone (If this number is inoperable due to an emergency, dial 253-495-4146) and sign up for TCC Alerts! to receive emergency notifications to your cell phone..
College Closure and Class Cancellation
Although classes are online, should the TCC campus close for weather or other extenuating circumstance, you should not come to campus. Information about school closures, partial or total, will be available at 253-566-5000 (a recorded message will give the caller up-to-date information on closures) or on the TCC home page by 6:15 a.m. www.tacomacc.edu (a message will be placed there only if the college will be closed).
Academic Honesty
At TCC, we strive to create mutually-respectful relationships between students, faculty, and staff. English&101 is intended to offer practice in learning how to use and create information in ways that are appropriate for various audiences and situations. We’ll learn what “plagiarism” means and how to avoid it. The Writing and Tutoring Center and the Library staff are always happy to help students learn more about plagiarism and academic honesty. In our class, work that is a clear product of intentional cheating will given a 0 (zero) score. The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website (Links to an external site.).
Grading
Students demonstrate what they know and what they’ve learned in different ways, and I am very interested in research that questions and critiques traditional grading practices. In our class, we’ll have regular discussion posts, quizzes, and informal and formal writing assignments to help you to show what you’ve learned and to help me understand places where individual students and the class as a whole are confident in their learning and places where we may need to review things. Final letter grades will be based on 1) weekly discussion posts, quizzes, and writing (about 80%) and 2) a final reflective essay (about 10%).
Assignments will be submitted through Canvas, and I’ll post grades as soon as assignments are graded. For many assignments, including discussion posts and short weekly writing, you will earn full credit grade by completing the assignment requirements, and I will not judge every little aspect of your writing. I will offer plenty of specific feedback intended to encourage you to grow as a writer and expand your thinking.
I accept late work for partial credit, and we’ll talk more about this in class. Your final letter grade for the class will calculated using these percentages:
Table 2: Grading
|
Grade |
Percent |
|
A |
93 to 100% |
|
A- |
90 to 92% |
|
B+ |
87 to 89% |
|
B |
83 to 86% |
|
B- |
80 to 82% |
|
C+ |
77 to 79% |
|
C |
73 to 76% |
|
C- |
70 to 72% |
|
D+ |
67 to 69% |
|
D |
65 to 66% |
|
E |
64% and below |
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:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|