Spring 2015 South Louisiana Community College

English 1020

English 1020 continues and further develops the concepts and strategies introduced in English 1010. Primary emphasis is on argumentative writing, evaluation, and analysis, including research methods. This course will also prompt students to consider rhetorical strategies with a focus on cultural and multimedia texts. This semester, you will become better at arguing for your ideas, as well as analyzing how others persuade. We will explore our society—the cultural texts it produces and the perspectives people have on issues. We will also investigate our personal assumptions and opinions as we seek to understand and influence. Equivalent to Cenl 1023, English Composition II [Louisiana Board of Regents Common Course Matrix 2013-14]. Pre-Requisite: A grade of “C” (70) or better in English 1010 or its equivalent. Exit Criteria: Students must make at least a “C” in order to pass and receive credit for English 1020.

* Everything’s an A rgument. 6th Ed. Lunsford. Bedford, 2012. ISBN: 1457606046.

* Index Cards and Occasional Joule printing NOTE: Failure to purchase/receive books is not an excuse for missed/late assignments. Neither are computer problems.

As a result of successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Sustain and support critical arguments with clear

positions, relevant evidence, and attention to audience

2. Synthesize and integrate sources/ information from research with own argumentative stance

3. Understand the way writers or designers use persuasive techniques, especially applying the concepts of ethos, logos, and pathos

4. Develop vocabulary and strategies for analyzing different types of media and texts

5. Read and respond critically to a variety of texts 6. Analyze the cultural context and implicit messages

that impact various texts

Office: 302-H Devalcourt Email: erin.breaux@solacc.edu Phone: (337) 521-5966

Your final course grade will be calculated as follows: Project 1: 20% Project 4: 15% Project 2: 20% Professionalism: 10% Project 3: 20% Exercises: 15%

(^ includes Reflection 2%)

Grade Breakdown

Instructor: Erin M. Breaux Sections L04, L05, L09, L19

Office Hours: 9-10, 12-12:30 MWF 10:45-12:15 TR Finals Week: 9-11:30 MWR Make Appt Here! calendly.com/erinbreaux

Welcome! I hope to challenge, support, and interest you as improve your

analytical and persuasive skills. I try to create the best environment possible and give you the tools/models to become a better writer and thinker, but your motivation and commitment

are truly what make the difference. Never be afraid to try something new and let me know when you need help.

EB

Course Description Course Outcomes

The syllabus and schedule are subject to change, and any changes will be posted

on Joule.

Texts/Materials

Grades and returned projects will be posted on Joule. For everything else, we will use my course site

1020breaux.weebly.com. Bookmark it!

English 1020

Weeks 1-4: Intro & Project 1 Weeks 5-8: Project 2 Weeks 9-12: Project 3 Weeks 13-15: Project 4 & Reflection (Our class ends on May 1)

Reading & Exercises: In preparation for class, you will read/watch textbook chapters, sample essays, online media, etc. In- or out-of-class writing exercises may be connected to previous or upcoming class concepts or current major project. These are for your benefit—to enable efficient class time and lead to better projects. Any work may be collected and/or graded based on completion and quality. Quizzes may be given at any time. Always be prepared and willing to share. Projects: These include preparation and practice before your final draft—both in class and on your own. Some projects may have multimodal, collaborative, and/or oral components, though most will be essays. You will work with different styles and types of writing and experiment with different strategies/processes. Per department requirements, you can expect to produce 20-25 pages over the course of the semester. Professionalism: Class sessions may include lectures, discussion, group activities, in-class writing, workshops, presentations, etc. You are expected to engage in whatever we are doing and offer your ideas. Think of a composition course like a studio and a helpful community—writing is an art that requires practice and you can learn from each other. Being courteous with each other even when you disagree is paramount or you’ll be asked to leave. That also means when you’re not in class, you miss key information, practice, and any in-class points. Always assume it is important! Likewise, doing non-class-related activities during class is rude and distracting to your instructor and classmates. You have my full attention; I expect yours. To this end, a Professionalism grade will take into account your level of preparation and engagement at a couple of points in the semester. Committed students will not have a problem, but you can ask me anytime to give you suggestions for improvement. Read the “Professional-ism Guidelines” rubric. [No laptops in class.]

Course Requirements All essays/projects are submitted electronically. You must follow the “Submission Instructions” on the course site. Late essays have a half letter grade (-5) deducted per day and are not accepted after one week, and incorrectly submitted essays are subject to penalty. Talk to me beforehand about individual extensions, which are at my discretion. Major a ssignments include guidelines and grading criteria so you know what is expected and important. I grade holistically on a +/- system (97 A+, 93 A-, 87 B+, 83 B-, 77 C+, 73 C-, etc). Grading times vary (I have a lot of students!), but you’ll know your grade on a major project before having to turn in the next. I allow revision for most of the major essays, but you must follow the “Revision Guidelines” to be considered for a new grade. Turning in lazy work won’t get you another try. I do not drop any major assignments or curve any grades. To be fair, if I offer extra credit, it is to the entire class, not individual students. It is your responsibility to keep up with grades (on Joule) throughout the semester. Don’t become concerned too late! Feel free to talk to me when you’re confused or would like more specific feedback on a graded essay. Make an appointment if you want to talk to me about your work before turning in or to discuss any grades in the class. Please note that I won’t edit your draft, look at it too close to the due date, or discuss a grade the same day it is posted. Office hours are your chance to get individual attention while we have whole class and small-group instruction during course times. In/ out-of-cla ss exercises and quizzes are worth 10-20 points each and totaled together for average. If you do them with effort, you’ll get credit and they’ll help your overall course grade. I give one freebie per semester since we all have an “off” day. Quizzes and in-class work may only be made up if I am given valid documentation of illness, family emergency, military activation, or school-sponsored activity within a week. Appointments, work, or trips are not excused. With an unexcused absence, you lose any in-class points. Remember this is not an online class—therefore, being here is not optional. No make-ups for latecomers or early exits. When absent, you are responsible for finding out what you missed from a classmate—you also know what’s due from the weekly assignment post. Don’t wait until the next class period to catch up. Students who miss many classes never do well—trust me! I don’t teach encore classes. In event of crisis or longer absence, email me as soon as possible. Pla gia rism of any sort may result in a 0 for the assignment. A second case will result in an F for the course. Familiarize yourself with the “Academic Dishonesty” file. When in doubt, ask me! Disa bility Services: 521-8907. I will happily honor your needs, but I must have official documents beforehand. Please talk with me privately. Eva cuation procedures and grade a ppea l process follow the current College Catalog.

Course Policies

Schedule

* Weekly assignments will be posted on the course site. *