Course Name: Writing Experience ICourse number and section ENG 131Semester and Year Fall 2019

Number of Credits: 3

Days Class Meets: Tuesdays and Thursdays;

Mondays and Wednesdays

Meeting Times: T, R 11:-12:23; M, W 9-

10:23

Location: WA 217; WA 116

Instructor: Dr. Geri Jacobs

Office: BW 243

Contact Phone: 517-796-8587

Contact Email: jacobsgeraldii@jccmi.edu

Office Hours: 8-9 Mondays and

Wednesdays; 8-11 Tuesdays and Thursdays;

By appointment

Course DescriptionThis is an intensive writing course. Narrative and descriptive modes are stressed. Basic research

strategies are introduced. An end of the semester portfolio is required.

Prerequisite(s)ENG 085 and ENG 090*

Course DesignThis is a workshop-focused composition course. You are expected to practice the recursive process that includes prewriting, drafting, and revising. You are also expected to think about your process as a writer and consider ways in which that process can be revised or enhanced.You will be expected to complete formal and informal writing assignments, participate in small and large group discussions, and provide and receive feedback during workshop sessions. You will be expected to read and write about material that is moderate to difficult in complexity.

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Course ObjectivesStudents will

1. Employ parts of the recursive writing process--including pre-writing/discovery, planning, focusing, organizing, drafting, revising, proofreading, and evaluating sources—to achieve purpose in audience-centered communication

2. Articulate and demonstrate use of rhetorical situation—purpose, audience, context—in consciously crafted, audience-focused writing

3. Use genres to navigate complex rhetorical challenges and compose texts that achieve purpose and meet audience needs

4. Demonstrate ability to employ narrative, descriptive, and informative strategies in consciously crafted, audience-focused writing

5. Identify assumptions, point of view, and implications born of reasoning6. Identify, explain, and employ concepts clearly7. Demonstrate functional organizational structure appropriate to genre and modality8. Employ strategies for developing and supporting claims appropriate to rhetorical situation9. Employ Write to Learn methods through reflective writing and research for further

understanding and additional knowledge10. Demonstrate developing research skills including establishing research questions, defining

the kind of information needed and where to find information, and evaluating information11. Integrate, cite, and document sourced material12. Practice correct grammar and usage 13. Work collaboratively and as a member of a team14. Identify and assess the contributions of self and others working on a team

Please note that this is a General Education course. Below is Jackson College’s General

Education Philosophy:

General education facilitates the development of an informed and educated person who recognizes and respects the diversity of communities, thinks critically, and is proficient at fundamental skills. General education engages students in active learning by providing opportunities to observe, analyze, and evaluate, and to apply these skills critically to problems. General education fosters the development of responsible, ethical human beings dedicated to improving their own lives and the lives of others through work, family life, social and political action, cultural awareness, and service to others.

Course goals and objectives incorporate specific General Education Outcomes (GEOs) established by the JC Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty. These goals are in concert with four-year colleges and universities and reflect input from the professional communities we serve. GEOs guarantee students achieve goals necessary for graduation credit, transferability, and professional skills needed in many certification programs.

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The GEO addressed in this class is: GEO 1: Write clearly, concisely, and intelligibly. Primarily, you will compose texts that are focused, organized, and well-developed. Your writing will also demonstrate awareness of purpose, audience, and genre as well as acceptable procedures for incorporating research material. Additionally, to satisfy the expectations stated in GEO 1, you will carefully revise your compositions so that they reflect accepted conventions of essay-writing.

Units/Topics of InstructionWriting Process and Strategies

o Discovering, Focusing, Shaping, Revising, Editingo Style, Voice, Thesis, Organization, and Developmento Use of Genre to Express Ideas

Narrative Descriptive Informative Optional: Analytical, Persuasive

Rhetorical Situationo Audience, Purpose, Context

Researcho Defining Research Questiono Developing a Research Plano Finding and Assessing Sourceso Integrating Researcho MLA Style, including documentation and citation

Structures and Grammar Portfolio Building

Instructional Techniques and Procedures

Writing as Process Active Learning Strategies Collaborative Group Activities and Writing Technology to Deliver Information in multi-modal formats Technology in Composition Activities Individual Writing Peer Review

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TextbookWriting: Today—Fourth Edition by Richard Johnson-Sheehan ISBN: 13: 978-0—13—477077-2 This textbook is available in a digital format. It can be rented or purchased in digital format through the JC Bookstore.

SuppliesFlash Drive3 Soft cover folders (with pockets), loose leaf paper, pen

Grading ProcedureYour grade for the course will be assessed in the following ways:

Class Work: Completion of drafts and revisions, pre-writing, daily writing, class assignments,

homework, reflections (40%)

Portfolio (40%)

Participation: Attendance, in-class participation, group work, and peer review (20%)

GPA GRADE RANGE

4.0 94-100%

3.5 89-93%

3.0 84-88%

2.5 78-83%

2.0 72-77%

1.5 66-71%

1.0 60-65%

0.5 55-59%

0.0 0-54%

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Course RequirementsENG 131 focuses on narrative and informative writing. Here are your major writing assignments:The MemoirThe ReportThe ProfilePre- and Post- Reflective EssaysEach assignment will be discussed and explained as we progress throughout the semester.Completion of drafts and revisions, prewriting, daily writing, class assignments, homework, reflections

There are no “rough” drafts in this class. Pre-portfolio drafts are graded and given feedback. You are then responsible for revising your draft before it is submitted in the portfolio.You are required to write Reflective essays after each unit.Daily writing and class assignments cannot be made-up. They must be completed in class.Homework assignments must be handed in on the due date in the format required. To receive credit, homework assignments must be done outside class. Late homework assignments are not accepted.

Portfolio Submission

Your portfolio will contain revised, polished drafts of your major writings. Essays that I have not read during the semester cannot be placed in the portfolio. The Department of Language, Literature, and the Arts has outlined guidelines and requirements for the Writing Portfolio. You will receive a copy of this handout the first week of class. Please note: A revised draft of each major assignment must be included in the portfolio.The portfolio requires a minimum of ten full pages; in addition, each paper must be at least two full pages but no longer than five pages. Keep in mind that a substantial grade reduction is given to a portfolio that does not meet the minimum page requirements. Please consult the Department’s guidelines.

Attendance, in-class participation, group work, and peer reviewYou will be asked to participate in group and individual activities while in class. On assigned days, you will also be required to read each other’s essays and provide feedback.Please note that class participation points cannot be made-up. Failure to be present or to participate will result in a deduction of points. You must remain in class during class participation activities to avoid losing participation points.Please have available soft cover folders for the following assignments:

1. Homework; in-class writing assignments; peer-critiqued drafts 2. Class handouts3. Drafts submitted for grading4. The Portfolio

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Please note that all assignments must be typed and submitted to me in a soft cover folder.

FailurePlagiarism Policy: “Plagiarism, the submission of another’s writing, whether directly copied or paraphrased, will result in a failing grade for the assignment and can be grounds for removal from the class. Cases of plagiarism are dealt with by the instructor on an individual basis; the instructor will make decisions regarding the student's ability to correct the problem. All cases of plagiarism are reported to the Office of the Academic Dean.”

Failure: Plagiarized work will be assigned 0.0.

Jackson College’s Academic Honesty Policy

“Academic Honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ work as their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating or by helping others to do so.

Faculty members who suspect a student of academic dishonesty may penalize the student by taking appropriate action up to and including assigning a failing grade for the paper, project, re-port, exam, and the course itself. Instructors must document all instances of academic dishonesty beyond those of a very minor nature, in writing to the Academic Dean.

The Office of the Academic Deans will record and track students who have been reported as having cheated. If the same student cheats in other courses, the Dean will enact sanctions appropriate to level of infraction. The sanction will be selected in consultation with the involved faculty. The Dean can administer consequences up to and including suspension.

Academic Honesty is defined as ethical behavior that includes student production of their own work and

not representing others' work as their own, by cheating or by helping others to do so.

Plagiarism is defined as the failure to give credit for the use of material from outside sources.

Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

Submitting other's work as your own

Using data, illustrations, pictures, quotations, or paraphrases from other sources

without adequate documentation

Reusing significant, identical or nearly identical portions of one’s own prior work

without acknowledging that one is doing so or without citing this original work (self-

plagiarism)

Cheating is defined as obtaining answers/material from an outside source without

authorization. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

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Plagiarizing in any form

Using notes/books/electronic material without authorization

Copying

Submitting others' work as your own or submitting your work for others

Altering graded work

Falsifying data

Exhibiting other behaviors generally considered unethical

Allowing your work to be submitted by others

Collaboration: While JC encourages students to collaborate in study groups, work teams, and with lab partners, each student should take responsibility for accurately representing his/her own contribution.Obstruction or disruption of teaching, lecturing, research, administration, disciplinary

procedures, or other authorized activities on College premises is not allowed.”

Course ManagementPlease consult e-services for information about withdrawal, audit, and incomplete policies.

Withdraw: After the Add/Drop period, a student may withdraw from a course in accordance with the dates published in e-services.

Incomplete Policy: In accordance with JC policy, an Incomplete or “I” grade is only issued to “students who have demonstrated good standing in the class and hold a passing grade at the time of an extenuating circumstance that precludes completion of the class. Documentation validating the circumstance may be required.”

Makeup PolicyAssignments are to be handed in on the due date and in the format required; late assignments are not accepted. Accommodations regarding late work will only be considered in documented instances concerning bereavement, hospitalization, and legal or military matters.

HelpThere are many available learning services and opportunities for students seeking help with their course work. When opting for help with your writing, bring the following:

A copy of the assignment;Your draft or work thus far;Specific areas with which you need help.

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Available resources include: Instructor Support: Please schedule a conference with me to discuss your essays. Writing Fellows: Writing Fellows can help you on all stages of the writing process,

including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and citing sources—no matter what JC class you are enrolled in. You may drop in during their working hours, generally 9-4 Monday through Thursday, or you may set up an appointment in advance. Students may also submit a draft for review online via the Writing Fellow link in the Student Union on JetNet.

Research librarians and staff in the library (William Atkinson Hall): You will receive help locating digital and print sources.

Writing Faculty and Tutors located in the Center for Student Success (CSS), Bert Walker, first floor. For more information about the CSS go to http://www.jccmi.edu/success/

Message from the Center for Student Success:

“Tutors and additional free services for academic success can be accessed by calling (517) 796-8415 or by stopping by the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall. Faculty and tutors in the CSS will help you with writing, study skills, test anxiety, math, and reading. Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.

It is important to contact a Center for Student Success professional prior to the start of the semester in order to receive accommodations in a timely manner. While we will make every effort to coordinate accommodations in a timely manner, failure to self-identify prior to the start of the semester may delay notification to instructors and timeliness of acquiring accommodations. Accommodations do not automatically carry over to the next semester.”https://www.jccmi.edu/center-for-student-success/accommodations-for-students-with-

disabilities/

If you have opted to receive accommodations for this course, please schedule an office visit with me. Together, we will plan teaching and learning strategies intended to support your learning and success.

Course PolicyPlease refer to me as Dr. or Mrs. Jacobs. Please try and maintain a positive, encouraging attitude in class.I ask that all members of the class be considerate and respectful.

Do not speak while I am addressing the entire group.Please communicate with me and your classmates in a polite, professional manner.Please refrain from using profanity in your essays and in your conversations during class.

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Please turn off or silence all cell phones during the entire class session. Do not conduct telephone conversations or text during class.Please take note: Being involved with your cell phone while in class (unless instructed to do so) is not a wise choice. You will miss important information and instruction, and you will lose class points for lack of participation.

Do not speak while a class member is addressing the entire group.Do not participate in any behavior that is distracting or unprofessional.

Distracting, non-professional, and disrespectful behavior creates an unhealthy learning environment and will not be tolerated. As adults, please show respectful behavior at all times.

I am aware that some of you have young children. However, I must ask that children not be brought to class since often they are a distraction to the parent as well as the other members of the learning community.

Please listen carefully to my directions; if something is not clear, please ask.To avoid getting behind, please be aware of the pace of the class.If you have a problem regarding the class, please let me know during the break, after class, or during an office visit.Please keep all handouts and papers until the end of the semester.If you must leave or enter the room during class, please do so discretely.Please limit eating and drinking in class since these hinder your participation in class activities.Please come prepared to be in the classroom for the entire class period. Please limit the number of times you leave and re- enter the classroom. Not only is this behavior distracting to other members of the class, it also places you at a disadvantage since you will miss important instruction and opportunity to practice your writing skills.

In-class Writing: You must be prepared to write, share, and revise your writing in class. You must be able to transport your electronic text to the classroom. Please consider purchasing a flash drive or e-mailing your compositions to your JC account.

During class, you will use the computers for composing and research. You may not use the computers for other activities including non-course related e-mailing and playing games. I will warn individuals who participate in such activities during class. After the initial warning, I will deduct class participation points.

All assignments must be typed. Please note that using a word processor facilitates the revision process.

All assignments must be handed to me.

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Please do not leave assignments in my mail box unless I have given you prior permission to do so.

Please do not e-mail assignments to me.

Calendar (Subject to change)Below are the major writing assignments. Detailed descriptions will be given throughout the semester.

WEEK # DATE TOPIC HOMEWORK

1 September 3 The Memoir TBA

2 September 9 The Memoir TBA

3 September 16 The Memoir TBA

4 September 23 The Report TBA

5 September 30 The Report TBA

6 October 7 The Report TBA

7 October 14 The Report TBA

8 October 21 The Report TBA

9 October 28 The Profile TBA

10 November 4 The Profile TBA

11 November 11 The Profile TBA

12 November 18 The Profile TBA

13 November 25 Revision and Conferences TBA

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14 December 2 Revision and Conferences

15 December 9 Final ReflectionPortfolios due December 9

and 10

16 December 16Portfolios returned; Grades

assigned

Mandatory Class Attendance

and Conference

Important Dates: Fall 2019

DATE EVENT

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 DAY AND EVENING CLASSES BEGIN

SEPTEMBER 3-

DECEMBER 19, 2019

SEMESTER DATES

SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 IN-SERVICE DAY. NO CLASSES

OCTOBER 4, 2019 PATHWAY SHOWCASES DAY. NO CLASSES

NOVEMBER 27-

DECEMBER 1, 2019

THANKSGIVING BREAK. NO CLASSES

DECEMBER 19, 2019 END OF FALL SEMESTER

December 21, 2019 Grades Due

Attendance PolicyIn compliance with Federal Title IV funding requirements, as well as college initiatives, reporting of

student participation in classes will occur at three designated times each semester. Instructors will assign

one of three non-transcripted letter symbols to each student during each reporting period (see below).

Students identified as no longer participating will be dropped or administratively withdrawn from the class,

and students identified as needing academic assistance will be contacted.

Participation/Progress SymbolsH – The student is not doing acceptable work and needs Help to be successful.

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Q – The student has not participated and the instructor believes he/she has unofficially withdrawn (Quit). These students will be dropped/withdrawn from the class. V – The instructor Verifies that the student is participating and doing acceptable work.

Writing as a ProcessWhere do we begin as writers? When we choose a topic, generate ideas, find the point we need to make, and decide on a plan of organization, we are in the early stage, often called the prewriting stage. Many writers do a lot of this early work in their heads; others go through a series of writing exercises as a way of preparing themselves.Somewhere along the way, we will begin to engage ourselves in a more formal stage of the process, often called the writing or drafting stage. Here, among other things, we will work to create examples of effective writing that

Has a clear, personable, engaging, and believable voice;Uses diction and syntax that are appropriate to the

writing situation;Is well developed with carefully chosen reasons, supporting details, examples, and source material;Has a focal point (thesis) that is maintained throughout;Moves smoothly;Targets a specific audience;Pays appropriate attention to the conventions (grammar, spelling, punctuation) given the audience, purpose, and genre;Documents secondary sources, using accepted guidelines.

The final revising (revision) stage allows us to look back at what we have written and to make changes that will allow us to communicate more effectively with our audience. During this stage, you will receive feedback from your instructor and peers.Although this process appears to be linear, it is, in fact, recursive, since as we move forward through the process we are constantly looking back (and often revising) what we have written.

Caveat

Please Note: The contents of this syllabus are subject to revision during the course of the semester.

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