English 28
Los Angeles Southwest College
Instructor: Tommy Amano-Tompkins Fall 2015
Section 0919: MW 12:45-2:10 pm Location: SSEC125A
Office Hours: W 12:10-12:40 pm in SSEC121-H
Email: tomp99@earthlink.net
Class Website: www.eng28f2015.blogspot.com
Class Website: www.eng28f2015.blogspot.com
Introduction: Welcome to English 28! By enrolling in this course, we have
committed to creating an environment to improve reading and writing
skills. Ask many questions in class
about writing throughout the semester.
Additionally, plan to visit your instructors during office hours, the
Student Success Center located in SSEC 110 and 110-A, the Reading Center (SSEC
116A), and the English Writing Center SSEC116, and like or follow LASC on
Facebook or Twitter to learn about all the resources and opportunities
available in our learning community. If
anyone needs special accommodations to ensure success in this course, visit the
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) located in the Student Services
Building.
English 28 is an
inquiry-based writing course. We will
use writing to investigate issues that influence our lives, and in so doing,
develop habits of mind that are important not only for writer but for active
participants in our community. These
habits include: assessing audience expectations, reading critically, engaging
with diverse ideas, developing control over rhetorical styles, and developing
and reflecting about our writing processes.
In short, we will investigate not only how writing may be used to
communicate ideas but also how we can use writing and reading to create and
express our own ideas.
Course Description: English 28 satisfies part of the requirement
for the AA degree and also prepares the student for English 101 by increasing
his/her capability to work on an academic level. In this class, we will plan, revise, and edit
compositions of increasing sophistication and complexity. All writing is based on readings that
challenge our thinking and provide an intellectual background for writing
assignments. The course also advances
skills in paragraph structure, sentence variety, thesis development,
organization, coherence, and language conventions as well as prepares them for
English 101.
18 lab hours are also required. The focus of the class is compositions and
essays (up to 500 words), including the research paper.
Prerequisite: English 21 with a grade of “C”
or better, or appropriate placement recommendation based on assessment results
and other multiple measures.
Student
Learning Outcomes:
Upon
successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
Write independent and dependent clauses with use
of conjunctions and semi-colons.
2.
Identify and correct fragments, comma splices,
and run-on sentences
3.
Write compositions of 150-300 words in length
that supports a main point with specific details, facts, and examples
4.
Read and analyze essays at pre-college level for
main points and tone
Required Texts:
Everyone’s An Author by Andrea Lunsford (ISBN
0393932117)
Say The Word: An Anthology of LASC Student
Writing, Volume 5/6, by The Students of Los Angeles Southwest College
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosely (ISBN 0743451791)
Assignments:
Essay 1 (400-500 words) 10%
Essay 2 (400-500 words) 10%
Essay 3 (400-500 words) 10%
Essay 4 with sources
(500+ words) 20%
Reading Analysis Presentation 1 (150-300 words) 5%
Reading Analysis Presentation 1 (150-300 words) 5%
Reading Analysis
Presentation 2 (150-300 words) 5%
Homework/quizzes: 5%
Homework/quizzes: 5%
In-Class Essay (300-500
words) 5%
Midterm: 7%
Midterm: 7%
Final Exam (300-500
words) 15%
Participation 8%
Total 100%
Note:
To receive a passing grade in this course, we must turn in all coursework and
pass the final exam. In other words,
grades in this class are dependent on successful performance in all areas of
the class (participation, attendance, lab work, writing, and reading), not just
one area. All components must be
successfully completed to receive a passing grade.
Written
Compositions: All essays and written compositions written
outside the classroom must be typed on a computer. Please double-space your work (leave two
spaces between each line). Writing on a word processor improves writing
skills. Because writing is a process of
prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, and editing, traditional methods
of typing or handwriting assignments are often time-consuming and
ineffective. Certainly, they discourage
revision. Computers, on the other hand,
make revision and the writing process more manageable at every stage. There are computer labs in several locations
on campus, most noticeably in the Cox Library (3rd floor) and in the
TEC Building.
Planning
/ Discovery: When you turn in an essay, you must turn in all
prewriting, drafts, and peer reviews as well as the final draft to receive
credit on the essay.
Peer
Review: We will be peer reviewing rough drafts for all
take-home essays. In order to be
eligible to be turned in for credit with the final version of the essay, the
rough draft must be present in class on day that it is due and the author must participate
in peer review. Failure to attend class
or failure to thoroughly complete the peer review will result in the reduction
of your essay grade by 10%.
Revisions:
All take-home essays, except Essay 4, may be revised and resubmitted for
re-evaluation. Revisions must be turned
in within two weeks of the original assignment due date.
Reading
Assignments: Reading assignments should be completed prior
to the due date on the syllabus. Being
prepared for class and earning full credit for participation includes keeping
up with the reading assignments and coming to class prepared to discuss
them.
Late
Work: Late work will not be accepted without emergency
documentation. Failure to turn in an
assignment will result in a “0” for that assignment.
Participation:
Our classroom needs to be an optimal, positive environment
for learning, so that you can focus on the course materials without
disturbance; therefore, all cell phones, hands-free and other electronic
devices must be turned off and put away before class. No texting, no phones on vibrate since this
is audible, and, of course, no answering phones. If you have an emergency that requires you to
be available by phone during class hours, please notify your instructor before
class starts, and sit near the door with your phone on a silent setting. It is never okay to disrupt the learning
environment.
English
Writing Center (Lab): The English Writing Center (SSEC 116) is
located in the Social Sciences and English Complex (SSEC) in Room 116. The EWC
is where English 21 and English 28 students fulfill the required lab component
of these courses. We provide a friendly, comfortable atmosphere for these
students to use online lab assignments to improve their reading and writing
skills. We also help promote English Department events and publications. Our
goal is to be a support system and encouraging environment for basic skills
English students.
English Writing Center Hours:
Monday: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm and 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm and 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Policies:
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory. Attend each
class and be on time. To create a
learning environment, we all must attend class on time. Anyone who fails to follow the attendance
policy may be dropped from the class at the instructor’s discretion. Anyone who arrives late to class risks being
counted as absent; anyone leaving early must notify the instructor of his/her
obligation at the beginning of the period.
If there is a dispute over attendance, the attendance sheet will serve
as proof of attendance.
Excused
Absences: There are no excused absences. Attendance is mandatory. Each student is allowed only 3 absences
(regardless of the reason), the Los Angeles Community College District limit. Upon a student’s 4th absence, the
student may be dropped from the class unless there are dire extenuating
circumstances that can be documented.
Partial
Absences: Any student who arrives late or leaves early
will receive an “L” on the roster. A
student who leaves class early or goes in and out of class excessively will
receive a “P” for partial attendance for that class meeting. Two tardies or partial attendances will count
as 1 absence. No student has the right to disrupt the learning environment for
other students.
Being
Dropped from the Class: Upon the 4th absence created by
missed classes, tardiness, partial absences, or a combination, the student may
be dropped from the class.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone
else’s words or ideas as your own (for example, checking the internet for a
little information on a subject and then using that information as if it were
something you thought of). It also
consists of cheating on quizzes or exams, or having someone else write your
essays for you. Any student who presents
another’s work as his or her own will fail this course and risk further action
taken by L.A. Southwest College and the L.A. Community College District,
including expulsion from the college.
Classroom
Conduct: College, and this classroom specifically, are
places that ask for active participation in various activities in the process
to being an informed and participating citizen.
Part of the process will include writing activities and
discussions. Sleeping, engaging in side
conversations, doing other homework, playing with your cell phone or electronic
devices, or other activities that are disruptive to the class will negatively
affect the participation component of our class, may result in you being asked
to leave (and thus being marked absent), and may warrant a referral to the Dean
for further action.
Classroom
Environment: Our
classroom needs to be an optimal, positive environment for learning, so that
you can focus on the course materials without disturbance; therefore, all cell
phones, hands-free and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away
before class. No texting, no phones on
vibrate since this is audible, and, of course, no answering phones. If you have an emergency that requires you to
be available by phone during class hours, please notify your instructor before
class starts, and sit near the door with your phone on a silent setting. It is never okay to disrupt the learning
environment.
Resources:
Student
Success Center: LASC, like many other colleges, offers services
and resources beyond the classroom and teachers to help students achieve
academic goals. The SSC offers tutoring,
a study lab, workshops, as well as a computer lab open 8am-8pm Monday through
Thursday.
English
Writing Center Tutoring (SSEC 116): The English Writing
Center also provides walk-in and by-appointment tutoring in writing for any
student in any class, and offers numerous special workshops throughout the
semester. For tutoring help, it is best
to go into a tutoring session with specific problems in mind. Tutors do not edit but help revise. See hours
of operation above.
Grievances:
Anyone who believes a college decision has adversely
affected status, rights, and/or privilege as a student should consult the
instructor for resolution, and, if needed, confer with the English Department
Chair, Darren Cifarelli as a second level of authority if no resolution is
found. Beyond that, the student can make
an appointment with the Dean Stephanie Brasley if there is still no resolution. Dean Brasley may refer the grievance to the
Dean of Student Services.
Students
with disabilities: Accommodations are provided to a student
with a verified disability and are determined by the educational limitations
the disability places on the student.
Any one in need of assistance or accommodations should contact the
instructor by the end of the first day of class. FYI- DSPS office (323) 241-548
Course Schedule
Date
|
Reading and writing assignments due this class period
|
In-class
|
Week 1 -
Introduction
|
||
8/31 (Mon)
|
Syllabus review,
diagnostic writing
|
|
9/2 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Introduction: Is Everyone an Author,” pp. xxix-xxxiv; “The Need for Rhetoric and
Writing,” pp. 1-4, Skim the poetry section of Say the Word and choose your favorite.
|
Analysis of
purpose, audience, style, content in poems; grammar diagnostic
|
Week 2 – Writing a
Narrative
|
||
9/7 (Mon)
|
NO CLASS – LABOR
DAY HOLIDAY
|
|
9/9 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Thinking Rhetorically,” pp. 5-17; “Writing Processes,” pp.
24-28. Say the Word: “My Beloved
Husband,” pp. 184-186.
|
Writing process, Introduce Essay 1 assignment, Late
Paper case study
|
Last Day to Drop without a “W”: Sept.
12 at 12 noon (in person), Sept. 13 (online)
|
||
Week 3 – Planning
Your Narrative
|
||
9/14 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s an Author: “Writing a
Narrative,” pp. 101-127. Say the Word:
“Caring Connections,” pp. 198-201.
|
Basic essay
structure, thesis statements, narrative
|
9/16 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “The Need for Collaboration,” pp. 29-35; Say the Word: “The Art of Genocide:
How the Vulgarization and Commercialization of Black Art Continues to
Undermine the Black Struggle,” pp. 87-95; “Choices,” pp. 156-160.
Writing due: Prewriting for Essay 1
|
Workshop
prewriting for Essay 1, essay organization and structure
|
Week 4 – Drafting
and Refining Your Narrative
|
||
9/21 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s an Author: “What’s Your Style?” pp. 515-525; “Articles,” “Commas,” pp. 592-605. Say the Word: “From One City to Another,” pp. 71-77.
Read "The Comma Splice" at our website or at Do questions 1-5 on each of the 5 interactive exercises at http://chompchomp.com/exercises.htm#Comma_Splices_and_Fused_Sentences |
Writing with style
Outline for composition 1 |
9/23 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “How to Write Good Sentences,” pp. 551-69. Say the Word: “An Abusive Love,” pp.
178-183.
Writing due: Draft of Essay 1
|
Peer review of
drafts of Essay 1
|
Week 5 – Writing a
Review
|
||
9/28 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Writing a Review,” pp. 229-255; sample reviews
(handout)
|
Analyzing and
writing about music
|
9/30 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Analyzing Arguments,” PART 1, pp. 275-284.
Writing due: Essay 1 (final draft)
|
Introduce Essay 2
assignment, analyzing visual arguments
|
Week 6 – Analyzing
and Writing about Music and Other Media
|
||
10/5 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Analyzing Arguments,” PART 2, pp. 284-304;
“Prepositions,” “Pronouns,” pp. 606-615.
Read grammar 10/5 (website): Sentences types
|
Analyzing
arguments
|
10/7 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Writing Analytically,” PART 1, pp. 137-154.
Writing due: Prewriting for Essay 2
|
Workshop
prewriting for Essay 2, thinking and writing analytically
|
Week 7 –
Responding to Literature
|
||
10/12 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 1-3, pp. 45-68. Everyone’s an Author: “Writing Analytically,” PART 2, pp.
160-169. (Post)
Writing due: Reading Analysis 1 (if you are signed up for
today)
Read grammar 10/12 (website) Outline your arts review |
Thinking and
writing analytically, literary analysis
Outline your arts review |
10/14 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 4-7, pp. 69-96. (Post)
Everyone’s an Author: “Sentence Fragments,” “Shifts,” pp. 616-623.
Writing due: Reading Analysis 1 (if you are signed up for
today), Draft of Essay
|
Peer review of
drafts of Essay 2, literary analysis
Reading Analysis Presentations |
Week 8 –
Responding to Literature
|
||
10/19 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 8-11, pp. 97-128. (Post)
Everyone’s an Author: “Subject-Verb Agreement,” pp. 624-631.
Writing due: Reading Analysis 1 (if you are signed up for
today)
|
Literary analysis
Reading Analysis Presentations |
10/21 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 12-16, pp. 129-154
Writing due: Reading Analysis 1 (if you are signed up for
today), Essay 2 (final draft)
|
Literary analysis
|
Week 9 – Responding
to Literature
|
||
10/26 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 17-19, pp. 155-182. (Post)
Everyone’s an Author: “Meeting the Demands of Academic Writing,” PART 1, pp. 538-550.
Writing due: Reading Analysis 2 (if you are signed up for
today)
|
Introduce Essay 3
assignment, literary analysis
Reading Analysis Presentations |
10/28 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 20-22, pp. 183-209. (Post)
Everyone’s an Author: “Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing,”, pp. 388-399.
Writing due: Reading Analysis 2 (if you are signed up for
today)
|
Integrating
quotes, paraphrasing, and summarizing, literary analysis
Reading Analysis Presentations |
Week 10 – Planning
a Literature Analysis
|
||
11/2 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 23-26, pp. 210-235
Writing due: Reading Analysis 2 (if you are signed up for
today), Prewriting for Essay 3
|
Workshop
prewriting for Essay 3, literary analysis
Reading Analysis Presentations |
11/4 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Devil
in a Blue Dress, Ch. 27-31, pp. 236-263.
Writing due: Reading Analysis 2 (if you are signed up for
today)
|
Literary analysis
|
Week 11 – Refining
Your Literary Analysis
|
||
11/9 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Verbs,” pp. 632-641.
Say the Word: “Miracles Can Happen,” pp. 110-112.
Writing due: Draft of Essay 3
|
Peer review of
drafts of Essay 3, verbs
|
11/11 (Wed)
|
VETERANS DAY
HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
|
|
Week 12 –
Introduction to the Research Paper
|
||
11/16 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Arguing a Position,” PART 1, pp. 61-80.
Everyone’s an Author: “Arguing a Position,” PART 2, pp. 81-99. Say the Word: “All Men Are Created Equal (Unless You’re Gay,” pp. 102-109. |
Developing an
argument
|
11/18 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Evaluating Sources,” pp. 367-371.
Say the Word: “From Africa to America... This Is ‘How We... Roll’,” pp. 18-86.
Writing due: Essay 3 (final draft)
|
Introduce
Essay 4 assignment Preparing your
research thesis and sources for Essay 4, MLA style source documentation
|
Last
Day to Drop: Nov. 20 at 12 noon (in person), Nov. 22 (online)
|
||
Week 13 – Focusing
and Organizing Your Research / Writing In-class Essays
|
||
11/23 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Keeping Track/Managing Information Overload,” pp.
362-366.
Writing due: Thesis and research sources for Essay 4
|
Evaluate research
thesis and sources, preparing to write an in-class essay
|
11/25 (Wed)
|
Reading due: Handout to be distributed in class Monday,
11/23
BRING A BLUE BOOK!
|
In-class Essay
|
Week 14 – Final
Exam
|
||
11/30 (Mon)
|
Reading due: To be announced
|
Research links
|
12/2 (Wed)
|
Workshop prewriting for Essay 4
|
|
Week 15 –
Integrating and Documenting Your Research
|
||
12/7 (Mon)
|
Reading due: Everyone’s
an Author: “Synthesizing Ideas/Moving from What Your Sources
Say to What you Say,” pp. 381-387.
Writing due: Prewriting/outline for Essay 4
|
Outline for Rearch Paper due! |
12/9 (Wed)
|
Final Exam!
|
FINAL EXAM
|
Final Exam Session
– 12:30-2:30 pm
|
||
12/16 (Wed)
|
Writing
due: Essay 4 (final draft)
|
|
