English 1A Course Syllabus*

Required Texts and Supplies

• Ethics in the 21st Century, by Mary Alice Trent
• MLA Handbook for Writers, 7th Edition, by Joseph Gibaldi
• Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall
• The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
• Any Collegiate Dictionary
• Stapler (I will not accept non-stapled assignments)
• Money for making copies
• Manila Envelope
• 3x5 notecards
  
  

Course Description
Expository writing and reading. Emphasizes the organization and development of expository essays, study of style, application of critical thinking and writing skills, and preparation of a research paper. Prerequisite: English B50 or ENSL 50 with a grade of "C" or English Level 6 (Catalog Description). English B1A is the requirement for the AA/AS degree effective fall 2009 for new students and students returning after a lapse in their enrollment.

English B1A Student Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of English 1A, the student will be able to perform the following:

• Read and think critically;
• Evaluate and establish the credibility of print and online sources;
• Demonstrate the legitimate use of scholarly sources by
• using library and online reference materials;
• summarizing and paraphrasing sources;
• synthesizing multiple sources;
• avoiding plagiarism.

• Write essays that
• demonstrate the use of expository and argumentative or persuasive forms of writing;
• reflect an orderly research and writing process;
• use correct MLA form and documentation;
• show evidence of drafting, editing, and revision to reflect an academic style and tone.
• Write a research paper that
• incorporates a minimum of seven academic sources that support a thesis;
• is a minimum of seven pages in length;
• presents a clear thesis that governs organization and provides sufficient development;
• demonstrates varied sentence patterns with appropriate use of syntax, grammar, diction, and tone;
• shows evidence of drafting, editing, and revision;
• conforms to MLA style in layout, in-text citation, and works cited.

Attendance
Good attendance is essential for success in this class. BC policy states that students may be dropped when absences number the equivalent of two weeks of class. Arriving late or leaving early three times equals one absence. Do not be late to class. It is rude and disruptive to your classmates as well as to the instructor. If you do arrive late, it is your responsibility to establish attendance with me.
If you are absent on a day that I give back an assignment, I will place your work in a tray labeled "English 1A" (on my desk in office H-33). You can pick up the assignment anytime the office is open. I will not carry the assignment around with me, so be sure to pick it up at your convenience. After the semester term, I will discard all assignments left in the tray.

Late Work
Late assignments are not accepted. In order for work to be considered "on time," you must turn it in on the day it is due at the time of collection. If you try to turn in an assignment after I have collected it, it is considered late. Good class attendance is crucial, and therefore quizzes and tests may not be made up. I will, however, drop two of your lowest homework scores. Essays turned in late will not be accepted. If an emergency arises, please notify me as soon as possible. Exceptions to these guidelines may be made at my discretion.

Grading Policy
Grades will be determined on a percentage basis:

90-100%=A
80-89%=B
70-79%=C
60-69%=D
0-59%=F

You will receive a score for all assignments, quizzes, tests, and practice FEEs. Any work not turned in will receive a zero. The percentage points earned over the course of the semester will determine the semester grade.

Assignment Format
All assignments should be labeled at the top, left-hand side of your paper. Headings should include your name, instructor's name, course name, and the date. All papers written outside of class must be typed and double spaced with one-inch margins. All work done in class should be written in ink and skip lines.

Class Conduct and Participation
You are expected to behave in a collegiate manner. Active participation is a requirement for this class. You are expected to come to class having thoroughly read the assigned pages and completed any homework; be ready to contribute to class discussions: ask questions, listen carefully, treat others respectfully. Other participation consists of group work, conferences, and in-class writing. You are the essential element in these activities. Your comments, ideas, insights, and questions are expected and welcome.

Disruptions
Sometimes, a student will have trouble with disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior includes (but is not limited to) talking at inappropriate times, leaving cellphones on to ring during class, text messaging during class, leaving class to answer cell phones, chronic lateness, attempting to take class time to discuss personal matters, making the class wait while you get your work organized, and making fun of other students. These actions interfere with the learning of others, and they will not be tolerated in an adult, collegiate setting. If this kind of behavior should occur, I will speak to that person privately. If after our discussion the disruptive behavior continues, I will drop the student.

Academic Dishonesty
Cheating or plagiarism of any sort will not be tolerated in this class. Please review the policy on plagiarism in the B.C. handbook. Plagiarism will result in an "F" on the assignment. The plagiarism policy will be strictly enforced.

Proper Paper Format:

Grade Breakdown:
Research Paper: 40%
Writing Assignments: 30%
Assignments: 20%
Reading Assignments: 10%

Research Paper
You are required to complete a 8-10 page argumentative research paper, and your topic must be approved by me. Your paper must follow MLA format and include a Works Cited page. In addition to your paper, you must turn in copies of all your research, and all research should be individually paginated/highlighted. I must be able to trace the author on all turned-in sources. The final draft and research should be in a manila envelope at the time of collection. Note: To complete your paper, you will be asked to do a series of steps (topic approval, bibliography cards, etc). You must complete all the steps to receive credit for the research paper. If you fail to turn in one of the steps, you can turn it in late, but you will not receive points for the assignment; however, you will be able to move on to the next step. Failure to comply with the above mentioned guidelines can result in a failing grade on the assignment.

Supportive Services (Disabled Students and Services) 395-4334
Supportive Services assists the campus in providing equal access for students with disabilities to the educational activities of Bakersfield College. Supportive Services provides services to identify and address appropriate individualized accommodations and services which may include special parking, liaison with the California State Department of Rehabilitation and other community resources, test taking assistance, special equipment, mobility assistance, note taking assistance, assistive computer technology, special classes, interpreters, written materials in alternate format and learning disability assessment. These services are intended to prepare and support students in order to enable them to participate on an equal basis with their non-disabled peers.

Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Supportive Services (661-395-4334), FACE 16, as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

*This syllabus is tentative and may be changed at my discretion.