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Mesa Community
College 1833 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85202 |
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Online/Distance Learning English 102:
College Freshman English Allen Bradshaw - abradshaw@mesacc.edu |
| Winter Intersession 2011-2012 - Section 28981 |
Your syllabus is made up of this document and all Assignment pages, lectures, and weekly Instructor e-mail messages. Students are responsible for all information outlined in these document and class e-mails.
Every student is expected to know and comply with all current published policies, rules and regulations as printed in the college catalog, class schedule, and/or student handbook. Copies are available at each college.
| Materials | Submitting Assignments | **Withdrawals |
| Course Description | Assignment Schedule | Grade Requirements |
| Grading | Attendance | 
|
TEXT: Hillerman, Tony. THE DARK WIND MCC Online Bookstore or Amazon.com
Materials:
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Packet of 4 X 6 cards (for your notes) |
One highlighter
pen - to print out the lectures and highlight the material |
|
Packet 3X5 cards (for your bibliography) |
Computer with
modem and ISP (Internet) Provider |
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Web Browser: Firebird, Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.+* |
Microsoft Word 6 or later**, Google Docs or
Open Office (the word processor) - MS Works
not accepted - Rich Text format (RTF) not accepted. |
"Sometimes technology fails or requires updates. Technology related updates will be posted by Technology Support Services in the MYMCC portal at https://orion.mesacc.edu/portal/. Students should log-in to view this information.
*Web Browser: The class in which you are enrolled requires specific software. You need to have a up-to-date web browser that have JAVA installed.
**Word Processor: The other important piece of software is the word processor for the course. Microsoft Word. This is the word processor that is compatible with the instructor's word processor. Research assignments must be submitted in MS Word format (compatible with my word processor). If you do not have Word version 6.0, 97, 2000, XP, 2003, or 2007 -2010, then you will need to purchase this software, or use the school computer lab or library to do the final copies of your paper. MS Word is listed as a software requirement for this course. All instructions within the assignment pages on how to format assignments are for MS Word.
There is an alternative if you do not have MS Word, and do not wish to purchase it, but remember that you will have to use the alternatives Help document for any technical support:
Google Docs: Google docs has a word processor that is very compatible with Word, and will save (they call it Download) documents to your hard drive in MS Word format. This word process or is fairly easy to use, and has good Help instructions. Google Docs is part of your MCC mail package, and you should see a link to them at the top of your MCC mail window.
Open Office. Open Office is open source, free software that is very similar to MS Word & Office. Open Office is an office suite that includes a word processor. This is free software that are very similar to MS Word, and when documents are saved in MS Word format, the documents are very compatible with my MS Word processor. Formatting remains the same when converted to MS Word, and remains the same when converted back to. Most formatting commands are similar to Word's commands, but if you decide to use free software, you will have to read the directions for that software if the directions in the assignment pages of your course do not work. You should also know that the MCC Help Desk does not support Open Office. You can read more Open Office at this web addresses: http://www.openoffice.org/
MCC E-Mail: Each student at MCC is given a free MCC e-mail to use. This e-mail is the primary method of communication between instructor and student in this course. Students are expected to check this mail daily for Instructor messages and instructions. Messages and instructions sent from your instructor are considered an extension of your class syllabus. You will also find a link to Google Docs in your MCC mail window.
Course Description:
Continued development of standard English writing skills. Introduction to research, note taking, organization, and MLA documentation in the preparation and writing of a research paper. Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better.
Internet Distance Learning English 102:
This English 102 Internet course meets all English 102 requirements for transfer to a four year college or graduation. This course is designed with some of the elements of a correspondence course, but also combines class participation and communication, constant contact and communications with an instructor, and convenient ways to submit assignments. It is designed for the student who can not be on campus at specific times because of changing work hours or other commitments that will not allow campus participation at set hours. The entire course, lectures, examples, and assignments, are all packaged on the Internet. If distance learning, the student provides the computer, word processor (Microsoft Word 6.0 or later), Internet connection and web browser (Netscape 4.5+ and MS Internet Explorer is supported by the course). If a TBA (lab student), this equipment is available in the Multi-Use Computer lab.
| Distance Learning: Since all the information, lectures, directions, & assignments are presented as written material on Internet web pages, it is very important that the student be able to follow written instructions, be self-motivated and self-directed. Reading takes the place of lectures, and other classroom instruction. |
Grading:
There will be two separate grading units in this course, each unit's grade being made of several learning assignments:
Unit #1 addresses learning the technology and the skills and forms of research, and the first research paper of four to six pages (excluding title page, outline, and bibliography).
Unit #2 includes several assignments and ends with a problematical research paper of four to six pages (excluding title page, outline, and bibliography). The points accumulated in these two units will determine the final grade. Three distinct areas are considered in compiling the letter grade you receive on papers. Content and mechanics are explained below:
Grading of Papers and bulletin board Assignments:
"A" paper-- to receive an
"A" grade, a paper must have the qualities of originality, enthusiasm,
and liveliness. Your view(s) will be logical/logically presented and supported;
the paper will be well organized. Mechanics/grammar will be very nearly perfect
with no spelling errors or sentence structure errors (fragments, comma splices,
etc.). Paper will reflect complete understanding of MLA forms and
research methods.
"B" paper--To receive a
"B" grade, a paper must have nearly the same qualities as an
"A" paper, but it may lack some of the originality and liveliness in
content. Mechanics/grammar still needs to be excellent. Paper will
reflect complete understanding of MLA forms and research methods.
"C" paper--A
"C" paper is average. Content must still be logical and valid, but the
presentation may be less original, enthusiastic, and lively. There may be a few
grammar errors (still no serious sentence structure errors) and perhaps 3 or 4
spelling errors (though this is still excessive at the college level). Paper
will reflect afair understanding of MLA forms and research methods.
"D" paper--A
"D" paper is less than satisfactory in terms of content and/or may
contain a number of mechanics/grammar errors. Paper will reflect
some understanding of MLA forms and research methods.
"F" paper--an
"F" paper demonstrates more than one of the problems indicated in the
description of a "D" paper and/or other major problems such as lack of
care in typing, etc. Of course, any paper that is found to be in any way
plagiarized is automatically an "F" paper (and will also earn the
student an automatic "F" in the class). Paper will reflect
lack of understanding of MLA forms and research methods.
Bulletin board entries are regular assignments to practice your writing skills and take the place of the extra writing assignments in a regular English 102 class. Therefore, you should always put your best writing effort in to these assignments. The minimum words for each assigned entry is 300 for credit (C), but spelling and other mechanics also can affect your grade. Most well-developed assignments run 400-500 words or longer. (A & B) grades will be given to those writings that show depth of thought and development of the assignment. Replies to other student entries can vary in length.
Plagiarism: Plagiarizing any assignment can mean dismissal from the class with a failing grade.
The third criterion for your letter grade is MLA forms. English 102 is a methods course, and as such, the forms you use are important, and show that you have the ability to follow directions and a style sheet such as the Modern Language Association. Your ability to use correct forms on bibliographies, note cards, parenthetical documentation, page setup and page numbers will affect your grade.
Submitting Assignments:
All assignments must be submitted in MS Word format, in 12 point, Times New Roman font. All assignments submitted in MS Word must be double spaced and use the default margins for an MS Word document -- or 1 inch margins on all sides.
Students have asked why it must be in 12 pt, Times New Roman font. Each font in a word processing program takes up a different amount of space per character and line. Your two research papers have a minimum of 4 pages of body content and a maximum of 6 pages of body content. Using different fonts can vary the same amount of words in a paper up to two pages! So Times New Roman font must be used -- if not, I will change the font to Times New Roman for grading purposes, to see that your subject has been limited to the correct minimum and maximum for the assignment. Normal margins are the default margins in MS Word 6 - 2003 - which are 1 inch top and bottom of page, and 1.25 inch left and right. The default margins of MS Word 2007 are also acceptable for MLA - 1 inch top and bottom, and 1 inch left and right. MS Word 6 through 2003 defaults to Times New Roman font, but be aware that MS Word 2007 defaults to Calibri 11 point type. If you are using Word 2007, you must change the default to Times New Roman, 12 point type.
Internet/distance learning students:
All research paper assignments must be submitted by e-mail attachment. No printed assignments will be accepted. To submit the assignment by e-mail, read carefully the instructions on e-mail on the Assignments page. All MCC registered students have access to a free MCC Internet e-mail account that can be accessed from the MCC Multi-Use Computer Lab, the MCC Library, or from home through an Internet provider. For more information on this, go to this address:
http://wiki.mesacc.edu/groups/technologysupportservices/
Receiving Graded Assignments:
The assignment will be graded and returned to your e-mail address, if it is your personal e-mail account with your first and last name on the account. If not, returned assignments will always go to your MCC mail address.
POSTING OF GRADES: A grade report will be sent by e-mail after assignment 2-3, assignment 4-5, assignment 7-8, assignment 12, and at the end of each unit. If any points are posted incorrectly, the student will then have time to confer with the instructor before final grades are calculated and submitted to Records.
Assignment Schedule:
See Class Calendar (on Assignments page or calendar in WebCT). Students may work to specific assignment dates given by the instructor, or may work ahead and complete assignments earlier than the calendar dates. Students can complete the course and receive a final grade prior to the end of the semester. No extra credit for a unit is accepted after the due date for that unit. THIS IS A SEQUENTIAL LEARNING COURSE. EACH ASSIGNMENT WITH ASTERISKS NEXT TO IT (**) MUST BE HANDED IN, GRADED, AND RETURNED BEFORE THE NEXT ASSIGNMENT MAY BE SUBMITTED. You are expected to learn from each paper, and apply this learning to the next paper!
Late Assignments:
Assignments can be submitted late; however, a 20% penalty will be accessed to late assignments for the first week after the due date (for summer school students, 20% for the first 3 days late). After the first week, an additional 10% will be assessed for each week late (10% for each 3 days in summer school). The final paper (Assignment 15) can not be submitted late. Assignments within a unit are considered late after POSTED DUE DATE ON ASSIGNMENT CALENDAR.
Attendance:
Distance learning sections have no set class time. Students are expected to devote the same number of hours as in regular classes.
Students who do not complete Ass. 1, Part 1 & 2 by the second day of class will be withdrawn to make room for other students who are waiting to enroll. Not completing Ass. 1 is the same as not showing up for class the first or second day.
**Withdrawals**: (-- it may affect you at the end of the course!)
The course is set up so that assignment numbers correspond with week numbers of the semester (fall and spring only). For attendance purposes, students must contact the teacher every week. Submitting assignments constitutes making contact. During weeks when no assignment is due or if a student fails to submit an assignment, students must still contact the teacher. Failure to contact the teacher for three consecutive weeks (either by submitted assignment or attendance e-mail) will result in withdrawal for excessive absences."
It is the student's
responsibility to inform the instructor if the student needs to be withdrawn. The
student must not assume that the instructor will automatically withdraw a
student if assignments are no longer submitted. No student will be withdrawn
with a "W" (passing) withdrawal without a an e-mail discussion with the
instructor. Students who do not
notify the instructor that they need to be withdrawn, no matter what the reason,
and do not finish the course, will receive an "F" at the end of the
course.
Unit #1--Introductory
Assignments and First Paper: 425
points
Unit #2--Research Essay #2 Assignments: 325 points
Total Points: 750
Grade
A = 90%-100% |
C = 70%-79% |
B = 80%-89% |
D = 64%-69% |
No matter how many points a student has at the end of the course, the final research paper (final exam) must be a "C" paper or better for the student to receive a "C" or better grade in this course.
MCC Early Alert Program (EARS)
Mesa Community College is committed to the success of all our students. Numerous campus support services are available throughout your academic journey to assist you in achieving your educational goals. MCC has adopted an Early Alert Referral System (EARS) as part of a student success initiative to aid students in their educational pursuits. Faculty and Staff participate by alerting and referring students to campus services for added support. Students may receive a follow up call from various campus services as a result of being referred to EARS. Students are encouraged to participate, but these services are optional.
Early Alert Web Page with Campus Resource Information can be located at: http://www.mesacc.edu/students/ears or at the “Early Alert” selection at the mymcc link from MCC’s home page.
NOTE: Course content may vary to meet the needs of this class. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with limitations due to any disability, including learning disabilities. Please e-mal me to discuss any special needs that you might have.
If you have or think you have a disability, including a learning disability, please make an appointment with an advisor at disability resources as soon as possible. They can assist you with appropriate accommodations for you in your classes.
Important: Students will be notified by the instructor by e-mail of any changes in course requirements or policies.