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English 1A: College Reading and Composition Fall 2013 The Human Community and Crisis Instructor: Daniel

Canal Email: daniel.canal@mccd.edu Course Description: English 1A is a transfer-level reading and composition course that stresses critical readings, scholarly compositions and research applications. Students write exploratory and argumentative essays based on class readings, research, and discussions. Upon entering the course, students are expected to understand basic English skills (including but not limited to the following: an understanding of sound grammatical principles, the ability to make and support a claim/thesis, the ability to develop multiparagraphed essays, and proper essay formatting and research documentation) and are expected to acquire more sophisticated reading and composition skills throughout the term. Students apply matters and measures of critical thinking skills to their assignments. Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to verbally or in writing: A. Apply a variety of rhetorical strategies to write unified, well-organized essays with arguable theses and persuasive support. B. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts and sources (primary and secondary). C. Integrate the ideas of others through paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting in appropriate documentation format. D. Demonstrate proofreading and editing techniques so that written work conforms to the conventions of standard, written, academic English. Required Texts and Supplies: The World Without Us, by Alan Weisman The Road, by Cormac McCarthy World War Z, by Max Brooks The Walking Dead Compendium One, by Robert Kirkman The Concise Wadsworth Handbook (3rd ed) by Laurie Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell (New copies of the handbook from the college bookstore come with an online access code to our Enhanced Insite course buying used means you will have to purchase the code separately!) Please purchase the editions available in the bookstore. It is important we all have the same editions, otherwise page numbers may be different. Blank Blue Books (8 x 11), for Journal Entries, available at the bookstore

Canal 2 Strongly Recommended Supplies: Readily available Internet and word processing access Print card if you are printing on campus (be sure to purchase the correct card for each facility) USB drive or similar device for saving your documents Any college-level dictionary and thesaurus Course Requirements: Reading assignments Reading Journal 4 essays 1 library research project 1 group project Final exam (in class essay) Attendance

According to the Merced College Course Outline, all English 1A students are required to read no fewer than 900 pages per semester and to write approximately 8,000 graded words (with a minimum of 6,000 words of formal writing) per semester. Subsequently, students are expected to approach the course with a high degree of scholarly professionalism. As a transfer-level class, this course offers a glimpse of the level of effort that will be required for the rest of your academic career. Participation in group and class activities is mandatory; this course requires you to be an active student. If it is clear you have not completed work before group or class discussions, you may be asked to leave rather than earn participation points based on preparatory assignments you did not complete. Grading Policy: Your grade is based on the number of points you earn during the semester. These points are converted into a percentage: 100-90% is an A; 89-80% is a B; 79-70% is a C; 69-60% is a D; anything lower than 60% is an F. Your total points break down as follows: 10 Reading Journals 4 essays Library research project Group project Final exam (in class essay) 5 Reading Quizzes Attendance/Participation Total 50 (5 each) 80 (20 each) 30 30 40 25 (5 pts each) 20 275

Canal 3 Projects: Your essays will be supplemented with an individual library research project and a group project presentation. Active attention will be necessary to keep on top of your numerous assignments, and as these may be the first projects of their kind you have attempted, copious notes and annotations are encouraged. These projects will be addressed as they approach but early preparation is helpful. Essay Assignments: Essay assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the due date. Turning in a late paper will result in a substantially lowered grade on that essay assignment. All papers must be typed and double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides. All papers must conform to MLA standards. When formatting your works cited page, use easybib.com or an online formatting tool of your choice. Please staple your papers; do not use plastic covers or folders. In addition to submitting a paper copy of your final drafts, an electronic copy must be submitted to Enhanced Insite as well. Without this electronic submission, a draft will earn zero points. This online tool allows the instructor to check for plagiarism and offers myriad tools for students. Rough and Final Drafts: This class operates on the philosophy that a writer learns to improve his/her writing though drafting, giving and receiving feedback, revising, and editing. Each essay that you write will require a rough draft, which will be analyzed by your peers and then by the instructor. You will use the given suggestions to improve your essay before you turn it in as a final draft. Failure to turn in a rough draft with the required peer review will result in a point deduction. When turning in the final draft, include both your rough draft and peer review. Two essays may be rewritten, the first essay and the second. You will have one week from the day that I turn your essay back to you to rewrite it for a higher grade. This is voluntary on your part; if you are satisfied with the grade you receive, you do not have to re-write the essay. A Note On Research: All essays written will require the use of academic research. We will be working with the librarians to learn what outside sources are acceptable for research based papers. In general, students should use scholarly sources that have gone through an editing review. All print sources and databases in the Merced College Library are good examples of academic sources. Do not use Wikipedia, Sparknotes, or dictionaries as academic research. These types of sources will not be accepted. Reading Journal: Journal entries are required for each day reading is due. The minimum length is one page, front and back, in a Blue Book. Entries will be signed by the instructor at the beginning of class. Please note, these journals are not private, and they may be shared with the class and instructor. Late journals are not accepted. In addition to serving as a base for class discussion and a continuous preparation for essays,

Canal 4 your journal is also an attendance record. This journal will be turned in for a grade at the end of the semester. Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are considered academic dishonesty. I will follow the academic dishonesty procedure as established by the Merced College Faculty Senate. This policy can be found in the campus catalogue and on the Merced College website. Attendance, Collegiate Behavior and Common Courtesy: Attendance is mandatory. If you do not attend class, you cannot do well. I take roll every day at the beginning of class, which means it is in your best interest to be in class on time. Students with excessive absences (five or more) may be submitted for a course drop. Everyone deserves a fair chance to study and learn in an atmosphere that is relatively free from distractions; therefore, before you enter the classroom please turn off and put away cell phones, iPods, headphones, and all other personal electronic equipment that can cause disruption. During discussion, students should listen respectfully, both to other students and to the instructor. Use of cellular devices is limited strictly to emergency use only. Texting during class will not be tolerated. In addition, persons not enrolled in the class should not be in the classroom. Disabled Student Services: If you have a verified physical, medical, psychological, or learning disability or perhaps you feel you may have one of these disabilities which impacts your ability to carry out assigned coursework, please contact the Disabled Students Services (DSS) office. DSS staff will review your needs and determine what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. DSS is located in the Lesher Student Services Bldg. Room 234, phone 384-6155. This syllabus is subject to change at the professors discretion.

Canal 5 ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE This schedule is subject to change Week 1 English 1A The World Without Us Mon, Aug. 12: Tues, Aug 13: Wed, Aug. 14: A Lingering Scent of Eden, Unbuilding Our Home, The City Without Us, Thurs, Aug 15: The Lost Menagerie, What Falls Apart, Journal #1 Due 2 The World Without Us Mon, Aug. 19: What Lasts, Polymers are Forever, The Petro Patch, Tues, Aug 20: Wed, Aug. 21: The World Without Farms, The World Without War, Thurs, Aug. 22: Journal #2 Due 3 The World Without Us Mon, Aug. 26: Our Geologic Record, Where Do We Go from Here? Tues, Aug. 27: Rough Draft Essay #1 Due Wed, Aug. 28: Art Beyond Us Thu, Aug. 29: Final Draft Essay #1 Due (REWRITE OPTION AVAILABLE) + Electronic Submission to Enhanced Insite 4 World War Z Mon, Sept. 2: Holiday Tues, Sept. 3: Pages 1-54 Wed, Sept. 4: Journal #3 Due. Thu, Sept. 5: Pages 54-111 5 World War Z Mon, Sept. 9: Pages 111-159 Tue, Sept. 10: Wed, Sept. 11: Pages 159-216 Thu, Sept. 12: Journal #4 Due 6 World War Z Mon, Sept. 16: Pages 216-264 Tue, Sept. 17: Wed, Sept. 18: 264-292

Canal 6 Thu, Sept. 19: 7 World War Z Mon, Sept. 23: Rough Draft Essay #2 Due Tue, Sept. 24: 292-end Wed, Sept. 25: Thu, Sept. 26: Final Draft Essay #2 Due (REWRITE OPTION AVAILABLE) + Electronic Submission to Enhanced Insite 8 The Road Mon, Sept. 30: 1-50. Meet in Library for Research Project Assignment Tue, Oct. 1: Wed, Oct. 2: 50-100 Thu, Oct. 3: Journal #5 Due 9 The Road Mon, Oct. 7: 100-150 Tue, Oct. 8: Wed, Oct. 9: 150-200 Thu, Oct. 10: Journal #6 Due 10 The Road / World War Z Compare and Contrast Mon, Oct. 14: Tue, Oct. 15: Library Research Project Due Wed, Oct. 16: Thu, Oct. 17: 200-250 11 The Road / World War Z Compare and Contrast Mon, Oct. 21: Rough Draft Essay #3 Due Tue, Oct. 22: 250-end Wed, Oct. 23: Thu, Oct. 24: Final Draft Essay #3 Due + Electronic Submission to Enhanced Insite 12 The Walking Dead/Group Project Mon, Oct. 28: Group Project Assigned Tue, Oct. 29: It never should be, son. It never should be. Wed, Oct. 30: Thu, Oct. 31: Its perfect. Were home. Journal #7 Due

Canal 7 13 The Walking Dead/Group Project Mon, Nov. 4: Tue, Nov. 5: Get the f@$# out of my house. Group Project Proposal Due Wed, Nov. 6: Thu, Nov. 7: We ARE the walking dead. 14 The Walking Dead/Group Project Mon, Nov. 11: Holiday Tue, Nov. 12: Nowits only a matter of time. Wed, Nov. 13: Journal #8 Due Thu, Nov. 14: Were ready for them. 15 The Walking Dead/Group Project Presentations Mon, Nov. 18: Group Projects and Related Materials Due Tue, Nov. 19: Kill them all! Wed, Nov. 20: Journal #9 Due Thu, Nov. 21: To be continued 16 The Walking Dead Mon, Nov. 25: Tue, Nov. 26: Rough Draft Essay #4 Wed, Nov. 27: Holiday Thu, Nov. 28: Holiday 17 The Walking Dead Mon, Dec. 2: Tue, Dec. 3: Final Draft Essay #4 + Electronic Submission to Enhanced Insite Wed, Dec. 4 Thurs, Dec. 5: Last Day of Instruction, Journal #10 Due 18 Final Exam: TBA

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