Friday, April 4, 2014

Prof Hendrickson's 101

ENA 101                                              Office Hours:            Monday      (3:30-5:30)
Spring 2014                                                                Wednesday (4:30-5:30)
J. Hendrickson                                                          You can request appointments on other days
jhendrickson@lagcc.cuny.edu                             Office: E200C                                               

Composition I: Issues in Social Justice

Overview
Welcome to College English!  We will be focusing on developing writing, reading, and critical thinking skills while exploring the meaning of social justice as it relates to issues of class, race, and gender in today’s society. 

Make no mistake – though much of our reading content will thematically relate to the abovementioned topic, the focus of this course will be sharpening your skills as a writer.  Thus, your time this semester will be spent sharpening your abilities in each area of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining your ideas to identifying, constructing, and supporting a viable thesis in the final draft.  Good writers also do not act alone.  Therefore, your participation – whether in reviewing a peer’s draft, contributing to group discussions, working together in or out of class in groups, or sharing your interpretation to text – will be essential to your success.

The course content will be will build upon previous ones.  Therefore, it will be imperative to keep up with reading assignments and information covered in class.  Please be sure to familiarize yourself with course policies regarding attendance and grading.  More than 95% of people who have done poorly in this class have done so because of poor attendance or not following directions. 

Above all, this course should be enjoyable, and I will do my best to make it so!

Goals:
·         Complete FIVE graded essays of varying lengths (in-class and take-home), including one research paper;
·         Demonstrate comprehension and aptitude in each stage of the writing process;
·         Understand audience, voice, purpose, and a variety of writing contexts
·         Gain experience in research skills, from source selection and integration to drafting and correct citation;
·         Sharpen skills in grammar, syntax, organization, and expression of the written word in standardized U.S. English.

Requirements:
1. Adherence to the class schedule is required. Be attentive in and prepared on the days of class. Complete all graded assignments.  If you do not do so, you will not pass the course.   

1.  Students are expected to attend every class meeting on time, to have read and be prepared to discuss the materials, and to actively engage one another while making direct reference to readings. If an emergency arises and you are unable to attend class notify the instructor in writing as soon as possible.  Similarly if you are unable to attend class due to a university commitment, religious observance, or military commitment, it is your responsibility to inform the instructor in writing in advance.

2. Do not plagiarize.  All University rules governing plagiarism must be observed. Please review the University’s Academic Honesty Policy at http://library.laguardia.edu/files/pdf/academicintegritypolicy.pdf

3. Attendance: By mandate of the English Department, more than four hours of unexcused absence is grounds for failing the course.  This means if you miss two sessions, you cannot miss any more.  Attendance is taken each time we meet.

4. BRING READINGS WITH YOU TO CLASS.  When you do not, I take note and it affects your participation.

5. Respect.  This classroom is a safe space to share ideas and learn from one another.  Many of the course materials and topics of discussion are controversial and/or provocative. Students are expected to be respectful of the instructor, any guests, and fellow classmates. Open and respectful debate is encouraged, but disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

6. Please adjust your chairs so that we are sitting in a “U” before class.  (Thanks!)

7. IMPORTANT: IN ADDITION TO YOUR OBLIGATION TO FULFILL ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF COLLEGE ENGLISH, YOU ALSO MUST PASS THE CAT-W IN ORDER TO MOVE ON TO ENG 102.  Please read separate handouts regarding the CAT-W exam, its expectations, and the dates you are eligible to take it.  You may take it up to TWO times this semester. 


Electronics Policy:
- YOU MAY bring a laptop or tablet to class for academic purposes.  With that in mind, I reserve the right to ask you to email me your class notes for a particular session at any given time.  Failure to email these notes if called upon will negatively impact your participation grade. 

- Do not use your cell phone to text in class.  Save your daytime minutes and your data plan for the other hours of the day. And if they are unlimited, just know that your professor’s patience is not.  This, too, will adversely affect your participation grade. If you need to use your phone, you may briefly excuse yourself from class.

Late Policy:
Paper deadlines will be at midnight.  PLAN AHEAD FOR THIS.  I give a five-minute “grace” period.  AFTER THIS, (e.g. 12:05am), the following late policy goes into effect:

·         *Within one week of due date, the highest grade possible: A-, or 92% of the original pt value
·         *Within two weeks of due date the highest grade possible is a B- (82% of the original pt value)
·         *Within three weeks of the due date, the highest grade possible is a C- (72%)
·         After three weeks, the highest grade possible is 62% of the point value.

YOU SHOULD STILL TURN IN LATE PAPERS.  There is a big difference between a D- and a ZERO.

Rewrite Policy
Should you opt to rewrite a paper, keep this in mind: REWRITES MUST BE SUBSTANTIAL REWORKINGS OF THE ORIGINAL PAPER.  Only grades of “B” and below can be rewritten.  Only Paper #2 and the research paper are eligible for a rewrite.

To be fair to those who submitted work on time and/or initially received a higher grade, the maximum amount of points you may earn on a rewrite is 75% of the difference between your current grade and an A+. 


Grading
Structured Outline #1:                                5 points
Paper #1:                                                       10 points
Paper #2 (final draft of paper #1):                        15 points
In-Class Midterm Exam:                             15 points
Annotated Bibliography:                           10 points
Structured Outline #2:                                5 points
Research Paper:                                          20 points
Participation:                                                            10 points
Final Paper:                                                   10 points

Grade Breakdown
A- to A+ (90-100): Exemplary work. Follows all directions. Shows sophisticated original and critical thought; demonstrates strong grasp of academic writing (i.e. clear, compelling thesis statement with abundant, diverse, properly cited and integrated references; cleverly articulated ideas; strong grasp of main ideas of reading with exceptional critical eye). Proofread and polished; goes above and beyond requirements for assignment. Minimal improvements needed.  Effective transitions and paragraph organization. 
B- to B+ (80-89.9): Very good work. Follows all directions. Good to strong grasp of main ideas, but lacking original thought.  Clearly articulated thesis statement, but not original.  Thesis satisfactorily supported.  References adequate, possibly lacking proper citation. Minimal (but satisfactory) number of different sources and textual references (if applicable). Not many grammatical or mechanical errors, but enough to compromise the clarity of the overall argument.  Usually, relatively weak transitions and/or opening sentences to paragraphs.
C- to C+: (70-79.9) Satisfactory or adequate work. Follows all directions. Fulfills all requirements of assignment. Limited to no original contributions; Bare minimum of sources used (if applicable). Thesis statement is missing or incoherent.  Choppy support of thesis, if present.  Shows adequate to solid grasp of material, but needs improvement in implementing material with concepts or ideas. Some serious grammatical and/or mechanical errors; okay, but lacking the lucidity of a “B” grade. 
D- to D+: (60-69) Work in need of significant improvement. Key aspects of assignment not addressed; choppy, unclear, unfocused; serious problems with thesis statement (if present). Material not fully grasped; sources missing or poorly implemented. Inexcusable number of grammatical and/or mechanical errors; difficult to comprehend.  Thesis not supported or not present.  RE-WRITE MANDATORY.
F (less than 60): Unsatisfactory work. RE-WRITE MANDATORY.

BOOKS:          STARTING ~MARCH 14TH your Course-Packet (less than $20) can be obtained by going to NEKOPRINT in the basement of the B-Building.  Simply ask for the course packet for ENG 101 (Hendrickson).  The B-Building is directly across the C-Building on Thomson Avenue.

Notes:
·         IF YOU ARE ABSENT, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING OUT WHAT WAS COVERED IN CLASS.  Please make it a point to obtain the contact information of a reliable peer in class.  You should feel free to contact the professor with any questions except those that can be easily answered by contacting a peer.
·         Your papers (with the exception of the in-class midterm) and ALL assignments will be typed and submitted electronically, via BLACKBOARD, unless otherwise noted.  You will learn how to submit your papers via SAFEASSIGN during the course.
·         THIS COURSE RELIES HEAVILY ON EMAIL AND BLACKBOARD.  It is your responsibility to check for updates and announcements daily.
Resources:

·         The Writing Center.  PLEASE make use of the writing center!  This wonderful resource is available to you at the beginning of each class period during the day in B-200.  Simply show up at the beginning of the period and select a tutor.  You may go there at any stage of the writing process – brainstorming, pre-writing, reviewing a draft, or outlining.  This is for writers of ALL skill levels!
·         Office for Students with Disabilities: Academic accommodations are granted for all students who have documented physical or learning disabilities.   Please visit M-102 and register or meet with a specialist if you have any learning needs.  For more information, please go to M-102 or visit http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/osd/
·         Financial Aid & Registrar: C-107
·         Questions about BlackBoard? GO TO B-333 or visit: http://www.laguardia.edu/ISMD/BlackBoard/Contact_Us/
LaGuardia has resources for tutoring, finances, counseling, and other innovative programs for parents, veterans, and the like..  Click on the links below (hold on the “Ctrl” key or the Apple key for Macs)

Statement on Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is strictly forbidden.  (We will learn extensively about what constitutes plagiarism in this class)  If you have any questions or doubts about what constitutes plagiarism, ask before you turn in your work. Please be aware that any violation of the Honor Code – be it intentional or unintentional is grounds for failing an assignment, failing the course, and/or expulsion from the school.  It is a major offense and can be a permanent mark on your transcript.  Please visit http://library.laguardia.edu/files/pdf/academicintegritypolicy.pdf for more information.

Course Schedule will be finalized after reviewing your first in-class assignment, this upcoming Wednesday, March 3rd.  You can expect a finalized schedule of readings and assignments by Friday, March 14th

“WHEW THAT WAS LONG.  What should I remember?”

Everything.  But here are some things that are immediately necessary to know NOW.

·         You need BlackBoard.  If you cannot log in, go to B-333 for help.
·         You can only miss two classes with unexcused absences.  Anything after that is dangerous territory.
·         You have five papers.  You must complete each assignment. Turn it in, even if it is very late.
·         We will not be using a textbook.  I am putting together a course pack to save you some cash.
·         Your course pack will be ready at the end of next week (hopefully).  It will cost about $20 or less.  You will pick it up at NEKOPRINT in the basement of the B-Building.
·         Plagiarism leads to a “0” on the paper, or failing the entire course, or being expelled from LaGuardia.
·         Come prepared.  I DO GIVE QUIZZES, especially when people begin showing up late!
·         Bring the reading assignment to class, or face the consequences.
·         If you need to use the phone that badly, step out.  DO NOT text in class.
·         KEEP SOMEONE’S CONTACT INFO FROM CLASS.  If absent, DO NOT email the professor to find out what you missed.  Email your peer(s).

Course Schedule
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
MATERIAL TO BE COVERED IN THE SECOND PORTION OF CLASS (ENA) APPEARS IN BLUE.  Please pay attention to Blackboard for updates and notifications for relevant assignments.

Week 1:         Mar 2-8
Monday          Intro to Course         

Wednesday    Diagnostic Exam


Week 2:         Mar 9-15
Introduction to Concepts: Patriarchy, Masculinity                                            EQUITABLE HOUSING
Monday:         Spike Lee, “Gentrification… readings…
                        Intro to Cat-W Expectations

*Wednesday:   Outlining Your Paper
Creating a Thesis, Mapping an Outline.
                        Thesis workshopping

*For Next Wednesday, you should come prepared with a working thesis and framing sentences
*

Week 3:         Mar 16-22                                                                            INTRODUCTION TO RACE
Monday:         Lorde, “There is No Hierarchy of Oppression,”
Jindal, “The End of Race”
Muder,  “What Should Racism Mean?”      
Harvey, “For White Kids” (Like Me): On White Kids”
                        Identifying Main Points

Wednesday    Reading Reviews + Integrating Sources Effectively + outline format
                        Identifying Main Points (Cont’d)

FRIDAY AT MIDNIGHT: OUTLINE DUE

Week 4:         Mar 23-29                                                                            ACCESS TO EDUCATION
Monday          Carnevale, “College Is Still Worth It”
 Vedder, “For Many, College Isn’t Worth It”
“The Rising Cost of Not Going to College”
SYLLABUS QUIZ DUE BY MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT
                        Putting it all together: Drafting an outline

Wednesday:   Properly integrating sources (continued) + Citation & Plagiarism
                        Workshop: Effective quote integration


SUNDAY (Midnight): PAPER#1 DUE
Week 5:         Mar 30-Apr 5                                                                                   MASS INCARCERATION
Monday          Editorial: “Stop and Frisk Is Fair”
Editorial: “More Disclosures About Stop and Frisk”
Davis, “Masked Racism” Prison Industrial Complex…
                        Greenbaum, “Restore Voting Rights to Ex-Felons”
                        Timed Cat-W Practice Test

Wednesday:    MLA formatting
                        Addressing Common Grammar Mistakes

Week 6:         Apr 6-12                                                                                MASS INCARCERATION
Monday:         CONFERENCES / Video: The House I Live In
                        “The Private Prison Racket”
                        Individualized Review of CAT-W test + Paper #1

Wednesday:   CONFERENCES /Video: The Central Park Five
                        Flatow, “Ten Ways Criminal Justice is One of the Great Civil Rights Crises…”
                                    Individualized Review of Papers (cont.)

Week 7:         Apr 13-19                                                                             INTRO TO GENDER
SUNDAY: Paper #2 DUE

READ THE FOLLOWING OVER BREAK:
Coontz, “How Can We Help Men? By Helping Women”
Knowles-Carter, “Gender Equality Is a Myth”
“As Gender Roles Change, Are Men Out of Step?”
“We Should All Be Feminists”

Monday          SPRING BREAK START THINKING ABOUT A RESEARCH TOPIC          
Wednesday    SPRING BREAK START THINKING ABOUT A RESEARCH TOPIC
 
Week 8:         Apr 20-26                                                                             INTRO TO GENDER
Monday          NO CLASS

Wednesday    Quick discussion of readings + Common paper mistakes… Library session? (TBA) 
                        Workshopping of Research Paper Ideas / Research Paper Q & A

Week 9:         Apr 27-May 3    MAY 2ND IS THE LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITH A “W”
Monday          Review + Annotated Bibliographies
                        CAT-W Practice Test

Wednesday    MIDTERM

Week 10:      May 4-10
Monday          Rebolini, “8 Reasons a Catcall Is Not a Compliment”
                        “The War on Women”
Eato, “Lawyers: Gay Marriage a Detriment to Children”
Research Paper: Thesis Workshopping

Wednesday    Grammar and Mechanics Brush Up
                        Grammar Brush-Up continued

FRIDAY: THESIS + ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE

Week 11:      May 11-17
Monday:         “I’m the Duke University Freshman Porn Star and for the First Time…”
                         “The “F”s We Give F’s About”
                        “Opportunity Knox: The Duke Porn Star Makes a Feminist Case for Her Career…”
Wednesday:    Grammar and Mechanics II
                        Grammar and Mechanics continued

SUNDAY: RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE DUE
Week 12:      May 18-24
Monday          Peer Review of outlines (BRING TWO COPIES)
                        Peer Review Continued

Wednesday    Open Research Day + Meetings
                        Individualized Conferences

Week 13:      May 25-May 31
Monday         MEMORIAL DAY – NO CLASS
Wednesday     “People’s Choice” Day – Review of Desired Topics



Week 14:      Jun 2-8
 
Monday          RESEARCH PAPER PEER REVIEW (Bring two copies with you to class)
                        Peer Review                       

Wednesday    Final Reflections + in class Paper #5
RESEARCH PAPER DUE THURSDAY


Week 15: Jun 9-15
Monday:        MANDATORY CONFERENCES

Wednesday:             MANDATORY CONFERENCES









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