Illinois Valley Community College
The Division of English, Mathematics, and Education

Instructor: Kaushalya Jagasia

 Website: www2.ivcc.edu/jagasia Office: B 306 Phone: (815) 224-0210; Email: koshu_jagasia@ivcc.edu 

Office Hours:  Monday and Wednesday 2:30-4: 15, and Friday 12:00-2:00 (or by appointment).
 For office hour updates, check my website  and for class  cancellations visit IVCC > Cancellations and Closings

 Course Description:
English Composition I allows the student to study and apply rhetorical principles of writing in developing effective sentences, paragraphs, and essays, with particular emphasis on analyzing and writing expository prose. Students' essays will be based upon their readings of a variety of texts on various topics. The course includes the use of interactive word processing computer software.

Prerequisite: Appropriate score on English placement exam, or ACT subscore of 21, or successful completion of ENG 0900 or the individualized lab modules of ENG 0910, ENG 0911, and ENG 0912. In addition, Accuplacer reading exam score of 68 or higher, or ACT reading subscore of 23 or higher, or successful completion of RED 0900 or the individualized lab modules of RED 0910, RED 0911, and RED 0912. 

*Internationalized Section: This course is approved for the Emphasis in Global Studies Certificate.  If you are interested in learning more about the Certificate, please contact Coordinator of International/ Multi-Cultural Education, or visit the International Education Website.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Read a variety of texts with understanding and appreciation. Apply analytical and problem solving skills to personal, social, and professional issues and situations. Develop an awareness of the contributions made to civilization by the diverse cultures of the world, including those within our own society.
2. Understand invention as a part of the writing process.
3. Organize and develop ideas effectively and logically in essays.
4. Develop effective, logical and well-supported arguments.
5. Understand and use a variety of rhetorical methods for developing ideas. Communicate orally and in writing, socially and interpersonally. Work and study effectively both individually and in collaboration with others.
6. Maintain a consistent and appropriate viewpoint, tone, and voice.
7. Strengthen essays through revision process.
8. Write essays free of common stylistic weaknesses.

9. Write essays free of excessive errors.
10. Use word-processing software and the Internet to assist in the writing process.
11. Understand documentation and plagiarism.

Required Text and Technology:

v  Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers. Pocket Style Manual. 6^th ed. Boston: Bedford St. Martin, 2012. 

v  IVCC Style Book.

v  Kirszner, Laurie G and Stephen R. Mandell. Patterns for College Writing. 12^th Ed.  Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012.

v  Technology as required for the course. USB drive compatible to IVCC computers, Storage on U: Drive; Access to IVCC Student Email Account http://www.ivcc.edu/studenthelpdesk.aspx?id=16712

v  Access to IVCC Student Email Account http://www.ivcc.edu/studenthelpdesk.aspx?id=16712

Attendance Policy:
Consistent attendance is essential to learning. Students who arrive late or leave early will not be counted present. More than four absences, whether excused or unexcused, from the class may result in a lowered grade (10% of the final grade) and more than six absences in withdrawal from the course/ failure to meet the course requirements. If absent, the student is responsible for all assignments, for the material covered in class, and for collecting graded work from my office. Make prior arrangements for making up exams.  Assignments duly completed by you and received by me before the beginning of the class will not be counted late.

  Withdrawal Policy:
 The last date for student withdrawal is Thursday, November 8, 2012.  To withdraw from the course, contact your instructor or the Admissions Office to request a withdrawal. The instructor reserves the right to withdraw you from the course for not turning in assignments on time, absences, inconsistent participation, or undesirable classroom conduct.  Be aware of the impact of withdrawal on your financial aid and insurance.

Student Requirements and Course Evaluation:

Assessment Measure:

Course Projects 
Essays (Points 670):  

Essay 1     and Revision (Points 20, pages 4)

Essays 2   Comparison Contrast (Points 150, pages 3 ½)

Essay 3    Revision of Essay 2 (Points 150, pages 3 ½)

Essay 4    International Education (Points 150, pages 4 ½)

Essay 5    Persuasion (Points 200, pages 4 1½) 

 Process Work (230): Drafts for Peers Quizzes/ tests/homework/class work; Grammar Exam; Presentation; Final Exam   Total 900
Grading Scale: A 90-100%; B 80-89%; C 70-79%; D 60-69%; Failing less than 60%

Grades Available: In Blackboard  Review How to Log In

1.        There will be extensive reliance on lecture, discussions, reading and writing workshops, in-class and out-of-class writing assignments, assigned readings, library research, team work, presentations, computer-assisted programs, self, peer and instructor evaluations of student essays, learning logs, and student-teacher conferences. Additional readings will be assigned during the semester. Changes in the schedule of assignments, due dates, and schedule will be announced in class. 

2.       Evaluation of written work will follow standards for format, grading, and plagiarism. Refer to the IVCC Style Book  for details. In addition, refer to specific assignment instructions. Plagiarism has serious consequences, so if you borrow any information, ideas, or words from other source/s, the source/s must be clearly acknowledged in your writing to avoid a failing grade. 

 The student will:
a. read an assortment of fiction, creative non-fiction and text, understanding the author's meaning and purpose and appreciating the sound and sense of the author's writing.
b. review and achieve competency in the areas of grammar, syntax and style.
c. utilize the whole writing process in the development of expository essays; this includes being aware of the important difference between editing and revising, and how to address these concerns properly in individual writing assignments.
d. become familiar with the designated computer programs.
e. actively participate in class and in class related activities, including asking and answering thoughtful questions, writing response journals and learning logs, and participating in cooperative learning teams, presentations, conferences, etc.

      For email correspondence, use the IVCC student email account.   When emailing a copy of the essay to me, send it as Rich Text attachment, and carbon copy to yourself. On the subject line of the email, always mention your course number, section, and essay number. The printout must be submitted in a two-pocket folder, along with other required papers. Also, file one copy of the print-out in your binder.   

 

c. Each essay must be typed and must address the assigned topic.  You will write a rough draft for Essays 2-5 for peer review and discussion. The essay draft for peer review must meet all the requirements for the final essay; however, the length requirement will be less than the final draft, and the number of sources will differ.   Being present in class and participating   in peer review is a requirement for earning points for the draft. Additionally, you are welcome to bring your essay drafts or ideas to my office for my comments and a discussion.   Bring your graded paper to my office for a review within a week of paper being graded.

d. All work including the graded papers (with my comments) and grading sheets must be saved and filed in your portfolio until the end of semester.  In addition, print and maintain a copy of  Course projects grade sheet.
 

e. Your process work must be completed as per requirements, typed,  and be available in class for Writing Workshops as  the process work leads to the essays.

f. Submit all assignments - though doing so does not guarantee a passing grade. In the case of consistently below average writing (D or Failing level), I reserve the right to base your course grade solely upon the quality of your graded essays.

3. Requests regarding any special circumstances (like hospitalization, etc.)  must be given in writing along with proof. 

4.  Details of assignments, dates, and schedule will be announced in class. Create a team for class work. 

5. Follow the rules of classroom behavior, netiquette, and courteousness to all services on the campus. Use of cellular phones, iPods, Internet, email, and all electronic devices is prohibited, and the devices must be switched off before entering the classroom. 

 6.  IVCC offers many support services. A student with a cognitive, physical or psychiatric disability may request for support services and accommodations, such as extended test time, texts on tape, note-taking services, etc. by contacting counselors in B 204.  I urge you to participate in the Learning Commons (Writing Center, Computer Resource Center), Career Center, Global Emphasis activities, and community service. Discuss with me the possibility of extra credit points for participating in IVCC   services.

I value your feedback about your learning, my teaching, and our college.   Every class period provides an opportunity for participation, questions, answers, and comments. I hope you will be an active participant in your learning process and will enjoy the exciting world of learning at Illinois Valley Community College. Best to you for new beginnings and a bright future.