IOWA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

COURSE SYLLABUS
Grinnell High School: Trimester 1, 2014

COURSE NUMBER: ENG 105 MGN

COURSE TITLE: English Composition I
COURSE MEETING, DATES & TIMES: Monday-Friday (most weeks),
times vary according to high school schedules
DEPARTMENT: English
SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3
REQUIRED MATERIALS: (bring to class daily)
: along with your laptop, you will need
two notebooks/paper: one for assignment completion and class
notes,
one for seed book entries
pens/pencils and sticky notes
pocket folder for handouts and an ongoing portfolio of your
work
class texts: The New Century Handbook and Patterns of
Exposition 16
: various literary works, including Fahrenheit-451, The
Stranger,
The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Night and Siddhartha
INSTRUCTOR: Rudolph
E-MAIL: bill.rudolph@grinnell-k12.org
BUILDING: Grinnell Senior High School
DATE SYLLUBUS WAS COMPLETED: FALL, 2014
DATE SYLLUBUS WAS LAST REVIEWED: FALL, 2013
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Written communication

using various rhetorical methods.

PREREQUISITIES: English 9A, English 9B, English 10,
American Literature A, American Literature B
COURSE DESIGN PRINCIPLES:
Principle 1: Writing skills are enhanced by good reading skills.
Because writers learn from other writers, exposure to effective
writing helps them determine characteristics of good writing.
Principle 2: Writing skills are enhanced by studying good writing.
The more writers read quality examples within the genre
in which they are working, the more they internalize
the often subtle techniques of effective writing in that form.
Principle 3: Writers can improve through practice, supported by individualized
feedback. Writers can improve their grasp of organization,
sentence structure, grammar, mechanics and other fundamentals
by applying these to authentic, mentored writing tasks.
Principle 4: There is no such thing as good writing. Only good rewriting
(attributed to Robert Graves and others). Most of the time,
the revision/re-thinking process is more beneficial for student
writers than any product they might create.
Principle 5: While good thinking is more important than proper presentation,
proper presentation is necessary for the thinking to be seen as
good.
QUALITY STANDARDS/Performance Objectives/Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. read critically and analyze a variety of prose works;
2. demonstrate an understanding of critical and rhetorical terminology,
applying these in original expository and argumentative
essays;
3. demonstrate knowledge of the writing process at the college level in
the following
ways: by performing the stages of the writing process; by
stating
a purpose for a writing assignment; by identifying the
audience;
by using style, tone, diction and grammar appropriate for
purpose
and audienceand by providing constructive feedback on

the essays
of fellow students;
4. write compositions using the main rhetorical methods of
development, including
the following: narrow general topics to controlling ideas;
develop
ideas by providing specific, concrete details; plan a logical
presentation of assertions, support, details, etc.; craft
essays
by arriving at effective structures, including effective
introductions,
transitions, and conclusions; combine the above in original,
unified,
multi-paragraph essays with minimal errors.
5. develop their ability to choose a suitable rhetorical strategy for a
given premise
and purpose, develop their personal writing process, and
develop
an effective writing voice for each essay.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND ASSIGNMENTS MATRIX:
Standa
rd

Exam Paper Presentation Project Demonstratio Observation Simulation Other

n

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TECHNOLOGY: Most courses require access to computers. The college

provides computing and networking resources to students on campus. You are
encouraged to use them for educational or college-related activities and to
facilitate efficient exchange of useful information. Use of equipment and
networks must conform with policies and procedures of the college and access

may be denied to any student who fails to comply with these requirements.
COLLEGE EMAIL: All students have access to a college email address at
http://outlook.com/iavalley.edu Students also have access to 7GB of storage space
and Microsoft Office software through https://login.live.com with your usual
username and password.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Although the college does not require you to attend
every class in order to pass your classes, you are accountable for your
performance of all the tasks necessary to fulfill the objectives of the course. A
part of that performance may occur in the classroom. Therefore your attendance
in class is necessary in order to meet the performance standards of the course.
The college calendar notes all the periods in which the college will meet,
including holidays and breaks. College classes will follow the college calendar at
all times, unless subsequently modified. To be successful in this course, it is
highly recommended that you spend 2 hours outside of class studying for each
hour of in-class work.
Cell phones: Cell phones and pagers must be turned off, kept out of sight,
and no text messaging during class.
BAD WEATHER: The administration strives to make weather-related decisions
regarding delays or closings by 6:00am for day classes and by 3:30pm for night
classes. Your best bet is to check KCCI (Channel 8) via the television or their
website, as this is the first station contacted. (Website at: www.kcci.com ). We also
contact radio stations, 99.5 FM and 1190 AM so tune in to one of them if youre in
your car. Also, you may call the college at (641)752-7106, where there should be
a message shortly after the decision is made. No matter whatyour safety
comes first, so make a responsible decision and contact your instructor if you
decide not to attend school. The college participates in a free Emergency
Notification System (ENS) and it is recommended that you sign up through
PawPass on the college website. Students can choose phone, text and/or email
messages to be sent in the event of a college closure or emergency.
COURSE CONTENT ADVISEMENT: This course addresses topics that may be
sensitive, offensive, and/or controversial. If you are uncomfortable with any topic
or the manner in which it is presented, please discuss your concerns with the
instructor or the Dean of Instruction.
GRADING AND EVALUATION:
Grade categories:
Five drafted and three revised essays using various rhetorical
methods,
including process evidence = 60%
Other writing assignments and critical reading assignments,

including
analyses of a variety of prose = 20%
Final examination = 20%
GRADING SCALE: 93% -100% = A
90% - 92% = A87% - 89% = B+
83% - 86% = B

80% - 82%
77% - 79%
73% - 76%
70% - 72%

=
=
=
=

BC+
C
C-

67% - 69%
63% - 66%
60% - 62%
59% & below

=
=
=
=

D+
D
DF

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Varies, depending upon purposes and students.

CLASS POLICIES:
As every assignment is important, I expect each student to turn in
every assignment. Late essay drafts will be deducted five
percent per class
period that they are late. Other assignments submitted one day
late will be
accepted for ten percent lower than they are assessed; after
that, non-essay
assignments will be worth 50 percent of their graded valueand
will be
accepted only until the final draft of the next essay is due.
Because higher education requires that students adhere to accepted
standards
of academic integritycheating, plagiarism, abuse of academic
materials, complicity in academic dishonesty and comparable
violations will not be tolerated. A first offense will result, at the
very least, in the student receiving
a zero on the assignment; subsequent offenses (and unique
situations)
will be handled more severely at the discretion of the teacher
and in accordance with the codes of the educational
institution(s).
Because everyone is deserving of respect, I expect students to use
common sense
and common courtesy; this includes consistently thoughtful
language.

 As everyone is responsible for his or her own education, I expect

students to do
their best, respecting themselves enough to care about the
quality of his
or her work.
Because no one has the privilege to interfere with the education of
anyone else,
I expect students to refrain from distracting behavior.
Because attitude can make a difference, I expect students to be
cooperative,
receptive and positiveincluding constructively participating in
discussions
and willingly sharing their written attempts.
As class time is valuable, I expect students to be present and prompt
(This will insure time in class to begin assignments and ask
questions).
As most assignments require time outside of class to complete, I
expect students
who have questions regarding assignments to come to my room
for
assistanceduring my planning period, during e-squared, or
after school.

I EXPECT EVERYONE IN THE CLASSROOM TO HELP ENSURE

THAT EVERYONE ELSE FEELS GOOD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS HERE.
Academic Integrity: The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to
accepted standards of academic integrity. The Code of Academic Conduct for Iowa
Valley Community College District is found in the Student Handbook Violations include
cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in
academic dishonesty, falsification of records and official documents.
Plagiarism/academic dishonesty: is a serious violation of MCC's Student Conduct Code.
Instructors handle violations in various ways, but you should be aware that further
administrative disciplinary actions may be taken, up to and including course failure and
expulsion from college. Please learn about plagiarism and how to properly cite others
work.
Consequences:

Please refer to student handbook and the college catalog for all in-depth college
policies and procedures which are available on the MCC website.
SMOKEFREE AIR ACT: IVCCD complies with Iowas Smokefree Air Act of 2008. In
conjunction with this, the IVCCD Board of Directors prohibits the use of tobacco in any
form on its grounds or in any of its facilities or vehicles. This includes personal vehicles
owned or operated by students while on school grounds. Civil penalties can be
assessed to those found in violation of this regulation. To register a complaint, contact a
District official or the Iowa Department of Public Health at 1-888-944-2247 or visit
www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov.
DISABILITIES STATEMENT: Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD)
understands its responsibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to make
reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact Martha
Schwandt (641.751.7102, Ext. 5769 or Martha.schwandt@iavalley.edu) if you have
learning issues related to a physical or mental impairment.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER (SSC) (Rooms 410-412) is designed to provide
additional support for students who need help reaching their academic goals. The SSC
provides peer tutoring at no cost to the student. In addition, computers, math and writing
assistance are available. The SSC is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday while classes are in session.
DROP/ADD POLICY: If the change (adding or dropping a class, changing from credit to
audit or audit to credit) is made within the first 5 days of a full, 16-week semester, there
is no charge for making a change. Changes made during and after the second week of a
full, 16-week semester (or the first day of a summer session course) will be listed on the
student's transcript with the grade "W" (withdrew).
Charges are assessed for changes in registration after the first five days of classes
during a full, 16-week semester (second week of class). Charges for withdrawal during
summer, special sessions, or condensed sessions will be charged as of the second day
of class. Failure to "change registration" officially in the Registrar's Office will result in a
grade of "F" recorded on the student's transcript for that class or classes. Refunds are
based upon the date of official withdraw from classes, not upon the last date of
attendance. Additional information regarding refunds of tuition after dropping classes and
the actual refund schedule can be found under "Tuition Refund Policy" in the catalog.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY: To officially withdraw from one or more courses
without academic penalty, a student must submit a drop/add form to the Registrars
Office located in Student Services. A $5 service fee is assessed for individual course
withdrawals. A student who stops going to class without officially withdrawing will earn an
"F."

SCHEDULE and GRADING

Composition I

for Writing portion of

(writing elements make up 60 percent of the total course

grade)
Seedbook Entries = ~40 points
Revision Reflections = 27 points
Other Essay-related writings = ~20 points

EXAMPLE ESSAY (#1)

1st Draft #1 = 50 points
Revision of Essay #1 = 100 points

Friday 9/19/2014
**

Begin planning argumentative/persuasive essay

Novella discussion #1 (~1/3 completed)

Monday 9/29

CLASSIFICATION ESSAY (#2)

1st Draft #2 = 75 points
Revision of Essay #2 = 75 points

Friday 10/3*
**

Novella discussion #2 (~2/3 completed), including

Thursday 10/9
excerpts & objective close reading questions

ANALOGY or DEFINITION ESSAY (#3)

1st Draft #3 = 100 points
Revision of Essay #3 = 50 points

Friday 10/17*
**

Independent novella EXAM opportunity #1

Monday

Novella discussion #3 (novella completed)

Friday 10/24

Independent novella EXAM opportunity #2

Monday

10/20***

10/27

ARGUMENTATIVE / PERSUASIVE ESSAY (#4)

1st/Final Draft #4 = 100 points

Friday

10/31*
NO Revision of Essay #4

SATIRICAL ESSAY (#5)

1st/Final Draft #4 = 50 points

Monday

11/10
NO Revision of Essay #5

Final Exam (Part 1)

Wednesday

11/12

Final Exam (Part 2)

11/13

Thursday

* students will earn 5% extra credit for Friday submission of middle

three essay drafts; submissions of drafts on the following Monday will not be
considered late
** each revision is due one week after 1st draft is returned
*** required testing date for students who are reading two novellas
and/or are intending to use their novella within their argumentative essay