Metropolitan Community College

Class Syllabus Fall Quarter 2016

CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
English Composition I
PREFIX/SECTION:
ENGL 1010 WB
CREDIT HOURS:
4.5
CLASS BEGINS:
9/6
CLASS ENDS:
11/21
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
11/7
CLASS LOCATION:
Online through Blackboard
at http://blackboard.mccneb.edu/. Students enrolled in online and hybrid classes are
required to check and use MCC Student Email (https://portal.microsoftonline.com)
for all official course correspondence. To ensure the instructor receives and can
promptly respond to emails, students should compose and send messages from
within the Blackboard course.
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
Chad Jorgensen
OFFICE LOCATION:
SOC CON 233
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
531-622-4707
TOLL-FREE NUMBER:
1-800-228-9553 (Use only during instructor's MCC office
hours. Identify yourself as an online student and give the operator your instructor's
office number.)
OFFICE HOURS:
Tuesday & Thursday 9-12
EMAIL ADDRESS:
cjorgensen@mccneb.edu. Students enrolled in online and
hybrid classes are required to check and use MCC Student Email
(https://portal.microsoftonline.com) for all official course correspondence. To ensure
the instructor receives and can promptly respond to emails, students should
compose and send messages from within the Blackboard course.
ACADEMIC AREA:
English, English as a Second Language, and Reading
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students develop rhetorical knowledge; practice critical reading, thinking, and
writing; and use a writing process to draft, revise, and edit texts in a variety of
genres with an emphasis on thesis-driven essays.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
1000-Level Writing Assessment Test Score or English 0960; 1000-Level Reading
Assessment Test Score or RDLS 0100.

MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS:

In the online setting, students should also be able to do the following:

use MCC Student Email with attachments

save files to and retrieve from a local drive
save files in commonly used word processing program formats
copy and paste
identify and use a compatible web browser
identify and install necessary updates
install and use course-specific software programs

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Exhibit rhetorical knowledge
2. Think, read, and write critically
3. Use a writing process
4. Exhibit knowledge of conventions
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Required Textbook: Writing Today, 3rd ed., with MLA 2016 updates, by JohnsonSheehan and Paine
Supplementary Materials:
College dictionary and thesaurus
Microsoft Word highly encouraged
Textbooks and other print materials can be purchased through the campus
bookstores and online (www.efollet.com).
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS:
The computer you use for MCC online courses must be able to run one of the
Blackboard-compatible web browsers listed on the Browser Support
Page: http://www.mccneb.edu/online/browsers.asp.
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard
software and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed
documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your
software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Online courses are equivalent to traditionally taught college courses and meet the
same criteria for academic rigor and qualified faculty. Students complete the course
by reading the text, completing online assignments and communicating with

instructors via discussion, assignments, and e-mail. Students also will interact with
other students through the use of Blackboards Discussion tools.

In the first few days of class, students should familiarize themselves with how the
Blackboard system works and how to navigate through the class. Students can find
tutorials explaining how to use the Blackboard system on the Blackboard
homepage. To learn how to navigate through this course, a good place to begin is
the 'Start Here' document in the 'Lessons' link on the left side of course
screen. Information about course objectives, instructor and student expectations,
assignments, grading scale, etc. is located in the course syllabus. Students should
read through the syllabus thoroughly and email their instructor with any questions
they have.
Students should use the links on the left side of the course screen to locate the
course Lessons, taking particular note of the syllabus, lecture sections, drop boxes,
discussion boards, calendar, and communication links. When working through each
weeks Module, students should be sure to read through all pages of the Module
lesson so as not to miss any assignments or discussions. All discussion and
assignment due dates can also be found in the course Calendar.
If there are any signs that the online class format will not work for you and/or your
computer abilities, you are strongly encouraged to re-enroll in an on-campus version
of ENGL 1010.
RESPONSE TIME:
Faculty will respond within 48 hours, Monday through Friday, to student emails
concerning course content, learning activities, and private matters appropriate for
discussion within the teacher-student relationship. Posting of feedback and grades
for major assignments is addressed under Assessment of Student Work.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
Students are expected to complete all reading assignments (both online and in the
text), learning activities, discussion board postings, and essay assignments. Writing
assignments will be assessed, at least in part, according to criteria established for
each writing project. The instructor will assess the quality of the students writing
(including revision, editing, and proofreading), learning activity assignments, and
contributions to discussions.
Feedback on writing assignments will be returned to the students as quickly as
possible, but may require as much as two weeks. The students should not wait for
this feedback, but should continue working on the next reading and writing
assignments to ensure that course time guidelines are followed.

The final grade will be based on the following:

Module 1: Introduction to Class

35 points

Discussion (5 points)

Writing Reflection (10 points)

Reading Response (20 points)

Unit 1: Profiles
195 points

2 Discussions (10 points)

Profile Planning Assignment (15 points)

Profile Reading Response (15 points)

Profile Rough Draft`(25 points)

2 Peer Reviews (20 points)

Profile Final Draft (100 points)

Writing Reflection (10 points)

Unit 2: Position Paper

200 points

2 Discussions (15 points)

Position Paper Planning Assignment (15 points)

Position Paper Reading Response (15 points)

Position Paper Rough Draft`(25 points)

2 Peer Reviews (20 points)

Position Paper Final Draft (100 points)

Writing Reflection (10 points)

Unit 3: Evaluation
200 points

2 Discussions (15 points)

Evaluation Planning Assignment (15 points)

Evaluation Reading Response (15 points)

Evaluation Rough Draft`(25 points)

GRADING POLICY:
2 Peer Reviews (20 points)
Final grades will be computed based on a percentage of total points earned during
the term as follows:
A = 100%-90%
60%

B = 89%-80%

C = 79%-70%

D = 69%-60%

F = Below

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:

Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of
teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For
example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases,
tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with
faculty and used for assessment purposes.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Due dates for assignments are clearly set (see Calendar for all due dates). Late
assignments must be e-mailed directly to the instructor and will receive a 10%
reduction in grade for each calendar day past the deadline. Assignments turned in
later than 7 days past the deadline will receive a zero grade. The final project of the
quarter must be turned in on time to be acceptedno grace period is possible
because of instructor deadlines for grades due to the Records Office.

Each Module's Discussion board is accessible only during that Module's week.
Discussion posts and responses must be completed during their assigned Module
(see Calendar for all due dates), and late posts are not allowed. Failure to
complete a Discussion during its assigned Module will result in a zero for that
Module's Discussion grade.
MAINTENANCE OF STUDENT RECORDS
Because this is an online course, student records will be maintained by the
instructor through Blackboard. This means that grades will be maintained on-line
and will be accessible to students as soon as assignments have been graded in the
My Grades feature of Blackboard. The instructor will keep a record of grades for
one year.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student
gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be
required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The
institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the
written consent of the student(s).
INSTRUCTORS EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
The success of the class, because of the way it is structured, is determined by
regularly logging in to the class, communicating with your instructor with your
questions and concerns, participating in group discussions, and submitting all
assignments on time. It is to your benefit to log in several times a week, check the
course announcements for updates, read the lecture notes and learning activities,
and post regularly to the discussions.
To confirm each students eligibility to remain registered for the class, the instructor
will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census
Date. Students in this section of ENGL 1010 must participate in a class
activity by 9/12.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student
Conduct Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/CourseCatalog/Student-Services/Student-Conduct), which calls for responsible and
cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but
also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain
the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review
information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette.

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:

Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be
subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided
on the library website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In
response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-topeer file sharing, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include
receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the
College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the
Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/getattachment/AboutMCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.aspx
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw
through My Services on the MCC My Way portal at http://myway.mccneb.edu/ or by
calling Central Registration at 531-622-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially
withdraw will result in a failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the
CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer
friendly, supportive learning environments that can help students achieve
educational success. Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance
with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computerassisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second
Language, and online course orientation is also available. Detailed information
about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way portal,
the College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/ltc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for
persons with documented qualifying disabilities. It is the students responsibility to
request accommodations from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each
Student Services Office. After students have arranged for accommodations with
DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss these accommodations. For
further information, please contact DSS or visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in
admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of
employees.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.

If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page,
refer to Getting Started Online
at http://www.mccneb.edu/elearning/orientation.asp.

If you are unable to solve the problem,

email BlackboardSupport@mccneb.edu or call 531-622-2834

For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC
technology, contact the Help Desk at 531-622-2900
or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer
systems and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set
forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on
Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as
a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures
Memorandum may be found at the following website:
https://www.mccneb.edu/getattachment/About-MCC-Nebraska/AboutMCC/Procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.aspx
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning
activities, and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the
right to modify this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications
will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform
to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
WEEK

DATE

MODULE

Week
1

9/6 6/11

Module 1

TEXT REFERENCE

ASSIGNMENTS
Discussion:
Student Introductions

Chapter 1
Writing and Genres
(pp. 1-7)

Learning Activities:
M1 Reflecting on Your
Writing Process

Chapter 3
Readers, Contexts,
and Rhetorical
Situations (pp. 21-30)

M1 Reading and Writing

for College and Career

Chapter 4
Reading Critically,
Thinking Analytically
(pp. 33-45)

Week
2

9/12 9/18

Unit 1:
Profiles
Module 2

Discussion:
Chapter 2
Topic, Angle, Purpose
(pp. 10-18)

Chapter 6

Sharing an Insiders
View

Learning Activities:
M2 Profile Planning
Assignment

Profiles (pp. 67-75)

M2 Profile Reading
Response
"Two Profiles of Griffith
Park" (pp. 591-593)

Student Essay:
"Profile Example
Purpose-Driven
Work.pdf "
(atttachment)

OWH Profile:
"First the School of
Hard Knocks, Now
MCC" (atttachment)

Week
3

9/19 9/25

Unit 1:
Profiles
Module 3

Discussion:
Chapter 16
Organizing and
Drafting (pp. 329-340)

Week
4

9/26 10/2

Unit 1:
Profiles
Module 4

Profile Essay Peer

Review

Learning Activities:

Chapter 23

M3 Profile Essay Rough

Draft

Collaborating and
Peer Response (pp.
417-427)

M3 Profile Essay Peer

Review Assignment

Chapter 19

Discussion: None

Revising and Editing

(pp. 367-380)

Learning Activities:
M4 Profile Essay Final
Draft

M4 Profile Essay Writers

Reflection
Week
5

10/3 10/9

Unit 2:
Evaluatio
ns
Module 5

Discussion:
Reading Evaluations
Chapter 7
Reviews (pp. 93-104)

"Why We Crave Horror

Movies" (pp. 598-600)

"Tomb Raider:
Definitive Edition" (pp.
605-606)

Learning Activities:
M5 Evaluation Planning
Assignment

M5 Evaluation Reading
Response

Student essay:
"Shop Justice!"
(attachment)

Week
6

10/10
10/16

Unit 2:
Evaluatio
ns

Discussion:
Evaluation Peer Review
Review:

Module 6
Learning Activities:
Chapter 7 Reviews
(pp. 93-104)

Week
7

10/17
10/23

Chapter
23 Collaborating and
Peer Response (pp.
417-427)

M6 Evaluation Peer
Review Assignment

Unit 2:
Evaluatio
ns

Review:

Discussion: None

Module 7

Chapter 7 Reviews
(pp. 93-104)

Learning Activities:

Chapter 19 Revising
and Editing (pp. 367380)
Week
8

10/24
10/30

M6 Evaluation Rough
Draft

Unit
3: Argume
nts
Module 8

M7 Evaluation Final
Draft

M7 Evaluation Writers
Reflection
Discussion:
Reading Arguments

Chapter 11
Arguments (pp. 184199)

Learning Activities:

M8 Argument Essay
Planning Assignment
"Should College
Football Be
Banned" (pp. 200201)

M8 Argument Essay
Reading Response

"Friends with
Benefits" (pp. 202205)

Chapter 22
Using Argumentative
Strategies (pp. 401415)

Student essay:
"Revitalizing Student
Life through Student
Government"
(attachment)

Week
9

10/31
11/6

Unit
3: Argum
ent
Module 9

Review:

Discussion:

Chapter
11 Arguments (pp.
184-199)

Argument Essay Peer

Review

Learning Activities:
Chapter 22 Using
Argumentative
Strategies (pp. 401415)

M9 Argument Essay
Rough Draft

M9 Argument Essay

Peer Review Assignment

Chapter
23 Collaborating and
Peer Response (pp.
417-427)
Week
10

11/7
11/21

Unit 3:
Argument
Module 10

Review:

Discussion: None

Chapter
11 Arguments (pp.
184-199)

Learning Activities:
M10 Argument Essay
Final Draft

Chapter 19 Revising
and Editing (pp. 367380)

M10 Argument Essay

Writers Reflection

IMPORTANT DATES
https://myway.mccneb.edu/StudentServices/Pages/Important-Dates.aspx