English Composition II - English 102

Ms. Brown 803-613-9435 Ext 137 mbrown@foxcreekhighschool.org

Course Description:
This college transfer course presents the development of writing skills through local organization, effective style, literary analysis, and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

Required Instructional Materials:

-Portable Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing with Student Essays. 7th edition. Laurie G Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Cengage. ISBN 978-1-4240-8235-3 -The Pocket Wadsworth Handbook. 4th edition. Laurie G Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Wadsworth/Cengage. ISBN 978-1-4390-8181-5

-Novel: TBA Course Rationale: - Why do I need this course?

English/language arts courses teach a process for acquiring skills necessary for effective communication in writing, reading, speaking, and listening. English courses also help students develop an appreciation for the power of the written and oral traditions.

Course-Related Competencies:
English 102 teaches students to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking and listening, and teaches students to demonstrate computer skills by word processing essays. Competencies are assessed through evaluation of student writings.

Course Goals:
English 102 teaches students to use a process approach to produce a polished piece of writing; write an organized literary analysis using an introduction with thesis, a body, and a conclusion; analyze literature using personal experience, literary terms, and reasoning skills; apply the rules of standard American English to writing; recognize characteristics of different literary genres; locate reference materials to aid in analysis and document sources of information properly.

Course Objectives:
Unit I: Writing Essays The student will: 1. Use a disciplined process when composing by planning, drafting, and revising essays which include introductions, bodies, and conclusions. 2. Use, in combination with effective content, standard American English. 3. Write essays on setting, character/characterization, point of view, symbol, theme, etc. 4. Read different types of essays and fictional works critically; examine essays for audience, purpose, and technique. 5. Word-process all out-of-class written assignments. Unit II: Researching with Documentation The student will: 1. Use secondary and primary resources to research subjects. 2. Use appropriate documentation. 3. Use a dictionary and other reference materials to locate information. 4. Apply the rules of documentation in a research paper. Unit III: Oral Reports and Discussions The student will: 1. Discuss reading assignments in class. 2. Give an oral report.

Piedmont Tech College Honor Code:

High standards of academic integrity and classroom behavior are required to facilitate an appropriate learning environment and to foster a high standard of personal integrity and professionalism. I. Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is submitting ones own work and properly acknowledging the contributions of others. Any violation of this principle constitutes academic dishonesty and may result in a failing grade and disciplinary action. Forms of academic dishonesty include the following: PlagiarismSubmitting all or part of anothers work as ones own in an academic exercise such as an exam, a computer program, or a written assignment. CheatingUsing or attempting to use unauthorized materials on an exam or assignment, such as using unauthorized texts or notes or improperly obtaining (or attempting to obtain) copies of an exam or answers to an exam. CollusionHelping another commit an act of dishonesty, such as substituting for an exam or completing an assignment for someone else. FabricationAltering or transmitting, with authorization, academic information or records. II. Behavioral integrity: Each student is expected to conduct himself/herself in a manner that facilitates learning in the classroom environment. Attitudes and behaviors that nurture character and ethical include the following core values: RespectShowing regard, consideration, and courtesy for the rights and feelings of students and employees and conducting oneself in a mature, dignified manner. ResponsibilityDistinguishing between right and wrong and being held accountable for ones actions. HonestyBeing truthful, respecting the property of others, and demonstrating integrity. Self-DisciplineControlling ones actions and attitudes so as not to inflict emotional and physical harm on others.

Final Course Grade Explanation

Essays 50% Tests 20% Misc/Vocab 20% Oral Report 10% Final Exam: 20% of your semester grade

Course Load and Expectations:

This course is designed to be rigorous and challenging. You will be expected to devote a minimum of 8-12 hours each week (out of class) to this course in order to complete readings and assignments. There will be no fewer than six assigned essays and an abundance of literature to be read outside of class. Class time will be utilized for discussions and questions, and reading assignments MUST be completed before class. WE WILL NOT BE READING IN CLASS, so come prepared for reading quizzes and discussions. **LATE ESSAYS/PROJECTS will NOT be accepted! You will have one extension for the entire semester. If you decide to use that extension, you will have exactly 24 hours to turn in the paper. If your paper is not turned in within that time frame, you will receive a zero.

Absences and Makeup Work:

If you are absent on the day a test or quiz is administered, you must make it up within three days. If you fail to do so, you will be given a zero. If you are absent the day an essay or project is due, it is still due on that day! Please schedule appointments around essay/project dates, as you will know these dates far in advance. If you are sick and cannot come to school, please email the essay on the due date. No exceptions! All other makeup work (class work and homework) should be turned in within three days. It is your responsibility to ask for all missed assignments, and it is your responsibility to schedule a time to make up tests and quizzes.