Syllabus

CARROLL CAMPUS
http://www.dmacc.edu

Academic Standards
Commission

Course Title: Composition II

Course Numbers: ENG 106
ONLINE (CRNs 12644, 17253, and 18479)
Instructor Information
Name
Lindsay Simpson
Contact
lasimpson@dmacc.edu; 712-792-8321
Office Hours
There are several ways to get in touch with me. Please send me an email at
any time or use the send email link on Blackboard. I will post announcements
ahead of time for Wiz IQ Virtual Classroom office hours (available through
Blackboard). I also have office hours on the Carroll Campus in Room 170: M
9:00-10:30, T 1:00-2:00, W 9:00-10:30, and by appointment. Feel free to call or
email me at any time.
Course Information
Semester & Year
Fall 2014
Course Description From the DMACC Course Competencies: English 106 is the second course in
& Credits
the composition sequence at DMACC. In this course, you will learn the
fundamentals of informative and persuasive rhetoric. By reading the work of
professional writers, you will learn how to apply these fundamentals to your
own writing. 3 credits.
Prerequisites
ENG 105
Course
1. Demonstrate critical reading and writing skills.
Competencies
2. Analyze rhetorical patterns and theoretical approaches in student and/or
published texts.
3. Apply concepts and/or techniques from primary and/or secondary sources
in a new context.
4. Identify language nuances.
5. Apply the rules of Standard English Grammar.
6. Evaluate individual writing process to allow flexibility in adapting writing
task and situation.
7. Demonstrate standard documentation form.
Essay Guidelines

Follow directions and assignment guidelines

Demonstrate required effort in prewriting and drafting stages

Thesis or main point is always clear and supported

Essay is organized, uses transitions, and connects ideas with elaboration

and explanation as needed.

Proofread for grammar and readability

Success Tips
1. Take initiative: you are responsible for your learning.
2. Experiment: try new things, and be creative.
3. Put forth effort: don't be satisfied with what comes easily.
4. Set goals: work through the course with intention and ambition.
5. Communicate well with your classmates and me.
Required Textbooks & Materials

They Say I Say, With Readings, 2nd Edition, W.W. Norton

Access to a computer with Internet (if you dont have a personal

computer, DMACC has many computer labs available to you)
Course Policies

Attendance

Grading Criteria

Due Dates

Essays

As this is an online course, access to the Internet is crucial. Mini lectures will
be available for each unit under weekly tabs. My expectation when grading
final essays is that you have participated and been involved in understanding
the assignment. Each assignment will expand upon course readings and
discussion boards, and you are expected to apply what we do in class to your
assignments. Students who just use the assignment sheet to write will fall
short of my expectations. Please remember that you are required to turn in all
major assignments to pass the course, and you should plan to spend several
hours per week on this course to be successful.
Essays (3)
35 points each, 105 total
Discussion Boards/Journal Entries
28 points each category, 56 total
Final Essay
20 points
Total
179 points
Scale: A 93% or above; A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%; B 83-86; B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%; C 73-76%; C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%; D 63-66%; D- 60-62%
F 59% and below
You will notice that our course is broken up into weeks, both on this syllabus
and on Blackboard. Because our course begins on a Monday, the weekly
breakdown goes like this: the course content folder for the upcoming week will
open on Monday morning, and unless otherwise noted through
Announcements or email, course assignments like Journals and Discussions
will be due by the weeks end, or Sunday at 6pm. Larger assignments, like
essays, are not due in the week that they appear in the course content folder;
look ahead on your syllabus for the bolded due dates. For example, if you
have an essay due in Week Seven, then your essay will be due by the Sunday
at the end of that week, by 6pm (even if I introduce it in Week Four).
The four essays, by genre:

Compare and Contrast

Persuasive Letters
The American Dream
Argument (Final Exam)

All essays are due by 6:00 PM on their respective due dates (the end of the
week where they appear as Due in the syllabus). All formal assignments
should be uploaded to Blackboard through the SafeAssign link available in the
Content Folder corresponding with the papers due date (there will be a link).
*A note on grading: all papers submitted on time will be returned within two
weeks of the due date. Essays submitted late may not be graded until the next
assignment is finished.

Discussion Boards
and Journal Entries

Discussion Boards: Use these prompts to reflect on the readings and

facilitate a discussion with your classmates. You are also expected to develop
ideas that help you advance your ideas, establish an online writing community,
and improve with each assignment. Please remember to utilize formal
language (proofread!). For each discussion board, please follow the
instructions carefully, and respond to your classmates and to me. This means
that you must check it frequently! Most importantly, spread your responses
throughout the week. This is the best way to have an ongoing intellectual
conversation in an online format.
Journal Entries: Journal Entries focus on reading material for the course. You
will be asked to respond to questions relating to essays youve read, and to
submit prewriting and drafts for particular assignments. I expect that your
responses are thorough, well-thought-out, and as error-free as possible.
Please post them directly into the box when you click on the link. For example,
when you click on the link that reads Journal A, and you have the option to
attach or cut and paste your journal into the text box, please do the latter.
These journals are worth two points each, and must be turned in online by
6:00 pm on the following date they appear on the syllabus. For example,
if Journal A and Journal B appear in Week 1: August 22-30, your two
Journals, then, are due by 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 30. Please do not
submit journals as attachments. Always copy/paste your responses directly
into the submission text box.

Peer Workshop

You will notice that we will have Peer Workshop for a few of our assignments.
When those weeks appear on the syllabus, be prepared to follow instructions
posted on Blackboard/sent through email to post your essay at the beginning
of that week. You are responsible for participating throughout the week for full
credit. I dont want to see students posting their essays for classmates to
review on Saturday, as the folder closes Sunday. I call this the Golden Rule of
Workshop: review others work as you would like yours to be reviewed. This
means respect, clarity, and timeliness are key.

Online Netiquette
and Course
Interaction

https://go.dmacc.edu/handbook
**When you email me, please include your CRN in the subject line so that
I can easily locate which section you are in.
Please remember that, even though this course is in an online format, you are
expected to conduct yourself in a college and classroom-appropriate manner.
Please be respectful of others views and comments in discussion boards, use
formal and appropriate language when communicating with me and your
classmates, and remember that you oftentimes have to go the extra mile in
terms of explanations when youre taking a course online. We arent able to
have in-person discussions, and the face-to-face aspects of education are
absent here.
However, this does not mean that you wont interact in a positive way with your
classmates and me! You will, of course, write assignments on your own, but
you will work with your classmates on Discussion Boards and Peer Workshop.
I will also have conversations with you as you complete your Journals, which
are turned in privately.
If you ever have any questions about what I expect in your conduct and effort,
please dont hesitate to visit me during my office hours or write me an email to
arrange a time to meet.

Late Work

Weather Policy

Academic
Dishonesty/
Plagiarism

Late work is only accepted if I am aware of a legitimate reason (with

documentation, if necessary) before the assignment is due. Otherwise, there
will be a one-letter grade deduction for every calendar day the assignment is
late. No makeups will be allowed for missed quizzes/exams without proper
documentation.
Normally, this is the DMACC policy: Individual circumstances such as health,
childcare, rural roads, distance from the college, etc. can vary greatly among
students and staff. During adverse weather, DMACC faculty is considerate of
students who are unable to attend classes due to unique extenuating
circumstances. It is the responsibility of each faculty member to notify their
students (in addition to their dean or provost) through some predetermined
means if they are must postpone or cancel a specific class due to weather or
illness.
However, because were operating in an online format, you must have reliable
access to the Internet. Exceptions will be made for legitimate technologyrelated outages, etc. as announced through DMACC.
I take plagiarism and academic dishonesty very seriously. It is important for
you to be familiar with and follow DMACCs Academic Misconduct policy.
Students are encouraged to review DMACCs Academic Misconduct Policy online at

https://go.dmacc.edu/handbook/polprocedures/pages/academicm
isconduct.aspx or in the DMACC Student Handbook.
DMACC Information
Add/Drop Dates
Refund Policy
Tech Support

https://go.dmacc.edu/registration/pages/add_drop.aspx
https://go.dmacc.edu/registration/Pages/refund.aspx
https://go.dmacc.edu/helpdesk/Pages/welcome.aspx ; 515-9657300; techsupport@dmacc.edu

Support Services
Services for
Students with
Disabilities

DMACC Writing
Lab

https://go.dmacc.edu/student_services/disabilities
Please let me know immediately if you have any documents disabilities that I
should be aware of. Any student with a documented disability who requires
reasonable accommodation should also contact the Disability Services
Coordinator at 515-964-6850 or hlcoon@dmacc.edu or the counseling &
advising office on any campus to apply for services. On the Carroll Campus,
JoAnn Morlan is the person to contact: jgmorlan@dmacc.edu .
The DMACC Writing Lab is a wonderful resource designed to aid you in all
aspects of the writing process. I encourage you to visit the center for every
assignment.

https://go.dmacc.edu/DEPARTMENTS/ENGLISH/Pages/resource
s-student.aspx
Blackboard
Distance Learning

Blackboard Orientation is available online and face-to-face. Visit the website

for information on times and places.
https://go.dmacc.edu/online/pages/orientation.aspx
The Distance Learning website will provide you with contact for the program,
and other details about courses and schedules.
https://go.dmacc.edu/online/Pages/welcome.aspx

DISCLAIMER: Please note that information in this syllabus is subject to change at any time. Should something
in the schedule or course policies change, trust that I will inform you respectfully and in a timely manner.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY:
Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes
harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status),
sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational
programs, activities, employment practices or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by
law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College
Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the DMACC Web site, the
Counselors/Advisors, Judicial Officer, Human Resources Department, the campus Provosts Offices, and
Academic Deans Offices. Employees and applicants who wish additional information or assistance may contact
the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources, Bldg. 1 on Ankeny Campus, 515-964-6301or refer to HR Procedures
3000, 3005, 3010, 3015, and 3020 at http://go.dmacc.edu/hr/pages/hrpp.aspx.

Students who wish additional information or assistance may contact the Executive Dean, Student Services,
Laurie Wolf, Bldg. 1 on the Ankeny Campus, 515-964-6437 or the Judicial Officer, Debbie McKittrick, Bldg. 1
on the Ankeny Campus, 515-964-6574 or they may refer to Student Services procedure ES 4645 located at
https://go.dmacc.edu/student_services/int. Click Policies & Procedures.

On the Carroll Campus, please visit JoAnn Morlan in room 167. You may also contact her at
jgmorlan@dmacc.edu
Syllabus Addendum
To access additional information related to DMACC policies and procedures that impact the classroom (i.e. use
of technology, weather-related cancellations, classroom conduct, etc.), the DMACC student handbook,
registration information (including add/drop dates and refund dates), student service information (including
counseling and advising), the DMACC academic calendar, and campus-specific resources (i.e. Academic
Achievement Center, library, computer, labs, etc), go to https://go.dmacc.edu/handbook and click
Syllabus Addendum in the left navigation.

*Note to students:
Once you begin the course, a good place to check frequently is the
Announcements section. I will often post tips, encouragement, and clarification
there. Please also check your email frequently, as I will communicate with you
that way. Also, please remember to include your CRN in the subject line so that I
may easily identify which section you are in.
Finally, once you are ready to go and youve logged on to Blackboard, check the
Course Content folders. They are clearly labeled in accordance with your
syllabus and calendar. So, for example, when you click on Week One, you will
find everything you need to do in Week One in that folder, including any relevant
lectures or assignment sheets (watch out for due dates!), supplemental readings
or videos, daily/weekly Discussion Boards and Journal Entries, and anything else
that I believe will increase your success. If you ever have any questions about
how to navigate Blackboard, please ask. Im here to help you!

Tentative Course Schedule (subject to change, with notice)

TSIS=They Say/I Say

Week 1: Thursday, 8/21-Sunday, 8/31

Introductions on the Discussion Board (for your classmates)
Introduce Compare and Contrast Assignment
TSIS: Pt. 4, pg. 139-155
Readings: Don't Blame the Eater, What You Eat Is Your Business, Kentucky
Town of Manchester...
Journal A: To you, what are the most important parts of the first reading (pp.139155)? What did you learn that you didnt know before? Please cite at least two
sentences that stood out to you as important as you navigate ENG 106 and
writing with research. 2 pages, double-spaced.
Week 2: Monday, 9/1-Sunday, 9/7
Assignment Guidelines, Terms, and Examples
TSIS: Pt. 1, They Say (pg. 17-29)
Readings: Escape from the Western Diet, Resisting the Moralization of Eating,
and Remarks to the NAACP
Journal B: "Escape from the Western Diet," and "Food as Thought: Resisting the
Moralization of Eating." Question 1, 2, and 3 on page 441; Questions 1 and 2 on
page 447.
Week 3: Monday, 9/8-Sunday, 9/14
Thesis, focus, organization; Prewriting; Drafting 1
TSIS: Pt. 1, Her Point Is (pg. 30-41)
Readings: Fat Is a Feminist Issue; Having It His Way
Journal C: A three page rough draft, or a complete outline of your essay. You
must include a working thesis.
Week 4: Monday, 9/15-Sunday, 9/21
Drafting 2
Peer Workshop
TSIS: Pt. 1, As He Himself Puts It (pg. 42-51)
Journal D: A copy of your latest draft. It must meet the length and formatting
requirements. Please include a section at the end that details what changes
youve made after participating in the Discussion and/or Peer Workshop, as well
as what you still need to work on.
Week 5: Monday, 9/22-Sunday, 9/28
Comparison Contrast Due by Sunday, 9/28.
Introduce Assignment 2
Read and discuss Are Colleges Worth the Price?
TSIS: Pt. 2, Yes / No / Okay, But (pg. 53-67)
Readings: The New Liberal Arts, pp. 190-198.

Journal E: The New Liberal Arts questions 1, 3, and 5. 400 words (pp. 196-7).
For question five, you dont need to have a full essay, but a thoughtful response
is expected.
Week 6: Monday, 9/29-Sunday, 10/5
Discuss Example 1, Discuss audience, purpose, and tone, Prewrite Letter A
TSIS: Pt. 2, And Yet (pg. 68-77)
Readings: Two Years are Better Than Four; Are Too Many People Going to
College?
Journal F: Are Too Many People Going to College? Question 1 and Question 5
on page 242 (250 words) AND Two Years Are Better Than Four Question 4 (p.
4). Question four does not have to be a full essay, but I expect about a page-long
response.
Week 7: Monday, 10/6-Sunday, 10/12
Discuss Readings, What is Satire?
Peer Review Drafts of Letter A, Brainstorm Letter B ideas
TSIS: Pt. 2, Skeptics May Object (pg. 78-91)
Readings: A Lifetime of Student Debt? Not Likely
Journal G: A Lifetime of Student Debt? Not Likely Question 2, 4, and 5 on page
272, 250 words
Writing: Draft of Letters A and B
Week 8: Monday, 10/13-Sunday, 10/19
Shaping the letters, Drafting 2 (in-class work)
Peer Workshop
TSIS: Pt. 2, So What, Who Cares? (pg. 92-101)
Journal H: A personal plan of revision for at least two of your three letters. In your
opinion, what still needs work? How will you approach revising at this point?
Please be specific: 1-2 pages minimum.
Week 9: Monday, 10/20-Sunday, 10/26
Persuasive Letters Due by Sunday, 10/26.
Introduce essay three: The American Dream assignment. Terms, basics, and
approach.
TSIS: pt. 3, As A Result (pg. 103-120)
Readings: Hiding from Reality, Is the American Dream Over? Income
Inequality: Too Big to Ignore
Journal I: Hiding from Reality and Is the American Dream Over? Questions 13 on pages 567 and 571, respectively; Income Inequality: Too Big to Ignore,
Questions 1 and 5 on page 584.
Week 10: Monday, 10/27-Sunday, 11/2
Discuss Readings; Assignment Guidelines and Examples
TSIS: pt. 3, Ain't So / Is Not (pg. 121-128)
Readings: Confronting Inequality, Up Against Wal-Mart

Journal J: Up Against Wal-Mart, Confronting Inequality, Questions 1, 3, 4 on

pg. 604. Two pages.
Week 11: Monday, 11/3-Sunday, 11/9
Working with inequality/The American Dream, continued
Journal K: For this journal, please submit a full prewrite of your essay (notes,
outline, etc.), along with a short reflection: what are you learning about inequality,
discrimination, opportunity, race relations, etc. from your readings? How have
your views changed or expanded on these important issues?
Week 12: Monday, 11/10-Sunday, 11/16
Independent research
Outlining/drafting
Peer Workshop
Journal L: A two-page plan of revision for your third essay. Please discuss what
your peers identified as areas of improvement (as well as what youve noticed)
and how youll improve your essay. Be sure to refer to your assignment sheet as
you complete this journal.
Week 13: Monday, 11/17-Sunday, 11/23
Essay Three Due by Sunday, 11/23.
(*Note: Weeks 13 and 14 are combined in our Course Content folders, but the Week 13 Discussion and
Journal are due by 11/23; Week 14 material will be due by 11/30)

Introduce Final Argument (for final exam)

Predatory Lending and the Devouring of the American Dream
Journal M: How have you applied what you learned from the first two
assignments to the third assignment? What have been the particular challenges,
surprises, and productive or fulfilling aspects of your writing? I strongly
encourage using specifics and examples. 400 word minimum.
Week 14: Monday, 11/24-Sunday, 11/30
Outside sources, Review
Prewriting
Journal N: Answer the five questions on page 645-646 in TSIS. Question five
does not need to be a full essay, but you should spend some time forming a
thoughtful and coherent response here.
Week 15: Monday, 12/1-Sunday, 12/7
Drafting and Questions for Final
*The Final Exam (instructions will be posted on Blackboard) will be
available starting Wednesday, 12/3 through Sunday, 12/7 at 6:00 p.m.