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Course Catalog

San Jose City College
English 1A Spring 2010 

Dr. Sabri Bebawi

sabri.bebawi@sjcc.edu

http://www.sabri.org

Internet Course

Office Hours: Online and by arrangement

Course Description
This course emphasizes expository and argumentative writing, critical reading, and the use of research techniques. You will be required to complete a documented research paper in conventional format. The catalyst for student essays will be critical reading of essays and literature from the textbook.

Course Content
English 1A is an essay-oriented course. Students will write essays in a variety of types, especially argumentative essays, based on current events, discussion, and readings from the text. Literature will be introduced for analysis. You will be expected to write essays in a timely manner and complete an eight-page research paper. A common final requiring a coherent essay in response to a reading will be prepared and board graded by the English 1A instructors.

Course Objectives

1. Read a wide range of academic writing critically, discuss it in detail, and use it as sources to  

    document their writing.

2. Organize information (support) from reading, experience, and class discussion into an  

    argument with a clear thesis.

3. Revise drafts of essays at the thesis, paragraph, and sentence levels.

4. Write clear sentences that demonstrate variety.

5. Organize and develop body paragraphs effectively.

6. Use vocabulary appropriate to the topic of the essay, demonstrating standard American 

    usage.

7. Handle conventional mechanics (e.g. punctuation, spelling, grammar) competently.

8. Demonstrated critical thinking skills in oral and written work.

9. Function effectively in written work as a transfer student.

10. Write a research paper, using research techniques and library resources.

 

Course Expectations and Requirements
Writing Assignments (essays using MLA guidelines and responses to readings uploaded to Writing Assignment Dropbox)
Participation (quizzes, Discussion)

Final exam 

 

Textbooks

a) Rosa, Alfred, Eschholz, Paul,  2007 Paperbound. 656 pp.                 ISBN–10: 0–312–44637–3-ISBN–13: 978–0–312–44637–6:  Models for Writers: Short Essays for Composition: Ninth Edition.  Buy Your Text   Companion Site b) "A Writer's Reference" 4th Edition by Diana Hacker (Optional, useful for research writing)

Grading Policy
Grades will be based on student writing and understanding of material read.
100-90% =A
80-89% =B
70-79% =C
60-69% =D
under 60% =F

Late assignments suffer a full grade reduction.

Attendance
Attendance will be in the form of postings to the WebCT discussion site. Mandatory attendance is a requisite for this course, and failure to participate will result in the student being dropped from the course. Students are expected to post to the website twice a week, unless otherwise noted by the instructor. At the end of the semester, the student is expected to have at least 12 postings to the WebCT discussion.

Withdrawal/Drop Policy
It is the ultimate responsibility of the student to drop a class. You should not rely on the instructor to drop you from a class for non-attendance. You may drop by telephone or by completing the proper forms in the Office of Admissions and Records.

Midterm and Final Exams
In-class essay based on a given writing prompt. The midterm and final exam dates and places will be announced. You are required to take both exams ON CAMPUS. No makeup exams. 

College Honesty Policy
Students are expected to write their own papers and to not copy from another author (plagiarism). Consequences of such actions may lead to reduction of grade, suspension from the class, course failure, or expulsion from the college. All papers will be submitted to www.turn-it-in.com, a plagiarism database.

Disabled Students Program and Services
The Disabled Students Program and Services (DSP&S) at San Jose City College is designed to help students with disabilities achieve success by providing specialized assessment, instructional programs, and support services. The DSP&S is located in the Student Services Building.

Student Disciplinary Procedures and Complaint/Grievance Policy
See page 33 of the Student Handbook.

  Literature  Readings

There will be assigned readings from the texts and other sources.  Readings will be discussed and analyzed on a Discussion Board.   I will pose open-ended questions for the students to engage in discussions.

The English Patient

Dr. Zhivago

Gringo Viejo 

Schindler's List 

A Beautiful Mind

All About My Mother

Vas Savoir

Chocolat

The Hours

El Norte

Como Agua Para Chocolate 

Avalon 

Shine

Au Revoir Les Enfants 

Educating Rita

La Vita È Bella