IMPORTANT. Please read and print all pages

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1 Miami Dade College Kendall Campus Independent Studies Program Website: IMPORTANT Please read and print all pages ENC 2300 Advanced Composition 3 Credits SPRING Term (2011-2) Spring A Term (January 4 th March 1 st, 2012) Spring B Term (March 2 nd April 27 th, 2012) For Reference #s & (305) (English & Communications Office) (305) (Meeting Office) Meeting Office: Room

2 Welcome to Independent Studies! Students must see their professor and sign a contract no later than the first week of classes, or they may be dropped from the course. We welcome you to our program and look forward to working with you throughout the semester. This handbook provides written directions to guide you through your course. Please read it carefully. Learning as an Independent Study student places primary responsibility for that learning on you, the student. That is not to say that you are alone. Your Independent Studies instructor is your partner and guide. Keeping in contact with the instructor is very important. You will submit written assignments to your instructor and you will receive feedback, information and study suggestions from your instructor. Completing this course will involve reading the textbook, completing all assignments and discussing your questions with your instructors. There are no regularly scheduled lectures, review sessions, or appointments. Each student is responsible for designing his or her own study and testing schedule that satisfies the course requirements and meets the semester's deadline dates. A successful Independent Studies student is self-motivated, self-disciplined, has good reading and comprehension skills and seeks out an instructor whenever there is a question. Taking a course via Independent Studies means that the work is scheduled differently, but there should be about as much work of about the same difficulty as if you were taking the course in a classroom. Plan to spend about the same amount of time studying as you would spend in lecture plus homework in a lecture course. We highly recommend that you establish a personal study schedule at the very beginning of the semester. By studying every day, you may complete the course in the shortest amount of time. The option of finishing your course early is one of the benefits of Independent Studies. We are aware that each student has his/her unique learning style. Our department provides various strategies for the accomplishment of the assigned learning objectives and satisfactory completion of the course. The course description lists the criteria for determining your final grade. 2

3 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement Students who have a disability that might affect their performance in the class are encouraged to contact Access Services, in confidence, as soon as possible. The office will aid in appropriate accommodations for the student. Also please inform your professor. This is in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of The following are some departmental rules and guidelines: Withdrawals and Incompletes A student s withdrawal from a course is his/her responsibility. If you do not complete the course work and do not officially withdraw from the course, you will receive a grade of F for the course. Incomplete grades are given only for illness or exceptional circumstances, and only under the following conditions: 1) the student has completed more than half of the course work, is up to date on all assignments, and is passing with at least a C average at the time of the emergency; 2) the instructor is notified at the time of the emergency and agrees to the I grade; 3) the student has a doctor s verification or other documentation; and 4) an Agreement for Grade of Incomplete form is signed by both student and instructor, and states the dates by which assignments must be completed. No cell phones are allowed in the Independent Studies Department while visiting and/or taking an exam. 3

4 Important Dates Spring A Term (2011-2) January 4 th March 1 st, 2012 **These dates are subject to change. Please verify them with your instructor throughout the semester. Wed. Jan. 4 Classes begin Friday Jan. 6 Last day to drop with refund Fri.-Mon. Jan Holiday MLK, Jr. Day Wed. Feb. 8 Last day to drop with W Tues. Feb. 14 Last day for instructor withdrawal, IW Sat. March 3 Last day to input grades (Before 12 noon) Students who are not up to date with their class work/tests and/or are not performing satisfactorily in the course by Tuesday, February 14 th, 2012, may be instructor-dropped from the course. However, it is always the student s responsibility to withdraw from the course if (s)he is unable to complete the work. No work will be accepted after February 28 th,

5 Important Dates Spring B Term (2011-2) March 2 nd April 27 th, 2012 **These dates are subject to change. Please verify them with your instructor throughout the semester. Friday March 2 Classes begin Tuesday March 6 Last day to drop with refund Thursday April 5 Last day to drop with W Thursday April 12 Last day for instructor withdrawal, IW Friday-Sunday April 6-8 SPRING BREAK Sat. April 28 Last day to input grades (Before 12 noon) Students who are not up to date with their class work/tests and/or are not performing satisfactorily in the course by Thursday, April 12 th, 2012, may be instructor-dropped from the course. However, it is always the student s responsibility to withdraw from the course if (s)he is unable to complete the work. No work will be accepted after April 24 th,

6 Assignment Due Dates Spring A Term (2011-2) January 4 th March 1 st, 2012 Week # Deadlines Assignments Due 1 Beginning Jan. 4 th Come to see your professor during scheduled hours to sign the contract. 2 The week of Jan. 8 th Assignments #1 thru #5 due 5 The week of Jan. 29 th Assignments #6 thru #8 due 8 The week of Feb. 19 th Assignments #9 and #10 due No work will be accepted after February 28 th. NOTE: You may take your tests during scheduled hours ONLY. Check your instructor s hours and allow at least an hour to take your test. Don t forget your blue/green book. Check the testing center schedule and rules sheet for more information. Deadlines represent the LAST week you may complete assignments. You may work ahead. Papers handed in after the deadline dates may be penalized. 6

7 Assignment Due Dates Spring B Term (2011-2) March 2 nd April 27 th, 2012 Week # Deadlines Assignments Due 1 Beginning on March 2 nd Come to see your professor During scheduled hours to sign the contract. 2 The week of March 4 th Assignments #1 thru #5 due 5 The week of March 25 th Assignments #6 thru #8 due 8 The week of April 15 th Assignments #9 and #10 due No work will be accepted after April 24 th. NOTE: You may take your tests during scheduled hours ONLY. Check the Testing Center s hours and make an appointment. Be sure to allow at least an hour to take your test. Don t forget your blue/green book. Check the testing center schedule and rules sheet for more information. Deadlines represent the LAST week you may complete assignments. You may work ahead. Papers handed in after the deadline dates may be penalized and/or not accepted. 7

8 Please read this section carefully. We want you to succeed in this course! In taking ENC 2300 as an Independent Studies course, you are responsible for the following: Submitting only your own original work Writing and proofreading all your written work Completing the work on time Discussing your assignments with your professor Achieving your best ATTENDANCE There are no set class meetings in independent studies courses; however, you are encouraged to come in to discuss any of the readings or assignments during your professor s scheduled hours. You are required to schedule your in-class essays ahead of time with the Testing Room REQUIRED TEXTS: 75 Thematic Readings: An Anthology. Boston: McGraw-Hill Publishing Companies, Random House Webster s Pocket Grammar, Usage and Punctuation, 2 nd edition. A good college dictionary. NOTE: You must have a source that demonstrates contemporary MLA research style. Purchase three (3) blue/green (8.5 X 11) examination books, one for each in-class essay. These can be found in the college bookstore. ASSIGNMENTS Your at-home written work should be typed, double-spaced. All research should be reported in MLA style. In-class essays will be handwritten and completed in blue or green examination books. Your textbook may not be used during these examinations. The assignments in this course are designed to be sequential that is, one should be completed and graded before you move on to the next. This gives your instructor an 8

9 opportunity to respond to your strengths and weaknesses in writing and gives you an opportunity to improve your writing as the course progresses. Therefore, you must allow enough time for your papers to be graded and returned before completing the next assignment. Do not miss deadlines and then attempt to complete the course as the end of the semester approaches. Finally, although this course allows you to select readings of your choice, you are deeply encouraged to read and enjoy all the reading selections in this text. Assignments must be completed by the deadline dates in the syllabus. Remember that you can always turn in work and complete assignments early. Doing your work early is a good planning technique to prevent emergencies from interfering with your success. Your professor reserves the right not to grade assignments handed in after the deadline. In case of a documented emergency, do contact your professor as soon as possible. PROFESSOR S HOURS Your professor s hours are available on the general flyer that you must download from the Download Center Web page. They may also be obtained from your professor. You must plan to write in-class essays during your instructor s scheduled teaching/testing hours. In-class work must be started at least one hour before the end of your instructor s scheduled time. If you have any schedule problems, contact your instructor as soon as possible. The grading system for ENC 2300 includes a total of 100 possible points. Your final course grade will be determined as follows: Points Written Response to first group of readings At-home Essay #1 First In-Class Essay (Test) Written Response to second group of readings At-home Essay #2 Second In-Class Essay (Test) Written Response to third group of readings Third In-Class Essay (Final Test) Oral Component 10 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 20 points 10 points 10 points 15 points 5 points Grading Scale A points B points C points D points (Must repeat course) F Below 60 (Must repeat course) 9

10 Remember that all assignments must be successfully completed in order to obtain credit for the course. Learning Outcomes 1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data. 3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning. 4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives. 6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society. 8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively. 9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities. 10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment. 10

11 Course Description: Miami-Dade College ENC 2300 Advanced Composition and Communication This writing-based course addresses techniques of critical thinking, persuasion, and argumentation. Students will refine their composition skills and develop their oral communication skills by examining and discussing a range of issues. 3 Credits This course fulfills the oral communication requirement and the Gordon Rule requirement. Prerequisites: ENC 1101, ENC 1102 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. Course Competencies: Competency 1: The student will employ critical thinking skills in reading, writing, and oral communication by: a. demonstrating logical reasoning. b. distinguishing fact from opinion. c. distinguishing between abstract and concrete ideas. d. synthesizing related ideas derived from different sources. e. recognizing and constructing inductive and deductive arguments. f. recognizing valid arguments and drawing logical inferences and conclusions. Competency 2: The student will compose analytical and persuasive essays in response to assigned readings by: a. identifying opposing arguments. b. acknowledging and addressing the complexity of an issue. c. using reasoning and evidence to construct coherent arguments. d. citing specific sources to support written or oral discussions. e. applying the results of research to support conclusions. f. observing the conventions of standard edited American English. Competency 3: The student will demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication by: a. generating, developing, organizing, and presenting ideas effectively. b. shaping communication to purpose, audience, and occasion. c. analyzing similarities and differences between oral and written communication. d. analyzing the impact of variables such as gender, orientation, and ethnicity. e. practicing critical listening. 11

12 ASSIGNMENTS ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED FOR CREDIT IN THE COURSE #1. Read the ENC 2300 syllabus fully. Download and read the general flyer and the testing room schedule as well. Buy required text(s). Be sure to meet with your professor during the first week of the semester to check in and fill out a contract. Oral Presentation: Each student will deliver a formal oral presentation, lasting from three (3) to five (5) minutes. Please contact your professor for specific topics. This will take place towards the end of the semester. #2. Read the introductory pages to chapters 1-3. Then select at least three (3) Thematic Readings from each group to read. Total reading [9] should exceed 45 pages. Look through the TABLE OF CONTENTS to make your choices. #3. First group of readings; written summary and discussion (10 points). Select two (2) Thematic Readings from each group [6] to respond to by completing the following: Write a three (3) paragraph response (300 words approximately total), using the following as your guide and providing proper MLA format throughout: a. Describe the point of the essay, the author s purpose in writing it, and the author s tone (attitude toward the subject). b. What salient supporting details are used? c. Relate this essay to contemporary society and/or to your own life. NOTE: These will be the guidelines for future reading responses. #4. First at-home essay (10 points) The topic of this essay is to use one of the other third readings from the three chapter groups and write an essay ( words; 4-5 paragraphs) in which you explore and discuss the a/b/c responses from assignment 3 above. These may be arranged in any manner, but all must be covered. Make certain to follow proper essay format. If uncertain, see attached pages at the end of this syllabus. 12

13 #4. Cont Use information from the original reading for your own essay, citing the original source in MLA research paper style. (Now would be a very good time to consult your handbook and review research format.) Use at least one direct quotation and one indirect quotation from the original, cited in proper parenthetical MLA format. Then, give the correct bibliographic format in Works Cited at the end of the essay. Remember to pick up your graded assignments when they are ready. Your instructor may require you to revise or rewrite your papers. #5. First in-class essay (10 points) You will write this essay in our testing room. The topic will be based on one of the readings in assignment 3, one of the selections you have not yet chosen. The specific format of the essay will be provided by your professor when you arrive. Remember to bring a blue examination book for the first in-class essay. You may use a dictionary and thesaurus. You may not use the textbook. It is important to review all the assigned essays before taking the test. You must begin your in-class writing at least one (1) hour before the end of your instructor s scheduled hours. #6. Second group of readings; written summary and discussion (10 points) Read three (3) Thematic Readings of your choice from each of Chapters 4-6, reading introductory material, as well. Total reading pages [9] should exceed 45 pages. Then respond as you did in assignment 3 above, writing paragraph responses for six (6) readings; two (2) from each chapter. NOTE: References need to be made and reflect proper MLA format. #7. Second at-home essay (20 points) 7A. You will be selecting your own topic for this essay based on your readings from chapters 4-6. Your instructor will send information via that will help you organize and help you get started, so be sure to check your school at and consult with him should this information not reach you. 7B. Research requirements for the second at-home essay. You must utilize at least three (3) sources, preferably of varied types (such as books, journals, interviews, internet sites, etc.) in addition to the primary selection under scrutiny. The purpose of this is to familiarize you with various methods of research. At least two of the sources must be current within 13

14 the past few years. Thus, remember that four (4) references in the Works Cited is a minimum requirement. Review the section on research papers in your handbook. Be sure that you follow correct MLA style for citations and for the Works Cited list. Carefully go over the sections on organization and on plagiarism in your handbook. Please hand in two copies of this assignment. One will be graded and returned to you for corrections; the other will be kept in departmental files. NOTE: MLA format strictly followed. #8. Second in-class essay (10 points) The second in-class essay will be written in our testing room under the same conditions as the first in-class essay. It will be based on the second group of readings listed in assignment 6. #9. Third group of readings; written summary and discussions (10 points) Read six (6) selections from chapters 7-8, reading introductory material as well. Remember, total reading should exceed 30 pages and should reflect three (3) from each chapter. Respond to all six (6) readings, using the format followed in assignment 3 above. #10. Third in-class essay (15 points) This in-class essay will be written in our testing room under the same conditions as the first in-class essay, but please note that the grade for this counts double points. This essay will be based on one of your extra readings from assignment groups one and two (chapters 1-6), or any extra reading that you did in the course. This is comparable to a Final Examination. #11. Oral Component (5 points) Students will discuss their favorite reading in the course and will reflect on what they have learned about their own writing abilities and improvements. All submitted assignments become the property of the Independent Studies Department and will not be returned to students. 14

15 ENC 2300 Assignments and Points Assignment Maximum Points Points Earned #1. Read syllabus; buy texts #2. Read introductory chapters #3. Response to first group of readings 10 #4. First At-Home Essay 10 #5. First In-Class Essay (Test) 10 #6. Response to second group of readings 10 #7A. Topic Approved for Second At-Home Essay Topic Date Approved #7B. Second At-Home Essay 20 #8. Second In-Class Essay (Test) 10 #9. Response to third group of readings 10 #10. Third In-Class Essay (Final Test) 15 #11. Oral Component 5 Total points Final Grade All assignments must be successfully completed for credit in the course 15

16 ELEMENTS OF ORGANIZATION All practice papers and in-class essays must follow the guidelines in this handout. FORM: All papers must be typed. In-class essays should be written in blue exam books, in ink, on one side of a page only. On the title page or bluebook cover please write: Your name and the date Professor's name Course, assignment, and topic Papers that are not labeled are set aside and no grade is awarded. It is impossible to grade a paper without knowing the assignment and topic. LENGTH: words, five paragraphs. TITLE: Papers should have a title that is short and interesting. Avoid the obvious (e.g. "My Dad"), and try to think of something that will interest the reader or show some creativity (e.g. Fast Eddie A Pool Shark or Mork s Revenge ). PARAGRAPH 1: The first paragraph must have two parts: an introduction of at least 3 sentences and a one-sentence thesis that follows logically from the introduction. The introduction should interest the reader in some way, perhaps by showing the importance of the topic or why it is timely. An introduction should NOT simply state the points of the thesis. For example, if your paper were about abortion, your introduction might discuss the recent Supreme Court cases that are challenging Roe versus Wade. The material in the introduction does NOT get developed later in the paper; development is of the thesis. The thesis has two parts: the main idea or opinion and the three points which will be developed in the next three paragraphs to support/develop the main idea of the thesis. 16

17 PARAGRAPH 1 Cont For example: Abortion is justified (opinion) only in cases of incest, rape or probable deformity (the three points). Compassion and patience (two points) are the most important characteristics of good parenting (main idea). PARAGRAPHS 2, 3, 4: PARAGRAPH 5: TRANSITIONS: TOPIC SENTENCES: The second, third, and fourth paragraphs of the paper develop the three points of the thesis in the same order they were mentioned in the thesis. The key to effective support/development is to go back and forth from general to specific. If you say, "Communication in a marriage is important," you need to follow that with specific examples. The fifth paragraph is a conclusion paragraph. You may restate your main ideas, perhaps emphasizing the most important point. Do not introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Use transitions to connect the paragraphs of development. Avoid the obvious such as "first" and "next." A good transition shows the relationship between two paragraphs, e.g. "the problem of alcoholism has led to many social and economic hardships for families." This transition sentence would link a paragraph about the prevalence of alcoholism to the next paragraph about the problems caused by alcoholism. If one paragraph gives information that contradicts or challenges information in the previous paragraph, you might have a transition such as, "contrary to the belief that the death penalty is effective, many people believe..." etc. Paragraphs two, three, and four need a clear topic sentence. A topic sentence has two functions: it identifies the subject of the paragraph, and it limits the paragraph to that topic. If your topic sentence is about the causes of alcoholism and a paragraph mentions the effects of alcoholism, your paragraph will lack unity. The topic sentence usually comes first in a paragraph, and it specifically refers to the point in the thesis that will be developed. 17

18 Independent Studies Contract I have received and agree to all requirements, deadlines, policies, etc. stated in this term s Student Contract for the course in which I am enrolled. SIGNATURE Student Number Printed Name Today s Date COURSE Course Title Course Ref. # Term Address Telephone (Home) (Work) Please complete and leave with your professor no later than the first week of classes. 18