COLLEGE AND CRITICAL READING 101

COLLEGE AND CRITICAL READING 101 CRE 101 / LEC 29065 / MW 10:30-11:20 am/ LC 430 INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Professor: Mrs. Renee Davis, M.Ed. Office: LC 320 Office Phone: 480-423-6464 Email: renee.davis@scottsdalecc.edu OFFICE HOURS: Monday: By appointment only Tuesday: 1:00 3:00 pm Wednesday: By appointment only Thursday: 1:00 3:00 pm Friday: Open Lab 11:00 am 12:00 pm in LC 370 and by appointment Need Extra Help? Attend Office Hours or Open Lab! REQUIRED TEXT & SUPPLIES: Please bring these materials each time the class meets!! Elements of Argument: A Text and Reader, 10 th Edition. Bedford St. Martins, 2011. ISBN: 978-0312646998 Authors: A.T. Rottenberg and D.H. Winchell! Composition Notebook (to be used as your Critical Reading Notebook)! USB Drive! Pens, pencils, highlighters! Post-it type page tabs! Binder section or course folder (to keep handouts, returned work for portfolio analysis)! Computer Applications: Internet, turnitin.com account, and Microsoft Word & PowerPoint SCC GENERAL EDUCATION STATEMENT General Education enhances students abilities in critically analyzing and effectively communicating in Written, Oral, Visual, and Numerical form. General Education is WOVeN through the curriculum and co-curricular experiences at Scottsdale Community College. DIVERSITY AND A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT This classroom will be a safe learning environment for every individual as far as I am able to ensure that outcome. This means I will treat each student with respect, and in turn I expect respect to be given to the instructor and every individual in this course. Disagreement does not equal disrespect. We all bring different points of view, different personal values, different life experiences, and different personal preferences with us into the classroom. This diversity makes for great discussion, adds interesting dimensions to our interpersonal relationships, and is welcome in the academic arena. Though we celebrate our differences, I expect each student to respect the rights and needs of fellow classmates. Students cannot feel safe to express themselves without the assurance that their ideas, attitudes and beliefs will be treated with respect. COURSE DESCRIPTION & PREREQUISITES Apply critical inquiry skills to varied and challenging reading materials. Includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation through at least two substantial writing and/or speaking tasks. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG 101 or ENG 107 and appropriate reading placement test score or grade of C or better in RDG 091 or RDG 095. 1

TECHNOLOGY Technology and skills needed: You should have regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. Additionally, you should be able to use the Internet and word processing tools. You should run the course materials on either FireFox or Chrome browsers. To download visit: FireFox Website or Chrome Website Computer Equipment / Access Needed For this course, you will need a working e-mail address, a Canvas account, and access to the Internet. Internet access can be from school, home, or work.! Maricopa Community Colleges provides all students with an email address. It is now the official way to receive communication from the college and district. Look up your email account at the Maricopa Student Email Site.! You will be able to log into the Canvas Learning Management System using your MEID and associated password. For help with Canvas, check out the Canvas self-help site or call 1-888-994-4433 for 24/7 support; visit the Maricopa 24/7 help site for a live chat with a support team member; or check out the Start Here Link for information on student and academic resources as well as videos on how to use Canvas Note: It is essential that you set your notifications in Canvas before you get started with the course. Here is a video to help you set your notifications. CRE 101 TARGET OUTCOMES 1. Describe the nature of critical reading and its application to life in the contemporary world. (I) 2. Apply critical reading techniques to a variety of material and purpose for reading. (II) 3. Identify the structure of an argument. (III) 4. Evaluate textual material to ascertain tone, purpose, audience and context. (IV) 5. Interpret assumptions, bias, author s point of view, and connotative meanings in text. (V) 6. Identify and respond to common types of reasoning and common errors in reasoning. (VI) 7. Apply critical reading skills to assess the nature and accuracy of evidence given in support of an author s argument. (VII) 8. Gather and utilize internet, database, and print resources. (VIII) 9. Interpret, evaluate, and analyze internet, database, and print resources. (VIII) 10. Synthesize ideas on related issues from intertextual sources. (IX) CRE 101 OUTLINE OF SKILLS I. Nature of Critical Reading A. Characteristics of critical reading B. Applications II. III. IV. C. Blocks to critical reading Variation in Critical Reading Techniques A. According to material B. According to purpose Structure of an Argument A. Issues B. Conclusions C. Reasons Author's Stance in Written Materials A. Tone B. Purpose C. Audience D. Context V. Author's Use of Language A. Assumptions B. Bias 2

VI. VII. VIII. IX. C. Author's point of view D. Connotative and denotative meaning Reasoning A. Types 1. Identification 2. Analysis B. Fallacies 1. Identification 2. Analysis Evidence A. Type B. Accuracy C. Logic, Completeness, and validity Research Process A. Types of Sources 1. Internet 2. Library Database 3. Print B. Process 1. Collection 2. Evaluation 3. Analysis 4. Utilization Synthesis of Ideas A. Process 1. Comparison/contrast 2. Integration 3. Final conclusion B. Formats 1. Substantial written project 2. Substantial oral presentation COURSE ASSIGNMENT WEIGHTING & GRADING SCALE Category Weight of Overall Grade Daily Formative Work: Attendance & Assignments 10% Reading and Skills Quizzes 10% Group Projects: Ad, PSA, &/or Argument Analysis 10% Reader s Notebook Checks: Content & Organization 10% Rhetorical Analysis: Midterm 20% Evaluation Argument Presentation 20% Final Exam (Parts 1 & 2) 20% Total 100% Grade % Range A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F 59% & below ACADEMIC HONESTY! Every student in this class is expected to produce his/her own original work.! Plagiarism is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.! Plagiarism may result in being dropped from the course with a failing grade.! Plagiarism may result in a letter to the Dean of Students for further action. This is SERIOUS.! Most if not all formal papers will be submitted to turnitin.com as drafts and as final copies to facilitate student revision and elimination of potential plagiarism issues. In this course, Turnitin.com is used during the writing process as a tool to keep plagiarism in check and to provide feedback on editing issues. 3

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION POLICY! You MUST attend the first day of class; no exceptions as per SCC policy.! You should plan to attend all class periods; if you must miss a class, please communicate with your instructor via email prior to the class meeting time. There are no excused absences beyond college activities or athletic competitions, jury duty, and documented emergencies. Evidence must be provided.! If you are absent FOUR times, the instructor may withdraw you from the course. If you are absent FOUR consecutive class periods before the 45 th day, you will be withdrawn from the class. After three absences, the student is required to meet with the instructor during Office Hours or Open Lab to develop an absence plan prior to being admitted back into class. When you are absent, you may not make up the assignments or quizzes for points that day unless the instructor has provided prior approval, at the instructor s discretion.! Use Canvas to monitor your class progress each week. If your class grade drops below 69%, you are REQUIRED to attend Open Lab on Friday in LC 370 from 11:00 am 12:00 pm. If you do not attend Open Lab when it is required, it will count as one of your absences, which may jeopardize your grade further and your good standing in the class. If you know you cannot attend Open Lab, you must make other arrangements with the instructor to make up the time prior to Open Lab.! Bring all the required course materials to every class period, unless instructed otherwise.! Cell phones, laptops, and other mobile devices should be silenced and put away unless we are doing an activity that requires their use.! Texting and checking texts and emails during the class period is rude and interferes with active participation. Please don t do it!! You are expected to participate in class discussions and group activities. You will not earn credit for daily formative work if you are not engaged in the activities.! You must use respectful language and behavior in the classroom toward other students and the instructor; failure to conduct yourself in a civil and respectful manner could result in withdrawal from the course.! Bring an open mind, positive attitude, and the intent to actively engage with the material and other students in class. ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES & LATE POLICY! All submissions by students are expected to be the original product of the submitting student.! The Reader s Notebook is the backbone of success in class. The notebook will be evaluated at least twice during the semester and indicates your participation in the course. You have complete control of 10% of your grade through this notebook! It should be well organized, thorough, consistent, and evidential of critical reading and thinking.! Essays, compositions, and reaction papers will be word processed and collected at the beginning of the class period of the due date, typically the day online uploads are due to turnitin.com. If the paper comes in any time after the beginning of the period on the due date, ten percent (10%) of the points will be deducted. The same procedure applies if your paper is late for an online due date. Papers submitted more than one day late but less than one week late will be reduced by 50%. Papers submitted late1week or more will not be accepted.! If a LATE major writing assignment is submitted prior to the next class session, the paper grade will be reduced by 20%. N0 credit will be earned if the paper is submitted more than two days after the original due date.! Formal written assignments (essays, reaction papers, etc.) must be submitted in MLA format.! Presentations must be given on the day they are due; no late presentations.! In-class activities and notebook entries may not be made up.! The scheduled midterm and final exam may be made up in the Testing Center only if prior arrangements have been made with and approved by the instructor and must be completed within two days. 4

! All assignments must be completed in order to meet the target outcomes for this course. Not all assignments will be collected and/or graded. Completing all assignments leads to learning and success in the course.! Keep all returned work in a folder or section in a binder to verify that it has been completed and evaluated. You will want to keep and use your work to prepare for the final exam of the course. WITHDRAWAL POLICY! Student may initiate an official withdrawal from this course by submitting a withdrawal form with required signatures to the A&R office within published deadlines.! Failure to attend this class is not a guarantee for a refund or an excuse of debt incurred through registration. See Refund Policy in the 2015-2016 College Catalog p. 241.! Official date of withdrawal is last date of attendance as determined by student s withdrawal or as reported by the instructor.! The official date of withdrawal will determine degree of refund, if any.! Failure to file official withdrawal form within published deadlines can result in a failing grade and may affect refund of course tuition and fees.! Additional information on Withdrawals can be found in the 2015-2016 College Catalog p. 252. DISABILITY RESOURCE & SERVICES Scottsdale Community College provides equal opportunity to qualified students. If you have a documented disability (medical, physical, learning, psychological, etc.) and wish to request disability-related accommodations to complete course requirements, contact Disability Resources & Services, located in room SC 125, 480-423-6517. Course requirements cannot be waived, but reasonable accommodations may be provided based on disability documentation and course objectives. No accommodations will be made without proper documentation from the DRS office. It is the student s responsibility to contact DRS and communicate approved accommodations with the instructor. ACADEMIC & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES A variety of student services can be accessed by phone and online. Services are FREE of charge to all registered SCC students. Refer to the SCC College Resources Student Home Page. Also, you can check the following locations and phone numbers: SCC Campus Map: http://www.scottsdalecc.edu/about-scottsdale/college-mapsdirections/scc-campus-map Writing Center: Room LC379, 480-423-6416 Student Tech Center: Room IT100, 480-423-6261 IT Help Desk: Room IT123, 480-423-6274, option 3 Library: Room SC - Peridot Room, 4804236651 Counseling Center: Room SC108, 480-423-6524 Veteran s Services: Room SC 131, 480-423-6562 Advisement Center: Room SC130, 480-423-6539 Financial Support/Financial Aid: Room SS 141, 855-622-2332 Testing Center: Room SC 150, 480-423-6433; schedule at www.registerblast.com/scottsdale 5

CODE OF CIVILITY Instructors are expected to be professional, courteous, respectful and empathic to students. As your instructor, I will:! Begin and end class on time! Be prepared for each class session! Provide academic feedback and grade assignments in a timely manner! Be available for individual consultation! Clarify assignments and inform students of any adjustments to the class schedule! Treat students with respect Students are expected to be reflective, courteous, respectful and empathic to classmates, instructor and other college staff assisting in their learning. Students are expected to arrive on time for class and remain until class has ended. The instructor should be notified in advance if there is a need to leave early. A student is expected to:! Check Canvas several times a week to read announcements and to follow assignments and grade status. (ESSENTIAL for success!)! Set up Canvas so that he/she receives notifications of course updates.! Turn off/silence cell phones and other mobile devices before entering classroom.! Be in class and be on time.! Arrive prepared for class sessions by bringing the textbook and Reader s Notebook.! Communicate with classmates and instructor with civility.! Demonstrate respect for viewpoints that differ from one s own.! Follow instructions and complete assignments.! Keep up with and turn in assignments by due dates.! Actively engage with the material, the instructor, and classmates.! Ask questions.! Contact instructor right away about concerns or situations that interfere with class success.! Comply with policies found in the SCC Catalog and SCC Student Handbook. STUDENT MISCONDUCT POLICY The classroom is an educational learning environment where students are expected to engage in behaviors, which are conducive to their own learning and the learning of their peers. To facilitate this, respect for self and others is mandatory and necessary. Should a student exhibit disruptive behavior and/or use profane language to the extent that it interferes with the learning environment, an academic consequence may be imposed. Any student found by a faculty member to have committed academic misconduct may be subject to the following academic consequences: Warning A notice in writing to the student that the student has violated the academic code. Grade Adjustment Lowering of a score on a test or assignment. Discretionary Sanctions Additional academic assignments determined by the faculty member. Course Failure Failure of a student from a course where academic misconduct occurs. Further information can be found in the SCC Student Handbook, Academic Misconduct 2.3.11 MCCCD s SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY Sexual harassment is any unwelcome, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it alters working conditions and creates a hostile environment or reasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives a student of the ability to participate in or benefit from any educational program or activity. 6

Sexual harassment and discrimination in any college education program or activity, is prohibited. Students should report any discrimination and/or harassment they experience and/or observe to the Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs (SCC s Title IX Coordinator); located in the Administration Building (AD), phone 480-423-6300. To view the full Sexual Harassment Policy, refer to the Student Handbook page 254. Everyone in this class, including the instructor, must adhere to the policy of the Maricopa Community College District which states: The policy of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and/or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal law. PLEASE seek assistance from faculty and staff at SCC if you are the victim of sexual harassment or assault. If you report sexual harassment to your professors, they are required to report the incident or issue. -This Syllabus may be modified at the Instructor s discretion- 7