English 130/131 A--English 101 D-E

Autumn 2003

Scott Bessho

 

Office: R 230-P                                                        Phone: 425-564-2425                         E-mail: sbessho@bcc.ctc.edu

Office Hours:                                                                                                                        Campus Mail: R 230

 

Required Texts:           Barnstone: Literatures of Asia

                                        Griffith: Writing Essays about Literature

                                        Any good dictionary (e.g. Longman).

 

 

Objectives of the course:

 

·         To learn new ways of responding to literature.

 

·         To learn to work in groups to analyze various works.

 

·         To learn effective use of your ideas in writing essays.

 

·         To learn to make connections between literature and your world.

 

Class policies:

 

1.         Please refer to the web site on Arts and Humanities Policies, all of which apply in my classes. Pay special attention to the section on academic dishonesty. Plagiarism, which we will discuss in class, will not be tolerated. Be warned that BCC subscribes to a new plagiarism detection service that can easily find papers that are taken, in whole or in part, from the internet.

 

2.              The grading for papers in this course will be based on a variety of factors, including readability, content, organization, use of sources, and overall effectiveness. A grading rubric will determine points for each assignment. A grade of F will result if you miss more than nine classes. Excessive lateness will count as an absence if I take roll before you arrive.

Bellevue Community College uses the following grading system and standards in evaluating student performance (for more information, see the BCC Catalog):

 

“A” grades indicate “outstanding” achievement.  The “A” student

·                    demonstrates consistent mastery of learning outcomes for the course

·                    demonstrates ability to interpret, integrate, and apply learning outcomes beyond the context of the course through application of critical and creative thinking skills

·                    completes work assignments that consistently exceed requirements and that interpret and apply objectives in new, unique, or creative ways

·                    demonstrates consistent leadership in class participation activities

 

“B” grades indicate “high” achievement.  The “B” student

·                    demonstrates a high level of competence in learning outcomes for the course

·                    demonstrates ability to interpret, integrate, and apply learning outcomes within the context of the course through application of critical and creative thinking skills

·                    completes work assignments that consistently meet most requirements

·                    contributes regularly to class participation activities

 

“C” grades indicate “satisfactory” achievement.  The “C” student

·                    demonstrates a satisfactory level of competence in learning outcomes for the course

·                    demonstrates competent ability to interpret, integrate, and apply learning outcomes within the context of the course

·                    completes work assignments that satisfy minimum requirements for the course

·                    satisfies minimum requirements for class participation activities

 

“D” grades indicate “poor” achievement.  The “D” student

·                    demonstrates minimum competence in some learning outcomes for the course

·                    completes work assignments that usually meet minimum requirements

·                    contributes inconsistently or infrequently to class participation activities

 

“F” grades indicate “unsatisfactory” achievement.  The “F” student

·                    cannot demonstrate competence in many or fundamental learning outcomes

·                    submits work assignments that frequently do not meet minimum requirements, or does not complete the assigned work does not satisfy minimum requirements for attendance or contribution to class activities

 

3.         Much of your work will be done in groups, so your participation is essential to others in the class, whose participation grade depends on your preparation. Beyond the writing assignments, participation in groups, quizzes and class activities determines the remainder of your grade, and is evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. You can ensure a good participation grade if you ask questions and try answering questions in class. Unsatisfactory participation will lower your paper grade by one letter.

 

4.         Your lab fee entitles this class to use the Writing Lab computers. We will meet in the Writing Lab occasionally, and we will use the computers for various assignments. You should use a computer for all of your outside writing. The Lab also provides free tutorial help and instruction in editing.

 

 

5.         Be sure to ask about any of our campus services: Writing Lab, Reading Lab, Multicultural Services, Women's Center, Disability Support Services, etc. We have many resources for our students, and we all want to help you succeed. See me if you would like to know more about available help.

 

6.         If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. If you would like to inquire about becoming a DSS student you may call 564-2498 or go in person to the DSS (Disability Support Services) reception area in the Student Services Building.

 

Reading Assignments

 

Readings will be assigned in class.

 

Writing Assignments

 

·        Reading Log or Journal: Entries in the reading log will be made each week. These will be reviewed and graded, but not for content. Specific log assignments will be explained in class. The log can provide material for more formal writing assignments.

 

 

·        Main Paper Assignments:  These more formal essays will come out of the discussions and log work, and will also take various rhetorical forms to satisfy English 101 outcomes. These assignments may be about works not specifically assigned to be read. One assignment will require some outside research.

 

 

Oral Presentation

Length: 7-10 minutes

 

 

A presentation providing additional background about the writers and historical circumstances of the works we read is required of each person, but these may be presented in groups. The group members will all receive the same grade.

 

Each presentation must have some visual aids.  These may include overheads, PowerPoint slides, posters, or charts.  Overhead transparencies must be in 24-point font in order to be visible to the class.  You must give me advance notice (at least 48 hours) if you need equipment (e.g., computers) that is not already in the classroom.

 

Late work:  All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Papers turned in after that time will be docked 25% for each day that they are not handed in (including weekends).

 

More about Plagiarism: Please visit and read the Avoiding Plagiarism page on the BCC Writing Lab web site.. 

 

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Good Luck in 101/130/131 this quarter!  Let’s make it fun and productive. 

Always remember that I want you to succeed but that you are responsible for your own success.

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