Instructor:  Kimberly Pollock                                    Spring 2007

Office:  C 207         Phones:  425.564.3082

Office Hours:  10.20-11.20 daily, or by appointment

E-mail:  kpollock@bcc.ctc.edu

 

                                                                 

Course Goals:  Develops clear, effective writing skills and emphasizes writing as a process. Students practice writing in a variety of forms and modes.   ENGL101  meets a written communication course requirement at BCC.  This will be accomplished by examining written materials that will serve as models, viewing film and by extensive drafting of papers.

 

Philosophies:  I strongly believe that each of us is responsible for what happens in this classroom.  Students are just as capable of making a class great as the instructor.  Through our studies, we are creating a new community in our own classroom, and we are each responsible to the other members of that community.  The key to a successful class is mutual respect and responsibility.  We all have a myriad of valuable insights to offer.  I will expect each of you to be committed to the course, just as you will expect commitment from me. I am excited to learn with you.  Therefore, expect to do a good bit of work, and plan of participating fully in class.  The following policies are based on this philosophy:

 

Policies:

Attendance

I expect students to be committed to the class and to attend every day.  I also expect that you will be on time.  My attendance policy is as follows:

 

0-5 absences     Fewer than 5 absences will be given full credit for attendance

More than 5       Absences will affect the final grade

10+                  Will receive no credit for the class

If you have exceptional circumstances that prevent prompt, regular attendance you should speak to me BEFORE those circumstances interfere with our work in this class.

Class Participation

This is not a “Warm Body” class—one of those classes that you attend half conscious, take the occasional not and leave.  Expect to be challenged, expect to contribute regularly, expect to work hard to develop your understanding of the material ant to develop your writing skills.  Expect to listen to each other, even when you don’t like or agree with what is being said.  Expect to be ready to participate in class each day by having completed the reading and writing assignments before class begins.

Late Assignments

Absences on the day that a paper is due do not grant an automatic extension.  On days when drafts are discussed, either in groups or as a class, those without drafts will be excused to complete the work and counted as absent for the day.  On days when papers are due to me, I expect them in class but will accept them in person or in my mailbox in R 230 or e-mail box until 12.00 on the day they are due.  I’ll accept nothing after that time unless specific arrangements are made with me BEFORE the due date.  I’ll permit such an arrangement only once.

Plagiarism

I expect honest.  I expect that you will neither do work for others nor use work done by others.  Cheating and/or plagiarizing will not be tolerated. 

Grading System:

You must complete a total of 5 essays to receive credit for this course.  All drafts of each paper must be kept and turned in with the final paper in your portfolio.  A folder (portfolio) containing ALL of the essays written during the course must be turned in to me at the end of the quarter.  In addition to your formal essays, you will also keep a journal of responses to the readings and films.  The journal responses will be one-page of thought about the readings or films, and must also be present in you portfolio.  These responses will hopefully be the basis for your formal essays.  The portfolio will be worth 70% of your grade.  Participation in class discussion and group activities will comprise 30% of your total grade.  Your portfolios will be graded holistically, based on the standards distributed in class.

 

If you have a documented disability that will require some type of accommodations please contact me as soon as possible so we can make whatever arrangements necessary.  My office hours are for your use.

 

We are a college community enriched by the diversity of our students and staff. Each individual and group has the potential to contribute in our learning environment. To diminish the dignity of one is to diminish the dignity of all.

- Steve Timmons 

I am looking forward to exploring language together and having fun in the process!