English 101

Instructor: Nancy Eichner   
Office: R 230
Hours: By appointment (best T Th
4:40)
Phone: (425) 564-4185
Email: neichner@bcc.ctc.edu


Introduction
English 101 is the first college-level English writing course.  You will primarily write essays based on ideas and information from readings, movies, and discussions about work.

Books and Materials
The Twentieth Century: A People's History, by Howard Zinn
The Bedford Handbook, by Diana Hacker, 5th edition
One soft folder with fasteners (for your Portfolio at the end of the quarter)

Grading
Grades will be based on your
Portfolio (handed in at the end of the quarter)
Homework
Grammar Test
Participation

Portfolio:  This contains  three essays.  I will give grades for essays 1 and 2  after you turn each in.  You may choose one of these essays to resubmit in your Portfolio for grade reconsideration at the end of the quarter.  In workshops, you will receive feedback on your essays from your classmates; in conferences with me, you will also receive feedback on the first two essays.  Essay 3 is a "test" essay; you will receive feedback in workshops,  but not from me in conference.  Also, you will submit this essay in the Portfolio only.  

At the end of the quarter, I grade your writing holistically, meaning I look at the overall quality of your writing and quarter work to determine your final grade.  

Homework:  When you turn in a homework assignment, I assign a + , check, or -.  

When a reading is assigned, the written homework for that reading is to write a seminar paper containing the most important facts and ideas, PLUS your questions and comments about that reading.  This seminar paper is due in class on the day the reading is due.  It is to be used as the basis for discussion.

Participation:   Attendance is important to be able to take part in class discussion and instruction.  If you are absent often, I will ask you to repeat the course another quarter.  If you are having some special problem with attendance, please talk to me about it-don't just give up.  Also, the reading must be completed before the class in which we will be discussing it to maximize your ability to participate in an exchange of ideas.  Constructive, active participation in discussions is a significant part of your grade.