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COURSE SYLLABUS

1. TITLE OF COURSE: ENGLISH COMPOSITION I

PREFIX/NUMBER: ENG 121 CREDIT HOURS: 3 CONTACT HOURS: 45
2. PREREQUISITE: CCR 092 completed at a C or better level or placement
score at the ENG 121 level.
3. RESOURCES NEEDED:
TEXT:
Nazario, Luis, Debbie Borchers, and William Lewis.
Bridges to Better Writing. 2nd ed., Wadsworth, 2013.
Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. Rules for Writers.
8th ed., St. Martins Press, 2016.
SUPPLIES:
Pocket folder for PCC Writing Portfolio
USB Flash Drive

4. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions,

including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a
minimum of five compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and
persuasive/argumentative writing. ~~This course is one of the Statewide Guaranteed
Transfer courses. GT-CO1

5. STANDARD COMPETENCIES:
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education has approved ENG 121 for inclusion in the
Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways program in the GT-C01 category. For transferring students,
successful completion with a minimum C grade guarantees transfer and application of credit in
this GT Pathways category. For more information on the GT Pathways program, go to
http://highered.colorado.gov/academics/transfers/gtpathways/curriculum.html.

Colorado Community College System Standard GT Pathways Competency: Written Communication

Competencies and Required Student Learning Outcomes
1. Plan, write, and revise multi-paragraph 1. Develop Rhetorical Knowledge
compositions that not only demonstrate a. Focus on rhetorical situation, audience,
competence in the following, but also and purpose.
function as an integrated whole: b. Read, annotate, and analyze texts in at
generating and exploring ideas; writing least one genre of academic discourse.
for a variety of purposes and audiences; c. Use voice, tone, format, and structure
and focusing and developing a thesis by appropriately.
exploring a variety of appropriate d. Write and read texts written in at least
organizational strategies. one genre for an academic discourse
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community.
e. Learn reflective strategies.
2. Practice critical reading skills. 2. Develop Experience in Writing
a. Learn recursive strategies for generating
ideas, revising, editing, and
proofreading.
b. Learn to critique ones own work and
the work of others.
3. Practice critical/logical thinking and 3. Develop Critical and Creative Thinking
reading skills - such as evaluation, a. Identify context.
analysis, synthesis, and criticism - b. Present a position.
through written assignments that stress c. Establish a conclusion indicated by the
analytical, evaluative, and context that expresses a personal
persuasive/argumentative writing. interpretation.

4. Use research methodologies, integrate 4. Use Sources and Evidence

digital and print sources, and apply an a. Select appropriate evidence.
assigned style of documentation. b. Consider the relevance of evidence.

5. Use accurate grammar, mechanics, and 5. Develop Application of Composing

spelling and will choose diction and Conventions
usage appropriate to their writing a. Apply genre conventions, including
purposes and audiences. structure, paragraphing, tone,
mechanics, syntax, and style.
6. Demonstrate the ability to select and b. Use appropriate vocabulary, format,
apply contemporary forms of and documentation.
technology to solve problems or
compile information

6. EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

Students will be evaluated on their ability to write clear, coherent, thesis-driven, and
well-structured essays that convey a clear sense of audience and purpose. All major
essay assignments must be submitted to receive a passing grade in the course.
All tests and writing assignments will be worth one letter grade or a specified number of
points. These grades/points will be averaged, and a grade will be given per the Total
Points range listed below:

Total Points Letter Grade

90 to 100 A
80 to 89 B
70 to 79 C
60 to 69 D
0 to 59 F
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7 CCCS COURSE OUTLINE:

Tentative Schedule (See section 17 for a more specific outline.)

I. The Composition
A. Planning
B. Generating/Exploring Ideas
C. Purpose
D. Audience
E. Point of View
F. Thesis
G. Organizing/Outlining
II. Writing/Revising/Editing
A. Strategies of Development
B. Introduction, Body, Conclusion
III. Critical/Logical Thinking
IV. Paragraph and Sentence Review (as needed)

8. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
To be successful in this course, students are expected to participate in a variety of
activities as determined by the instructor. These include, but are not limited to,
presentations, group work, projects, worksheets, and exams. The instructor may assign
point values to such activities.
PCC uses D2L as its course management system. The course syllabus, attendance, and
grades are posted in D2L. Students are encouraged to check their grades periodically
and take any concerns or disagreements to their instructor for immediate resolution or
clarification.
In addition, the English and Communication Department instructors use D2L to post
course content information as well as assignments. Instructors expect students to
submit specific assignments through the corresponding D2L dropbox, where
assignments are automatically checked for plagiarism. The instructors may delay grading
any student assignment that is not submitted through the appropriate dropbox as
required.
ENG 121 requires that a specific number of assignments be completed. ENG 121 is a
skills-building course, which means that each assignment requires the student to apply
the skills and feedback obtained from previous assignments. Therefore, it becomes
crucial that the student completes all assignments and submits them as scheduled.
Please observe the following requirements:
a. Assignments should meet all requirements and be turned in on time. Late
assignments will receive one grade cut for each calendar day beyond the due date
of the assignment and will not be accepted after the withdrawal date.
b. Even if an assignment is submitted too late to receive a passing grade, it must
still be submitted. If it is not submitted, the student forfeits the valuable feedback

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that will help him or her to develop writing skills and succeed in the next essay.
Furthermore, the students who do not submit all major assignments will not have
completed the course and, therefore, will receive a failing grade for the course.
c. The student may not submit two or more writing assignments at the same time.
Without feedback from the first or previous writing assignment, each paper will
contain the same errors and no prior skills or feedback can be applied, defeating
the purpose of this course.
d. No late assignments will be accepted after the end of the last day to withdraw
from a course. Please check the academic calendar for the exact date.
e. Meeting timelines and learning from mistakes is each students professional
responsibility. If a student is unable to meet deadlines, he or she should consider
withdrawing from the course and taking this course when it is more convenient.
The instructor will not withdraw students.
f. The student is responsible for discussing with the instructor any difficulties in
completing the assignments. To help students succeed, student support services
such as tutoring, counseling, and advising are also available. Students are
encouraged to utilize these services when necessary.
g. Assignments/Missed Exams: It is the students responsibility, whether present or
absent, to obtain all material presented and to complete all course assignments. If
prior arrangements are made or extenuating circumstances exist, makeup of tests
may be allowed. Late homework papers will not be accepted unless those same
extenuating circumstances exist. Makeup of quizzes is to be at the instructors
discretion.
h. If a student decides to leave the course, it is the student, NOT the instructor, who
must complete the required paperwork before the last day of withdrawal .
9. STUDENT CONDUCT:
All students at Pueblo Community College are expected to adhere to the Pueblo
Community College (PCC) Student Code of Conduct as described in the PCC Student
Handbook. Students may be removed from one class session by the faculty/instructor
for any violation of the Code or classroom rules. Additional sanctions, including
withdrawal from this class, for violations of the Code or classroom rules are applied
through the Dean of Student Success Office by the Director of Student Judicial Affairs.
Respect for others and for the teaching-learning situation is the key to successful
interaction in the class. Therefore, instructors will manage the classroom environment
to promote a positive learning experience for all students and reserve the right to ask a
disruptive student to leave the classroom.
As a future professional and a member of PCCs community of learners, it is crucial
that all students be on time for class, not leave the class while it is in progress for issues
other than emergencies, and be respectful of others viewpoints even if they disagree.
In addition, students are expected to become fully engaged in their learning without
texting, checking their phones or emails, leaving the classroom to make phone calls, or
participating in other digital distractions.

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Professionalism Rubric
Criteria Excellent Good Weak Unacceptable
ATTENDANCE Student is present every Student has missed Student has missed 3- Student misses class
class meeting and does two classes and/or 4 classes or left early continually or leaves
not leave early. left early. more than once. early frequently.
PUNCTUALITY Arrives to class on time;Arrives late once or Arrives late twice or Is continually late to
turns in assignments on misses one misses 2 deadlines. class; misses deadlines
due date. assignment frequently.
deadline.
ATTITUDE Communicates with a Almost always Occasionally Often communicates
positive attitude; never communicates with communicates with a negative attitude
displays rudeness. a positive attitude negatively bordering without regard for
showing courtesy on rudeness. others' points of view.
towards others.
COMMITMENT Demonstrates Usually Is indifferent to or Expresses negativity
eagerness for the demonstrates an uninvolved in the towards information
information presented eagerness for the course information presented for courses or
as well as for the information and the learning for the learning process.
learning process. presented as well as process.
for the learning
process.
CLASSROOM Politely accepts Is usually open to Is sometimes Is resistant to positive
INTERACTION feedback and uses it positive feedback unwilling to accept feedback, directions, or
constructively. Remains and follows class feedback, follow class policies. Is
on task and follows the policies. Occasionally directions, or remain frequently off-task.
class rules. gets off-task. on task.
Modified from CSU Monterey Bay-1 Oct. 2009

10. USE OF ELECTRONICS IN THE CLASSROOM:

Computers and other electronic devices may be used in the classroom only for academic
purposes as directed by the instructor. Texting and/or accessing personal e-mail and
social networking sites such as Facebook are not allowed. All cell phones must be turned
off during class. If a student uses an unapproved electronic device during a test or class
activity, the student will receive no credit for the activity or test, may be asked to leave
the classroom, and/or may fail the course for cheating.
11. AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING OF CLASS:
Except where a student is entitled to make an audio or video recording of class lectures
and discussions as an educational accommodation determined through the students
interactive process with college disability services, a student may not record lectures or
classroom discussions unless written permission from the class instructor has been
obtained and all students in the class as well as guest speakers have been informed that
audio/video recording may occur. A student granted permission to record may use the
recording only for his or her own study and may not publish or post the recording on
YouTube or any other medium or venue without the instructors explicit written
authorization.

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Please contact college disability services at 549.3446 if you require an educational

accommodation.
12. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Pueblo Community College is committed to providing a superior educational experience
for all students who attend the college. Academic integrity and honesty in all
educational classrooms and programs are critical in providing this high level of
education. Academic dishonesty is any form of cheating which results in students giving
or receiving unauthorized assistance in an academic exercise or receiving credit for work
which is not their own. For a complete definition of academi c dishonesty, see the PCC
Student Handbook.
It is the students responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic
dishonesty. Academic misbehaviors may have additional College disciplinary sanctions
imposed through the Office of Dean of Student Success by the Director of Student
Judicial Affairs. Disciplinary sanctions for violating the standards of academic integrity
may include warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college. Academic
sanctions may include failure of the course or the assignment. In limited-entry
programs, a student may be dismissed from the program for academic dishonesty.
Students may receive both disciplinary and academic sanctions.
Instructors expect student assignments to be unique to the course and may not accept
assignments that a student submitted in another course or for another purpose. Consult
your instructor for further information or exceptions.
13. DISABILITY STATEMENT:
Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations
for this class. Please contact the Disability Resources Center at 549.3446 for further
information.
14. WITHDRAWAL/ATTENDANCE POLICY:
PCC has instituted the following policy on class withdrawals. It is the students
responsibility to initiate all withdrawals (from a course or the college) after meeting
with their instructor. After meeting with their instructor, students should contact the
financial aid office, and initiate the process electronically or go to the college Go!Zone
for assistance. Faculty will not withdraw students for lack of attendance but issue the
appropriate grade earned by the student at the end of the semester. Departments are
expected to maintain clear attendance policies at the course/program level and convey
those standards to students.
To help students meet the standards of the course, the English and Communication
Department established the following attendance policy:
Any student who misses more than 20% of class meetings or fails to complete
and submit the required assignments when due may receive a failing grade for
the course. Students may avoid an F on their transcripts by withdrawing from
the course before the end of the last day to withdraw.

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PCCs goal is to train future professionals. Students are now in a professional

environment and members of a community of learners. Much of the content of this
class is dependent on students work in the class; thus, regular attendance is vitally
important to their success in the course and to their development of writing skill s. It is
impossible to make up what a student misses in class if he or she is not there: The
dynamics of class work, discussions, and collaborative activities leading to in depth
learning and understanding are lost.
If a student cannot attend a class, it is a courtesy to inform the instructor in advance, if
possible. At the discretion of the instructor, absences for medical or family emergencies
may be excused if the student provides documentation. However, if the total excused
absences still exceeds the 20% maximum allowable absences, it is likely that the student
will still receive a failing grade.
Tardy Policy: Students are to be ready to begin classes at the scheduled start of the
classes. It is considered unprofessional and disruptive behavior for students to arrive
late and/or leave early. Three tardy arrivals or early exits may be counted as one
absence. Students should discuss with the instructor any problems meeting the
scheduled time.
15. The deadline for withdrawing from this class is __________.

16. DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

Notice of Non-Discrimination
Pueblo Community College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment including
those that violate federal and state law or the State Board for Community Colleges and
Occupational Education Board Policies 3-120 and 4-120. The College does not discriminate on
the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental
disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender identity, or
sexual orientation in its employment practices or educational programs and activities.
Pueblo Community College will take appropriate steps to ensure that the lack of English
language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education
programs.
The College has designated the Director of Human Resources as its AA/EEO and Title IX
Coordinator, and the Senior HR Specialist as Deputy Title IX Coordinator, with the
responsibility to coordinate the colleges civil rights compliance activities and grievance
procedures. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Human Resources or
Deputy Title IX Coordinator, 900 W. Orman Avenue, Central Administration Building, Room
111, telephone 719.549.3220, email [email protected]. You may also contact the Office
for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Region VIII, Federal Office Building, 1244
North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204; phone: 303.844.3417.

Aviso de no discriminacin

Pueblo Community College (PCC) prohbe todas formas de discriminacin y acoso, inclusive
violacin de leyes federales y estatales o las polticas educativas

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3-120 y 120 4 del Consejo Estatal de Colegios Comunitarios y Laborales. El Colegio no

discrimina en base al sexo/gnero, raza, color, edad, credo, origen nacional o tnico,
incapacidad fsica o mental, estado de veterano, estado de embarazo, religin, informacin
gentica, identidad de gnero o orientacin sexual en sus prcticas de empleo, programas
educativos, o actividades que ofrece el Colegio. PCC tomar medidas apropiadas para
asegurar que la falta de conocimientos del idioma ingls no ser un impedimento para la
inscripcin y participacin en programas de educacin vocacional.

El Colegio ha designado el Director de Recursos Humanos (RH) el oficial de Accin Afirmativa

(AA), Igualdad de Oportunidades de Empleo (EEO), y Coordinador de la ley-Ttulo IX. El
Especialista Mayor de Recursos Humanos en PCC es designado como Diputado Coordinador
de la ley Ttulo IX con la responsabilidad de coordinar las actividades de cumplimiento de
derechos civiles y procedimientos de quejas. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, pngase en
contacto con el Director de Recursos Humanos o el Diputado Coordinador de Ttulo IX, 900 W.
Orman Avenue, ubicados en el edificio de Administracin Central, sala 111, telfono (719)
549-3220, o correo electrnico [email protected]. Tambin puede comunicarse con la
oficina de derechos civiles con el Departamento de Educacin, Regin VIII, Edificio de Oficinas
Federales, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204; telfono: 303.844.3417.

Nothing in this Syllabus is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an

expressed or implied contract. The College reserves the right to modify, change,
delete, or add to, as it deems appropriate, the policies, procedures, and other
general information in this document.

Gainful Employment Information: The US Department of Education requires disclosure

of information for any financial aid eligible program that prepares students for gainful
employment in a recognized occupation." For more information visit the website.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities.
To make a request, please notify the PCC Disability Resources Team at 719.549.3446 or
[email protected] at least four working days before the event.

17. Other Information:

A. Students are expected and encouraged to spend two to three hours outside of
class for every contact hour in class.
B. Tentative Schedule (Instructor may vary, combine, and/or supplement units.
See section 18.)
I. Introduction or review of the elements of the essay and stages of the writing
process recurring concepts and practices within each essay:
A. Planning
B. Generating/exploring ideas
C. Paragraph and essay structure
D. Purpose and audience
E. Point of view
F. Thesis
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G. Organizing/outlining
H. Writing/revising/editing
II. MLA style of documentation
A. MLA Format
B. Integrating paraphrased, summarized, or quoted source information
C. In-text and parenthetical citations
D. Plagiarism: Identifying and developing strategies to prevent
III. Explanation Essay (Extended Definition)
IV. Evaluation Essay
V. Argumentative Essay #1
VI. Argumentative Essay #2
VII. Final Exam

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