English 1A online #53034					             
Spring 2009 - Ryan LaSalle  
Contacts: ryan.lasalle@reedleycollege.edu  (559) 638-3641 ext. 3125
Office: Annex 2   Office hours: TBA   

On Writing... 

This class aims at moving students closer to the model of an “expert” writer where one is able to make informed decisions about any writing task and employ a wide range of tools and strategies to write the best possible paper—not just any paper. It is designed to get students to think beyond their own personal experience and use sources not just as storehouses of information, but as works to engage, debate, and utilize to some greater end. 

Aside from the mechanics of writing essays, we will be spending a fair amount of time working with ideas and improving content. Several essays will be brought in for discussion to yield material for our writing. These short works will be on a variety of subjects and we will look to cultivate observations, arguments, and ideas that will fulfill the expectations of effective college writing.

The Plan: (typical week)		
1. Announcements will give important information and directions about assignment due dates, online lecture announcements, and other updates to the site. 2. Course Documents will include lectures, instructions, essays, and other items that will be used as materials or supplementary information for assignments. 
3. Assignments will include specific tasks that must be completed and turned in. Due dates will be listed as well as lists of course documents that should be used to help in the work and completion of the assignment. 
4. Discussion Board will be used to discuss lectures and assignments as a group. You may also email me directly to ask questions.  

Textbooks: 	A Writer’s Reference, Diana Hacker, 6th ed.

Policies: Late work may be accepted for partial credit (5% deduction for each day late) with instructor’s approval. However, if assignments provide a due date with “no exceptions” as in the case of the “final” paper then no late work allowed. All due dates are until midnight of the day the assignment is due. In the event of plagiarism (see Schedule of Courses for more information) the student will fail the assignment or the class at the discretion of the instructor (depending on the nature and severity of the offense).

Grading: Grading is based on a point system. 90% A 80% B 70% C 60% D 50% F (of total points available in class)
(1-2)   light papers 					4   pts.
(3)      main papers 					10 pts. 
(1)      annotated bibliography (for final paper) 	10 pts.
(1)      rough draft of final paper 		            5   pts.	
(1)      research based argument paper (as final) 	25 pts.
Participation						10 pts. 
(use of discussion board, turning assignments in on time)

*instructor reserves the right to make changes in this syllabus as deemed necessary or appropriate.
*Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, including alternate media requests, please notify me immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.