English 1A – 53159 online						             
Fall 2011 - Ryan LaSalle (Office: Annex 2)
Contacts: ryan.lasalle@reedleycollege.edu 559-638-3641 (ext.3125)

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 provide important direction for all aspects of the course. Announcements will be used to introduce assignments, provide reminders, and will point students to other parts of the Bb course for information (think of it as the compass to the course). 

2. Course Documents will include lectures, instructions, essay readings, and other items that will be used as materials or supplementary information for assignments. 

3. Assignments will include assignment prompts (with requirements) that must be completed and turned in. Due dates will be listed here and the link to submit assignments is located here as well.

4. Discussion Board will be used to discuss readings and assignments as a group. 

Textbooks: 	A Writer’s Reference, Diana Hacker, 6th ed. (2009 MLA update)

Policies: 

All due dates are until midnight of the day the assignment is due. 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 the “no exceptions” clause as in the case of the “final” paper (including the “final” rough draft and annotated bibliography), then no late work allowed. 

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)

Summary							4   pts.
Response Essay 					            5   pts.
Argument Essay						10 pts.
Adv. Argument Essay						10 pts. 
Annotated bibliography (for final paper) 			10 pts.
Rough draft of final paper 				            5   pts.	
Research based argument paper (as final) 			25 pts.
Timed Essay							4   pts. 
Participation							5   pts. 
(discussion board, turning assignments in on time, following class instructions)

*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.

	Final drop date: Oct. 14, 2011