San Antonio College

Spring 2015
Prof. Lauren Hernandez Cruz
English Department
Office: Room 1 Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:00 am-1:30 pm; Fridays 3:00 pm-5:00pm
Phone: (210) 777-7777 (Office)
ENGL 1301: Composition I T-TH: 8:00 am-9:15 am Location:
Gonzales Hall 103
Required Texts/Materials:
Cooley, Thomas. Back to the Lake. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2015.
Journal
Pens
Access to a laptop for typed assignments and research
Course Description:
Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting,
revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical
choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic
essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis. This course fulfills the
Communication foundational component area of the core and addresses the following required
objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility.
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to help students develop the necessary skills to write eloquent,
correct prose, keeping writing focused on audience, context, and purpose. By the end of the
course, students should be able to:
write various modes of prose, including narratives, compare/contrasts, and arguments.
recognize rhetorical concepts and utilize rhetorical techniques in their own writing.
Practice process-writing techniques, including inventing, drafting, editing, and revising.
utilize primary and secondary research resources and materials in order to support their
own works, while remaining critical of the credibility, accuracy, biases, etc. of the
sources.
Requirements:
Be flexible.
Dont judge the opinions or works of others. Positive, helpful feedback is the only
acceptable form of critique.
Take responsibility for your work. Turn everything in on time and complete all assigned
readings and assignments.
Attend class. Many of the graded assignments will be done in class and expected to be in
the portfolio, so absences should be avoided at all costs to avoid potentially affecting the
quality of each assignment and the final portfolio.

Ask questions and communicate. If you are unsure of anything, ask about it. There may
be others who can benefit from your inquiries.
Electronics policy: Cell phones may be put on vibrate. Emergencies happen, so its okay
to take a call if needed. Persistent abuse of this exception is unacceptable. Texting,
Facebook, etc. are prohibited. It can wait until you leave the classroom.

Resources:
Coursework will incorporate use of:
School E-mail
Canvas
Library Research Librarians
Library Catalog and online databases
SAC Writing Center
Assignments:
Journal (50 points): Throughout the semester, the professor will assign 10 journal writings. The
student must maintain a journal with all the entries to be submitted at the end of the semester.
The entries should be lengthy enough to completely explore the topic. Students should keep up
with the assigned writings as there will be classes where entries will be discussed.
Peer Review Worksheets: With each essay rough draft, students will be expected to complete
peer review workshops. Students will bring a copy of each completed first draft for review. Each
student will review two essays during workshops, completing peer review worksheets. These
worksheets will be submitted as part of the final portfolio and will not be graded individually.
Essay 1-4 (400 total, 100 each): Specific guidelines will be handed out before each essay is
assigned. Each of these essays should be 3-5 pages in length, formatted according to MLA
guidelines. Each will be submitted as a rough draft for peer review and then turned in to the
professor as a final draft. The final draft of each essay must have the peer review worksheet and
first draft attached to it before turning it into the professor. Final drafts will only be accepted on
the due date and as a hard copy. No e-mailed copies will be taken!
Argument Research Paper (150): Specific guidelines will be handed out before this essay is
assigned. This essay will have a heavier weight than the previous essays due to the amount of
research and extra work that it requires. The paper will have an annotated bibliography
associated with it, including a minimum of 5 credible sources. Proper citations should be used
throughout the research paper. This essay will also have two revision phases, rather than just one.
It will also be the basis for the presentation at the end of the semester.
Argument Paper Presentation (100): At the end of the semester, each student will give an eight
minute presentation on his/her argument research paper. Students should reserve last two minutes
for discussions or questions. Students may choose to use visual aids to enhance their
presentations. Students should not simply read from slides; know your paper and make contact.
Remember your audience. The professor will be evaluating the student presentations based on
verbal delivery, demeanor, and content.
Portfolio (450 points): At the end of the semester, each student will turn in a completed portfolio
of the semesters works. The portfolio will include:
Peer review worksheets (60 points)
First drafts (100 point)

Annotated bibliographies (40 points)

Final draft essays 1-4 (100 points)
Two revised final drafts (50 points)
Final draft argument research paper (100 point)

Revised essays:
All revision begins with in-class workshops by peer-review; each student is expected to
participate in peer review workshops, making any revisions needed before submitting the final
draft to the professor. Also, after final drafts have been submitted and graded, the students will
submit two revised final drafts as part of the portfolio. In other words, two of the essays will
have been submitted as rough drafts, work shopped, submitted as final essays, and then
submitted as revised final drafts in the final portfolio.
** Late Papers:
Rough drafts are not graded. However, it is important that you have rough drafts prepared by the
designated deadlines for workshop purposes. Workshop participation is a part of your final grade,
as you will be expected to complete peer review worksheets to be included in the final portfolio.
Late final drafts will not be accepted. It is the students responsibility to ensure that a
complete, hard copy of the paper is in my hands at the designated class time.
** Formatting:
All work, including drafts and revision summaries, must be typed and formatted according to
MLA standards. A good source for assistance with MLA guidelines can be found at
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/.
Assessment:
900-1000+ points
800-899 points
700-799 points
600-699 points
500-599 points

A
B
C
D
F

This grading system will adhere to the Alamo Community Colleges grading scale found at
http://mysaccatalog.alamo.edu/content.php?catoid=97&navoid=3739#Grades.
Method of Instruction:
The course will be taught as a seminar course. Students will be actively engaged in dialogue with
peers and the professor. Students must come prepared to class as reading and written materials
will play crucial roles in the activities for each class; always bring assignments completed and be
prepared to discuss them aloud. The professor will act as a guide, rather than a traditional
instructor, providing direction for class discussions and instructions for group work.
Attendance:
The professor will take role within the first five minutes of class time, so any tardiness will be
noted. Two tardies constitute one absence. If a student is ill or has another valid reason to miss

class, the student must email the professor in advance. He/she will have a chance to make up
assignments that are recoverable (peer review worksheets are done in class and cannot be made
up). The professor reserves the right to ask for doctors notices. SAC attendance policy stipulates
that students who miss 12.5% of course hours (4 classes/semester for classes meeting twice a
week) can be dropped for excessive absence.
Academic Dishonesty:
This course will adhere to the policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Academic
dishonesty is cheating on exams, tests, and quizzes.
Cheating on exams, tests and quizzes includes, but is not limited to:
Copying from another students test paper;
Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting, in whole or in part,
the contents of a test without the consent of the instructor;
Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for ones self,
to take a test;
Bribing or otherwise influencing another person to obtain a test not authorized for
distribution by the instructor; and
Reporting fraudulent research results.
Plagiarism is the appropriation of anothers work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work into ones own coursework/assignment including the taking and using of ideas, passages,
etc. Plagiarism is scholastic dishonesty and will result in disciplinary action.
Collusion is the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing any
coursework/assignment.
More information about academic dishonesty can be found at:
http://mysaccatalog.alamo.edu/content.php?
catoid=97&navoid=3736#Plagiarism___Scholastic_Dishonesty
Disability Statement:
Disability Access Statement In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, it is the responsibility of the student to self-identify
with the campus Disability Services office. Only those students with appropriate documentation
will receive a letter of accommodation from the Disability Services office. Instructors are
required to follow only those accommodation and/or services outlined in the letter of
accommodation. For further information, please contact the San Antonio College Disability
Support Services office at (210) 486-0020 or visit the office located on the first floor of the
Moody Learning Center. If you have specific needs, please discuss them privately with your
instructor.
Disclaimer:
The syllabus to subject to change depending on the needs of the class.

Course Schedule
Students are responsible for marking changes as they may occur.
January 20th: Syllabus Overview and Meet-and-Greet!
January 22nd: Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition and Diagnostic Essay
Homework:
Read Chapter 1: Good Writers Are Good Readers and Chapter 2: The Writing
Process
Write Journal Entry 1: Write what your expectations are for this class and what you
believe are the strengths and weaknesses in your writing. These will be discussed in
class. We will comprise a list of recurring areas of weakness that will be addressed
as Mini-lessons throughout the semester.
January 27th: Mini-lessons, Critical Reading, and the Writing Process
Homework:
Read Chapter 3: Writing Paragraphs and Chapter 4: Putting in Your Oar: Learning
the Basic Moves of Academic Writing
Write Journal Entry 2: Write a response to the assigned readings. What do you find
most intimidating about academic writing?
th
January 29 : Invention with exercises
Homework:
Read Chapter 5: Using Comparison, Description, and the Other Methods in
Academic Writing, Chapter 6: Narration, and Annie Dillard An American
Childhood
Write working outline and introduction for narrative essay to bring to next class.
February 3rd: Arrangement and Form/ Narrative Discussion
DUE: Narrative working outline and introduction
Homework:
Read Jeff Gremmels The Clinic and Richard Russo Dog
Begin drafting narrative essay.
February 5th: Style with exercises and Mini-Lesson 2
Homework:
Write Journal Entry 3: Think about the discussion from class about style. What are
some techniques you use in your writing that build your style? Was there anything in
class that we discussed that you may try incorporating in your future writing?
February 10th: Audience and Mini-Lesson 3
Homework:
Read Chapter 8: Example, Stephanie Cawley The Veil in Persepolis, and Laurel
Thatcher Ulrich Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Complete narrative essay rough draft. Bring to next class for peer workshop.
February 12th: Narrative Essay Peer Review Workshop
DUE: Completed rough draft of narrative essay
Homework:
Write working thesis and outline to example essay.

 Complete final draft of the narrative essay.

February 17th: Thesis Statements and Mini-Lesson 4
DUE: Final Draft of the narrative essay with attached documents
DUE: Working thesis and outlines for example essays
Homework:
Read Verena Dobnik This Little Piggy Didnt Go to Market and Molly HennesseyFiske Texas Talk is Losing Its Twang
Write introduction to example essay.
Begin drafting the example essay.
Write Journal Entry 4: Reflect on your experience with your peer workshop groups.
Did you incorporate many of the suggested comments? What did you struggle with, if
anything, in the review process with your peers?
February 19th: Example Essay Discussion
DUE: Example essay introduction
Homework:
Read Chapter 10: Comparison and Contrast, Douglas Wolk Superhero
Smackdown, and David Sedaris Remembering My Childhood on the Continent of
Africa
February 24th: Library Orientation and Research Lab
Homework:
Write Journal Entry 5: Begin brainstorming ideas for comparison and contrast essay,
focusing on the impact of technology on each generation. How are the lives of those
who grew up without technology different/similar to those who were born into it?
Complete rough draft of example essay.
February 26th: Example Essay Peer Review Workshop
DUE: Completed rough draft of example essay.
Homework:
Read Bruce Catton Grant and Lee and William Shakespeare Sonnet 130
Write working thesis for comparison and contrast essay.
Complete final draft of the example essay.
March 3rd: Aristotelian Appeals- Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
DUE: Final Draft of the example essay with attached documents.
DUE: Working thesis for comparison/contrast essay.
Homework:
Read Debating Intellectual Property, Marc Hogan Judas Priest: Bob Dylan Slams
Plagiarism Accusers, and Lawrence Lessig Free Culture
Begin drafting your comparison and contrast essay. Search for sources that support
your thesis to include in Works Cited.
March 5th: Avoiding Plagiarism and Works Cited
Homework:
Write Journal Entry 6: Write a self-analysis of your progress so far this semester. Do
you feel that you are growing as a writer? What improvements are most noticeable?
Complete rough draft of comparison and contrast essay. Bring to next class.

March 9th- 13th- SPRING BREAK

March 17th: Comparison and Contrast Peer Review Workshop
DUE: Rough Draft of comparison and contrast essay with Works Cited
Homework:
Read Chapter 13: Cause and Effect and Matthew Yglesias Money Isnt
Everything
th
March 19 : Annotated Bibliographies
Homework:
Read Mary Hannibal Why the Beaver Should Thank the Wolf and Ursula K. Le
Guin The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas
Write Journal Entry 7: Brainstorm some topics that interest you for the cause and
effect essay. Write some general information about each topic. Bring to next class for
library research day.
Complete final draft for comparison and contrast essay.
March 24th: Workshop Day
DUE: Final Draft of comparison and contrast essay
Homework:
Write Journal Entry 8: Free write. Use this journal entry in any way that you wish.
Respond to a recent reading, reflect on something you heard in the news, write a letter
to upcoming college first-years.
Write working thesis and outline. Bring to next class.
Begin annotated bibliography using sources from research class.
March 26th: Cause and Effect Discussion
DUE: Working thesis and outline for cause and effect essay.
Homework:
Read Chapter 14: Argument and Juana Mora Acculturation Is Bad for Our Health:
Eat More Nopalitos
Begin drafting cause and effect essay and complete annotated bibliography
March 31st: The Research Paper and Presentation
DUE: Completed annotated bibliography.
Homework:
Read Rodolfo F. Acua We Owe History and Sojourner Truth Aint I a Woman?
Write Journal Entry 9: Write a reflection to any of the readings assigned for the
argument section. How does the author build his or her argument? Is he or she using
ethos, logos, or pathos? Specify examples.
Complete rough draft for cause and effect essay. Bring to next class.
April 2nd: Cause and Effect Peer Workshop
DUE: Complete rough draft for cause and effect essay.
Homework:

Begin preliminary research for your argument research paper. Bring your ideas and
working thesis statements to next class.
Complete final draft for cause and effect essay.
th
April 7 : Argument Discussion
DUE: Final Draft of cause and effect essay.
DUE: Working thesis statements for argument research paper.
Homework:
Conduct research on your argument topic. Begin annotated bibiliography.
Begin drafting argument research paper. E-mail tentative title for essay to the
professor.
Write Journal Entry 10: Look back at your first entry about your expectation for the
class and your writing weaknesses/strengths. Reflect on the semester as a whole so far
and compare your writing/reading abilities then and now. Journal will be turned in
next class.
th
April 9 : Argument Group Work
DUE: Journal with all 10 assigned entries.
Homework:
Bring two graded final drafts to next class for revision workshop.
Complete annotated bibliography.
April 14th: Workshop Day
DUE: Completed annotated bibliography for the argument research paper.
Homework:
Complete rough draft of argument research essay. Bring to next class.
Work on revisions of graded essays to be included in the final portfolio.
April 16th: Argument Research Paper Peer Workshop
DUE: Rough draft of argument research paper.
Homework:
Complete second draft of argument research paper.
Prepare for presentation of argument paper.
April 21st: Argument Research Paper Revision Workshop
DUE: Complete second draft of argument paper.
Homework:
Complete final draft of argument research paper. Bring to next class.
Prepare for presentation of argument paper
April 23rd: Student Presentations
DUE: Final draft of argument research paper
Homework:
Work on all necessary revisions, editing, missing assignments, etc. for the final
portfolio.
April 28th- April 30th: Student Presentations
May 5th: Student and Course Evaluations
Homework:
Complete Final Portfolio and have ready to turn in next class. See guidelines.
th
May 7 : Final Portfolios

DUE: Final Portfolio arranged according to guidelines.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!