ENGL 115 CRITICAL READING AND WRITING CRN 3599 COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL 2024, HYFLEX COURSE

SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES
SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE, DOWAGIAC MICHIGAN

COURSE & INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

COURSE: ENGL 115 CRITICAL READING AND WRITING CRN 3599

Number of Credits: 3

Course Location, Dates & Times: This course meets in DAUG 711, in person, every Tuesday 10:20am –
11:50am starting September 3rd – December 10th, but it may also be completed as an asynchronous online
course.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name: Gail Shirey

Office Location: DAUG 722D

E-mail address: [email protected]

Phone: 269-782-1445

Office Hours: Mondays 9:00am – 10:00am via Zoom. Tuesdays 9:15am-10:15am in DAUG 722D and via
Zoom. Wednesdays -8:00am-10:00am via Zoom. Thursdays – 10:00am – 11:00am in DAUG 722D and via
Zoom. Fridays by appointment only. Zoom links are provided within the course Moodle page.

Preferred Method of Communication: For fastest response time, email is the preferred communication for
this course.

DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Name: Cody Miller

Office Location: DAUG 714C

E-mail address: [email protected]

Phone: 269-782-1348

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND STRUCTURE

Course Description
This course uses a content-based approach to teach students how to effectively read and study textbooks/e-
books and effectively prepare for exams typical of college courses as well as cover basic techniques of
composition emphasizing the building of writing skills necessary to succeed in college level courses. Includes
techniques for critical thinking and evaluating arguments.

This is a HyFlex course that requires regular and consistent use of reliable technology, such as personal
computers, and dependable access to the internet. Although some aspects of the course may be completed
 using smart phones, they should not be the primary technology tool used while engaging with this course.
Active use of the Moodle platform is required for this class. While there is a Moodle app available for
students, Moodle works best from a desktop or laptop computer. The preferred browsers for Moodle include
Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Safari.

Course Structure
This course is structured in modules. Modules are based on weeks with each module representing
approximately one week of content and assignments.

Course Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes How you will demonstrate this to your instructor
CLO #1: Students will verify that writing is a Test Analysis Essay
necessary means of communication in their
personal, academic, and working worlds through
assessing the process of creating meaning from the
written word.
CLO #2: Students will determine reading is a three- Cornell Notes Assignment
step, albeit recursive, process that includes activities
to prepare for reading a selection, activities to
facilitate comprehension while reading, and
activities to extend their thinking and incorporate
what has been read into their own knowledge base.
CLO #3: Students will determine that using critical Brain Research Essay (Final Draft)
thinking skills to read a variety of texts can improve
their writing.
CLO #4: Students will devise that the writing process Brain Research Essay (Final Draft)
is recursive and consists of three parts: pre-writing,
drafting, and revising.
CLO #5: Students will build a metacognitive Reflective Essay
awareness of their own reading, writing, and study
habits.
CO#6: Students will analyze test results as a way of Test Analysis Essay
understanding how to improve their test
performance.
CO #7: Students will demonstrate the ability to act Chapter One (Making Brain Connections) Forum
in an appropriate academic manner in a culturally
and socially diverse community of learners in both
online and in-person communication.
CO #8: Students will develop the process of Reflective Essay
becoming critical readers and apply the skills and
concepts learned in this class to new material or
subsequent academic classes /reading tasks.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Print or Electronic Textbook: College Reading: The Science & Strategies of Expert Readers Author: Janet
Zadina (Copyright 2014) ISBN: 978-1-111-35001-7.

Please note this textbook may be purchased through the SMC Bookstore.

REQUIRED COMPUTER AND DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS

Success completion of this course requires the following at a minimum:

 Comfort using Moodle, sending email with attachments, downloading, and installing software, and using
video conferencing tools like Zoom.
 Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Technical Requirements
Access to the following is required for this course:
 Computer hardware requirements:
o A laptop or desktop computer
 Windows 8, 8.1 or higher or Mac OS X with MacOS 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) or later. Some
courses may require downloads or applications that are not operational on a
Chromebook.
o An internet connection
 High speed broadband internet (3G or 4G/LTE) with a bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps is
recommended (minimum bandwidth is 600kbps).
o Speakers
 Computer software requirements:
o Adobe Acrobat or a similar PDF reader
o Recommended web browsers: Edge, Chrome, Safari
o Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
o Links for obtaining software for FREE using your SMC email : (Instructions) Microsoft
Office 365 or (Sign Up & Download) Microsoft Office 365

Recommended Resources
It is recommended to have additional thumb drive or flash drive for use in saving your work.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
As a HyFlex course, methods of instruction may include online discussion and assessment, video and audio
recordings, text readings, small group work and projects, written assignments and/or other activities and
assignments as determined necessary.

METHOD OF EVALUATION
A student’s final grade in the course is determined based on the weighted percentages below:

Assignment Percentage of Final Grade

Participation 20%
Homework/Assignments 20%
Quizzes/Tests/Exams 20%
Writing projects/Essays 40%
 Total 100%

GRADING SCALE
The following grading scale will be in effect for this course. To satisfy Core Curriculum requirements, students
must earn a grade of “C” or higher in this class.

Grade Percentage
A 93.4-100%
A- 90-93.3%
B+ 86.8-89.9%
B 83.4-86.7%
B- 80-83.3%
C+ 76.8-79.9%
C 73.4-76.7%
C- 70-73.3%
D+ 66.8-69.9%
D 63.4-66.7%
D- 60-63.3%
F 0-59.9%

OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

Unless otherwise stated by your instructor, all assignments must be submitted electronically, on the course
Moodle page, in Word or PDF format, by the designated due date. In general, those not submitted in Word or
PDF, will not be considered for a grade.

All students have access to free Microsoft Office software. If you do not already own a copy of the software, you
are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Your instructor reserves the right to accept late assignments, but ONLY when prior arrangements have been
made AND there is good reason for the lateness.

Good reasons for submitting late work are those considered genuinely beyond your control. Procrastination,
prioritization of work for other classes, and forgetfulness will not be considered good reasons for accepting late
work.

At the time of this writing, it can be expected that course assignments will consist of the following:

DISCUSSION FORUMS
Regular online communication becomes increasingly important for maintaining engagement throughout the
semester. For this reason, discussion forums will be posted to provide the opportunity for students to maintain
interaction with one another, both with in person and online students.

Discussion forums on Moodle provide opportunity to connect with your classmates while putting your
knowledge into action. A further benefit of discussion forums is to provide a platform in which you can expand
your critical thinking, writing, and cognitive skills. When you are required to respond to a classmates’ post, be
sure it is substantive, which means you are sharing an experience or knowledge and can in some way further the
conversation. You are not simply saying “I agree/disagree.” Instead, you need to provide additional information
to the conversation through comparisons. It is expected you will remain respectful throughout the interactions
with your classmates and instructor. Be respectful of all cultures and backgrounds in both your post and replies.
Demonstrate respect in both your choice of words and tone used. For all discussion forums, student posts must
be completed before replying to others within the forum. No credit will be given for replies done before original
student posting.

Although discussion forums are monitored by the instructor, participation/posting by the instructor with them
will usually only occur if correction or clarification is needed.

LEARNING ASSESSMENTS
Introduction Forum

Email Etiquette

Test Taking Discussion Forum

Test Strategies Quiz

Test Taking Response

Annotating Assignment

Cornell Notes Assignment

PSR Reflections Forum

Chapter One (Making Brain Connections) Forum

Chapter One Test

Test Analysis Essay (Draft)

Test Analysis Essay

Writing Consultation Forum

Memory Process Discussion Forum

Chapter 2 (Memory) Test

Topic Choice Forum

Brain Research Essay Draft

Brain Research Essay (Final Draft)

Writing Consultation Reflection Forum

Question Prediction Forum

Stated and Implied Main Ideas Quiz

Arguments Quiz

Reflective Essay
EXAMS
Test Strategies Quiz

Chapter One Test

Chapter Two (Memory) Test

Stated and Implied Main Ideas Quiz

Arguments Quiz
COURSE SCHEDULE
Module Module Title Module Due Date
Module 1 Introductions and Email Etiquette Sunday, September 8th no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 2 Test Taking Strategies Sunday, September 15th no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 3 Topic and Stated Main Idea Sunday, September 22nd no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 4 Active Reading and Active Learning Sunday, September 29th no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 5 Active Reading and Active Learning (Cont.) Sunday, October 6th no later than
11:59pm.
Module 6 Making Brain Connections Sunday, October 13th no later than
11:59pm.
Module 7 Analysis and Reflection Sunday, October 20th no later than
11:59pm.
Module 8 Analysis and Reflection (Cont.) Sunday, October 27th no later than
11:59pm.
Module 9 Memory Sunday, November 3rd no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 10 (Pre-Writing) Informative Essay Sunday, November 10th no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 11 (Drafting) Informative Essay Sunday, November 17th no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 12 Revising and Editing (Informative Essay) Sunday, November 24th no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 13 Inductive and Deductive Arguments Sunday, December 1st no later
than 11:59pm.
Module 14 Reflective Essay and Leaner Reaction Survey Sunday, December 8th no later
than 11:59pm.
COURSE POLICIES

GENERATIVE A.I. USE POLICY

All submitted work must be completed in your own voice, style, and words. Using web-based generative
artificial intelligence sites such as ‘ChatGPT’ or other web based sites to complete your submitted work without
prior approval from the instructor is not permitted and can result in penalties to your course grade, assignment
grades, and academic status within the course.

COMMUNICATION POLICY
You may send me a message through email (my preferred mode of communication). You may also send me a
message through Moodle. I will get back to you within 24-48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays when it
might take longer to respond).

PARTICIPATION POLICY
This is a HyFlex course which means it may also be completed as an asynchronous online course or engage with
the option of attending class virtually using Zoom. If you choose to attend class virtually, the requirement for
this is a working camera and working mic on your computer that you know how to use. When you choose to
join a class session virtually, you are required to show yourself live via camera using no icon or avatar during the
entire session. You must also respond to the instructor and peers within the classroom audibly, using your mic,
for the entire session.

FEEDBACK AND GRADING POLICY

You can expect to receive regular feedback on assignments throughout the semester from your instructor. Your
instructor will also input all assignment grades on Moodle regularly so that you are able to track your progress in
the class. Most assignments will be graded and posted to the Moodle course page within 48 hours of the due
date. Essays will be graded and posted to the Moodle course page within 7 days after the due day. Any delays in
returning feedback or posting grades on your assignments will be clearly communicated via email by your
instructor.

Since Moodle keeps track of all your grades, you should always be able to calculate your current grade in the
course. If you need assistance, please contact me. All your assignments will count towards your final score. I do
not grade on a curve.

Grades in this course are not given, they are earned. Timely completion of all assignments and exams will go a
long way in helping you earn your desired grade.

Activities in this course are graded according to the percentage of points earned out of the total number of
points possible. The overall grades for each category are likewise calculated.

LATE WORK POLICY

All work is due at the date/time posted on the Moodle page within the assignment. Plan ahead and be prepared.
All assignments and activities have a posted due date and time on Moodle. Anything submitted after that
day/time is considered late. However, some late work is accepted. Late work for assignment and essay
submissions will be calculated at a 5% reduction per calendar day past the due date. Discussion forum
assignments will not be accepted late. They are a form of participation and missing them is equal to an
“absence” and cannot be made up. Be sure to post and reply within the due dates for discussion forums to
obtain full credit per the requirements. Discussion forum assignments will not be accepted late.

ASSESSMENT AND TESTING POLICY

There is not a final exam for this course. There are occasional tests/ quizzes contained within the Moodle page.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION & ONLINE ETIQUETTE BEHAVIOR

Participation in this course will be illustrated by actively engaging in forum discussions and activities, as well as
regular completion of assigned work. It is expected that students will be active within the course Moodle page at
least three to five (3 – 5) times a week. Students can expect to spend at least eight to ten (8 – 10) hours weekly
completing the text readings, Learning Assessments, and Chapter Assignments that are assigned.

Given this class requires contribution to class discussions via online discussion forums, please ensure a
comfortable & safe environment for interaction by proactively fostering mutual respect of your classmates’
opinions and contributions.

It is expected that students will engage in professional level communication at all times. This encompasses all
types of communication including written, verbal, or visual form. It is expected that you will remain respectful
throughout the interactions with your classmates and instructor. Be respectful of all cultures and backgrounds in
both your post and replies. Demonstrate respect in both your choice of words and tone used.

It is important to build a class climate that is welcoming and safe for everyone. Please display respect for
everyone in the class. You should avoid racist, sexist, homophobic, or other negative language that may exclude
members of our campus and classroom community.

 Humor and sarcasm do not translate very well when using email or online discussions. Be careful. I will
delete any posting that I believe is inappropriate.
 Keep in mind that there is a real, live human being with feelings on the other end of your email or
discussion posting--if you were sitting in front of that person would you say to their face what you are
saying in your email or discussion posting? Remember that your words are written in an email or
discussion posting -- you cannot take them back.
 Avoid offensive language, especially comments that might be construed as racist or sexist.
 Remember that the law still applies in cyberspace. Do not commit illegal acts online, such as libeling or
slandering others, and do not joke about committing illegal acts.
 Do not post a message more than once.
 Generally speaking, avoid putting words into full capitals. Online, all-caps is considered SHOUTING.
 If you are following up a previous message or posting, summarize that message or posting. Read existing
follow-up postings and do not repeat what has already been said.
 Reveal only information that you are comfortable sharing.

OTHER COURSE EXPECTATIONS

It can be expected that your instructor will communicate via the Announcements Forum at the start of every
week. If at any point you have questions regarding the material presented in PPT’s, discussions, or assignments,
you have multiple options for obtaining answers. In addition to sharing your question in the Q & A Forum at the
top of the course Moodle page, you may: reach out directly to your instructor via email, may attend instructor
office hours, or seek the guidance of tutors at the Carol A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center here at SMC.
COLLEGE POLICIES

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND STUDENT SERVICES

The Carole A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) offers free tutoring, writing assistance, and academic
support at both the Dowagiac and Niles campuses as well as online. Information on the Teaching and Learning
Center can be accessed in SMC Wired.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
Students who need help accessing Moodle, resetting a password, using email, or with any technology problems,
can contact the SMC IT Helpdesk by calling 269-782-1230, emailing [email protected] or using the link below

SMC IT Help Desk

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES

Any student requiring academic accommodations for a religious observance should please provide their
instructor with a written request to consider a reasonable modification for that observance by the end of the
second week of the course. Instructors can be contacted after class, during their office hours, or by individual
appointment to discuss the request.

If, after discussion, no consensus is reached, either party or both should seek the advice of the Department Chair
or the Dean, and if no consensus is reached, then the advice of the Provost.

SMC STUDENT CONDUCT POLICY

The Student Code of Conduct describes the rules and expectations established by the College for student
conduct. The due process system defines the procedures to be used in cases of student violations of the Code of
Student Conduct. It provides a system for the appeal of sanctions/decisions imposed by the College and for
resolution of issues.

Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for further information on Academic and Behavioral Conduct,
including cheating, disruptive behavior, discrimination, harassment, drug and alcohol violations, and non-
compliance.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
After students have registered for classes, they may modify their schedule by adding or dropping classes until
the end of the add/drop period for the term. The course catalog provides important dates for dropping and
adding classes. To withdraw from classes after the term has begun and the last date to drop classes has passed,
students must contact their advisor to initiate the process. No refund of tuition and fees will be received for a
course withdrawal, and students remain responsible for the entire cost of the course. A grade of “W’ will be
issued on the student’s academic transcript. Note: Students who simply stop attending class without an official
withdrawal transaction may receive a failing grade which cannot be removed from their transcript.

INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY

This grade is given sparingly and only when an emergency prevents a student from completing the course work
during the regular college semester/session. To be eligible to receive an "I" grade, the student must have
demonstrated satisfactory performance in the course prior to the time of the emergency and must have
completed the majority of course work prior to the emergency. The Incomplete Grade Contract must be
completed and submitted at the time of faculty check out, when all materials are turned in to the Dean’s office.
Faculty can assign Incomplete grades when they enter their other grades, but they must also enter the current
calculated grade in case the student does not complete the assigned work. Instructors may wish to make copies
of the Incomplete Grade Contract for their files and one for the student. Please note that the incomplete grade
contract expires 45 days after grades are assigned for the course. Instructors may apply for an extension if
deemed appropriate. At the conclusion of the 45 days, if the student has not made up the missing work, the
student will automatically be given the current calculated grade as noted in the contract or SMC Self-Service >
Final Grades (Incomplete Default Grade).

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Cheating or plagiarizing will absolutely not be tolerated at Southwestern Michigan College. Any student found
cheating or plagiarizing material in any manner may be assigned a failing semester/session grade in this
course. A second such incident while at SMC could result in suspension or expulsion from the institution. A
student found in violation of this section of the syllabus will not be allowed to drop this course. For more
detailed information, consult the SMC Code of Student Conduct.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Academic honesty is a core aspect of this college. All members of the SMC community expect that each person’s
work has been responsibly obtained, developed, and presented. All submitted written work is to be completed
by the student her/himself. SMC regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious
consequences. Using someone else’s work as if it is your own— plagiarism— is a serious college offense and will
be dealt with following the SMC Code of Student Conduct guidelines. You must cite borrowed ideas or text
regardless of whether it is a direct quote or a paraphrasing. Additionally, any ideas or materials taken from
another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged. This may include specific language or
ideas obtained from another including phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. When in doubt— cite.

COPYRIGHT POLICY
To avoid copyright infringement, any materials produced specifically for this class can ONLY be used during this
term for this class. All lectures and course content are considered the intellectual property of the course
instructor, who retains all rights to such material. Lecture materials and course handouts in any format are only
to be used for students currently registered for the course session, and are not to be distributed, transmitted, or
copied for others (including those in future course sessions). Students who fail to comply with this rule will be
charged with violating copyright laws and the SMC Code of Conduct policy.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) POLICY

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights related to their
educational records.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Southwestern Michigan College values the diversity of our student population and views disability as an
important aspect of that diversity. We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for
the education of all students. If you have a mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or
physical disability, please contact Disability Services located in the Academic Advising and Resource Center on
the Dowagiac campus (269.782.1263) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and
reasonable accommodation to remove barriers in educational design.

NOTICE
Representative student work will be used as a part of SMC’s on-going curriculum assessment program.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE NOTICE

Information in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when
distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. The instructor, however, reserves the right, acting within
the policies and procedures of Southwestern Michigan College, to make changes in course content or
instructional techniques. Changes will be communicated in Moodle Announcements or via email. It is the
responsibility of students to check email messages and course announcements to stay current in their online
courses.