spring 2011
 

part one of ACDV 68/English 60: These compressed courses are a unique opportunity to complete two composition courses in one semester for a dedicated group of wonderful students. After having covered the basics of composition in ACDV 68 and English 60, you will experience more success in your other classes and be on a path to achieving your goals. I look forward to spending this time with you.

ACDV 68: Basic Writing Development 

Instructor – Ms. Parks - Professor, English

Contact Information
Office – Learning Center, room 124
Office phone–395-4767                                                                                          www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/pparks
Email – pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu 
Office hours – Monday through Thursday 9:45 to 10:15, Tuesday and Thursday 3:10 - 4:00, Monday and Wednesday after class, and by appointment
After hours fax – 589-1664

Required texts and supplies:
 Uno, seventh edition
 A DOS of Grammar (available in the bookstore and on my website in Word 2007)
 Paperback dictionary
 Thesaurus
 100-sheet spiral notebook (for journal)
 3-ring binder (for notes and DOS)
 blue and black pens
 Upfront magazine
                                                    
Course goals and description:
At the end of the course, the successful student will be able to write a 125-word paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. The paragraph will have clear sentences of varying lengths and types. Verb tense will be consistent with correct forms. Also, the student will be able to identify basic parts of the sentence. Passing this class and the department exit exam will allow the student to take English 60.
 

`Course student learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to

•  organize their thoughts into a paragraph;
• produce and develop a single present tense descriptive paragraph of 125-150 words accurately using a variety of sentences including simple and compound;
•  locate the subject and verb of a sentence in their writing;
•  use present tense verbs accurately in their writing;
• use past tense verbs accurately in their writing;
• demonstrate their ability to choose in their writing appropriate word forms;
•  correctly apply conventions of English grammar;
• systematically evaluate and revise their writing;
• demonstrate they have ideas to share and stories to tell in discussions and writings.
  
  Coursework:
  Students will
•  Write about fifteen writing assignments (about 70% of grade)
• Write six journal entries per week (about 12% of grade)
•  Study grammar, complete homework assignments, and take quizzes (about 5% of grade)
•  Complete writing/reading related assignments (about 8% of grade)
•  Participate in class (about 5% of grade)

Writing assignments
We will focus on example, narrative, and descriptive writing. Throughout the semester, I will discuss persuasive writing to prepare you for English 60, and you will write a persuasive journal entry each week. Your writing assignments will be graded on your ability to write a clear topic sentence, present ideas appropriate to the topic that engage the reader, organize your ideas, write in complete sentences, use appropriate tense and form, spell words correctly, and use correct punctuation. You will be graded on each of the above after I teach it. Grade sheets that accompany your returned work will give you a clear picture of what you need to work on as well as what you have done well.

The POW (proficiency of writing)
The Academic Development department administers this two-day writing test. One essay is written in present tense; the other in past tense. Topics are chosen by the department and vary by class. The exam is given during week 6 and 7 in this classroom, during your regular class time, and proctored by me. It is graded either pass or fail by another department instructor.
 

Policies
1. Attendance
According to BC policy, a student may not miss more than the equivalent of two weeks of instruction. This means you are only allowed four absences. After that, I will drop you from this class. I suggest you only use those absences for emergencies; don’t schedule appointments during class time. There are no excused absences, except documented jury duty or court appearances. If you exceed four absences after the drop date, I'll take points from your participation grade. 

If you arrive 1 to 20 minutes late or leave 1 to 20 minutes early, you will receive a tardy. A tardy equals one-third of an absence. If you arrive late, check with me after class to make sure you have not been marked absent. If you need to leave early due to a pressing matter, talk to me before class. If you feel sick during class and need to leave, just give me a sign as you go.

Sometimes there are quizzes at the beginning of class. If you are late and miss the quiz, you may not make it up.

If you miss half of the class, you receive half of an absence. If you miss more than half of the class, you are marked absent.

Letting me know ahead of time about an absence or tardy is polite, and I appreciate it. Also, it will help you keep up with your assignments. But, DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE SEMESTER, YOU MUST CONTACT ME BEFORE AN ABSENCE, OR YOU WILL BE DROPPED to make room for students on the wait list.

If you are absent, contact a fellow student for notes or assignment changes. You can call me, drop by my office, or email me as well, but I can reproduce the day’s class for you.

You must make up in class writing assignments or quizzes before I pass them back. Some in class activities cannot be made up.
 

2. Late work
Turning work in on time means turning it in when I collect it or as soon as you walk in the door; late is defined as any time after that.  Being absent does not excuse your work.
Writing assignments can be turned in one class day late and lose 5%. After that, I will not accept it. Work is only accepted in class; do not put work under my door.

•  Journals can be turned in one week late for ½ credit.
•  QAR cannot be turned in late.
•  Upfront assignments cannot be turned in late.
•  Any extra credit cannot be turned in late.
  
  If you are going to be absent, you can turn in your work early or fax it in at 589-1664 or email it to me at pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu . If you email work, I must be able to open attachments.
  
  3. Grades
  I use the basic grading scale of 90% A, 80% B, 70% C, 60% D.   

4. Academic honesty
Any work purposefully copied or purchased from another source will receive a fail. If you are caught cheating during a quiz or test, the test will receive a fail. In addition, you may fail the class.
                              
                            
I expect you to

• ask questions. Your participation is integral to your success. So, please ask questions if there is anything you do not understand. Please contribute your thoughts to discussions so that we can all benefit from your thinking. Lively debate will make class time more interesting and stimulating for everyone.
• raise your hand. So that class can operate in an orderly fashion, please raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking. If there is a pattern of disruptive behavior, you may be referred to the dean, asked to leave class for the day, dropped from the class, or all three. Any student who is disruptive will be asked to leave class and must see me in my office before being allowed to return to class.
• be positive and specific in your feedback to others' writing. Part of class time will be spent reading and responding to the writing of your classmates. Please do that in a supportive and encouraging manner. If you like something your classmate has written, don't hesitate to tell your classmate. He or she will appreciate that.
• your complete and undivided attention during class. Don’t do homework or engage in other matters during class.
• have your cell phone on silent mode and away.
• not eat or drink anything messy or smelly in class.
• keep ALL graded writing assignments.

I will

• use a variety of teaching strategies (small group, computer-based, class discussions, games, etc.)
• return papers as fast as I can, usually within a week
• give you a variety of types of assignments
• connect discussions and writings to current events
• make it fun and interesting
• adjust my plan if necessary
• be prepared and on time

Places to get help (you will learn about these through an assignment)

• The Student Success Lab in the Learning Center offers proof reading assistance as well as computer programs on grammar.
•  The tutoring center offers weekly or as needed free tutoring. There is also ESL tutoring.
• health and wellness center
• counseling center
• financial aid
• library
• child care center
   

Supportive Services
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs and Services, located in the Student Services building, first floor, Counseling Center (395-4334) as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. In addition, please let me know during the first week of class.