ENG 102
Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education
Representing Alabama’s Public Two-Year College System
Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
Communications, Humanities, and Fine Arts Division
Course Syllabus ENG 102 English Composition II
I. ENG 102 English Composition II – 3 Semester Hours
II. Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the English Department at Wallace State Community College. This Department promotes the College’s “student-first” philosophy by providing quality instruction with defined objectives and outcomes. We seek to create a student-centered, learning-focused environment where writing, reading, thinking, and sharing abound; where students’ views and voices are valued; and where our instructors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely enthusiastic about teaching and working with students.
III. Course Description
English Composition II provides instruction and practice in the writing of six formal, analytical essays or equivalent assignments, at least one of which is a research project using outside sources and/or references effectively and legally. At least 4 of these essays must be written in class, and all assignments must be typed according to MLA format and/or meet instructor requirements. Additionally, English Composition II provides instruction in the development of analytical and critical reading skills in the composition process. English Composition II may include instruction and practice in library usage.
IV. Prerequisite
Course eligibility is determined by a grade of C or better in ENG 101 or the equivalent.
V. Textbook
Booth, Alison, J. Paul Hunter, and Kelly J. Mays. The Norton Introduction to Literature. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2005
A reference guide on MLA documentation is required. Suitable texts include Randall VanderMey’s The College Writer: A Guide to Thinking, Writing, and Researching or the 6th edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers by Joseph Gibaldi.
A college dictionary is required.
Additional reading material may be required by the instructor.
VI. Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will have demonstrated the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the following ways:
1. Develop and use strategies for writing essays from development of subject through revision of the essay.
2. Utilize research skills for the completion of a research project using outside sources and/or references effectively and legally (e.g. documented essay).
3. Incorporate analytical and critical reading skills as a basis for composition.
VII. Topics Covered
Instruction in composition will include units on prewriting, composing, revising, and producing final drafts with concurrent instruction in reading and analytical skills. The required literary genres covered in English 102 are short stories, poetry, and drama. If time permits, the instructor may cover supplemental material that enhances the course. Representative literary works are analyzed in class in order to illustrate literary elements, which students are to analyze when writing the required essays.
VIII. Evaluation and Assessment
Each student must write at least six extended compositions or equivalent assignments. The average of students’ composition grades is 80 percent of the final grade. A departmental scoring rubric is used to calculate grades on written assignments. Outlines, rough drafts, and Works Cited pages (if assigned) are worth twenty points each. Therefore, if any of these assignments are not completed by the conclusion of the in-class work session, twenty points per item will be deducted from the final essay. Objective tests are given on each genre of literature covered; the final exam is the last of these objective tests. The average of the objective tests is 20% of the final grade. Poptests/essays may be given to ensure that students read the assignments; pop-tests/essays are classwork grades and cannot be made up. The point distribution for the poptests/essays is left to the discretion of the instructor. If an extensive research paper is assigned, the instructor will furnish a written list which describes how components are valued and graded. If a student makes a grade appeal, he/she must present the instructor with specific examples from the current textbook, which prove that the instructor’s grading is incorrect. Grades will be given based upon A = 90 – 100%, B = 80 – 89%, C = 70 – 79%, D = 60 – 69%, and F = below 60%.
IX. Academic Integrity Policy
Evidence of cheating or plagiarism (fabrication or misuse of sources, misrepresenting another’s words or ideas as one’s own) means that the student will receive a zero on the assignment or test on the first offense and an F for the course on the second offense with the possibility of further sanctions as specified by the “Student Regulations and Handbook” section of the college catalog.
X. Attendance
Students are responsible for the full work of any course in which they are enrolled; students are responsible for attending all class meetings, being punctual, and taking all exams. Attendance is counted from the first class meeting. To maintain financial-aid eligibility, a student must meet state and/or federal guidelines as to numbers of hours successfully attempted and grade-point average, and a student must be enrolled in a certificate-seeking or degree-seeking program.
XI. Make-Up Work
According to the Wallace State Community College Catalog, “It is the decision of the instructor whether the student will be permitted to make up the class work missed.” No make-up work will be given unless there is valid documentation for unavoidable absences: mandatory participation in WSCC activities, such as athletic or performing arts events; personal illness or accident; death of immediate family member(s); mandatory court appearances; and military service. Routine doctor or dentist visits are not excused. Pop tests/pop essays are classwork grades and cannot be made up. Makeup tests will be different from original tests, ensuring greater difficulty, and all make-up work (without exception) will be given on a date and at a time and place specified by the instructor.
XII. Statement on Discrimination/Harassment
The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.
XIII. Tutorial Services
The Tutoring Lab is on the seventh floor of the Tom Bevill Building. The Tutoring Lab is a free service to Wallace State students; appointments are not necessary.
XIV. Americans with Disabilities
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordinator is located on the seventh floor of the Tom Bevill Building. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.
XV. Instructor Assistance
Instructors’ office locations and hours are made available to students each semester. Adjunct faculty will also give information as to where they may be reached for assistance.
