You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these words you will not be able to access the course materials. The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page of your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password, please go to this page and read the instructions: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm .

Student Statement:

In the box below please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:

Associate Degree applicable

Area of Emphasis and Gen Ed applicable

Course hours per week: 3 lecture hours

Course hours total: 54 lecture hours

Method of instruction: online

Repeat code: take again only with a grade of "D" or lower for the course; may be repeated 2 times

Course is not a basic skills course

Concurrent course: None

Prerequisites: English 1A with a "C" grade or better

Corequisites: None

Instructor: Dr. Melanie Ann Hanson

Email: mhanson@bcconline.com or mhanson@barstow.edu or hanson335@msn.com

A syllabus is an informative document about classroom management matters and grading accountability.

This syllabus should be consulted on a regular basis by the students in the class. Assignments and information will be posted on the Barstow College online course system.

This syllabus is a supplement to the ENGL 1B course of record approved by the Barstow College Curriculum committee.

In the box below type, I know how to contact my instructor.

Textbook:

***Literature: The Human Experience by Abcarian and Klotz, 10^th ed. (Available at Barstow College book store)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald  (Read the novel online at http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/fitzgerald/f_scott/gatsby/ OR Buy the novel at Borders or Barnes and Nobles)

If purchasing the textbook is a burden, you can read almost all of the literature online.  Information about most of the literature we will cover in this course is also discussed online.

You can read other one-act plays at www.one-act-plays.com .

We will cover essays, poetry, short stories, drama and the novel in this course.

Other Materials:

Students should maintain a working email address.  Students must also be competent with computer software systems such as online links, email, email attachments, and MSWord documents. If the student experience problems with navigating the online course, the student can access tutorials and information at http://www.bcconline.com (on the homepage there is a link on the left to tutorials).  A dictionary is also helpful for most students. A floppy disk or flash drive may be needed.

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I have the textbook for this course or I will have it by the end of the first week of class.

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

ENGL 1B introduces students to the literary genres of essays, poetry, short stories, novels and drama.  Reading and critical analysis of a selection of these literary genres is the focus of the course.  Students will discuss these literary masterpieces in the online discussion group and complete exercises and write papers about common themes in literature.  There are also themes associated with the literature in the textbook.  Interpretation and criticism of essays, poetry, short stories, novels and drama will be discussed.  The literature read will come from diverse gender and cultural backgrounds and from different eras.  Degree applicable credit.

Student Learning Outcomes for ENGL 1B:

1. Students will be able to read and analyze a short work of literature—a poem or a short, short story—and compose an essay that analyzes the meaning and structure of the work. Assessment method:

A. Pre and post test

B. Writing assignments on literature

2. Students will incorporate direct quotations from specific works of literature to strengthen points made about the works in their assigned essays

Assessment method:

A. Assigned essays on the following genres—short story, novel, poetry, and drama

The course title for ENGL 1B makes clear the general nature of its content: an introduction to literature in all of its forms.  The students will read, analyze, critique, and discuss literature written by famous authors like Whitman, Joyce, Cisneros, Browning, Frost, Cofer, Wright, Le Guin, Dickinson, Baldwin, Arnold, Rich, Plath, Silko, Robinson, Fitzgerald, and Glaspell among others.  The course will emphasize the use of discursive traditions to analyze texts. Another objective of the course is to enable students to read, think, and write about significant social issues and themes reflected in the literature studied.

During the course, the following material will be covered:

Essay Writing:  Each essay written for this course must be 1 page (this is 20 to 30 sentences in length).  The essays will reflect the metacognitive processes of the students concerning the issues discussed.

A. Description

B. Process

C. Critical Interpretation

D. Comparison/Contrast

E. Argumentation

F. Criticism

G. Cause/Effect

The course midterm essay exam and final essay exam apply ideas in lecture and discussion to a reading in the textbook.   

All essay writing will be graded using the following rubric:

All of the expository paragraphs/compositions will be grade using the following key:

P – Purpose

T – Original Thesis

U – Unity of Composition

O – Organization (deductive or inductive)

Com – Completeness (specific details and examples used as proof of the thesis)

Coh – Coherence (use of transitions)

SS – Sentence structure (fragments, run-ons)

SV – Sentence pattern variety

D – Diction (interesting use of vocabulary variety, including figurative language)

M – Mechanics (spelling, grammar, capitals)

Dev – Development of argument

L – Page length

E – Ethos (ethics, morality, authority)

Pa – Pathos (feeling and emotions)

Lo – Logos (logic and reason)

K – Kairos (timing and organization)

In addition, some papers will be graded on:

PC – Parenthetical citations

WC – Works Cited

All other exercises will be graded on a pass/fail basis.  If your exercise does not fit the parameters listed in the lesson instructions for quality and quantity, the assignment will be returned to you with comments on how to improve the assignment and re-submit it for full credit.

Writings are required each week.

Biographical, historical, critical, and social issues will be discussed and applied to each of the readings.  Readings are required each week.

Synopsis of each work of literature studied, Historical data (influences and resources) on each work of literature studied, Author’s biography, his/her influence on other writers, how to interpret, analyze, and write about literary works, vocabulary pertinent to the literary genre, close reading of works of literature, literary genres.  Some of this information will be on the final exam so be sure you read the lecture for each lesson. 

Each week, there will be discussion of themes related to the works of literature. Two discussion postings each week are required.  You can post more often than that if you would like.

Each week, there will be exercises of analysis and criticism as well as original writing in each literary genre. These exercises are required.

Short Essays

Each week there will be a short essay assigned of 20-30 sentences.

The Midterm consists of two essays on The Great Gatsby.  The Final exam is cumulative and includes quote and terminology identification, and short essay writings.  These exams are required work.

This course will enable the student to:

1. Identify and discuss genres of literature.

2. Analyze and discuss themes and devices in works of literature.

3. Compare and contrast themes and devices in works of different schools and periods.

4. Compose original essays that analyze works from major genres.

5. Participate in class discussions on literary topics.

6. Develop an aesthetic appreciation of literature.

7. Understand the universality of cross-culture archetypes.

The instructor will use a pretest and post test to assess students’ literary understanding.

1. Analysis of essays, short stories, drama, novels, and poetry

2. Comparison/contrast of works of literature

3. Synthesis of ideas demonstrated in essay form

4. Increase their knowledge of issues and concepts from various perspectives on literature

5. Improve the students’ reading, writing, thinking skills by writing 7 short papers, literary genre writings, 2 longer essays, exercises and short essays.

6. Study

7. Answer questions

8. Reading

9. Written essays

10.  Discussion of themes and concepts

1. Students will submit 7 short essays between 500 to 1000 words plus the midterm and final exam (our articulation agreement with California colleges requires a minimum of 3000 words for the course); using a variety of organization strategies and modes.

2. Students will read between 150 to 250 pages of text: from the textbook, sample and model essays, and other supplemental materials; discuss issues and ideas concerning texts and critical thinking issues; and integrate textual material into writing assignments.

3. Students will hone critical thinking skills by completing exercises and activities, by interpreting texts, and by writing essays.

1. By considering alternative points of view in discussions, in interpreting texts, and in constructing essays, students will develop a richer sense of diversity and a greater sense of appreciation for the art of other cultures and time periods.

2. Students will develop self-confidence.

3. Students will be more successful in other college classes and in life.

4. Develop an appreciation for life-long academic pursuits

ENGL 1B does have a body of knowledge to be studied; although skill in writing, reading, thinking, analysis, and criticism are important, this is not a skills-based course.  The content of this course is intended to improve the student’s understanding of the literature.

To successfully complete this course, you should complete all of the assignments in Lessons 1 through 9 (9 is the final exam) and follow directions on all assignments. The assignments consist of:

  *All class work is considered part of this syllabus.  You should complete assignments the professor gives you or that you devise that are approved by the professor.      

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I understand the above assignments and will complete them all on time.

Attendance: You are expected to log on to the Barstow College online course system each week, pull up each lesson, read the lecture and instructions carefully, do the assignments thoroughly, and email the assignments to Dr. Hanson. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email me.

Late Assignments: All assignments in this class should be handed in on time. Every week, log in to the Barstow College online course system and pick up your lecture, instructions and assignment for that week under the lessons number 1 through 9. The assignments given to the students in each lesson must be mailed to Dr. Hanson no later than midnight on the Monday following that lesson.

The assignments from the week of March 19 (week 1) are due by midnight on March 26, the assignments from the week of March 26 (week 2) are due by midnight on April 2, and so forth. If you have a problem meeting a deadline for assignments, email Dr. Hanson.

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the rules of conduct and class policies listed above.

It is a good idea to keep track of your grade; average it yourself so that you know what your grade is. Keep an assignment and grade log. Make a list of all the assignments that have been given to you, check off each assignment after it has been emailed to Dr. Hanson, and when you get the grade back (it will be emailed to you), write the grade next to the assignment on your log sheet.

To average your grade, use the following point system: A = 4.0, B = 3.0. C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0. Then divide the total number of points by 10. For example, if for your text discussions, you received an "A" average, give yourself 4 + 4 points = 8 points total (20% of semester grade). If your Exercises received an average grade of "B," then give yourself 3 + 3 = 6 points total (20% of the semester grade). If all of your short essays average to a "B" (for example, 2 essays received an "A," 2 essays received a "B," and 2 essays received a "C"), give yourself 3 + 3 points = 6 points total (20 %). If your online midterm exam grade is an "A," give yourself 4 + 4 = 8 points (20% of final grade). If your proctored final exam received the grade of B, give yourself 3 + 3 = 6 points total (20 %). Add these points together (8 + 6 + 6 + 8 + 6 = 34 points total). Divide by 10 and you get 3.4 = your semester grade is a B.

3.5 to 4.0 = A

3.0 to 3.4 = B

2.0 to 2.9 = C

1.0 to 1.9 = D

1.8 or lower = F

There will be 1 grade update that Dr. Hanson will email to you at week 5. This grade update will tell you what your overall grade average is for the first 5 weeks of the course. After week 5, if you need a grade update, you must email Dr. Hanson with what grade you believe you have accrued so far and she will verify if that is the grade you have in the gradebook.

At the conclusion of the class, students may find out their grades by calling (760) 252-6868 (local or out of state) and (877) 336-6868 (toll free within California). You may also find out your grade by going on the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/. I do not email or post student grades and will not respond to inquiries about grades after the course has concluded.

Quality and quantity are important when handing in major assignments; these are considered when your final essay and other assignments are graded. You should think about all assignments in terms of competence, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness. Incomplete work or work that is not completed correctly in any sense will be given back to the student with no grade until the assignment is re-submitted with corrections. To assure that your assignments will receive the highest grade possible, follow directions and ask questions if you are uncertain how to proceed.

Rubrics for all assignments will be included with the lesson if needed.

All of the expository paragraphs/compositions will be graded using the rubric listed in the section of the syllabus labeled Essay Writing.

You may be asked by the professor via email to revise any assignment. The professor does not do this to irritate the student. The purpose of revision is to pass the course with the highest grade possible. The professor could just give you an "F" on an assignment with no possibility to revise, but the instructor of this course prefers to give every student an opportunity to revise instead. Therefore, please do not whine about being asked to revise an assignment.

Type the following statement in the box below.

I understand the above grading policies and will abide by their terms.

When addressing the professor in email messages, courtesy is expected. Students are to treat faculty and classmates with respect. Phrase your comments and problems in a considerate and mature manner.

Being rude, abrupt, and obnoxious will get you nowhere with me. In fact, if I get a rude email from you, I might not email you back. If you feel like whining, please keep it to yourself.

The English department at Barstow College realizes that you will not always agree with everything you read in your textbook or in my lecture or instructions. That’s OK. We don’t expect you to. What we do expect you to do is be open-minded, flexible, considerate, mature, and patient while being a member of this class.

I understand the policy on plagiarism understand the paragraph on copyright laws and agree to abide by it.

In the box below type, I understand to check the registration area for the last day to drop with a W.

It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has your contact information. It is your responsibility to email the instructor if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus. 

It is your responsibility to confirm your enrollment either via the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/  or by calling (760)252-2411 x7236 if you are having problems accessing the course material.  After you have confirmed your enrollment go to http://www.bcconline.com/orient/ and read the password link.  Following this procedure will ensure you are helped in the fastest manner possible.

By enrolling for this class, the assumption is that you possess the necessary skills to read at the college level, to enter and perform research on the internet, to email using proper email etiquette and to post to the discussions.

You are supposed to post your comments on the discussion topic and  comment on your classmates’ postings in the discussion area of BCC online.  You should do this on every lesson, because you get grades for your posting and for posting comments to other people’s thoughts and ideas.  The discussion area, obviously, is a chatroom or threaded conversation, a place for you to air your views and discuss theories with others.

When emailing your instructor, Dr. Hanson, include your full name in the subject line so that I know that this email is not SPAM. Sign all email with your name as registered at school; otherwise, I may become confused about the email and who is emailing me.  With the current high incidence of viruses and unsolicited email, you can understand why I automatically delete all email without subject lines that I recognize as friendly.

I answer email almost every day so you will get an answer to your email questions within 48 hours. However, if you are asking me to read a draft of your paper before you hand it in to be graded or some other task that requires time for me to complete it, I will email you and tell you that I will send an answer back to you within 5 days.  If I have an emergency, I will email you to let you know how long a time period I will be away, so that if you do not hear from me via email for a few days to a week, you know why.  

Email essay and discussion assignments will have a one-week turnaround time, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one-week turnaround time period.  It may take longer than this. 

Online classes are NOT conducted via instantaneous transmission.  Just as I am giving you a SEVEN-day period to complete your work, I am to be given SEVEN days to reply to your assignments.  Sometimes it takes longer than 7 days for my response.  In addition, the above stated timelines apply to ALL students and ALL responses to your questions and concerns.

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the online instructions written above.

You will not officially start this course until after you have completed the orientation sessions at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/. No work should be completed until AFTER you have reviewed the orientation area.  The orientation area will answer many frequently asked questions about online instruction and also provides tutorials on common problems students encounter while doing online courses.  If you are experiencing technical difficulties and/or need to learn how to use our courseware you should first check the orientation area to see if it answers your technical question.  If your technical question is not answered on the website you may then email the webmaster@bcconline.com with your question. 

If your question pertains to class materials, you should email the instructor. The webmaster cannot answer course-related questions, and in turn, I do not answer technical questions.

In the box below type, I understand I must fill out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that completing the online orientation before beginning my course work is mandatory. I realize that I should email the instructor with any class related questions. I also understand that I should first check the orientation area for answers to my technical questions and can email the techhelp@bcconline.com  my technical questions ONLY after checking the orientation area for the answer to my question first.

FINAL EXAM

You must take the final exam at an official site. The final exam is given on the Barstow College campus and at Fr. Irwin in computer labs. The labs close early on Fridays so submit your final by noon to be safe.

On the home page of the course is a link to a form to be filled out by students who require proctoring for their tests.　　If you are able to come to the scheduled exams at the Barstow College Campus or Ft. Irwin Satellite campus, you do not have to fill out this form.

****The proctor form must be submitted to Dr Hanson by week 3 of the course. If you submit your form later than week 3, you must take the final exam at the official sites. ****

Complete the form by entering your name, email address, postal address and phone number and similar information on the proposed proctor.　 Email the information to your instructor at mhanson@bcconline.com. All proctors must be librarians, military educational officers, college professors, professional proctors (such as our lab aides) or clergy.

The proctor must have a professional email address and phone. (hotmail, yahoo, excite, aol, netscape, earthlink, verizon, netzero email accounts are unacceptable). The email address should correspond to a school or business .

Syllabus Disclaimer:

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency.

A syllabus is an informative document about classroom management matters and grading accountability.

This syllabus should be consulted on a regular basis by the students in the class. Assignments and information will be posted on the Barstow College online course system.

Please retype the following in the box below:

I understand that the syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified.

After filling out this form, copy the confirmation page and send it via email to mhanson@barstow.edu and mhanson@bcconline.com.