In this class, we will focus on the death penalty as a source for our writing projects.  You may wonder why I would choose such an unhappy subject.  It's because the death penalty brings up lots of discussion about really important facets of our life in the U.S.:  racism, classism, the purpose of jails--to rehabilitate or to punish?   What ethical arguments do people use to defend or oppose the death penalty--and eye for an eye--turn the other cheek?  This can be a rich discussion about the type of society we want to create. 

Our main textbook is Dead Man Walking.  I think this is a great source of information about the death penalty.  Sister Helen Prejean argues strongly against the death penalty, but she gives fair attention to the arguments of those who support the death penalty. Her books is not just opinion. She presents her research, which is filled with statistics and facts about the penalty.  You might want to watch the movie by the same name, but like all movies based on books, there are major differences. 

The other textbook will be announced in a few days.

Rules for Writers is a handbook for writing essays, MLA format, and a grammar/punctuation book.  The LATTC edition has student essay samples in the front of the book.

I wish you luck in this class.  If you have any questions or want to discuss any aspect of the class with me, please write me a Moodle message, or you may arrange a face-to-face meeting with me.  I will post the hours I will be available to students ("office hours").

3 REQUIRED TEXTS  Click on image for information on the books.

1. Dead Man Walking by Helen Prejean
   Publisher: Vintage Book, ISBN 0679751319

2. Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.
   by Luis J. Rodriguez

3. Rules for Writers 5th Edition, by Diana Hacker
   Publisher: Bedford/St. Martins, LATTC Custom Edition
   ISBN 0-312-47800-3
   Fully integrated with its companion Web site: http://dianahacker.com/rules
   The LATTC edition can be purchased only through the LATTC Bookstore.

COURSE DESCRIPTION     

In this online class, the schedule starts on Sunday and ends on Sunday, but you can do the work at any time during these days or nights.

This composition course deals with the organization and development of ideas in coherent, interesting, effective essays.   In English 28, you are introduced to the principles and techniques of critical thinking and college composition.  Assignments include reading, discussion of texts, and writing essays, some of which will involve library research.  You will learn methods of organizing essays and refine the grammatical and mechanical skills necessary for successful writing.  English 28 fulfills the writing requirement for the Associate degree.  You also receive preparation to enter English 101, which is required for transfer to a university.

Since this is an online course, entering you are expected to:

• Know how to use a computer. You must know how to navigate the software and use word processing software. You must know functions such as cut and paste, formatting, saving documents in different types of files, etc.

• Navigate the MOODLE class management system.

• Know Standard American English grammar even though you may need to review some features.

• Have met the prerequisite: a grade of C or higher in English 21 or have been assessed at the English 28 level.

Point SYSTEM  Points are divided into two categories: Weekly Assignments and Formal Papers. The final grade for the class will be based on the grades earned on Formal Papers. All Formal Papers must be submitted, regardless of points earned, or the student will fail the class. The Weekly Assignment points (25 each assignment) are considered as attendance and class participation; if you fall behind 100 points, you may be dropped or receive a reduced grade for lack of class participation and "attendance."

Weekly Assignment Points: If a weekly assignment is late, you receive maximum of 20 points.  If you have not completed the assignment or have not given enough thoughtful information, I deduct a few points.  I also deduct a few points if you don't seem to have conquered the material--this is to get you to look at my comments.  Don't worry about a few points lost now and then. Do worry if all of your assignments have points deducted.

Assignments & Resources   The weekly assignments and resources are equivalent to classroom attendance and participation. If you were sitting in class, I would hand you these resources.  Instead, these are presented in the Moodle classroom.  You need to read these, just as I would want you to read them if we were meeting face-to-face. The assignments are worth 25 points.  If you receive fewer than 25 points, it probably means that you need to review this area.  Or it might mean that your work is late or you have not completed the work. 

If you do not submit the assignments, you will be marked down in your final grade--as if you had not attended class. We don't meet face-to-face every week and you don't hand me homework.  Instead, your homework and in-class work is all online--in the assignments. These are not just "busy work."  The assignments are designed to help you write the best formal papers.

FORMAL PAPERS    You will write four research papers of varying length. Since I ask for the minimum number of pages/words as stipulated in the official course outline,  all papers must have the minimum number of pages/words as assigned. All papers must follow the MLA format. There is a window of several days in which you may submit papers. Plan ahead; you may turn in papers any time the link allows. Papers must be submitted in consecutive order, i.e., you must turn in the first paper before the second, etc.  ALL Formal Papers must be submitted.

ENGLISH EXIT EXAM    All English students enrolled in English classes are required to take the English Exit Exam. You will have 1.5 hours to read a brief article and respond to a prompt in a well-developed essay of at least five paragraphs.  You will have a window of three days during the last week to take the exam.  If you do not take the exam, you may not pass the class or may receive a reduced one full letter grade for the class.  Essays will be graded as “poor,” “fair,” or “good.” I will give 2 "in-class essays" before this exam so you can practice. These in-class practice essays will be graded holistically; the paper will not be marked-up like formal papers; instead, I will give general comments for improvement.

LATE PAPERS    The portal will be remain open after due date for submission of late papers.  Late papers will receive grade reduction. For example, a "B" paper could receive a grade of "C" if it is late.  If you're running into  problems because you can't figure out what I want, try this: 1) "talk" to me in Moodle messages, 2) meet with me to talk about the paper, and 3) go to the Writing Center in C-100.

GRADING      Credit is divided into two categories: 1) Weekly Assignments/Lectures & Resources and 2) Formal Papers. The final grade for the class will be based on the grades earned on Formal Papers.  All Formal Papers must be submitted, regardless of points earned, or you will not pass the class.   Grading Criteria

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION   As noted above, the weekly assignments and lectures are considered attendance and class participation.  You will receive a reduced grade for lack of class participation and "attendance" as you would in a traditional classroom setting--but all me if you're having problems!  Meet with me so we can try to overcome the obstacles you're facing.  Don't wait until you have to drop the class because you have fallen so far behind.

3 Formal Papers:

Paper 1    50 points
Paper 2    50 points
Paper 3    100 points
 

WIKIPEDIA is not to be used as a source for Formal Papers (nor any other encyclopedia).

PLAGIARISM is a form of theft. It is the act of presenting another person's ideas, research or writings as your own.  The following are some examples of plagiarism:

• Copying another person's actual words without the use of quotation marks and reference.

• Presenting another person's ideas or theories in Your own words without acknowledging them. 

• Using information that is not common knowledge without acknowledging the source.  

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT     Students with disabilities who need any assistance or accommodation should contact the instructor.