Division: (ex: Language Arts) Course name

• 
  1 three ring binder
  
• 
  8 ½ x 11 notebook paper (plenty)
  
• 
  2 Blue or Green Composition Books (WLAC bookstore)
  
• 
  #2 pencils, blue or black pens, and highlighters
  
• 
  Package of manila envelopes
  
• 
  A stapler
  

Course Objectives: (use COR / ECD approved objectives) See example below

Objectives will vary by course http://ecd.laccd.edu/CC_Search_1.aspx

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to . . .

1. 
   Identify and restate an author’s thesis or main idea, whether it is stated or implied, and identify an author’s main support points and organizing features.
   
2. 
   Evaluate the quality and reliability of support.
   
3. 
   Explain the author’s tone and how it functions in the text.
   
4. 
   Recognize connections between two or more authors’ ideas.
   
5. 
   Demonstrate mastery of subject/verb agreement and other common grammar and punctuation errors including: subject/verb agreement, past participle and illogical shifts in verb tense, punctuation (comma, semi-colon, and apostrophe), pronoun agreement, case, and reference.
   
6. 
   Compose essays that respond effectively to a topic based on one or more assigned readings.
   
7. 
   Prepare essays of 500-750 words that include clearly stated thesis statements and detailed support.
   
8. 
   Assemble essays that have clearly organized introductions, bodies and conclusions, and develop well-supported arguments.
   
9. 
   Employ vocabulary specific to convey intended ideas, as well as references to one’s own experiences, ideas and observations.
   
10. 
    Differentiate rhetorical features such as compare-contrast, definition, description and argument, and analyze effective arguments.
    
11. 
    Employ MLA style and revise writing for content and mechanics.
    
12. 
    What campus resources can promote academic success and facilitate transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
    

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

SLOs will vary by course http://www.wlac.edu/slo/course_slos.html

At the very minimum all faculty will need to include the CSLOs (Course Student Learning Outcomes) in the syllabus for the course(s) you're teaching. Faculty may include the ISLOs (Institutional Student Learning Outcomes) and the PSLOs (Program Student Learning Outcomes.

If you are going to be including all levels of outcomes in your syllabus it is best practice to also speak to all three levels of outcomes to students when reviewing the syllabus in class during the first week. Listing the SLOs on your syllabus is now part of your evaluation. See appendix C of the AFT contract.
Course SLOs are located on the West Los Angeles College SLO website. Please visit http://www.wlac.edu/slo/course_slos.html; be sure to bookmark it for future reference.

Follow the link on the page to the course SLO listing.  Locate your Division on the tabs at the bottom of the window. Click on the tab and locate your course.  Click on the arrow buttons on the right to see additional divisions. Be sure to include the assessment method (for example exam, quiz, paper, project) for the SLO(s) you will be assessing in your class. If you have trouble locating this information, ask your department chair or Todd Matosic for help.  

Course Requirements and assignment guidelines See example below

Blog Responses

You are required to post weekly responses to various topics related to the class and the world around us on the class blog. Blog Responses should be at least 3-4 complete sentences.  Support your ideas. State your point and back them with facts or personal anecdotes.  Stay on topic. Respond to each other’s comments in a respectful manner.  See other blog rules and guidelines on the class blog. Keep in mind comments will be read by me and others in class.  Therefore, refrain from making any deeply personal, sensitive, revealing, private and inappropriate comments. NOTE: If you don’t have internet access at home, there are computer labs on campus. If accessing the class blog proves difficult, see me immediately. DO NOT WAIT until the day a response is due to seek help or explain your situation. Alternate plans can be arranged with notice.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given regularly to ensure that you are keeping up with the readings and attending class. Missed quizzes cannot be made up, even if you arrive late to class.

Essays

Essays provide you the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills learned in class. Previous drafts must be attached to final essays. NOTE: All writing assignments, except those designated as in class writing assignments, must be typed. Grading rubrics will be attached to final essays.

Other assignments, as listed below, will occur in class and serve to reinforce learning:

• 
  In Class Writing Responses
  
• 
  Exams: Midterm and Final
  

Late Assignments

Each student is allowed one late essay assignment. It must be turned in by the next class meeting to receive credit and the grade will be reduced by one letter grade. DO NOT e-mail me your essays and other typed assignments. They will not be accepted. Other late assignments will not be accepted.

Grading

Assignment Category	# of Assign.	Points Per Assignment	Total Points	% of Total Grade
Quizzes	5	20	100	10%
Blog Responses	10	10	100	10%
Presentation	1	100	100	10%
Essays	5	-	500	50%
In Class Essay	1	100	100	-
Out of Class Essays	4	100	400	-
Mid-Term	1	100	100	10%
Final	1	100	100	10%
Grand Total	34	-	1000	100%
900 - 1000 = A	800 - 899 = B	700 - 799 = C	600 - 699 = D	599 and below = F

Class Policies

Attendance

Because class discussions and group work are an integral part of this course, attendance is mandatory. Up to 3 absences are allowed. After that, you could be dropped. Students are expected to attend every class meeting, to arrive on time and stay throughout the class period. Excessive absenteeism will lower your grade, as well as walking in and out of class. 3 tardies = 1 absence. Students may be dropped from class for excessive tardiness, or for failure to attend class the first day or during the entire first week of the class.

Walking In and Out of Class

When you arrive to class, make sure you have used the restroom, had a chance to eat, check your messages, etc. Walking in and out is rude and disruptive. If you need to leave early, or have some other problem, you need to notify me in advance. Any student who makes a habit of walking in and out of class may be asked to leave.

Preparedness

You are expected to arrive on time. You will come to each class session prepared. You will have your books, binder, pens/pencils, any work that is due, and you will be prepared to discuss all readings/assignments.

Cell Phones, iPods, etc.

Turn them off and put them away when class begins! Although it may not seem possible, you can survive without talking and texting on your cell phone, or listening to your iPod, for a little over an hour. Talking and texting on cell phones not only distract you, but they are a distraction for me and your peers. Distractions interrupt/disrupt the class and I will not tolerate interruptions. You will be asked to leave if this occurs.
“Netiquette” and “Civilogue”

This semester, you will post weekly responses to the class blog on various topics related to the class and the world around us. The term “netiquette” is a combination of the words internet and etiquette. The term “civilogue” is a combination of the words civil and dialogue. Both terms, as well as the words used to create them, are essential to the class. You may not agree with the views and opinions expressed by your peers, but you don’t have the right to be disrespectful. Personal attacks, profanity, vulgarity and comments that are not productive additions to the conversation will be deleted and you will not receive credit for the assignment.  

Contacting Me

E-mail is the best and quickest way to contact me. Thanks to modern technology, my e-mail is linked to my phone. Therefore, excuses such as, “I tried to contact you but (fill in the blank)” will not work. If you have a problem, do not let it snowball. Contact me immediately. Students are expected to ask questions and obtain help from instructor via email and/or during office hours.

Refer to the course website/blog for more information on UMOJA policies.
For more information refer to the attached link:

http://www.wlac.edu/academics/pdf/WLAC_12-14Catalog_Policies.pdf

College Policies:

Academic Integrity (Plagiarism)

In accordance with code 9803.28, academic dishonesty is prohibited and will not be tolerated in this class. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade. Academic dishonesty of any type, such as cheating or knowingly furnishing false information, by a student provides grounds for disciplinary action by the instructor or college. In written work, no material may be copied from another without proper quotation marks, footnotes, or appropriate documentation.

• 
  Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment, possible dismissal from the class and disciplinary action from the college. You will not receive credit for any essay missing previous drafts, citations and/or a Works Cited page.
  

Student Conduct

According to code 9803.15, disruption of classes or college activities is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Refer to the catalog and the Standards of Student Conduct in the Schedule of Classes for more information.

Recording Devices

State law in California prohibits the use of any electronic listening or recording device in a classroom without prior consent of the instructor and college administration. Any student who needs to use electronic aids must secure the consent of the instructor. If the instructor agrees to the request, a notice of consent must be forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for approval (WLAC College Catalog).

For more information refer to the attached link:

http://www.wlac.edu/academics/pdf/WLAC_12-14Catalog_Policies.pdf

Campus Resources

See example below:

As stated earlier in this syllabus, if you are having problems, don’t let them snowball. Come and talk with me and check out some of the campus resources available to you.

Office of Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSP&S)

Heldman Learning Resources Center (HLRC), Room 119 | (310) 287-4450.

West Los Angeles College recognizes and welcomes its responsibility to provide an equal educational opportunity to all disabled individuals. The Office of Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) has been established to provide support services for all verified disabled students pursuing a college education. DSP&S students may qualify for: priority registration, registration assistance, special parking permits, sign language interpreters and assistive technology (WLAC College Catalog).
Instructional Support (Tutoring) & Learning Skills Center

Heldman Learning Resources Center (HLRC) | (310) 287-4486

Improve your reading, language, vocabulary, spelling, math fundamentals and chemistry knowledge with convenient, self-paced computer-aided courses in the Learning Skills Center. Increase your knowledge and learning success: sign up for tutoring in various college subjects (WLAC College Catalog).
Library Services

Heldman Learning Resources Center (HLRC) | (310) 287-4269 & (310) 287-4486

The WLAC Library provides instruction on how to use the online catalog, periodical and research databases. In addition to a large collection of books, periodicals and videos the WLAC Library has course textbooks which students may use while in the Library. Web access is available in LIRL as well as meeting rooms. The upper floors provide a beautiful view ideal for study (WLAC College Catalog).

For more information refer to attached link:

http://www.wlac.edu/academics/pdf/WLAC_12-14Catalog_Policies.pdf

English 28 Class Schedule – Fall 2011 8:30 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. Book Abbreviation Key: The Mis-Education of the Negro = TMEN The Measure of Our Success = TMOS A Pocket Style Manual = APSM NOTE: This syllabus and class schedule is subject to change if circumstances warrant it (e.g. student performance, etc.). Expect revisions and divergences.