EWRT 2

EWRT 2:  CRITICAL READING, WRITING AND THINKING

Section 2, MW 7:50-10:00

Section 3, TH 7:50-10:00

Instructor:        Julie Scott

Phone:             650-254-1102

E-mail:             jadraus@hotmail.com

TEXTS AND MATERIALS

You will also need:

            Dictionary

            Paper

            Notebook

            A folder to contain all writing completed during the term

            Paper clips or stapler

COURSE DESCRIPTION

            In this class we will be reading, analyzing and comparing articles and information focusing on American culture.  You will respond to the readings in writing, in class discussions and in small group discussions.  Our work in class should improve your ability to read and write critically about issues and ideas and increase your understanding about American culture.

            Throughout the course, we will also be working toward the production of a research paper based on issues related to the texts you read.  You will learn about finding a topic, gathering material through research, integrating the researched material into your own paper and documenting properly.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

            *Attend class regularly and arrive on time

            *Complete all homework, reading and writing assignments

            *Participate in class discussions and activities

            *Keep all written work in your folder

            *Have all necessary materials for class every day

            *Contact me when you have a problem or question

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

READING LOGS—I will assign 15 short (1 page) writing assignments based on the readings worth 10 pts each.  If you do more than 10 of these, I use the top 10 grades to determine your total log points out of 100 possible.

ESSAYS—You will write three essays.  These essays should be double-spaced.  When you turn in your essay, you will also turn in drafts and other preparatory work relating to the essay.  Pages of the essay should be paper-clipped or stapled together.  Each essay is worth 100 points.

RESEARCH PAPER—Throughout the quarter, you will be working on your research paper.  The paper must be on an approved topic, must be at least 6 pages long, must use an appropriate number and variety of resource, must be documented properly and must be typed.  The research paper is worth 150 points.

FINAL EXAM—You will take a final essay exam.  The final exam is worth 100 points. 

ATTENDANCE—Regular attendance and participation is required.  If you miss more than 3 classes, you will lose 50 points.

CLASS POLICIES

TARDINESS—Students coming into class late cause disruption for me and for other students.  Therefore, two late arrivals will count as one absence.

LATE PAPERS—Late papers will be penalized.  Ten points will be deducted for each day it is late.  If you can’t come to class on the day a paper is due, you should contact me about alternate ways to get your paper to me.  You can leave it in my mailbox in the Administration Building, e-mail it to me or make some other arrangement.

PLAGIARISM—A student who plagiarizes a paper may receive a failing grade for the course. 

GETTING HELP

If you would like help with the readings, essays, or projects, you can make an appointment to see me, or you can call me at home between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.  If I’m not at home when you call, leave a message on my machine, and I’ll call you back as soon as I can.  You can also reach me by e-mail, which I try to check every evening.  I am happy to assist you in any way.  The earlier you see me about problems, the easier it will be to solve them.

If you suspect you may need any classroom accommodations or services due to a disability, please see me after class.  A verification of your disability-related requests must be on file with the college.  For information on learning disabilities, call or visit the Educational Diagnostic Center, 408-864-8839.  For information on other disabilities, call or visit Disabled Student Services, 408-864-8753.