Mantzsamplesyllabus
Mantzsamplesyllabus
The English 1A course incorporates technology by requiring students to submit assignments via Google Documents and utilize VoiceThread, Animoto, and Google Docs. The course mandates access to a computer with an appropriate web browser and plugins, including Quicktime Player, Windows Media Player, Flash Player, and Adobe PDF Reader. Students need to participate in online discussions and upload assignments to the online portal, reflecting the course's integration of technology in facilitating learning .
The English 1A course ensures adherence to deadlines through the requirement that all work is due on the syllabus-assigned date unless prior arrangements are made. However, the instructor offers flexibility for serious issues, allowing assignment due dates to be negotiated. This ensures that students maintain responsibility while also accommodating unforeseen circumstances. Resubmission of unsatisfactory work is permitted if the initial submission was on time, further providing a balance between accountability and support .
The English 1A course promotes ethical communication by enforcing guidelines for respectful and topic-focused discussions, both online and offline. Students are instructed to use appropriate language and tone, particularly avoiding all caps to prevent perceived aggression. When disagreements arise, respectful language and acknowledgment of differing opinions are required. This practice encourages a civil discourse environment, essential for constructive academic interactions, fostering ethical considerations integral to the learning process .
The grading and assessment in the English 1A course is structured to emphasize comprehensive evaluation through essays (50%), presentations (10%), in-class essays (15%), a journal blog (15%), and participation (10%). This varied assessment strategy encourages students to improve multiple skills—critical writing, research ability, and active participation—contributing to a well-rounded learning experience. The availability of feedback sessions and the option to revise assignments after instructor meetings further supports learning by allowing students to develop their skills iteratively .
Individual reflection assignments are integral in the English 1A course, as they encourage students to introspect and critique their writing processes, aligning with the course’s objective of developing critical thinkers and writers. These assignments support the writing process by compelling students to assess and improve their prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing skills. Reflective practice fosters self-awareness, helping students connect personal insights with academic concepts, thus achieving course outcomes such as improved writing mechanics and coherence .
The English 1A course enforces academic integrity by expecting students to conduct themselves ethically and respectfully. Plagiarism and cheating result in a failing grade and disciplinary action. Discussions must be appropriate and respectful, with all caps usage avoided to prevent misunderstandings as screaming. The emphasis on proper citation of sources and adherence to ethical norms in class interactions further ensures integrity .
Participation is vital in the English 1A course, accounting for 10% of the final grade. It includes active involvement in online discussions and assignments, which mirror attendance in the virtual setting. This structure fosters an environment where students engage critically with the course material and with their peers, enhancing the educational experience. The emphasis on participation not only motivates interaction but also reinforces learning by requiring students to articulate their ideas and respond to others .
The English 1A course provides several accommodations for students with disabilities, including individual meetings with the teacher and materials available in audio and Braille formats. Lectures posted online contain closed captioning, ensuring accessibility. These measures facilitate learning by ensuring that all students have equal access to course materials, promoting an inclusive educational environment .
Stephen King's 'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' serves as both a textbook and a thematic guide in the course. It helps students engage with writing on a personal level, reflecting on their development as writers. The book is a tool for students to explore critical writing concepts and apply them in practice. The integration of King's insights into the course material supports the learning outcomes of critical thinking and the development of a personal voice, contributing to the crafting of narratives, persuasive essays, and research papers .
The primary objectives of the English 1A online course include helping students become critical thinkers and effective writers at a college level. Students are expected to compose coherent multi-paragraph, thesis-driven essays using logical evidence that is cited appropriately, and to engage in the writing process, including prewriting, composing, revising, and editing. The course also aims to teach students to think, read, and write critically, focusing on tone, audience, and purpose while using scholarly sources. Legal use of sources and avoiding plagiarism is emphasized .