LaGuardia Community College  

Fall 2020 

Name: Dr. Sonia Alejandra Rodríguez | Email: drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com

Class “Officially” Scheduled For: Tuesdays & Thursday 9:15am-11:30am 

Virtual Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:00am-10:00am 

*THIS COURSE WILL RUN MOSTLY AS ASYNCHRONOUS* 

COURSE DESCRIPTION  

From course catalog: In this course students write coherent essays in varied academic formats, both  in and out of class, responding to culturally diverse materials and use appropriate technology. Students  focus on critical and analytical skills through reading and listening. They also study aspects of  argumentation, including formulating theses; researching and identifying sources; evaluating and  documenting sources; and communicating persuasively across contexts, purposes, and media.  Admission is based on CUNY Proficiency Index score. The course meets for four scheduled  classroom hours per week. 

DISTANCE LEARNING INFORMATION 

This course will run as mostly asynchronous with some optional and some required synchronous zoom  meeting.  

Email: 

Professor’s preferred email is drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com 

Pre-Recorded Lectures: 

Professor will share links to pre-recorded lectures related to class material to guide you through the  course readings and to help you develop your argumentative and analytical writing skills. It’s to your  benefit that you watch these videos. The professor will email you these videos.  

Office Hours: 

Tuesdays 9:00am-10:00am and by appointment.  

Zoom Info for Virtual Office Hours  

 Sep 22, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Sep 29, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Oct 6, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Oct 13, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Oct 20, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Oct 27, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Nov 3, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Nov 10, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Nov 17, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Nov 24, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Dec 1, 2020 09:00 AM 

 Dec 8, 2020 09:00 AM 

Zoom Link provided on original syllabus [redacted]

Blackboard:  

Blackboard will be our primary tech tool for this course. We will use it to post discussion threads, to  access PDFs of readings and assignments, and I will also message you through here. Make sure you  have access to Blackboard and that you are accessing your LaGuardia email regularly.  

Synchronous Class Sessions: 

1. Required Peer-Review Workshops—For every essay, students will participate in a peer-review  workshop where students will get feedback on essays from a peer. Students must be in  attendance in order to receive credit for the assignment. For exceptions, please contact the  professor in advance.  

Zoom Information for synchronous sessions: 

Zoom Link provided on original syllabus [redacted]

Learning Objectives

1. Write with attention to process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, critiquing,  and reflecting. 

2. Write, read, and listen critically and analytically, identifying a text’s major assumptions and assertions and  evaluating its supporting evidence. As part of this process of inquiry and problem solving, students will be able to understand audience, voice, context and purpose.

3. Write clearly and coherently in varied academic genres, rhetorical modes, and forms of argumentation  using standard written English (SWE). 

4. Complete early assignments that utilize quotation, summation, paraphrase, and citation to create well reasoned arguments.  

5. Complete later assignments that require research skills, especially the evaluation and synthesis of primary  and secondary sources.  

6. Explain their own ideas and relate them to the ideas of others by employing the conventions of ethical  attribution and citation and avoiding plagiarism.  

7. Write essays that will increase in complexity, ranging in length from 600 to 1500 words. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY 

English Department attendance policy: Classroom learning is essential to this course. The college  catalog states that “the maximum number of unexcused absences is limited to 15% of the number of  class hours” and “absences are counted from the first day of class even if they are a result of late  registration or change of program” (202). The departmental limit is the equivalent of two weeks,  therefore 6 hours for a 3- hour class, 8 hours for a 4-hour class, 10 hours for a 5-hour class, and 14 for  a 7-hour class. The same number of hours applies to 6-week sessions, where the limit is one week.  

Distance learning attendance policy for this course: Professor will take attendance based on daily  assignments posted on Blackboard discussion threads. Students will post an assignment everyday class  is officially scheduled. For example, this section is officially scheduled to meet Tuesdays and  Thursdays. On those day, students will have a low-stakes assignment to post on Blackboard. Student  who submit completed assignments will be marked “present” for attendance. These low-stakes  assignments cannot be made up—for exceptions please contact professor.  

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY 

This class will be conducted in compliance with LaGuardia Community College’s academic integrity  policy. All students of LaGuardia Community College are responsible for preparing and presenting  original work. In accordance with the college’s policy on student responsibilities, the penalty for papers  which are plagiarized and for any cheating during exams is immediate course failure. Please refer to  your college catalog for a more complete discussion of Academic Honesty. 

REQUIRED MATERIALS 

PDFs of required readings can be found on Blackboard 

A notebook, a folder, a dictionary, a USB drive, and any other school supplies that will help you  succeed in the class 

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE 

It is expected that you will participate appropriately synchronous and asynchronous online discussions. We are a diverse academic community, representing different faiths, lifestyles, ethnicities, sexualities, and cultures. In addition, we will be discussing controversial issues–issues that typically elicit strong opinions–so it is especially important that you be tolerant, respectful, and considerate of your fellow classmates. Disruptions to the online classroom environment are unwelcome and inconsiderate of others’ right to learn. Hate speech will not be tolerated.

The course material may have depictions of racism, sexual violence and assault, drug use, self- harm,  and other forms of interpersonal and interspecies violence. Please be mindful and take the care you  need when reading these artistic representations. For support, you can reach out to the LaGuardia  Wellness Center at 718-482-5471 and https://www.laguardia.edu/WellnessCenter/. 

When emailing the professor please include a greeting, state your name, and your reason for emailing.  Allow 24 hours for a response. Don’t attach documents without including a message— professor will  not respond to emails without a message. 

Distance learning etiquette: The same expectations for how you would treat someone face-to-face in  class are required for our new distance-learning platforms. Be respectful, kind, and open-minded.  Additionally, still give me 24 hours to respond to any of your emails. Distance-learning does not mean  professor is available 24/7. Professor will try to respond as quickly as possible to your concerns.  

ASSIGNMENTS 

Writing: Students will write 4 high-stakes essays that will critically engage with a text assigned in  class. The essays will involve pre-writing activities, drafting, peer-editing, and revisions. All of these  steps are mandatory, and it is in the students’ benefit to participate in all parts of the writing process.  The assignments will be discussed at length in the online classroom to better prepare students for the  final product. Students can seek additional help during office hours. All essays must follow MLA  format. Look at the writing assignment sheets for further instructions pertaining to each essay. Be  advised that you must complete all 4 essays to receive a final grade. You will receive an “F” for  failing to turn in any of the 4 required essays. Speak with the professor ASAP if you find  yourself in this situation.  

Essay 1 (600 words min.): “Who Are You? (As a Writer)” Informational essay detailing past  relationship with writing using personal experiences as primary source.  

Essay 2 (600 words min.): “Who Are We? (Rhetorical Analysis of a Commercial) Analytical essay on  commercial using one primary source.  

Essay 3 (800 words min.): “Why Am I So Angry and What Can I do About It? (Problem/Solution  Argument) Inquiry and Problem Solving essay using primary and secondary sources.  

Essay 4 (600 words min.): “Who Is This Stranger?” (Profile) Reported essay using someone else’s  story as primary source.  

Peer reviews: Part of the writing process is getting feedback from your peers. On days when the draft  is due, we will meet via zoom and you will be divided into break-out-rooms to read and give one  another feedback. Instructions will be sent out beforehand. 

Reading: Students are required to read the assigned chapters before the start of class. Readings will be  discussed in online discussions and on scheduled zoom meetings. Remember, writing is based on the  readings. It’s imperative you do all the reading.  

Blackboard discussion posts: Due to COVID-19, we will not be face-to-face for this course. To make  up for the missed interaction, and as way for me to take attendance, students will post daily on  Blackboard’s discussion threads. These assignments will be low-stakes assignments that will help  students prepare for the major essays. These assignments will include posting discussion questions on  the readings, summaries, and/or reading responses.  

REVISIONS 

Students will have an opportunity to revise essays that received a letter grade of a C- or lower. To submit a revision, students must do the following: 

1. Include a typed 1-page (minimum) reflection that addresses the assignment, the student’s  writing process, and the changes made. 

2. Students must highlight the changes that were made. 

3. Revision grades will be averaged (Essay 1 + Essay 1 revisions)/2= New essay grade 

LATE ASSIGNMENTS 

Late essays will be docked a letter grade per day. Essays not turned in before the next essay is due will  be considered “not submitted” and students are at a risk of failing the course. Blackboard discussion  posts cannot be submitted late. For exceptions to this “late assignments” policy, please speak with the  professor.  

GRADE BREAKDOWN 

Essay 1 (Including any pre-writing, drafts, peer reviews, etc.)…………………………………………20% Essay 2 (Including any pre-writing, drafts, peer reviews, etc.)…………………………………………20% Essay 3 (Including any pre-writing, drafts, peer reviews, etc.)…………………………………………20% Essay 4 (Including any pre-writing, draft, peer reviews, etc)………………………………………….20% Blackboard discussion posts..………………………………………………………………………….20% Total…………………………………………………………………………………………………..100% 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

1. Writing Center (B-200) https://www.laguardia.edu/Writing-Center/Home/ 

2. Office for Students with Disabilities (M-102) https://www.laguardia.edu/osd/ 3. Wellness Center (C-249) https://www.laguardia.edu/WellnessCenter/ 

4. Veteran Services (C-371) https://www.laguardia.edu/veteranservices/ 

5. Support for Immigrant and International Students at LaGuardia  

http://www.laguardia.edu/immigrationhelp/

6. Single Stop (C-107) http://www.laguardia.edu/singlestop/ 

7. Blackboard – for more detailed videos and tutorials, visit here 

8. Zoom – for more detailed videos and tutorials, visit here 

9. Request a laptop: If you need a computer, call the Student Information Center at 718-482-5000.  They are open Monday & Thursday 9am- 7pm, and Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-5pm. Or  e-mail them with your name and EMPLID atLaGuardiaNews@lagcc.cuny.edu.

SCHEDULE (Subject to change at the professor’s discretion) 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15 

1. Watch: “Dr. Rodriguez’s Overview of Syllabus” 

2. Read: “Intro Sheet to English 101” 

3. Watch: “Integrating Sources” 

4. Watch: “Subject Verb Agreement” 

5. Watch: “Sentence Structure” 

6. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17 

1. Read: “Intro to Writer’s Practice” 

2. Read Who Are You As a Writer? “Essay 1 Assignment Sheet” 

3. Watch: “Essay 1 Overview Video” 

4. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22 

1. Read: “Reading Like a Writer” 

2. Submit: Essay 1 Pre-Write via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

3. Watch: “Where to Start—Introduction & Main Idea” 

4. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24  

1. Submit: Essay 1 Outline via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “Overview of Outline Template” 

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29 

1. Submit: Draft for Essay 1 via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 9:15AM

2. Read: Grading Rubric for Essay 1 

3. Attend: Required Zoom Meeting for Peer-Review Workshop 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 1 

1. Submit: Final Essay 1 & Reflection via Blackboard Safeassign by 5PM

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 6 

1. Watch: “How to Write a Thesis Statement” 

2. Read: “Essay 2 Assignment Sheet—Who Are We?” 

3. Watch: “Essay 2 Overview Video” 

4. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info)

THURSDAY OCTOBER 8 

1. Watch: “Advertising at the Edge of the Apocalypse” 

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 

1. Submit: Essay 2 Pre-Write via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “Making the Most of Your Examples—Body Paragraphs” 

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 

1. Submit: Essay 2 Outline via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “Overview of Outline Template” 

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 20 

1. Submit: Draft for Essay 2 via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 915AM

2. Attend: Required Zoom Meeting for Peer-Review Workshop at 915AM 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 22 

1. Submit: Final Essay 2 & Reflection via Blackboard Safeassign by 5PM 

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY OCTOBER 27 

1. Read: “Essay 3 Assignment Sheet—Why Am I So Angry and What Can I Do About It?”

2. Read: “Why Am I So Angry and What Can I Do About It?” (Essay 3) 

3. Watch: “Essay 3 Overview Video” 

4. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 29 

1. Watch: “How to Conduct Research for Essay 3” 

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3 

1. Submit: Essay 3 Pre-Write via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “How to Integrate Resource for Essay 3” 

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5 

1. Submit: Essay 3 Outline via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “Overview of Outline Template” 

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10 

1. Submit: Draft for Essay 3 via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 9:15AM

2. Attend: Required Zoom Meeting for Peer-Review Workshop

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12 

1. Submit: Final Essay 3 & Reflection via Blackboard Safeassign by 5PM

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17 

1. Read: “Essay 4 Assignment Sheet—Who is this stranger?” 

2. Watch: “Essay 4 Overview Video” 

3. Read: “Who Is This Stranger” (Essay 4) 

4. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 

1. Watch: “How to Conduct an Interview or Using Interviews As Sources”

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info)

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24 

Follow Friday Schedule 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26 

No Classes Scheduled 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 1 

1. Submit: Essay 4 Pre-Write via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “Where to Start—Essay 4”  

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

THURSDAY DECEMBER 3 

1. Submit: Essay 4 Outline via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 5PM

2. Watch: “Overview of Outline Template”

3. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info) 

TUESDAY DECEMBER 8 

1. Submit: Draft Essay 4 via email to drsoniaarodriguez@gmail.com by 9:15AM

2. Attend: Required Zoom Meeting for Peer-Review Workshop

THURSDAY DECEMBER 10 

1. Submit: Final Essay 4 & Reflection via Blackboard safeassign by 5:00pm

2. Post: Blackboard Discussion by 5:00pm (Check Blackboard discussion post for more info)