ENGL 219: ESSAY COMPOSITION AND CRITICAL READING
Section: 219A
Term & Year: FALL 2014
Course Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Class Days / Time: MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Classroom: 2302
Instructor: Dr. Jenna Butler
Office: 3106
Phone: (403) 342-3337
Email: [email protected] / www.jennabutler.com
Office Hours: MWF 10:00-12:00
Course Description: English 219 focuses on formal preparation for university-level writing and
the skills related to critical reading, interpretation, and argument.
Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095. Students lacking the prerequisite must identify
themselves to the instructor no later than the second class.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to do the following:
 Clarify and comprehend assigned essay topics
 Critically analyze short non-fiction prose pieces
 Organize and develop essays through a drafting process including brainstorming and
building an outline
 Locate, integrate, and document secondary sources using MLA formatting
 Craft a textual analysis essay
 Identify and correct grammatical errors in their own work and the work of others
Required Texts:
Davis, Roger et al. Essay Writing for Canadian Students: With Readings 7
ON: Pearson Prentice-Hall, 2013. Print.
th
Edition. Toronto,
Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say, I Say: the Moves That Matter in Academic
nd
Writing, 2 Edition. New York: Norton, 2010. Print.
A college-level dictionary (Oxford, Merriam-Webster) is highly recommended for all
classes.
Course Requirements:
Written summary of a course reading
Formal essay (1200 words)
Writing portfolio of term work
In accordance with the course requirements, students will submit 2500 words minimum of written
work during this course. All written work will be graded and returned within two weeks of
submission.
Due Dates and Mark Breakdown:
Assignments
Reading and Grammar Quizzes
Summary (800 words)
Essay (1200 words)
Term work (described below, including portfolio)
Due Date
10 in-class quizzes
September 22
November 21
December 1 (portfolios)
Weight
10%
25%
35%
30%
Total: 100%
Term Work:
As this is a course based on writing practice, you will be expected to write frequently in response
to the texts we have read.
The Writing Portfolio Includes:


Two response papers


Five assigned in-class writing exercises (10 – 15 minutes each)


Three questionnaires to check for learning


A reflective cover letter explaining your development as a writer over the
term
The base grade for a portfolio containing all the required components is B-. To earn higher grades
on this component of the course, you must produce writing of a very high standard throughout all
the assignments. The marking rubric for the writing portfolio will be posted on Blackboard for
your perusal. Failure to hand in a complete portfolio will lead to a grade lower than B- on this
component of the course.
The specific letter grading system set out below will be used for the summary, essay, and
portfolio, as well as for the final course grade. Minor term work to be included in portfolios will
not be graded using a percentage or letter grade system; instead, you will receive an incomplete
(IN) for unfinished work or a checkmark for complete work. You will also learn to comment
upon and assess your own and your peers’ work. Materials not included in the portfolio will be
graded and returned promptly.
Grading Scale:
GRADE PERCENTAGE
GRADEPOINT
DESCRIPTOR
A+
93-100
4.0
OUTSTANDING
A
87-92
4.0
MARKEDLY SUPERIOR
A80-86
3.7
EXCELLENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------B+
77-79
3.3
B
74-76
3.0
B70-73
2.7
GOOD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------C+
67-69
2.3
C
64-66
2.0
C60-63
1.7
SATISFACTORY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------D+
57-59
1.3
D
50-56
1.0
MINIMAL PASS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------F
BELOW 50
0.0
FAIL
Note: Although D+ and D are passing grades at Red Deer College, they may not be passing
grades for students transferring to other universities.
Please keep in mind that this grading scale is unique to this course; other instructors may
employ other grading systems.
Final Examination:
The RDC Final Examination Policy will be followed with respect to final examinations. Please
review this document to ensure that you understand the contents and implications of the policy.
Grade Reappraisal:
Any student seeking a reappraisal of his or her grade must discuss this with the instructor within
two weeks of the work being returned. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of that
discussion, further discussion may be had with the Program Lead, and if necessary the Associate
Dean, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences and Social Work.
Course Policies:
1. Assignments and Term Work: All assignments are due at the beginning of
class on the due date. Your written work must be submitted to me in hard copy at all times. It is
not to be e-mailed. Late assignments be penalized -5% per day unless accompanied by a medical
certificate. Weekends count as two days. Any missed portfolio assignments or in-class writing
tasks/quizzes can only be made up if you present me with a valid medical note; simply missing
class is not an acceptable excuse.
2. Learning Questionnaires: At three points over the course of the term, I will ask you to
respond in writing to a particular question about what you have learned in the class up to that
point. Your responses will assist you to reflect upon your writing and learning processes, and they
will help you to develop your writing skills. They will also lead toward your reflective cover
letter, which forms part of your final portfolio.
3. Course Folders: I will provide you with a course folder during the first week of class. You
will submit and keep minor writing assignments (response papers, in-class writing assignments,
and questionnaires) in this folder. Folders may be picked up from me at the beginning of each
class, and you must return them to me as you leave each class. You will have opportunities to
consult the work in your folder as you prepare your final writing portfolio.
4. Quizzes: You will complete and submit 10 quizzes in class during the course of the term.
These quizzes will test your knowledge of course readings and grammar. You may not redo these
quizzes, and if missed without a valid excuse, they cannot be completed at a later date.
5. Contact: My contact details are listed at the top of the syllabus. I encourage you to get in touch
with any questions or concerns you may have over the term. Feel free to drop by during my office
hours or make an appointment to see me if I am available on campus outside those hours. If you
e-mail me, I will respond to your message within two business days. Be aware that I take time off
over weekends, just as you do!
6. Laptops: All laptops, cell phones, iPods, and mp3 players must be put away before class.
7. Academic Integrity: It is your responsibility to read carefully the plagiarism statement
attached to this syllabus. We will also discuss academic integrity in class. Please ask me if you
have any questions about the policy. No plagiarism is tolerated in this class.
Course Outline:
It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the information contained in this course
outline and to clarify any areas of concern with the instructor.
No changes will be made to this course outline without the consent of the class and the approval
of the Associate Dean of the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences and Social Work.
STUDENT RECOGNITION OF PLAGIARISM*
Standards of Proof
Plagiarism can be judged to have occurred if the instructor has both the material presented by the
student and the original source from which this material was taken.
Also, plagiarism can be judged to have occurred
 if the student is incapable of explaining the terminology or ideas in the submitted material
 if such terminology or ideas cannot be shown to originate in the works contained in the
Bibliography, References, or Works Cited page accompanying the submitted material (or, for
oral presentations, if the student cannot produce the notes or texts used to prepare the
presentation).
Consequences: A student charged with plagiarism may

be given a reduced mark or no mark (that is, a grade of 0 or F) for the plagiarized assignment,
or
 be assigned a final grade of F, or
 be expelled from the course and assigned a final grade of F.
In all of the above cases, the instance of academic dishonesty will be recorded on the student’s
academic file.
PROCEDURE
1. If an instructor discovers or suspects academic misconduct, the instructor provides evidence of
the misconduct to the student and takes disciplinary action up to and including the assignment of
a failing grade for the work involved in the misconduct.
2. If the instructor feels that the misconduct warrants more serious consequences, the Program
Lead is informed. The decision to remove the student from the course or to assign a failing grade
in the course as a consequence of the misconduct may be taken by the Program Lead in
consultation with the Associate Dean upon reviewing the evidence of the misconduct and
determination that the violation warrants such action.
3. If the instructor and Program Lead determine that the violation requires more significant action
such as removal from a program or from the College, the evidence is presented to the Associate
Dean for a decision.
4. In each case, the decision and disciplinary action are communicated to the student in writing
and a copy is provided to the Registrar who places it in the student’s file.
(*adapted from RDC’s policy on Student Misconduct: Academic and Non-academic - see section
below on college policies)
College Policies
Students should be familiar with what constitutes misconduct, as well as its consequences. This
may include academic misconduct, which includes plagiarism and cheating, or non-academic
misconduct, where student behaviour is deemed unsafe or disruptive. Plagiarism may involve the
act of submitting work in which some or all of the phrasing, ideas, or line of reasoning are alleged
to be the submitter’s own but in fact were created by someone else. Cheating involves attempts to
obtain unsanctioned assistance in a formal academic exercise. Students should familiarize
themselves with the Policy on Academic Misconduct: academic and non-academic. Penalties for
such misconduct range from academic sanctions on assignments or a course to removal from the
College.
Students should refer to the Student Appeal, Formal and Informal Resolution Process Policy
should they have questions or concerns about the course outline that cannot be resolved with the
instructor.
At all times, the Final Examinations Policy will be followed.
This course may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment. Students should refer to the RDC
Calendar for a list of excluded courses.
Classroom learning resources may be available to students in alternate formats.
The various RDC Academic Policies described above can also be found here.
Academic Resources on Campus
Students should be aware that Personal Counselling, Career, Learning, and Disability Services are
provided by RDC. Students may inquire about locations at the Information Desk. It is the
student’s responsibility to discuss their specific learning needs with the appropriate service
provider.
Learning Support (Library: 403-342-3264, [email protected] )
• Writing Skills Centre ([email protected])
• Math Learning Centre ([email protected])
• Learning Strategies (note-taking, studying and exam-writing strategies)
• Peer-Assisted Study / Tutoring (one-on-one tutoring by students)
Disability Services (Library: 403-357-3629, [email protected])
• Coordination of services (tutoring, alternate format text, note-taking and so on.)
• Academic accommodations, including exam accommodations
Counselling and Career Centre (Room 1402: 403-343-4064, [email protected])
Important Dates
Fall 2014
September 1
September 2
September 3
September 11
September 11
October 1
October 7
Fall Term 2014 courses
Labour Day 2014; College closed.
New Student Orientation 2014.
First day of classes for Fall term 2014 and Full-Year 2014-2015 courses.
Last day to register late or add/drop Fall term 2014 and Full-year 20142015 courses.
Last day to have tuition refunded for Fall term 2014 and Full-Year 20142015 courses.
First day to apply for Fall term 2015.
Emergency Response Day.
October 13
October 24
November 10
November 10
November 11
November 12
December 3
December 3
December 8-13
December 16
December 19
December 22
December 24
January 17, 2015
Thanksgiving Day; College closed.
Midterm feedback date for Fall term courses.
Final exams schedule posted for Fall term 2014.
College open. No credit classes.
Remembrance Day; College closed.
Credit classes resume Fall term 2014.
Last day to withdraw from Fall term courses and receive a WD.
Last day of classes for Fall term.
Final exams written.
Deferred exams for Fall term 2014 written.
Last day for submission of final grades for Fall term courses.
Final grades available.
College closes at noon; reopens January 2, 2015
Supplemental exams for Fall term 2014 written.
Weekly Schedule
WEEK
TOPIC & IN-CLASS READING
HOME READING
Week One
September
3
Purchase Texts
Introduction to the course
Diagnostic paragraph: “Food Connections”
(Writing Exercise 1 for folders)
5
Learning to Summarize
EWCS Ch. 1-2
"Don't Blame the Eater"
link provided by instructor
TSIS Preface, Ch 1-3
Summary topic assigned
Week Two
September
8
Making Sense of Grammar:
Basic Grammar Review (Nouns/Pronouns/
Adjectives/Verbs)
10
Clauses & Phrases
EWCS 410-414
Review of formatting quotations
EWCS 469-481
12
Week Three
Making Sense of Grammar:
Fragments, Comma Splices
Grammar Quiz 1
EWCS 414-421
September
Week Four
September
15
Grammar Quiz 1 returned
Fused Sentences & Mixed Constructions
17
Laying Out Your Tools:
Writing Better Paragraphs &
Choosing an Appropriate Tone
EWCS 422-443
19
Grammar Quiz 2
Summary Prep and Question Time
22
Summaries due, Grammar Quiz 2 returned
Writing Critical Analyses
TSIS Ch. 4-7,
Ch. 3 EWCS
"Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye"
EWCS 211-216
24
Essay Format
EWCS 466-470
Critical Analysis assigned, Questionnaire 1 in folders
26
What Makes a Sound Critical Analysis?
“Nostalgia in Tim Bowling’s ‘Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye’”
Drafting a Critical Analysis, Ch. 4-5 EWCS
Writing Exercise 2 in folders
Week Five
September
29
Critical Analysis Mini Workshop
Summaries returned
October
1
Critical Analysis due in folders
Beginning Comparison Essays
Week Six
October
3
“Perspectives on Addictions”
EWCS 350
6
Questionnaire 2 in folders
“It Always Costs”
EWCS 310
“Embraced by the Needle”
EWCS 273
“Addiction in Free Markets”
EWCS 203
8
“Unchopping a Tree”
EWCS 277
“The Problem of
Environmental Costs:
Suzuki vs. Merwin”
EWCS 358
Writing Exercise 3 in folders
Week Seven
October
10
Comparison Essay topic provided and discussed at length
Ch 7 EWCS
13
THANKSGIVING DAY: COLLEGE CLOSED
15
"The Loons"
EWCS 258
17
“Lawrence’s “The Loons”:
Insight or Stereotype?”
EWCS 361
Final Essay assigned (thinking ahead)
Comparison Essay question time
Week Eight
October
Week Nine
October
20
Comparison Essay due in folders, Questionnaire 3 in folders
22
MLA format review
24
Writing Exercise 4 in folders, MLA review
27
Gathering Material for
Research Essays
Chapter 10 EWCS
29
Synthesizing Research
Chapter 11 EWCS
31
A Narrative Comparison (recap)
“The Men We Carry in Our Minds”
EWCS 292
Week Ten
November
3
Making Sense of Grammar:
Punctuation Review
Apostrophes, Modifiers
5
Commas
Metacommentary
7
Making Sense of Grammar:
Punctuation Review
Semicolon, Colon, Dash,
Parentheses, Quotation Marks, Italics
Week Eleven
November
10
Spelling and Mechanics review
Grammar Quiz 3
14
Final Essay Workshop
EWCS 460-465
Essay Review:
“The Empire of Images in
Our World of Bodies”
Provided by Instructor
19
Essay review, Writing Exercise 5 in folders,
Grammar Quiz 3 returned
21
Final Essays due
Continuing Body Image and the
Media discussion
Week Thirteen
November
24
EWCS 451-459
NO CLASSES
12
Week Twelve
November
17
EWCS 444--450
Print "She Don't
Understand Nothing"
(link provided)
Short Story: “She Don't Understand Nothing”
26
Short Story (finish). Portfolio organization
28
Short Story Questions: “She Don't Understand Nothing,” cover letters
Week Fourteen
December
1
3
Portfolios due
LAST DAY OF CLASS
PORTFOLIO PICK-UP DATES SCHEDULED
Tim Heath, PhD
Associate Dean, School of Arts & Science
Approved 28 August 2014