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Syllabus IRWD 0480 Spring 2023

Page history last edited by Felicia Dz Stovall 9 months ago

Midland College

Syllabus

IRWD 0480

Integrated Writing and Reading I (4-1)
SPRING ONE 2023

Instructor Name:  Felicia Dz Stovall, Associate Professor

Email: fstovall@midland.edu 
Office Location: AFA 181
Office Phone 432-685-4667

Personal Cell phone: 361-438-6131

Office Hours:M-R 8am to 9:15 am MW 11 to 12 TR: 11:00 am to 1:00pm  & live online.

Virtual Office Hours: see syllabus for detailed hrs.
Google chat ID: fcdziadek
Department Chair, English and Language Arts
: Dr. William Christopher Brown
Fine Arts and Communications Division Dean:  
Dr. William Feeler
Secretary:
  Ms. Lula Lee
Division Office
:  135 AFA
Phone:
  432-685-4624
Division Office hours:
  8-5, Monday-Friday 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed for students who need preparatory work in reading and writing. The course teaches students to integrate critical reading and writing skills, with the goal of getting students ready to succeed in the corequisite course, ENGL 1301. Students learn to utilize all reading skills to further improve comprehension, reading rate, and fluency. Students learn to apply insights gained from reading a variety of texts in order to use effective writing strategies such as editing strategies, generating ideas from texts, and recognizing and applying the conventions of Standard English. Students will integrate critical reading and academic writing skills in order to comprehend and interact with college-level texts and to produce college-level writing. Course includes 16 lab hours directed by the instructor. This course is not for college credit. Corequisites: ENGL 1301.

 

Note: Like IRWD 0381, IRWD 0480 will be an eight-week corequisite with ENGL 1301. IRWD 0381 and IRWD 0480 are similar in their emphasis on improving students' abilities to produce college level writing. The main difference between IRWD 0381 and IRWD 0480 is that IRWD 4080 will have a greater emphasis on reading than IRWD 0381.

   

COURSE VISION

The vision of Midland College for IRWD 0480 students is far beyond getting students just to pass a test that shows sufficient reading and writing skill to enter ENGL 1301 and other credit classes. Rather, Midland College envisions much greater success: that students pass IRWD 0480 and progress to ENGL 1301 with better than average ability to read and write. Ultimately, we desire that all students go forward from this class to college success, whether that means a degree, a certificate, or successful transfer to a four-year college. 

 

ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ORIGINAL WORK OF THEIR OWN CREATION. THIS MEANS YOU CAN’T PAY SOMEONE, COPY AND PASTE WORK FROM ANOTHER PERSON, AND OR USE A BOT TO CREATE WORK.  YOU, THE STUDENTS MUST CREATE ORIGINAL WRITINGS FROM YOUR MINDS’ EYE.

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:1. Locate explicit textual information, draw complex inferences, and describe, analyze, and evaluate the information within and across multiple texts of varying lengths.

2. Comprehend and use vocabulary effectively in oral communication, reading, and writing.

3. Identify and analyze the audience, purpose, and message across a variety of texts.

4. Describe and apply insights gained from reading and writing a variety of texts.

5. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate reading comprehension, clear focus, logical development of ideas, and use of appropriate language that advance the writer’s purpose.

6. Determine and use effective approaches and rhetorical strategies for given reading and writing situations.

7. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic and purpose, incorporating the ideas and words of other writers in student writing using established strategies.

8. Evaluate relevance and quality of ideas and information in recognizing, formulating, and developing a claim.

9. Develop and use effective reading and revision strategies to strengthen the writer’s ability to compose college-level writing assignments.

10. Recognize and apply the conventions of Standard English in reading and writing.

 

COURSE VISION:

The vision of Midland College for IRWD 0480 students is far beyond getting students just to pass a test that shows sufficient reading and writing skill to enter ENGL 1301 and other credit classes. Rather, Midland College envisions much greater success: that students pass IRWD 0480 and progress to ENGL 1301 with better than average ability to read and write. Ultimately, we desire that all students go forward from this class to college success, whether that means a degree, a certificate, or successful transfer to a four-year college. 

 

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS

 

English Composition by Hawkes Learning 2nd Edition.       

ISBN 978-1-64277-446-7

 

https://www.hawkeslearning.com/Products/English/COMP2/EnglishComposition2e.htm <-- Link to Hawkes Learning for e-textbook.

 

A Three ring binder, notebook paper, pen, a device to save documents electronically and access to school email account.

Adobe Reader 

 

 All course journals, discussions, classwork, and group work must be computer-generated on Word and posted.  There might be exceptions but your instructor will let you know about those exceptions, otherwise, always plan on typing everything out.  Documents must be in WORD or google docs. Please note if one decides to use Google docs the instructor MUST have access to the files; if the instructor is not given access there will be one request and then a zero will be earned.    THE ONLY TWO FORMATS ACCEPTED ARE LISTED ABOVE, anything else is NOT ACCEPTABLE

 

 

FREE ACCESS TO MICROSOFT 365

All Midland College students have a free Microsoft Office 365 account via the Midland College website: Microsoft 365 Offer. Students should go to that website for instructions for accessing their account to create Word, Excel, and other Microsoft documents.

 

 

COURSE POLICIES

  • Respect to others at all times and responsibilities are expected   
  • Any behavior that disrupts the order of the classroom or lab will be reported to the Dean of Students for necessary action. Respect for yourself and your classmates and personal responsibility are the two guidelines.
  • No food or drink allowed in the classroom or lab. No cellphones, pagers, music devices, electronic games or earbuds are allowed. No picture, voice or video recording is allowed without the permission of the instructor. NO vulgar language or disrespectful behavior will be tolerated. The student may be removed for using these devices and/or being disrespectful, which can result in losing credit for the course. 
  • Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory in this class and lab. The student will be responsible for regular, prompt attendance in the scheduled integrated Reading/Writing course, and his/her grade will reflect any missed classes.  Each lab evaluation requires 2 hour attendance in the Language Hub (online or face to face), and the remainder of the time will be monitored from online activity. (We will meet twice a week live online and attendance will be closely monitored.)  Attendance, as well as successful completion of lab assignments is a portion of the class grade. If the student is absent more than three times during the semester, he/she may fail the course.  
  • MTWR - Class meets face to face in the classroom with their instructor.
  • The student must earn lab hours independently each week face to face in the Language Hub.  Two Hours a week starting in week 2 and completing in week 7.  (online feature available w/ instructor notification. 

 

 

DAILY PLANS AND CLASS schedule: A detailed class schedule for this course will always be available online it will be available via canvas and also supplemented on my pbworks page.  http:www.feliciadz.pbworks.com . This is a provision that will be available all semester.  If you must miss a class you will be able to access what we did in class so you may come prepared to the next class and not miss out on any daily grades or discussions. All due dates for this course are listed on this site and you are able to access it 24/7. 

Online-In-Class Participation

To earn daily, in-class writing points, you must be participate in all class activities, and complete each assignment. Not signing into the course regularly and participating in class work may result in the loss of points.  Failure to submit numerous assignments could result in being dropped from the course. 

  • During live class sessions, only have your cameras turned on at the beginning of the session to greet one another, then turn off the camera except when you are speaking
  • You must be in the class for the whole time to receive credit. There is no signing on and running off.  In order to ensure you are there, the instructor can and will call on you to answer questions or participate in some way in the class. If you are not there to answer, you run the risk of being counted absent or earning a zero for that class day or assignment. So although you don't have to have a camera on, you will need a working mic  
  • For EXAMS, a camera will be required to be on during the course of the exam. This feature and how it works will be explained within the Lock-down browser. This feature could possibly incur a small fee.

 

Attendance in face to face classes:

Attendance and punctuality are basic requirements for an effective discussion and team based course. Beyond that, each person's frequency and quality of contribution to the class discussion will be assessed and reflected in the class participation score. If you cannot attend a class it is a courtesy to inform your group or team members and your professor in advance if possible. Excessive unexcused absence will result in my recommending that you withdraw from the course. Bear in mind you are now in college, and a member of a learning community. Thus you are expected to comport yourself as a professional person. For instance, be on time for class, do not leave the class while it is in progress for other than emergencies, turn off cell phones and personal computers, be respectful of others’ viewpoints even if you disagree with them, and dress appropriately for a professional activity.

 

An absence is excused if: You are required to participate in an official Midland College activity (documentation required). You are under a doctor’s care (documentation required) You are granted a leave of absence from Midland College for reasonable cause by an academic dean (documentation required).

 

On the days I randomly take attendance, it is your responsibility to make sure your name is on the attendance sheet. If I have begun class by the time you enter, you should make sure that I counted you as present by checking with me after class. DO NOT INTERUPT CLASS AT ANY POINT TO SEE IF ATTENDANCE SHEET WAS SENT AROUND.  You may come up AFTER class and find out.  

 

I measure class participation based on the following criteria: arriving to class on time; paying attention during short lectures; attentive watching and listening to screenings of films, songs, or other media; respectful listening when I or your peers are speaking; your ability to be fully engaged in your learning without texting, checking your phone or email, or participating in other digital distractions; your ability to stay awake, etc. If you are unable to meet the above criteria, I will take away participation points throughout the semester. Keep in mind you start the semester with ALL your points, so don’t lose them! If you are distracting others in your lack of participation, you will hear from me via email or in a short face-to-face conference before or after class.

 

IF you have signed up for a face to face class that is exactly what is expected of you, to attend face to face.  Students do NOT have the discretion to attend class whenever they want in a face to face class and expect to be successful.  If you need an online class, then sign up for one, DO NOT expect a face to face class to be online.

 

DAILY PLANS AND CLASS schedule: A detailed class schedule for this course will always be available online it will be available via canvas and also supplemented on my pbworks page.  http:www.feliciadz.pbworks.com . This is a provision that will be available all semester.  If you must miss a class you will be able to access what we did in class so you may come prepared to the next class and not miss out on any daily grades or discussions. All due dates for this course are listed on this site and you are able to access it 24/7.

 

Online-In-Class Participation:

To earn daily, in-class writing points, you must be participate in all class activities, and complete each assignment. Not signing into the course regularly and participating in class work may result in the loss of points.  Failure to submit numerous assignments could result in being dropped from the course. 

  • During live class sessions, only have your cameras turned on at the beginning of the session to greet one another, then turn off the camera except when you are speaking
  • You must be in the class for the whole time to receive credit. There is no signing on and running off.  In order to ensure you are there, the instructor can and will call on you to answer questions or participate in someway in the class. If you are not there to answer, you run the risk of being counted absent or earning a zero for that class day or assignment. So although you don't have to have a camera on, you will need a working mic  
  • For EXAMS, a camera will be required to be on during the course of the exam. This feature and how it works will be explained within the Lock-down browser. This feature could possibly incur a small fee.   

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Plagiarism is defined as the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work offered for credit. A student commits plagiarism if he/she:

1. Fails to acknowledge the sources of any information in a paper which is not either common knowledge or personal knowledge. A student can acknowledge a source through in-text citations, attribution lines, footnotes, or other forms of documentation approved by the instructor. (Common knowledge  is the basic information within a field or discipline, as well as most historical dates and facts, and many ordinary observations.)

 

2. Fails to acknowledge direct quotation either by using quotation marks or (for longer passages) indentationWithout the quotation marks or indentation, passages copied directly from a source might be considered plagiarized even if it is followed by an in-text citation or a footnote. The citation or footnote acknowledges that there is a source, but it does not indicate that the writer has borrowed someone else’s exact words. If a writer uses the language of a source, word-for word, he/she must use quotation marks or block indentation.

 

3. Merely paraphrases the original words of the source. Some students think they can avoid a charge of plagiarism by changing a few words in each sentence they copy or by rearranging the shape of phrases or the order of sentences in a paragraph. This is not true. When taking notes students must be careful to put ideas in their own words or to use direct quotations when relying on phrases directly borrowed from a source.

 

4. Borrows the ideas, examples, or structure of the source without acknowledging it. A student can be guilty of plagiarism if he/she systematically borrows the ideas and organization of a source even if the language of the piece is on a major news event by using exactly the same ideas in the same order as they appear in an article in any popular news magazine.

 

5. Takes, buys, or receives work created by someone else and presents it as the student’s own.

 

6. Uses one assignment/paper for two different courses, or re-uses a paper previously submitted for credit, without the prior approval of the instructor or instructors.

 

7. Submitting a finalized research paper with no Works Cited page or vise/versa submitting a paper with a Works Cited page with no in-text citations is a form of plagiarism. The reader is unable to distinguish the writer's thoughts and ideas from the source.  A paper submitted with either one or both of these errors will earn an F.    

 

Penalties

If a student has any questions or doubts about the way he/she is employing sources or assistance in any given assignment, he/she is advised to consult the instructor before handing in the assignment. The penalties for any type of scholastic dishonesty described in this statement can be severe and can adversely affect the student’s permanent academic record. The instructor has the primary responsibility for recommending the penalty in cases of academic dishonesty after consultation with the Division Dean and the student. Students may seek review of the decision or redress of a grievance related to their participation in college programs or activities. The instructor does have the right to enforce any one of the following penalties for scholastic dishonesty at his/her discretion and in response to each particular case:

1. Failure of the assignment;

2. Failure of the course;

3. Recommendation for disciplinary action, including institutional suspension or dismissal.

 

EVALUATION OF STUDENTS

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

  • Discussions and Peer-Review   20%
  • Writing Assignments (pre-writing, drafts, daily work & Polished writing) (pre/post and Final tests) (30%
  • Reading Units (pre-post and Final Tests (25%)
  • Lab Assignment & Time  (20%)
  • Participation, Group Work and Professionalism (any extra credit)  (5%)

 

GRADING SCALE:

A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
F = 69 or below

 

TSI Mandated Test Date: The student will be given the opportunity to take the TSI at the end of the course.

 

LAB ASSIGNMENTS

IRWD 0480 is a four-hour class, requiring 8 hours per week. Six hours are scheduled already, which leaves two hours per week as strictly online. Lab Hours will be recorded in three different ways: 

1. in class by faculty

2. in person in the Language Hub by Sara Peterson

3. in the Chat feature of the IRWD Lab Sessions Canvas site by Sara Peterson (w/special permission from instructor).

 Lab hours for the week will end at 11:59 p.m. on Thursdays. Please make the necessary accommodations with your schedule to ensure your assignments are submitted in a timely manner in order to receive full credit for lab work.

 

LANGUAGE HUB

The Language Hub is available for students having questions or needing additional help with writing practices or grammar.  The attendance and assignments for the lab evaluations are required to be completed virtually (see the instructions in Canvas). The lab is open for a limited number of students from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday—Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Friday, as well as virtual tutoring by appointment.

 

PROHIBITION OF AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING OF INSTRUCTOR AND CLASS ACTIVITIES

Students may not make audio or visual recordings of any face-to-face or electronic class activities, including, for example, discussions, conferences, and lectures.  

The only exception is for students with a disability documented according to Midland College ADA Statement and Midland College-ordered accommodations specifically authorizing such recording.

 

 

TIME MANAGEMENT 

Managing your time for this course is essential. This is not a self-paced course. You will have 16 weeks to complete this course in its entirety.  So you will need to manage your time like a precious jewel. This course has the same content of a regular 16 week course, BUT you will do the same work online and independently. So this demands you keep focused on the end goal, which is to complete this course with success.  It is my suggestion you visit the class daily as it is vital to keep connected with your peers and your instructor. This course will have a group on Facebook, and it is highly recommended you join as this aids tremendously to the online discourse community.  There are due dates for specific assignments in each module, so the student must manage their time in order to participate fully and thus earn full credit for assignments.

 

 

How to proceed in this course

 This course is going to require you to follow the assignments in the order that they are set up. If you jump around you are not going to get the full benefit of the course. The course is designed to build on concepts and ideas so we can attain a larger understanding of rhetoric and argument.  When in doubt just follow the course section by section.

 

FIGURING YOUR GRADE

You will be able to check on canvas to see your grade at any given point during the semester.  Please note when you check all assignments yet to be graded or completed are not included in the average seen. The grade only represents what has been graded at that point.  The instructor, with all due diligence grades as quickly as possible, so please refrain from emails, asking instructor, "Have you graded this yet?  Or "When are you grading this?"  Grades that are of upmost concern and which require detailed feedback will be graded ASAP.  -Thank you in advance. 

 

 

Discovery Responses/Journals

Journal responses are an opportunity to express, your feelings, and insights as you make connections between various kinds of information. Journal entries are designed to involve you in an imaginative, thoughtful, personal writing process which will enhance your critical thinking skills and help you apply what you have learned to other aspects of your college career. Journal responses are not research papers, not formal essays, not exams, not statements of Great Truths, and will not be evaluated for grammar, spelling, or other formal structural features. They do, however, give you an opportunity to:

  • Demonstrate that you've read the assigned material and thought about it.
  • Make the material personally meaningful to you, by exploring your own experience, interests, and feelings which relate to the material.
  • Ask questions, identify difficult concepts, and reflect on your own values. 
  • If the student used outside sources, they must cite within the post and also have a works cited. No credit will be given to any work posted with outside sources being used as this if a form of plagiarism.

 

Because discovery responses are directly related to daily reading assignments and classroom discussion, late responses will not be accepted and, obviously, will earn no credit. (250 word min & 100 word min on responses).  If a min word response is not marked, it can be assumed the word min is 250 words and your responses should be at least 100 words. As you should not have to be reminded each and every time since it is here in your syllabus for you. 

 

Evaluation:

Evaluation will be based primarily on your progress as a writer, and involves the criteria of focus, audience awareness, development, organization, style, and mechanical acceptability. Generally, the grade range is between C and A, with a C representing average but satisfactory development of the above criteria, a B representing above average development, and an A representing superior development. Because this is a course focusing on process, you will have many opportunities to revise your work and develop as a competent writer who is involved in critical thinking and cultural critique. Such development requires effort and an understanding of your own writing process. Work which represents below average development will receive a D. D work suggests that a writer is not involved in his or her writing and is unaware of the contexts, formats, and stylistic choices which affect that writing. The instructor reserves the right to change the evaluation and due dates of the projects.

 

Late Work 

If there is a crisis that prevents you from meeting a deadline or signing into class, you can request an extension to turn the work in late without a penalty. This request must be done BEFOREHAND, not after the fact.  The approval of an extension is entirely at my discretion, and will depend on the reason for your absence, your record of completion of work, and attendance. All extensions must be confirmed by email. Basically, 99% of the time, Late work is NOT accepted. (Special session courses  will compound any decisions for extensions.)

 

It is your responsibility to make sure your work is posted on time, so make sure when it comes time to post your work to Canvas you take this into consideration.  YOU, the students DO NOT DETERMINE when you turn your work in, due dates are there for a reason, and it is your responsibility to get work in on time. -thank you

 

EXPECTATIONS FROM STUDENTS

  1. Students will have and maintain an operational computer (desktop or laptop) throughout the course. All written assignments will be done using Microsoft WORD. Please be aware that IPAD's and other tablets do not support Microsoft WORD at this time, and are not considered appropriate computer devices for this course. A student may use Google docs and submit their papers using that platform, as long as their instructor has access to the folder in which they are storing their documents.  
  2. Students will stay up-to-date on all assigned readings at all times. 
  3. Students will check into the course on a daily bases, to read course emails, review new postings, post discussions, and review any newly posted course announcements. 
  4. Students will inform the instructor of any change in their status with regard to this course (illness, inability to complete assignments, etc...) promptly.
  5. Students will communicate using complete sentences, full written words, and will address one another and the instructor with respect at all times. Proper communication etiquette will be used in all communication in the course.  
  6. Adherence to college policies that pertain to students honesty are expected at all times.
  7. Students, during the first two days of classes, will review Canvas, courseware, and will email the instructor when this had been done. Questions are encouraged until the students is comfortable with the source Canvas shell.  

 

**Students Responsibilities (MC Student Handbook)   

Each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of, and shall be required to comply with, the contents and provisions of Midland College’s rules and regulations concerning student conduct.

All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. Each student shall be expected to: 

    1. Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not;
    2. Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline;
    3. Attend all classes, regularly and on time;
    4. Prepare for each class and take appropriate materials and assignments to class;
    5. Obey all classroom rules;
    6. Respect the rights and privileges of students, faculty, and other Midland College staff and volunteers;
    7. Respect the property of others, including Midland College property and facilities; and
    8. Cooperate with and assist Midland College staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline

 

Professionalism

Professionalism includes core professional values of courtesy, preparation, focus diligence, leadership, and collegiality. The criteria are:

  • Comports with professional demeanor  and behavior in in-person and online Zoom class sessions.
  • Makes regular and proactive contributions to class discussion:
    • Well-prepared for class and able to contribute to class discussion when called on;
    • In online and in-class discussion, listens without interrupting and incorporates and expands on the contributions of other students.  
    • Online and in-class discussion contributions are relevant and promote deeper analysis of the topic; and
    • Does not use class time to address personal or irrelevant questions and concerns.  
  • Follows directions without additional prompting, especially regarding
    • assignment preparation and submission
    • on-time submission of graded and ungraded assignments, and
    • scheduling and attending required conferences. 
  • Communicates with professor and peers in class, on the phone, and electronically in a respectful, cordial, professional manner.
  • Demonstrated appropriate level of independence, initiative, collegiality, and respect for everyone's time by using available resources to answer questions before going to the professor.
  • Demonstrates professional leadership and collegiality by answering class mates questions with verifiable information.  

 

* Please note a professionalism grade will be taken at the end of each module. 

 

EXPECTATIONS FROM COURSE FACULTY

  1. The instructor will maintain the Canvas course shell at all times unless a system dysfunction prevents this activity. The instructor will keep the students informed of upcoming periods of Canvas unavailability when known. 
  2. The instructor will review all course emails, postings, and questions from students within 24-48 hours. The instructor will comment on many of student(s) posting, but not necessarily all of them individually.  
  3. The instructor will notify, in writing, any students whose course behavior or failure to comply with course policies and scheduled requirements. Correction of problem areas will be suggested. 
  4. The instructor will treat all students fairly and equitably at all times. 

 

Communication Policy from Teacher

Due to the fact our meeting face to face in a classroom could change at any moment, communication is paramount. Students need to understand their professor is NOT at their beck and call at all hours; I do my best to get back to each student in a timely manner. Please make note of the following guidelines for communication in regards to emails, phone calls, text messages, and Google hangouts messages, and FB messages.

 

Emails: Emails will be returned as soon as possible. If that email comes during my teaching times, it will not be returned till my first available office hour time slot.  If that email comes on a weekend it will be answered at MY first available convenience.  If there is an assignment due on the weekend (i.e. for an online course, I will do my best to get back to you a.s.a.p.).  ANY email that comes in early morning hours like 1:00 am will NOT be answered until normal business hours. For the most part emails will be answered during normal business hours, if I am available after those hours, then I may answer an email or two, but it is not a requirement on my part. Most e-mails will be answered in 24 hours.

 

Phone calls via my personal cell /text/ or google chats : Please note this is an extra form of communication I offer to students that is not within the norm for most professors, so this is an added kindness on my part. The communication time frame using any of these mediums are during normal business hours. This would be M-F from 9 am to 5 pm. Any communication outside of these generous hours will not be answered. This does not mean your instructor does not care, it is simply means, this is a course policy, nothing more, nothing less. -thank you. :) 

 

Please also note: NO texts will be answered while Prof Dz Stovall is in class; it is the student's responsibility to be mindful of the instructor's teaching schedule. (My teaching schedule is listed on the first-day handout and also on the door of my office. )   

 

IF an assignment is due on the weekend, the instructor will be available during NORMAL business hours, which means between 9am to 5pm. 

 

ATTENDANCE IN IVC CLASSES

Early College High School and Dual Credit students must show themselves on camera at least once AND turn in that day’s class time tasks to be counted presented.

 

PROHIBITION OF AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING OF INSTRUCTOR AND CLASS ACTIVITIES

 

Students may not make audio or visual recordings of any face-to-face or electronic class activities, including, for example, discussions, conferences, and lectures. The only exception is for students with a disability documented according to Midland College ADA Statement and Midland College-ordered accommodations specifically authorizing such recording.

 

Communication Policy

Communication in this course is vital. IF we are not communicating, then you (the student) will not be successful in the course. It is your responsibility as a student to read all material, watch all instructional videos and complete all assignments in the order in which they appear. This will ensure your understanding of the information in a timely manner. IF you are having issues with a certain assignment, it is imperative you contact the instructor. Communication is key in your success. The student in an online course needs to be self-motivated and responsible. Many of the assignments will require you to communicate with your peers through discussion and blog threads, so you NEED to be mindful of these assignments and make sure you are living up to your responsibilities as a student. Please don't let your peers down, it is your responsibility to communicate with your group and if you fail to do that you put  your team at a disadvantage. Communication is paramount, so get used to emailing, blogging, creating discussion threads and writing. It is also your responsibility to check your Blackboard messages and/or email (that is recorded on SAIL) to ensure you are abreast on all communications sent from your instructor.

It is the students' responsibility to contact the instructor and communicate with them if issues arise and they can't make due dates.  NO ONE will be allowed to turn in assignments AFTER the fact. So again communication is paramount!  Keep the lines open at all times.  :)

 

Technology Policy

 This course will heavily rely on the use of technology. You will be required to submit writing assignments on google docs and/or Canvas through email, and sometimes (rarely) you will need to print a hard copy and bring it to class. It is part of our effort to be more environmentally conscious and responsible. That being said, “my printer is out of ink” or “I don’t have internet” is no excuse for you to not submit your work on time. Early in the course, we will go over the printing and internet options on campus.

 

A student is responsible to turning in their work in a timely manner, and should not wait till the last min to upload assignments as the possibility for technological issues is greater.  Students are well aware of due dates and times so time management is a must when submitting assignments in a timely manner.  Student must also make sure the instructor has access to their work and they will be given two warnings if work can't be accessed.  On the second attempt a Zero will be placed, as it is not the instructors job to keep after the student to allow the instructor access to their work. This is the students responsibility, NOT the instructor's.  

 

 DROP / WITHDRAWAL

The student is responsible for initiating a drop or withdrawal, not the instructor.

Withdrawal from course:  The instructor is not able to withdraw a student from the course after the census date.  A student wishing to withdraw must fill out the withdrawal form in MyMCPortal.

 

Important Dates for Spring 2023

16-WEEK SESSION

October 3            Registration starts at 8:00 am (www.midland.edu) - Payment due by first class day

January 3             Administrative Offices open

January 9-13       Last Week to Register; Faculty and Staff In-Service Meetings

 March 1              Submission of Application for Spring Graduation Ceremony

January 14          Residence Hall Move-in after 10:00 am

January 16           Martin Luther King Holiday; Last Day to Drop and Obtain 100% of Refundable Fees

January 17          First Class Day; Payment due;

January 17-20    Add/Drop Period for enrolled students – partial refunds only for schedule changes and
drops

 February 1         Census Day; Drops for nonpayment and nonparticipation locked in at 5:00 pm

March 13-17      Spring Break

March 20             Class Instruction Resumes

 April 7                  Easter Holiday

April 10                Class Instruction Resumes

April 13                Last Day to Withdraw

 May 8-11            Final Exams; Semester Ends

 May 12                Grades Due at 1:00 pm

May 12                 Graduation Ceremony (Langford Chaparral Center, 7:00 pm) May 13 Residence Hall    
              closes at 12:00 pm

 

SPRING I SESSION

October 3            Registration starts at 8:00 am (www.midland.edu) - Payment due by first class day

January 3             Administrative Offices open

January 9-13       Last Week to Register January 16 Martin Luther King Holiday; Last Day to Drop and
                                Obtain 100% of Refundable Fees;

 January 17         First Class Day; Payment due

 January 17-18   Add/Drop Period for enrolled students – partial refunds only for schedule changes and
drops

 January 24         Census Day; Drops for nonpayment and nonparticipation locked in at 5:00 pm

February 23        Last Day to Withdraw

March 8-9           Final Exams; Session Ends

March 20             Grades Due at 1:00 pm

 

SPRING II SESSION

October 3            Registration starts at 8:00 am (www.midland.edu) - Payment due by first class day

March 20             Last Day to Register

March 20             Last Day to Drop and Obtain 100% of Refundable Fees

March 21             First Class Day

March 21-22      Add/Drop Period for enrolled students – partial refunds only for schedule changes and
                               drops

March 28             Census Day; Drops for nonpayment and nonparticipation locked in at 5:00 pm

 April 7                  Easter Holiday

April 10                Class Instruction Resumes

 April 27                Last Day to Withdraw

 May 10-11         Final Exams; Session Ends

 May 12                Grades Due at 1:00 pm Revised 1/24/2022

 

MAY MINI_SEMESTER

April 3                   Registration starts at 8:00 am (www.midland.edu) - Payment due by first class day

 May 14                Last Day to Drop and Obtain 100% of Refundable Fees

May 15                 First Class Day; Add/Drop for enrolled students to 5:00 pm – partial refunds only for
                                schedule changes and drops;

May 15                 Summer College hours begin – 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday-Thursday

May 16                 Census Day; Drops for nonpayment and nonparticipation locked in at 5:00 pm

May 25                 Last Day to Withdraw

May 29                 Memorial Day Holiday

May 31                 Final Exams; Session Ends

June 1                   Grades Due at 1:00 pm

 

An Academic Summer Term for Financial Aid Purposes is May 12, 2023 through August 10, 2023 Please Note: The State of Texas only allows students to take one class during the May Mini-Semester and two classes in each of the Summer Sessions; students signing up for more than the allowed classes will be dropped from the most recent course add(s).

  

 

-2023 WITHDRAWAL DATES

Spring                                                       April 13

Spring First 8-Week Session                  February 23

Spring Second 8-Week Session             April 27

May Mini-Semester                                  May 25

Summer I                                                  June 29

Summer II                                                 August 3

 

ACADEMIC RESEARCH

For Research information, tutorials, library information, web links and more, access the Distance Learning Webpage for the Midland College Fasken Learning Resource Center (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site).

Academic Database Access

  1. GALE. You will be taken to the Midland College Microsoft 365 site, and from there you will be taken directly to GALE.
  2. Sign into Microsofy 365. 

   

Username: Use your MC student email address as the username.

Password: Put in your password as follows.

If you have a 9-digit MC Student ID 1st initial of your first name + 1st three initials of your last name + your complete Midland College student ID

Example: Student:  John Smith 
MC ID:  123004567
Password = jsmi123004567


If you have a 5-digit MC Student ID
1st initial of your first name + 1st three initials of your last name + 0000 + your complete Midland College student ID

 

Example: Student:  John Smith 
MC ID:  12345
Password = jsmi000012345

 

After you log in you will have the option to change your Microsoft 365 password. Hint: You may want to simplify your life by changing your MC email and Canvas accounts to have the same password as Microsoft 365.

 

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you experience technical difficulties with Canvas, click the Help link at the bottom of the Canvas login page (Links to an external site), or at the bottom of the green toolbar on the left while in Canvas. Select Report a Problem, provide details, and submit the ticket. Your request will automatically be sent to the Midland College information technology support center. Check your email for support updates. 

 

INSTITUTIONAL ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

ADA Statement-- The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination by any program or activity provided by an institution or entity receiving federal financial assistance. It is this Section 504 mandate that has promoted the development of disability support service programs in colleges and universities across the country. Subpart E of Section 504 deals specifically with this mandate for institutions of higher education. While it does not require that special educational programming be developed for students with disabilities, it does require that an institution (public or private) be prepared to make appropriate academic adjustments and reasonable accommodations in order to allow the full participation of students with disabilities in the same programs and activities available to nondisabled students.

Midland College provides services for students with disabilities through Student Services. In order to receive accommodations, students must place documentation on file with the Counselor/Disability Specialist. Students with disabilities should notify Midland College prior to the beginning of each semester. Student Services will provide each student with a letter outlining any reasonable accommodations. The student must present the letter to the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

 

Phone, Midland College Special Needs Counselor: 432-685-5598

Midland College Disability Services (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site)  

Microsoft Accessibility (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site)

Canvas Accessibility (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site)

Turnitin Accessibility  (Links to an external site.)(Links to an external site)

Adobe Reader Accessibility (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site)

Google Reader Accessibility (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site)

 

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

 

Academics and Student Services (Links to an external site.)  (Links to an external site) 

 

Phone, Midland College Testing Center: 432-685-4735

 

Phone, LanguageHub, Midland College On-Campus Writing Center: 432-685-4811, 182 TC

Language Hub Online (available to all students in Canvas)

 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUE PROCESS

Midland College Student Rights and Responsibilities (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site)

PRIVACY POLICIES

The below privacy policies apply to this course, as they are applicable to your conduct on this online platform.

Midland College Website Privacy Policy  (Links to an external site)

Canvas Privacy Policy  (Links to an external site)

YouTube Privacy Policy  (Links to an external site)

Canvas Student Guide(Links to an external site)

Turnitin Privacy Policy(Links to an external site)

 

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Midland College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Wendy A. Kane

Dean of Student Life

Midland College

3600 N. Garfield

Midland, TX 79705

Title9@midland.edu

 

Natasha Morgan

Human Resources/Payroll Director

3600 N. Garfield, PAD 104

Midland, Texas 79705

(432) 685-4534

nmorgan@midland.edu

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the ED.gov Office of Civil Rights website, or call 1 (800) 421-3481.

 

 

UPDATED JANUARY 2023

 

 

**The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus at any time during the course of the semester. **

 

 

 

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