Course Syllabus Spring 2013
COA ENG 1A Spring 2013 Syllabus
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A Composition and Reading (3classes)
Class code: 20128 Lec 09:00-9:50 AM MTWTh Sabir meets in A 202
Class code: 20130 Lec 1:00-2:50 PM MW Sabir meets in D205
Class code: 20131 Lec 4:00-5:50 PM MW Sabir meets in D205
Class Meetings: January 21-May 16; Holidays: 1/21; 2/15; 2/18; 3/29; 5/17; 3/25-31
Final Exam Week: May 18-24 (Portfolios due via e-mail by May 24).
Drop dates: Feb. 3 (w/refund); April 27 (w/W).
Syllabus for English 1A: College Composition and Reading
http://professorwandasposse.blogspot.com/
English 1A is the first transferable college writing course. Don’t get nervous, hopefully you took English 201 and passed with a B or better. Perhaps you’re fresh out of high school, did okay on the placement exam and voila wound up here. Maybe you’re returning to college after a significant hiatus and aren’t confident in your writing, yet once again passed that placement exam, which, if you recall, tested grammar not writing.
Hang in there and you’ll do fine in the class if you:
1. Know what an essay is
2. Have written one before
3. Are ready to commit yourself to the task of reading, writing and thinking
Plan to have a challenging, yet intellectually stimulating 18 weeks, which I hope you begin by setting goals for yourself. Make a schedule and join or create a study group. Writing is a social activity, especially the type of writing you’ll be doing here. We always consider our audience, have purpose or reason to write, and use research to substantiate our claims, even those we are considered experts in.
I believe we’re supposed to write about 8000 words or so at this level course. This includes drafts. What this amounts to is time at home writing, time in the library researching, reading documents to increase your facility with the ideas or themes your are contemplating, before you once again sit at your desk writing, revising, and writing some more.
Writing is a lonely process. No one can write for you. The social aspect comes into play once you are finished and you have an opportunity to share.
In the past I have used primary sources, this semester I am using a textbook for the first time in a long while. It is my hope those 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology, Third Edition by Samuel Cohen, will give students the kind of guidance often needed by beginning writers no matter how skilled. We will read the essays by topic, which means we will skip around in the book. We might not read all 50, but we will make a serious dent in the book. You will definitely get your money’s worth (smile).
One of the primary goals of Freshman Comp is to familiarize students with
academic scholarship, how one reads a variety of sources and then through
synthesis comes up with new, often original, ideas. Scholarship is based on
sound texts and the way the writer shares his or her document trail to the
audience is through what is called MLA documentation in the form of both
in-text and works cited pages at the end of the essay. There are specific
standardized ways to note this research and at the end of the course, students
might not have all of the forms memorized, but certainly one should leave the
course a lot more familiar with how to find the answer in your grammar style
book (Diana Hacker’s Rules for Writers
Seventh Edition). Bring this book to class daily. Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A Composition and Reading (3classes)
Class code: 20128 Lec 09:00-9:50 AM MTWTh Sabir meets in A 202
Class code: 20130 Lec 1:00-2:50 PM MW Sabir meets in D205
Class code: 20131 Lec 4:00-5:50 PM MW Sabir meets in D205
Class Meetings: January 21-May 16; Holidays: 1/21; 2/15; 2/18; 3/29; 5/17; 3/25-31
Final Exam Week: May 18-24 (Portfolios due via e-mail by May 24).
Drop dates: Feb. 3 (w/refund); April 27 (w/W).
Syllabus for English 1A: College Composition and Reading
http://professorwandasposse.blogspot.com/
English 1A is the first transferable college writing course. Don’t get nervous, hopefully you took English 201 and passed with a B or better. Perhaps you’re fresh out of high school, did okay on the placement exam and voila wound up here. Maybe you’re returning to college after a significant hiatus and aren’t confident in your writing, yet once again passed that placement exam, which, if you recall, tested grammar not writing.
Hang in there and you’ll do fine in the class if you:
1. Know what an essay is
2. Have written one before
3. Are ready to commit yourself to the task of reading, writing and thinking
Plan to have a challenging, yet intellectually stimulating 18 weeks, which I hope you begin by setting goals for yourself. Make a schedule and join or create a study group. Writing is a social activity, especially the type of writing you’ll be doing here. We always consider our audience, have purpose or reason to write, and use research to substantiate our claims, even those we are considered experts in.
I believe we’re supposed to write about 8000 words or so at this level course. This includes drafts. What this amounts to is time at home writing, time in the library researching, reading documents to increase your facility with the ideas or themes your are contemplating, before you once again sit at your desk writing, revising, and writing some more.
Writing is a lonely process. No one can write for you. The social aspect comes into play once you are finished and you have an opportunity to share.
In the past I have used primary sources, this semester I am using a textbook for the first time in a long while. It is my hope those 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology, Third Edition by Samuel Cohen, will give students the kind of guidance often needed by beginning writers no matter how skilled. We will read the essays by topic, which means we will skip around in the book. We might not read all 50, but we will make a serious dent in the book. You will definitely get your money’s worth (smile).
Recommended for students who feel shaky on the writing front is Stewart Pidd Hates English by Gary Pollitt and Craig Baker. These two Cal State University Fullerton professors wrote this book in response to the horrific papers freshmen turned into them. Fast drafts are fine. The problem comes into play when a writer does not know how to edit their work. Based on Diana Hacker’s Rules for Writers, the professors take the more common errors, create a character called Stewart Pidd and in a series of essays teach students how to correct Pidd’s essays and thus, transfer these skills to their own writing.
Whether students purchase or rent the book or not, each of you is held responsible to the material within its pages.
Stewart Pidd reviews many of the more common writing errors and topics such as free paraphrase and summaries, run-on sentences, subject-verb agreement, parallel structure, plurals and possessives, pronoun agreement and confused words, not to mention correct MLS for essays and how to write works cited pages and bibliographies. Stewart Pidd will provide a context for essay writing which will hopefully allow students the opportunity to become conversant about the writing process and use grammar in context, as well as, employ MLA documentation.
Week four, February 21, we will have a month long Writing Intensive using SPHE. All are welcome. I will host this workshop on Thursday, 12:30-1:30-2 p.m. I am looking to have the workshop in an electronic classroom. More later.
Students are encouraged to drop by and visit me at my office hours at least twice this semester. Come prepared with questions. It is a good opportunity to get to know one another. My office is located in D-219 (an office space with a separate entrance.) Office hours will be Thursday 2-4 by appointment, Wednesdays, 3-3:30 p.m., Mondays 12-12:30 p.m. and 6-6:30 p.m. in D-219.
This semester we are looking at “happiness,” per author Gretchen Rubin year long quest. We will read her book and once a week in groups discuss our own “happiness projects.” We will read her book at the same time as reading the essays in out textbook to strengthen our grasp of rhetorical form.
Note the reading list below for Rubin:
Jan. 28-Jan. 31 prepare: pp. xviii-68; 293-294; 295-296. Read" The Happiness Project Manifesto." Skim the "Tips" section at the end of the book.
Note Reading Group Guide for your discussions in class (smile). Note "Suggestions for Further Reading" for your book report essay pp. 311-315.
Tentative Reading Schedule—students are encouraged to read ahead. Finish the book.
Feb. 4-7 prepare: pp. 69-111
Feb. 11-14 prepare pp. 112-140
Feb. 18-21 prepare pp. 141-193
Feb. 25-28 prepare: pp. 194-220
Mar. 4-7 prepare: pp. 221-257
Mar. 11-14 prepare: pp. 258-292
Essay due dates:
First essay due: March 18 with Initial Planning Sheet and Outline. Final draft due March 20/21.
Get book approved for Book Report Essay about or by a happy person (smile). Book Report
Essay due date: April 15 with IPS and Outline. Final draft due April 17/18.
Final Essay due on social entrepreneur: May 6. Final draft due May 8/9. Presentations the week of May 13-16.
Reading Logs for Analysis
Keep a reading log for Rubin. In the log, note her changing definition of “happiness,” also note the scholars she cites who validate her query and the direction of her research. Include a brief summary of each chapter and what stood out most for you as a reader—of course this note will vary based on individual experience.
Discussion groups will meet each week. The reading log/journal/ will include key vocabulary and arguments listed, with primary writing strategies employed: description, process analysis, narration, argument, cause and effect, compare and contrast, definition, problem solving. As Rubin’s year progresses month by month, she builds on previous lessons which she often repeats for her audience, just in case we forgot.
For English 1A, Stewart Pidd Hates English is a review of grammar and essay writing skills students should be familiar with already. I hope we can wiz through the book in six weeks, 1-essay per week beginning Feb. 21. If you are struggling, come to the drop-in workshop and/or come by my office for extra assistance. Students can also get help in the Writing Center and Tutoring Center in the Learning Resources Center (LRC), located on the second level of the L-bldg. where the library is located. To use these services students have to enroll in the free class LRNE 501 (Supervised Tutoring). It takes 24 hours for the class to become effective, so enroll now.
Using 50 Essays, students will write essays demonstrating mastery of each rhetorical mode which fall between narration, exposition and argumentation (9)—I happen to believe that everything is an argument (smile). These short essays (250 words max) will be an opportunity for students to practice for the larger essays which will determine their grade in the course.
Grading:
These essays and comments on peers’ essays from 50 Essays and They Say, are 25 percent of the grade.
Schedule
Week 1—Jan. 21-24
M— College closed
W—Course Introduction
Essay handouts: Helen Keller; Malcolm X
Week 2—Jan. 28-31
Education
M: 50 Essays: Sherman Alexie, “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me,” pp. 15-19; Getting Started and Finding a Focus (Hacker 1-18)
T/W: 50 Essays: Frederick Douglass, “Learning to Read and Write,” pp. 129-35.
Sketch a plan (Hacker 19-23). Developing a thesis (Hacker 23-33).
Week 3—Feb. 4-7
Identity
M-T Lec: Developing and Organizing Ideas 50 Essays: Gloria Anzaldua, “How to Tame a Wild tongue pp. 33-45. Hacker: “Revising and Editing (33-45).
W-Th: 50 Essays: Nancy Mairs, “On Being a Cripple,” pp. 244-56; Hacker: Writing an Argument and Thinking Critically” (84-109)
They Say: “Entering the Conversation” xiii-17
Week 4—Feb. 11-14
Family
M-T “Top Ten Problems and Basic Grammar Review”
50 Essays: Maxine Hong Kingston: “No Name Woman,” pp. 221-33
Research Basics. Hacker pp. 419-451.
W-50 Essays: Sarah Vowell,“Shooting Dad,” pp. 412-419.
Part 1. They Say 17-42
Week 5—Feb. 18-21
Gender/Ethics
M School closed
TW 50 Essays: Brent Staples, “Just Walk on By: Black Men and Public Spaces,” pp. 383-386.
Research essay workshop—sources
50 Essays: Barbara Ehrenreich, “Serving in Florida,” pp. 136-145. 50 Essays: Susan Sontag, “Regarding the Pain of Others,” pp. 373-78.
They Say: Part 1, The Art of Quoting pp.42-52
Week 6—Feb. 25-28
History and Politics
M-T 50 Essays: Amy Tan, “Mother Tongue,” pp. 396-402. Lec.: “The Five C’s of Style”
W-Th 50 Essays: Bharati Mukherjee, “Two Ways to Belong in America,” pp. 280-83 or student choice.
They Say: Part 2. “I Say,” pp. 53-67; 68-102.
Week 7—March 4-7
M Race and Culture
50 Essays: James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son,” pp. 50-71
T-W 50 Essays: Martin Luther King Jr., “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” pp. 203-20 and/or
N. Scott Momaday, “The Way to Rainy Mountain,” pp. 273-279.
They Say: Part 2 con’t.
Week 8—March 11-14
If there is time, students can choose 2-4 essays we haven’t read to analyze (smile). Recommended:
50 Essays: Amy Tan, “Mother Tongue,” pp. 396-402
While we are reading these essays and reviewing the various writing concepts indicated, we will also consider the templates in They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing: Second Edition, by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein.
They Say: Part 3, “Tying it all Together,” 103-138.
Spring Break: March 25-28
Weeks 9 -11—March 18-21 & April 1-4 Students can choose 4 essays we haven’t read to analyze if there is time.
They Say, Review of Parts 1, 2, 3. Part 4: “I Take Your Point,” “What’s Motivating this Writer?”, pp. 103-155. Students can read on if they like section 13 and 14.
Grading con’t.:
The three mastery essays are 40 percent of the grade:
Happiness Project Narrative and Plan
Book Report Essay and presentation (by or about a “happy” person”
Profile and Presentation of an Entrepreneur whose service work brings happiness (the person has to be alive and living in Northern California). I do not expect students to complete their Happiness Project in a semester. We will read Rubin’s book, have lively discussions and use the subjects of our research to shape the important questions Rubin raises. How does your subject’s “Manifesto” read (297)? What quote(s) do you resonate with most (Rubin 309-310)?
Poster and Presentation are 15 percent of the grade.
The student portfolio is 20 percent of the grade as well.
Students will also need a notebook for in-class writing with a folder for handouts. You also need a couple of ink pens, a pencil with an eraser, a hole puncher, and a stapler.
Cyber-Assignments
These often daily assignments are posted on the class blog. The 50 Essays for the most part will be cyber-assignments. Keep a copy of all posted assignments. You might want to create a private blog for the class:
http://professorwandasposse.blogspot.com/
To post comments select “ANONYMOUS,” and then type your name in the post. Students do not need to get Gmail accounts. I read the cyber-assignments. If a student wants specific feedback from me ask. For many of the assignments, students are to engage each other (min. 2) in conversation.
Research Project
Your research project will entail finding a happy person here in Northern California who is a social entrepreneur. The person has to be alive. I would like students to look for a person whose service brings happiness to others and to him or herself. The paper will be about 4-5 pages. This will include a works cited page and bibliography.
New Heroes
Visit http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/ to read about social entrepreneurs. PBS.org has another program call: Frontline World which also explores social entrepreneurship. Visit: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/socialentrepreneurs.html. We will explore this assignment more, later in the course. The Skoll Foundation lists many SE as does the San Francisco Foundation and other foundations and charities. You are profiling a person who is alive, not the organization.
Why socially responsible economics?
Too often people feel helpless or hopeless when there is a lot you can do as an individual as soon as you realize the answer lies inside of you. Rubin’s query comes back to this truism often. Choose an entrepreneur who lives in Northern California, someone you’d like to interview and perhaps meet. Students can work on the project together, share resources. Each person has to write his or her own paper, but you can make a group presentation if you like.
Rubin has a website with the Happiness Project Group Starter Kit. Some of what is suggested works for our purposes, but we first have to complete her book: http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2011/09/want-to-launch-or-join-a-happiness-project-group/
We’ll develop Literature Circles and see how that works this semester. Discussion groups will meet each week. Students will also keep a reading log/journal/notes with key ideas outlined for each discussion section, along with themes which arise, vocabulary and key arguments, along with primary writing strategies employed: description, process analysis, narration, argument, cause and effect, compare and contrast, definition, problem solving.
There are roles for the participants in the Literature Circles: Discussion Director, Vocabulary Enricher, Summarizer, Literary Luminary, and others. The roles are fluid and each week students can switch roles, so that by the end of the text, everyone will have had an opportunity to try several if not all performance hats.
Jot down briefly what your goals are this semester. List them in order of importance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Email the following data to me: coasabirenglish1A@gmail.com today, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013.
Your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail answer, along with answers to the following questions:
What strengths do you bring to the class?
What skills or knowledge would you like to leave with once the class ends?
What can I do to help you achieve this?
Is there anything I need to know, such as a hidden disability, childcare issues, etc., which might jeopardize this goal?
Bring your laptops to class. Once the semester is under way, we will meet in a classroom with technology once a week (if need be).
Homework Assignment 2:
This is a Cyber-Assignment. Post on the blog by January 31, 2013 6 p.m.
Respond to the syllabus on the blog, so I have a record of your reading it. Make sure to include examples from the syllabus to support your points. Include your impressions, whether you think the syllabus is reasonable, any questions, and/or suggestions. This is our contract. I need to know that you read it and understand the agreement.
If ever, a post is too personal for all eyes, students have the option of sending it to me at coasabirenglish1A@gmail.com Let me know in advance or after it is sent, so you get credit for the assignment.
The Writing Center
The cyber-essays posted on the class blog are practice analytical essays. Initially, plan to visit the Writing Center (L-234-231, (510) 748-2132) weekly. Have a teacher evaluate your essays for form and content; the aim is lucid, precise, and clear prose.
This is a portfolio course, so save all of your work. You can average the grades to see how to weigh the various components. Participation is included in the daily exercises and homework portion of the grade, so if your attendance is exemplary, yet you say nothing the entire 18 weeks, you lose percentage points. Students cannot make up cyber-assignments after the date has passed or when they are absent unless arranged in advance.
Each book will have collected writings or essays. This in itself is its own “portfolio.” Save all of your work. There will be four mini-portfolios: 50 Essays, Rubin and “The Happiness Project,” (notes and essay), Book Report Essay and Social Entrepreneur. You can average the grades to see how to weigh the various components.
The Writing Center is a great place to get one-on-on assistance on your essays, from brainstorming and planning the essays, to critique in areas like clarity, organization, clearly stated thesis, evidence or support, logical conclusions, and grammatical problems. In the Writing Center there are ancillary materials for student use. These writing programs build strong writing muscles. The Bedford Handbook on-line, Diana Hacker’s Rules for Writers on-line, Townsend Press, and other such computer and cyber-based resources are a few of the many databases available. There is also an Open Lab for checking e-mail, a Math Lab. All academic labs are located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) or upstairs from the library. The Cyber Café is located in the F-bldg.
Again, students need a student ID to use the labs and to check out books. The IDs are free. Ask in Student Services (A-bldg.) where photos are taken.
Have a tutor of teacher sign off on your essays before you turn them in; if you have a “R,” which means revision necessary for a grade or “NC” which means “no credit,” you have to go to the lab and revise the essay with a tutor or teacher before you return both the graded original and the revision (with signature) to me. Revise does not mean “rewrite,” it means to “see again.”
When getting assistance on an essay, the teacher or tutor is not an editor, so have questions prepared for them to make best use of the 15-20 minute session in the Lab. I will give you a handout which looks at 5 areas of the essay you can use as a guide when shaping your questions for your peer review sessions. Please use these guidelines when planning your discussions with me also.
For more specific assistance, sign up for one-on-one tutoring, another free service. For those of you on other campuses, you can get assistance at the Merritt College’s Writing Center, as well as Laney College’s Writing Labs.
Correction Essays; Essay Narratives
All major essay assignments you receive comments on have to be revised prior to resubmission; included with the revision is a student narrative to me regarding your understanding of what needed to be done, that is, a detailed list of the error(s) and its correction; a student can prepare this as a part of the Lab visit, especially if said student is unclear over what steps to take. Cite from a scholarly source the rule and recommendations for its correction.
Students can also visit me during office hours for assistance; again, prepare your questions in advance to best make use of the time. Meeting times are 15-30 minute segments, esp. when there is a line. Do not leave class without understanding the comments on a paper. I don’t mind reviewing them with you.
Student Learning Outcomes
Reading:
Apply strategies for understanding and evaluating a range of professional and public writing and be able to express and synthesize the main ideas.
Writing:
Assess clearly in writing the tools and materials in the workplace and in the community and be able to suggest changes in order to increase personal and institutional effectiveness.
Critical Thinking:
Recognize messages and arguments in speech and text, analyze and critique such messages, and act accordingly.
Diverse Perspectives:
Expand and deepen understanding of diverse life experiences and differing perspectives, identify their impact on written and spoken communication, and express sensitivity toward the values and ideas of coworkers, family members, and local and global neighbors.
More on grades, and portfolio
We will be honest with one another. Grades are not necessarily the best response to work; grades do not take into consideration the effort or time spent, only whether or not students can demonstrate mastery of a skill – in this case: essay writing. Grades are an approximation, arbitrary at best, no matter how many safeguards one tries to put in place to avoid such ambiguity. Suffice it to say, your portfolio will illustrate your competence. It will represent your progress, your success or failure this session in meeting your goal.
In past semesters, students have skipped the portfolio and/or the final. Neither is optional.
Office Hours
I’d like to wish everyone much success. I am available for consultation on Wednesdays, 3:00-3:30 p.m. and on 6-6:30 p.m. I am also available by appointment Thursdays 2-4 p.m. My office, D-219 is located in the D-216 suite. My campus number is (510) 748-2286. Leave messages on my cell number.
My email again is: coasabirenglish1A@gmail.com. Let me know the day before, if possible, when you’d like to meet with me. I am more of a phone person. Texts are fine. Ask me for my cell phone number. I do not mind sharing it with you.
Take time to exchange email and phone numbers with classmates (2), so if you have a concern, it can be addressed more expeditiously. Again study groups are recommended, especially for those students finding the readings difficult; don’t forget, you can also discuss the readings as a group in the Lab with a teacher or tutor acting as facilitator.
More on Logs
Keep a vocabulary log for the semester and an error chart (taken from comments on essay assignments). List the words you need to look up in the dictionary, also list where you first encountered them: page, book and definition, also use the word in a sentence. You will turn this in with your portfolio for 50 Essays and The Happiness Project.
Students are expected to complete their work on time. If you need more time on an assignment, discuss this with me in advance, to keep full credit. You lose credit each day an assignment is late and certain assignments, such as in-class essays cannot be made up. All assignments prepared outside of class are to be typed, 12-pt. font, double-spaced lines, indentations on paragraphs, 1-inch margins around the written work. See SPHE and Hacker.
Cheating
Plagiarism is ethically abhorrent, and if any student tries to take credit for work authored by another person the result will be a failed grade on the assignment and possibly a failed grade in the course if this is attempted again. This is a graded course. There might be an option to take this course C/NC Peralta College Catalog.
Textbooks Recap:
Cohen, Samuel. 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology. Third Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011. Print.
Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birenstein. They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing, Second Edition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2010. Print.
Hacker, Diane, and Nancy Sommers. Rules for Writers. 7th Editions. Boston/New York: Bedford/St. Martins. Print. If anyone has 2006, make sure it has a sticker with “2009 MLA Update” indicated.
Recommended:
Pollitt, Gary, and Craig Baker. Stewart Pidd Hates English: Grammar, Punctuation, and Writing Exercises. Fullerton: Attack the Text Publishing, 2011. Print.
Students also need a dictionary. I recommend: The American Heritage Dictionary. Fourth Edition.
The Prepared Student also needs...
Along with a dictionary, the prepared student needs pens with blue or black ink, along with a pencil for annotating texts, paper, a stapler or paper clips, a jump drive to save work from college computers, a notebook, three hole punch, a folder for work-in-progress, and a divided binder to keep materials together.
Also stay abreast of the news. Buy a daily paper. Listen to alternative radio: KPFA 94.1 FM (Hard Knock), KQED 88.5, KALW 91.7. Visit news websites: AllAfrica.com, Al Jazeera, CNN.com, AlterNet.org, DemocracyNow.org, FlashPoints.org, CBS 60Minutes.
The syllabus and course schedule are subject to change, at the instructor's discretion, so stay loose and flexible.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 1:40 AM
47 Comments:
The most common lie on the internet is "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions". I have to say, this is one of the first times I've honestly read and agreed with the terms and conditions of something; in this case, the syllabus. I look forward to all the reading and writing involved in this class nd hope I can keep up with the cyber assignments especially. Unfortunatly I have another class schedualed durring the writing intensive workshops and will be unable to attend.
- Haley Toot
Eng 1 A 1:00-2:50
Tsogtuguldur Dashlkhagva
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50 pm
28 January, 2013
Response to syllabus
After reading the syllabus, I now have a clear idea of what will be expected of me as far as what we will be reviewing, learning, examining, and discussing. Reading page 3, it tells us what the Essay due dates are and for us to keep reading logs for analysis, which will actually help me a lot. Pages 4 to 5 have the entire classes academic schedule laid out for us to see at anytime in any case we get lost behind and need to see what is happening with the class or maybe even for those who wish to go ahead excel in the class beyond the teachers expectations. I know most teachers give the students a good idea of how they will be graded, this list cuts to the chase and makes it simple. Also included in the syllabus are Professor Wanda’s office hours and dates which I know will come in handy whether it be sooner or later.
Chelsea Ashbaker
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50 PM
1/28/2013
Response to Syllabus
The first thing I would like to acknowledge in response to the syllabus is the claim that students will do well in this class if they “Are ready to commit yourself to the task of reading, writing, and thinking.” The distinction between reading and writing, and thinking makes me think that this will be a class that supports individual thought as opposed to mindless repetition of text we read in class. I also like that the idea of creating a study group was addressed, since writing without feedback can be difficult. Also, I like the fact that a book of essays was assigned for reading in this class: hearing what a myriad of authors have to say through short, straight-to-the-point essays will help expand the quality and diversity of my writing, more so than a book with one writer.
I believe that this class will be a challenge for me because I have always excelled in creative writing, but have struggled with MLA style and citations. In order to be successful as a writer in the future, I need to be able to have a strong background with the mechanics of writing as well as my own voice. I also like that our class focuses so much on “happiness”, and that one of our research projects revolves around finding “a happy person.” It’s a really positive message that needs to be reinforced more. Overall, I’m looking forward to bettering my writing, both creatively and technically, through this class.
I have printed out a copy of the syllabus to read in detail. I have sent you an e-mail containing the information you have requested.
Princess Espinosa
English 1A 9-9:50am Mon-Thurs
I have read and agree to the terms of this syllabus. Everything on this gave me a clear summary of what to expect for this class. I am ready to commit to all the work and do my absolute best. I am looking forward to the research project, where I will be interviewing a happy person/social entrepreneur. This project sounds interesting and fun. I am also thankful for you giving us the time to come in your office hours and is willing to help us in any way.
Manuel Flores
Professor Sabir
English 1A 9-9:50
28 January 2013
Syllabus response
The syllabus was really straight forward. It helps motivate me and feel like I actually have a chance. A lot of times the syllabus puts a lot of stress because of all the due dates but I cant say it did with this one. I also like the books were are going to be reading, they seem fun and interesting. I also like the topics of the essays were going to do. I’m looking forward to taking this class with you. I have the potential of being a good writer if taught the right way. I hope we can compliment each others style of writing and make me a better writer.
Corina Guerra
Professor Sabir
English 1A 9:9:50
28 January 2014
Syllabus Response
I found the syllabus to be exactly what i expected in a English 1A writing course. When you said, “Writing is a lonely course. No one can write for you” it really had me like okay I need to take this class seriously and hopefully I can expand my knowledge of writing as well as everything else you are going to teach during this course. I plan on using the book Stewart Pidd Hates English as a very good resource. I look forward on doing my best for this class.
Jason Dutra
Professor Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50
28 January 2013
Professor Sabir the English Fox.
In reading through the Syllabus trying to beat back all the erroneous thoughts that were running though my mind I came to the realization that Professor Sabir is sly and cunning. First, an English teacher who takes so much time to write out such a lengthy syllabus is devout in her belief and methodical in her practice. To describe this work as a syllabus is almost an insult. Direct in its approach yet loaded with supporting information it reads more like the instructions for a new cell phone or a welcome aboard package from a new employer. What is truly cunning about the work is that in reading and deciphering it she has already begun the teaching process. Think of it this way, as she has said herself “this class is about research” so she lays out the syllabus in a format that requires the reader to read and search (read + search = research) for the information they need. Undoubtedly it would have been much easier to simply list the home work by date, the required books by title and the supporting information could have followed, allowing the reader to create their “to do” list from the first page. This however, does not teach a man to fish (teaching of Taoism).
Let the learning begin! Thanks Oh wise and honorable Professor for we know not how we learn.
Hello there. I'm in your class. I see youuuuu.
I've read the syllabus and I've emailed you the response.
English 1A
9-9:50 MTWTH
Hannah Slicton-WIlliams
Wanda Sabir
English 1A Monday-Thursday 9-9:50
1/28/13
Response to Syllabus
I have read and agree to the terms of this syllabus. I look forward to this "Happiness Project" and encompassing our time, thought, readings, and writings into something that benefits all of us as individual beings. I can already see that this is going to be a very interesting semester.
Paola Castro
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50
28 January 2013
Response to Syllabus
The goals and objectives of this spring semester in English 1A seem very positive and exciting. All the books we are planning to read are at most intriguing. It seems as if this class will help me a lot in my studies. Reading all these new and interesting novels will expand my vocabulary, improve reading skills, and I will have knowledge on different authors. Your assignments seem to be fair and stimulating. I believe all of the class’s goals can be achieved and we can all receive valuable information from all the text we will be reading throughout the semester.
First and foremost, I highly agree that reading logs are very important anytime you read a novel. A reading log is crucial to keep notes in order to refresh your brain before a big exam. Reading logs also help you keep track of what part of the book you are and they help you get a better understanding of what you read. Also I’ve personally haven’t really learned about Tupac Shakur but I’m very enthusiastic and open to new things.
All in all I think this year will be successful and full of wonderful experiences.
I truly cannot wait to see what this year may hold for me in this class. I’m excited for all the books,and grammar information I will receive from you. Also the writing and reading skills I will learn without a doubt will make me successful one day. That’s why I highly agree with your syllabus and goals for our class this semester.
28 January 2013
Jardin
Max
Professor Sabir
English 1A 1-250
28 January 2013
#2 Syllabus Response
Syllabus
As we read in class the syllabus written by Professor Sabir, I’ve notice the expectation of organization that she wants from the class that her students has to commit to. The chronological timeline that she made for the class is clear and precise. Furthermore, the work that she expects from us with the guide of the syllabus at hand gives us students the ability to manage our work and to excel in the class.
My few concerns about the syllabus is the project that we had to do about a particular social entrepreneur. It seems very challenging. One of my worries are the types of questions could we formulate to understand our subjects happiness? And how can I explain and express their answer clear enough for others to understand. This I strongly believe would be difficult to overcome once my fellow classmates and I start the project.
Overall, the syllabus covered all my immediate worries, but eventually as the semester moves along. There will definitely and absolutely be issues that will present itself that the syllabus hasn’t covered. And when that occurs I might have to re-examine the syllabus or asked the instructor for guidance.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Huy Vo
Professor Sabir
English 1A 4-4:50
28 January 2013
Syllabus response
I've read the syllabus and thus peep the future. This class to me seems to be taught at a philosophical approach. Maybe I'll learn a thing or two about how to be happy, and may lean maybe people to question what they find important. Also, previewing the methods in which the classes will be taught, I have no criticisms. I do hope to grow and develop my writing skills. I find English an important subject because it a window to the world. It's one of the many tools we use to express ourselves to the world. I do wonder why the Professor chose the theme of happiness. I do agree of it's importances because every action a person takes is an attempt to bliss. But previously taken English classes before, they were dominantly classic works.
Cecilya Alanis
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 4-5:50
28 January 2013
Response to Syllabus
This syllabus although has all the information needed. It’s a bit confusing at times. When explaining how we turn in the assignments, portfolio. This I will ask about as the class goes on and assignments are given. However a more detailed or visual aid will really help and be appreciated. Other than that the Syllabus is very helpful!!
Aqiq Kheri
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 9:00-9:50AM
28 january 2013
I have posted a comment twice in response to this blog and syllabus but I didn't see my comment. I am posting this comment just to be cautious. I have emailed you a response to this syllabus and the rest of the information you asked for. Again, thank you for a great descriptive syllabus regarding this coming semester. i look forward to learning more and gaining more knowledge and wisdom in the english department because I love to write and read.
Liliana Garcia
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50 pm
29 January, 2013
Response to syllabus:
I have read the syllabus and understand what is expected. I really like the way the schedule for the semester is written out in the syllabus. The only question I have is, what is the policy for late/missing work?
Cassandra Odom
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 9-950am
012913
Syllabus Assignment
Hello all,
This is my second time trying to attempt this assignment. The first time I put post and when I went back on the website to make sure it went through it was gone. So already the blog is irritating me. I thought I would look forward to it so we can ask questions and communicate with the other students. Hopefully it gets better for me after this assignment. I look forward to this class being enjoyable and learning new writing skills. I think I should be alright with reading a couple books at the same time since I like reading. I work so much I probably won't be going to the lab too much during my spare time. The reading logs seem somewhat confusing to me so I might ask questions about that later in the semester. I have read and understand the course syllabus for English 1A with Professor Sabir. Thank you for reading.
Jarunee Lepnark
Professor Sabir
English 1A 4pm-5:50pm
29 January 2013
Syllabus response
I have read the syllabus and will address any concerns with you if needed. I look forward to our happiness project and hope to learn to become a better writer.
Temuulen Altansukh
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50 PM
1/29/2013
From reading the syllabus, I must say that this class will really help me with all the things that I need to improve such as process analysis, narration, argument skills and such. Its also good that you have office hours for one on one time with students. I'm pretty sure I will be scheduling an appointment in the near future for help. I like our subject this semester, "Happiness" and I am interested in learning and studying more about happiness instead of something else that I can't relate to. Its good that you read out the whole syllabus to the class instead of just telling us to read it. I look forward to attending this class.
Tergel (Tony) Battogtokh
9:00-9:50AM
English 1A
Syllabus
From what I've read, everything seems so organized. One thing that stands out to me the most is the class assignments, from reading to essays is clearly stated in description and labeled with dates. I'm looking forward to the Happyness Project and improving my writing skills significantly this semester
response to syllabus and have read in full. looking forward to this semester, as well as the end of it leaving with said skills and have completed assignments
Shawn Parrott English 1A Mon-Weds 4pm-5:50pm
Estella
Prof. W.Sabir
Eng.1a hybrid
Jan.29,2013
Read the article, deemed "Syllabus". Its a thriller. I like comedy. Thanks for the resources (ie : forming study groups, ref. new heroes, and reading logs for analysis.) Thanks again for your clear yet mysterious delivery. Looking forward to passing this class. See ya soon!
-peace
Amanda Wright
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 4:00-5:50pm
29 January 2013
Syllabus Response
The syllabus is very clear on what to expect from the class and what you expect from your students. Professor Sabir made it very useful by listing all the assignments and their due dates. It also explains all the assignments and some resources like websites that can help with research. I also appreciate that Professor Sabir listed other helpful resources for the class such as the writing center and her workshop, I am looking forward to reading 'The Happiness Project".
kahina touati
prof.sabir
eng.1A. 1-2.50pm
01/29/13
i have read and, hopefully, I understood all what professor SABIR tried to say throughout the syllabus pages. It is, in fact, a detailed syllabus, that goes through all we need to know about the class and its expectations. But I am a bit confused regarding the happiness project, may the coming classes bring more clarifications to it. Thank you professor SABIR.
Karen Badua
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 4:00-5:50
29 January 2013
Syllabus Response
I have read through the syllabus and I understand what is expected of me for this class. To be honest, I'm pretty nervous to start this class. The length of the syllabus scared me a bit but I'm ready for the challenge. By taking this class I hope to improve my writing skills and techniques. By the end of this class I would like to make Professor Sabir by using proper MLA format and being able to identify run-on sentences along with other grammatical errors. I'm hoping to grow as a writer and maybe even learn a thing or two about myself through the happiness project. One of my other goals it to keep up with the reading and not fall behind. For me to complete these goals, I need my instructor to be clear with the homework and keep the class on track. I think the only trait I bring to this class is creativity.
Thais Rose
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50 PM
January 29th, 2013
I can honestly say that I have never read and reread a syllabus as many times as I have for Professor Sabir's class. It is the longest, most informative, and most thorough syllabus given to me by a professor in my college education. This syllabus is definitely the most helpful! From the extensive guidelines of what is exactly required and recommended, I have organized my notebook to help me be best prepared for the portfolio contents.
For example, for the section of my notebook that is for "The Happiness Project" reading log and journal, I copied the guidelines for what I should be taking notes on. The first line on the page says: "In this log, note Rubin's changing definition of happiness".
This is very helpful in starting me off organized and with a clear idea of what I need to do. Also, having the syllabus on the blog is positive for me so that I always have a copy to refer back to.
I have read the syllabus and understand the very clear agreement. I am looking forward to this class.
Joshua Harvey
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A Mon. & Weds. 4-5:50pm
1/30/2013
Homework
Syllabus Feedback
First of all I just want to say that this is the longest syllabus I've ever read in all of my classes and I've taken a lot of classes. Even though the syllabus is a little intimidating when a person first holds it in their hands and realized how thick it is and that all pages including back side are written upon, is filled with a lot of informative information about assignments, reference support from different books such as Stewart Pidd Hates English by Gary Pollitt and Craig Baker and the professor Wanda. From her own supportive words, "Hang in there and you'll do fine in the class if you: Know what an essay is, have written one before, and Are ready to commit yourself to the task of reading, writing and thinking. She also wants to make sure we leave with a skill learned from the class once it's over and how she can achieve that. She also gives students her cell number and office times in case we have a problem regarding anything related to the class.
Enrique Barboza
English 1A 4:00-5:50PM
Professor Wanda Sabir
I have read the syllabus and understand that this will be a challenging semester. I noted that are to read The Happiness Project and keep a reading log, with notes and brief summaries of each chapter. We will have discussions with our groups weekly about the book. The syllabus lists reading schedules with different topics each week from the books 50 Essays and Hacker. We are to write a brief summary on each essay and answer questions at the end of each essay. The syllabus also states that there are three mastery essays and they are worth 40% of our grade.
Essays and comments on peers' essays from 50 essays and They Say are 25 percent of the grade
Poster and presentation are 15 percent of the grade.
Student Profile is 20 percent of the grade.
Overall after I read this syllabus it is confusing at first and it is, in my opinion and overwhelming. I know this semester will be challenging.
Honestly, I never read that long syllabus at one time and i never see teacher that read to us whole syllabus. After I read all pages of Syllabus I got pretty much idea about what we are going to do this class each week and it makes much easier to make study plan. now just every time i confused about homework or anything i could review the sylluabus
Miaoping Zhong
English 1A 4-5:50pm
30 January 2013
Syllabus response
After reading the syllabus for my English 1A class, I know that I am going to be very busy in my study since I have to focus on reading and writing assignments. For example, there are several books we need to read such as the happiness Project Manifesto, 50 essays, and they say and Rules for Writers. We will focus Happiness Project Manifesto which I need to finish reading it before March 14. There are 13 essays in the 50 essays to analyze. And 6 essays in Rules for Writers. Besides reading, we need to have three import essays to complete in order to get the better grade
It is easy to count my grade if I follow this way. Grade= first is essays and comments on peer’s essays from 50 Essays and They Say(25%)+ Three mastery essays (40%)+ poster and presentation are (15%)+The student portfolio( 20%)=100%
In order to get a better score in this class, the students have many assistant place to get help. For instance, students can go to writing center in Peralta College. Moreover, students are able to consult professor Sabir by her office hours either text her or call her. Finally, it is great idea to get to know each other in class and make group to study or discuss.
Chao Wu
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 4:00-5:50PM
January 30 2013
After reading through the syllabus, I understood that during this semester, besides of reading and writing about the testbooks, I am also going to do some extra works to prove my writing skills, such as, reading "Stewart Pidd Hates English", read and listen to the daily news. I appreciate that you provided so many information on the syllabus, and I've already registered at writing lab.
I think doing well with the student portfolio is the key to pass the class even though it is only 20 percent of the grade. The student portfolio includes the notes from "50 essays", "The Happiness Project", Book Report Essay, and Social Entrepreneur. Listing vocabularies and errors from the essay assignments in portfolio is a good way to prove writing skill.
The research project would be a chanllenge for me, and I'm hoping we're going to discuss more about it in the class.
Alex Noble
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 9-9:50
January 30 2013
Syllabus Response
It took me a while, but I read the syllabus. I think that over all it is reasonable. I appreciate that you included most due dates so I can have an idea of how I should manage my time. Something else I liked about it was that there was a clear reading schedule. That is helpful to me because I can have a good idea of what is coming up in the future. Lastly, I agree to the syllabus.
Amit Dhingra
Professor Sabir
English 1A 1-2:50pm
30 January 2013
Syllabus Response
I have read the syllabus and for the most part understand that this class will not be easy but it will help advance my skills of reading, writing, and critical thinking. We have many overlapping assignments that require proper time management. I find this as somewhat of a challenge but it is something that will help develop my skills in time management. All seems reasonable to get through in a semester.
Emily Walters
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A Monday/Wednesday 1-2:50 pm
30 January, 2013
Syllabus Response
After reading over this syllabus for English 1a that meets on mondays and wednesday, I know what is expected this spring semester. I understand that this class will be bit challenging and I will have to work hard. By doing that, I know that if I put my mind to it, I will be able to succeed. I am looking forward to starting the "Happiness Project" in this class and looking forward better advancing my comprehension and writing skills. The "Rules for Writers" book that we will be reading through I hope will be a good guide to take my writing to a whole new level. As we will be doing multiple assignments at once, I know will challenge my time management skills, but I am ready to take on that challenge. Signing up for this class, I was a bit nervous, however, that changed when you said," Don’t get nervous... Hang in there and you’ll do fine in the class if you: 1. Know what an essay is 2. Have written one before 3. Are ready to commit yourself to the task of reading, writing and thinking." (Sabir). You gave me confidence in myself that I did not know I had before. I am looking forward to this semester and I am ready to take upon what lies ahead!
The syllabus looks fine. It is very clear to me what is expected in the class, both in quantity and quality. I also like the way Professor Wanda writes. Guessing from her writing style, I would say she is a very personable person. Definitely a good quality for a teacher. It might be nice to mention that the course books can also be purchased as ebooks online. Ebooks are often cheaper and can be a handy alternative for some people. I also think that it was a good idea to include some student resources in the syllabus, such as the writing center.
Cole Goodman
English 1A Alameda D205
1-2:50pm MW
Professor Wanda Sabir
The syllabus looks fine. It is very clear to me what is expected in the class, both in quantity and quality. I also like the way Professor Wanda writes. Guessing from her writing style, I would say she is a very personable person. Definitely a good quality for a teacher. It might be nice to mention that the course books can also be purchased as ebooks online. Ebooks are often cheaper and can be a handy alternative for some people. I also think that it was a good idea to remind us of some available resources such as the learning center and peer reviewing.
Javier Martinez
English 1A Alameda
class 4-5:50pm M/W
Professor Wanda
i have read the syllabus. and sent the email that you have asked us to do. with all of the answers to them.
"Students cannot make up cyber-assignments after the date has passed or when they are absent unless arranged in advance. " I just read over the whole syllabus and found this quote pretty interesting. This is very straight forward and clear to understand. The reason why I think this piece is so important because often time I intend to forget about cyber assignment. The quote just remind me perfectly why i should do assignment on time. Today I'm on time. :)
Liem La
Kimberley Squire
Professor Sabir
English 1A
Syllabus
I sent my acknowledgement of reading your syllabus via email on January 29, 2013.
Thank you,
Kimberley (Sissy) Squire
Jason Lintner
English 1A - Hybrid
February 1, 2013 Syllabus Response
I have read the class syllabus on the blog and my first impression while reading it is that this class is going to be very time consuming and challenging. In order to succeed, I can tell that I am going to have to be very organized to meet all of the deadlines while juggling all the books and assignments. The research project sounds the most interesting and I am already thinking about who I might like to do this paper on.
Unfortunately, I am still not able to find this class on the Moodle website even though I am logged in. I will keep trying to work out the kinks and I will email the assignments if I can't post them in this blog.
Caurell Titus
Eng 1A 9-9:50 Class
I've read the syllabus. I understand and agree to your terms and rules this semester.
I read the syllabus and thought that it was well written and that it was pretty straight forward with what the semester will be like. It's clear with what we'll be doing and what you want from us as a our professor. I'm not going to say to keep things simple and easy because that won't help us learn as students but as long as you're clear with assignments and lectures, we should be able to soak up all the information you teach us like a sponge!
Aaron Chung
Professor Sabir
English 1A 9-9:50
28 January 2013
Syllabus response
Professor thanks for the syllabus. After reading it several times I am starting to understand what is needed to excel in your class. I am excited that the topic is Happiness in different forms and that we get to write an essay on a happy entrepreneur. I hope that this class can help me achieve my goals in literacy! Thanks.
Ravi Thapaliya
Professor Sabir
English 1A 9-9:50
11 February 2013
I have read the syllabus couple of times now. I cant quite know what kept me from the response to the syllabus. Probably i just did not think about it. Anyway i am sorry for responding this late. The syllabus is very insightful, it really introduces to the semester work here. The happiness project will be a fine prospect i believe. I got to get myself a notebook for the portfolio now. I hope a late comment wont be too painful.
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