Syllabus

Sonoma State University
English Department
English 100A, First-Year Composition: Gender and Sexuality in Media: Representations & Realities, Fall 2019

Instructor: Dr. Rim Zahra
Office Location: Charlie Brown
(Nichols 336 by appointment & for paper drop off)
Telephone: Please contact me by email
Email: rim.zahra@sonoma.edu
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 4:00-5:00 & Thurs 12:15-1:00
Wed: 6:00-7:00 by appointment
Class Location and Time: Tues/Thurs: 1:00-2:15 & 2:30-3:45~ Salazar 1051   
   
Course Website: https://ssuenglish100.home.blog    

About English 100A/B

Students must successfully complete both English 100A and English 100B; three units each semester. English 100B, which is in the spring semester, may not be taken alone. English 100A is a prerequisite for English 100B. Satisfies GE Area A2 (Fundamentals of Communication). 


Course Description

In English 100A, which emphasizes expository writing and analytical reading, we will focus on the theme of gender and sexuality in popular culture.  

Throughout the course, you will learn to critically analyze popular culture’s representation of femininity and masculinity, how male/female bodies are represented, how identity is formed and the role the cultural construction of sexuality plays in defining what it means to be male or female in American culture.

We will address gender roles and the different ways media entertainment (e.g. advertisements, film, music, and the Internet) employ sexuality as a way to reinforce gender norms of femininity and masculinity and to pressure and manipulate us into conforming.

Along these lines, we will further address how race and class intersect with gender to further “normalize” gender roles and keep men and women locked in principles of behavior that do not necessarily serve them as individuals nor the good of society.

Through a rich variety of texts and film, you will broaden your understanding of the overarching arguments in the field of popular culture and media and learn how to become mindful and consciously aware of media’s influence on you personally and on youth generally.

This is a writing intensive class. While in the process of reading, you will respond to discussion questions, write reflective papers, and compose four essay assignments that revolve around the themes of the readings. 

The writing assignments are intended to help you hone your critical thinking skills and the expression of reasoned ideas through analysis of essays and other college-level writing across academic disciplines.

Prepare to be challenged, surprised and even unsettled by the subject matter that engages with gender and sexuality issues prevalent in media and common to college life. Most of all, be prepared to view the world of social media through a whole new lens. I hope you will be engaged by both the class and its subject matter!

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives:

1. Critically read, analyze, and evaluate a variety of non-fiction and academic texts from a variety of disciplines, focusing on rhetorical strategies and an understanding of audience, purpose, and context.

2. Write well-developed, well-organized texts in multiple genres and media, including thesis-driven arguments; address an audience appropriately and use a variety of rhetorical effects to enhance cogency and clarity.

3. Develop research skills: find, select, analyze, and evaluate outside sources; integrate the ideas of others into texts that express the writer’s own position. Understand the ethical uses of sources of all types, and use appropriate documentation format in writing and in multimedia presentations.

4. Employ a variety of sentence structures and organizational patterns to illustrate clearly the logic of ideas. Revise and edit written assignments, demonstrating a command of syntax, appropriate diction, and the mechanics of Standard English.

Learning Outcomes

The required outcomes for GE are:

  1. Communication: Communicate clearly in written, oral, and/or performative forms in a variety of genres and disciplines;

  2. Critical Reading: Actively analyze texts in a variety of forms, genres, and disciplines;

  3. Information Literacy: Iteratively formulate questions for research by gathering diverse types of information; identifying gaps, correlations, and contradictions; and using sources ethically toward a creative, informed synthesis of ideas

Required Texts/Readings

1- Re-reading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing, 11th edition. ByGary Colombo, Robert Cullet, Bonnie Lisle. ISBN-13: 978-1319056360

2- Compose, Design, Advocate: A Rhetoric for Integrating Written, Oral, and Visual Communication. 2nd edition. By Ann Francis Wysoci and Dennis A. Lynch. ISBN-13: 978-0205693061

Note: Re-reading America is available at the SSU Bookstore. Compose, Design, Advocate can be purchased used on Amazon for a low rate.

Note: There will also be online readings. The links to those readings will be provided on the course calendar.

4- Assignments and handouts will be available through our blog and/or handed out in class.  (https://ssuenglish100.home.blog/)

Important Note: You are required to have your books with you in class. Not having them will affect your participation grade.

Other Material Requirements:

  1. A blank lined notebook with a bound spine for your writing assignments and notes.
  2. A durable folder or 3-ring binder to keep handouts, supplementary texts, essays and any relevant handouts.
  3. Sticky notes and colored highlighters are always useful, especially for marking passages in your textbooks.

Classroom Protocol

In order for us to accomplish the stated learning goals of the course, follow the guidelines below:

  • Food and drink are OK, but leave no mess.
  • Laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices must remain turned off during class, unless otherwise instructed by the professor.
  • Close your laptops. You are not permitted to use laptops except when instructed to do so by the professor.
  • Do not send text messages in class. Do not check your messages, go online or use social media. Doing so, will result in being marked absent for the day and will affect your participation grade. Expect to be marked absent whether or not the professor or TA calls you on that in class.
  • Do not chat to other students during class discussion.
  • Do not leave class early unless you have cleared it with the professor beforehand; otherwise you will be marked as absent.
  • Do not disrupt the class or your fellow students in any manner whatsoever.
  • Be respectful to your colleagues and their opinions.
  • Open your mind and be willing to learn and engage in the ideas presented. This class may well provide information that will better your life perceptions and choices.

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, etc. Information on add/drops is available at http://www.sonoma.edu/registration/addclasses. Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.

Grading Policy

Your final grade for English 100A will be based on the following breakdown of the work and assignments preformed over the course of the semester.

Attendance & Participation: 20%
Homework, Discussion Questions & In-Class assignments: 15%
Formal Essays w/drafts: 50%  


Film Response Papers: 10%
Oral Presentations: 5%
 

Grade Breakdown (Total 100%)

94-100 points A
90-93 points A-
87-89 points B+
83-86 points B
80-82 points B-
77-79 points C+
73-76 points C
70-72 points C-
67-69 points D+
63-66 points D
60-62 points D-
0-59 points F

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is absolutely essential. Each absence lowers your attendance grade. Students who have three absences, must speak to the professor immediately to discuss their position in class. Two absences or less will not affect your attendance grade. Grades for your attendance are allocated as follows:

1-2 absences = 95
3 absences = 88
4 absences = 75
5 absences = 65
6 absences = 55
7 or more absences = 0

Note: 1) If you text in class, use social media or surf the web, you are considered absent for the day. 2) If you leave the class early or habitually come late to the class, you will receive half credit for attendance.

If you must miss a class due to an illness or emergency, it is your responsibility to make up missed content, notes, and to check our blog for homework, due dates, and handouts. I encourage you to have the contact information of one or more “buddies” who are willing to fill you in on what you missed.

Avoid scheduling medical or other appointments during class times. Non-excessive absences (three or less) due to illness may be excused if accompanied by a note from the doctor or student health center (the note must be original and should indicate that you’re ill or contagious and should stay at home. A note that says you had a visit to a clinic is not acceptable as an excused absence).

Talk to me as soon as possible about any times you know you will need to miss class, if you believe your absence should qualify as “excused.” Please realize that the limit on absences does apply to absence for illness or any other reason. University policy states which days are recognized as holidays; you are required to attend all teaching days that Sonoma State has scheduled.

Athletes!! If you have scheduled games, let me know these dates ahead of time. Bring a letter from your coach or ask him/her to email me the dates.

Participation Policy:

Your participation grade includes, among other things (in-class assignments, group discussion sheets and any activities we do in class) according to your attendance (if you don’t attend, you can’t participate). Your level of participation in class and your willingness to work actively in small groups and to engage in conversations and debates with your colleagues is an important factor in determining your participation grade.  

Your grade will be factored according to:

1) Your active participation and engagement in discussion and group activities;
2) Your attendance (if you don’t attend class, you can’t participate!);
3) Being respectful to your colleague’s points of views even if you disagree;
4) Raising questions and demonstrating interest in understanding different cultural views expressed in the texts;
5) bringing your textbooks to class. If you habitually come without your book to class, you’ll receive 0% in participation as you cannot really participate without having the readings; 6) Overall enthusiasm and genuine interest in material;
7) Arriving on time and staying for the duration of the class;

You are expected to arrive on time for every class meeting and remain for the entirety of the class. Students who are repeatedly late or leave the class early will receive half credit for attendance and no credit for participation.  If you have another class that cuts close to ours, let the professor know right away.

Detailed Description of Assignments

Essays:   

You are required to write four essays over the course of this semester. Each essay will require you to draw upon the class themes and corresponding texts. Once we complete a theme, expect that there will be a corresponding essay that you will write. Detailed assignment sheets will be posted on the blog for each. These essays are not only designed to provide practice with different types of genres, but also to encourage you to develop your analytical thinking skills. You will be required to write a draft that you revise for each of the essays assigned. 

Please Note! Final papers will not be accepted without a peer-review and rough draft (or one that has been to the Writing Center). If you do not have a draft or peer review with your draft 20 points will be subtracted from your final paper. If your draft is identical to your final paper or very similar, you will receive 0% on your essay.

All papers must be proof read and typed using 12 point type in Times New Roman, in MLA format, with a completed cover sheet attached as well as all rough drafts.

All papers must be turned in during class on the due date to receive full credit.  If you need to be absent, you need to arrange with a colleague to turn in your assignment in class. DO NOT SEND ME EMAIL COPIES. I WILL NOT ACCEPT THEM.

If you don’t turn in your essay on the due date, one letter grade point will be automatically deducted from your total grade. Papers that are more than one week late will not be accepted and you will receive an automatic zero.

Please check your emails regularly for announcements and be sure to consult the course calendar on a regular basis.

Drafts:  

Active revision of writing is important for your development as a writer and thinker. In order to encourage active revision and support the growth of your revision skills, each major essay will have at least one draft due. These drafts must not be a “1st draft” as we typically think of them, but a fully completed essay you could submit for a grade. You can receive feedback on each draft, from either your peers or The Writing Center. This draft copy should always be included with the final essay. If you do not have a draft or have a draft that is nearly identical to your final paper, 20 points will be subtracted from your final paper.

If you are absent on the day of our peer edit, or if you do not have your draft ready for peer editing, you are required to visit the Writing Center with your draft or have it peer-edited outside of class time. Attach the Writing Center slip showing you have used their services.

Drafts are considered major assignments and are required to pass this course. Essays are not accepted without drafts. If you turn in an essay without your draft, you will receive an automatic 0% on your paper.

Peer-Review:  

Being able to revise your own work and provide constructive feedback to others on drafts is crucial for your development as a writer. In order to develop your ability to revise and edit drafts, you will be working in groups throughout the semester to provide each other with constructive criticism. During the peer review, you are encouraged to look broadly at the paper and revise for ideas instead of merely editing for grammar. You will be required to discuss and/or brainstorm ideas as well point to the strengths and weaknesses of your peer’s draft.

With each peer-review, you will be required to fill out a handout provided to you in class, (a copy of which is included with the essay prompt). You are required to submit peer reviews for each major essay and research project over the course of the semester. These reviews need to be well-thought out and useful suggestions to help your peers better revise their drafts.

There will be some class time for peer editing, although you should continue the editing process outside of class. Editing logs will be posted on the blog with each assignment prompt and must be included with the final draft of the paper.

Group Presentations:  

Group work is important to your growth as a student, researcher, and writer. Much writing (and work) in the “real world” is done collaboratively. In the group panels, you will be required to do a PowerPoint presentations that include a visual component on the themes currently being addressed in class. The presentations are intended to help you think about your paper. They are assigned prior to essays to help you engage your critical faculties in the themes at hand.

In today’s world, there is an increased need for fluency in both written and visual rhetoric, making it important to practice your analysis and writing skills in written, spoken, and visual formats. You will, therefore, work in assigned groups on three to five presentations this semester. These projects will have written, oral, and visual components.

A detailed assignment sheet will be posted on our blog for each project.  

The presentations are major assignments that are required to pass this course.

 In-Class Assignments:  

These assignments along with homework and group discussion are factored into your participation grade. Throughout the semester, you will be asked to complete smaller assignments relating to the writing process, grammar skills, critical reading strategies, and research skills. These assignments will further include writing 1-2 page response papers to films.

Such assignments are integral to your development as a college level reader and writer and will be important to your success on the essay assignments. Typically, these assignments are assigned as in-class or as homework between class meetings.

In-class assignments are major assignments you need to complete in order to pass this course.

Discussion Questions:

Along with each of the assigned readings, you will be required to answer discussion a series of discussion questions. These questions are either in the book Rereading America or they are posted on the blog by the professor. It is your job to complete these questions prior to coming to class in order to be prepared to discuss the readings. 

Discussion questions should be typed using Times New Roman, font size 12. They must be turned in class on the day the readings are due.

Note: If you are absent and turn in your discussion questions late, you will receive partial credit.

Discussion questions are assessed as check ++ (100), check+ (90-95), check (80-85), check – (70-75) or check—(60-64) or as CR/NC (or ½ credit). Your points earned will based on the total of completed assignments and credit assigned.

University Policies

Academic integrity

Students should know that the University’s Cheating and Plagiarism policy is available at http://www.sonoma.edu/UAffairs/policies/cheating_plagiarism.htm. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at Sonoma State University and the University’s policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work..

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified.

Campus Policy on Disability Access for Students

“If you are a student with a disability and you think you may require accommodations, please register with the campus office of Disability Services for Students (DSS), located in Schultz Information Center –Phone: (707) 664-2677, TTY/TDD: (707) 664-2958. DSS will provide you with written confirmation of your verified disability and authorize recommended accommodations. This authorization must be presented to the instructor before any accommodations can be made.” The policy can be found at http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/disabilitypolicy.htm

Emergency Evacuation

If you are a student with a disability and you think you may require assistance evacuating a building in the event of a disaster, you should inform your instructor about the type of assistance you may require. You and your instructor should discuss your specific needs and the type of precautions that should be made in advance of such an event (i.e. assigning a buddy to guide you down the stairway). We encourage you to take advantage of these preventative measures as soon as possible and contact the Disability Services for Students office if other classroom accommodations are needed.

SSU Writing Center

The SSU Writing Center is located in Schulz 1103. The Writing Center helps SSU students, faculty, and staff members (as well as members of the wider community) become better writers and produce better written documents. Be sure to book your session at the Writing Center ahead of time as they tend to get booked easily. Always include a slip from the Writing Center along with your final paper. Five extra credit points will be added to your paper if you visit the Writing Center.

The Writing Center website is located at  http://www.sonoma.edu/programs/writingcenter/default.html.

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