Monday, August 19, 2013
Course Syllabus Fall 2013
English 201 Syllabus, Fall 2013
College of Alameda
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 201A Preparation for Composition and Reading (concurrent enrollment for both sections)
ENGL 201A - (40013) MoWe 1:30PM-3:20PM A 202
ENGL 201B - (40017) MoWe 1:30PM-3:20PM A 202
Class Meetings: August 19-Dec. 13; Holidays: 9/2; 11/11; 11/28-Dec.1
Finals Schedule:
Final Exam Week of Dec. 10-13. English 201 Final: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
(Portfolios due Friday, Dec. 13, 12 noon.)
Drop dates: Sept.1 (w/out “W” and a refund); Nov. 16 (w/W). Sept. 8: Last day to file for PASS/NO PASS Grading Options for Regular Session Classes
Syllabus for English 201A/B: Preparation for Composition and Reading
The English 201 series (4 units) is a preparatory course designed to emphasize the thinking, reading, organizing and writing skills required for successful execution of college-level papers in all subject areas. This course is designed for those students requiring minimal preparation for entering English 1A.
Absences must be kept to a minimum. If you miss 6 consecutive hours or 8 cumulative hours you will risk being dropped from the course, doing poorly or both. English 201 consists of weekly essays and daily assignments. This is a portfolio driven class. Keep all of your written work, graded and otherwise to turn in the last day of class. There will be an assessment, a midterm, a research project, a final and a presentation of the research essay.
Stewart Pidd Hates English
Stewart Pidd Hates English is a workbook which looks deceptively easy; however, students need to pay attention to the details. The fictional character, Stewart Pidd, hates English, so he doesn’t spend the necessary time to complete his writing tasks. He’d rather do anything instead of writing, and his grades, you will notice, reflect this. The essays you analyze are not deep so don’t worry about content; the authors want you to practice the grammar lessons Stewart Pidd has not mastered. These grammar assignments might be ones you don’t remember or remember only vaguely. The goal of the book is to help you identify these errors in your own writing in your revision process, so you don’t make the same mistakes Pidd makes.
Grammar is not the most important aspect of writing. Having something substantive to say is, however, if you make too many grammatical errors, your audience will often not know what it is you want to communicate.
Virgin Soul or Essay 1
Essay 1, after we complete the SPHE workbook will take its topic from Virgin Soul, a coming of age story set in the San Francisco Bay Area. Virgin Soul is by Judy Juanita, faculty at Laney College. When I read this novel earlier this year, I knew I’d like to use it as one of my textbooks this fall. In the story we meet a young woman who is a native Oaklander who is smart and daring and willing to take risks which in the process helps her come to know herself better.
In a review of the book, I wrote: The novel, Virgin Soul, is a tour de force featuring Geneice Hightower who takes us on a journey through the Black Arts, Revolutionary Movements of the '60s, most notably the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Up close and personal, this old soul in a young body, smart and cute and hip, when she needs to be, innocent and fierce yet always honest, is a for real foot soldier movement woman, who attends Oakland City College, hosts Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) at her flat, which becomes a SafeHouse. She learns to clean and assemble guns, dodges police bullets, graduates from San Francisco State, feeds kids breakfast, tutors in Bayview Hunter's Point, recites poetry, gets laid, and ultimately finds herself (smile).
To listen to an interview with the author, visit: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2013/04/19/wandas-picks-radio-show
Essay 2 (Student Choice)
The second essay students will write is the Book Report Essay. Students can choose an autobiography or biography or a work of fiction to examine a character whose life and work challenges an unfair system either civic/governmental, economic, social or political.
The book needs to be approved first.
Third or Final Essay
Students will look for a person whose business or organization or movement has impacted society in a positive way, similar to the work of Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Note the party’s 10-point program. However the organization created by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale was bigger than the two men and the work continues to have an impact globally today. Note: United African Alliance Community Center in Tanzania (UAACC). The paper will be about 2-4 pages. This does not include the works cited page and bibliography. Students will make 5-10 minute presentations of these papers the day of the final. The paper will be due about two-three weeks prior to the presentation. We’ll discuss this task further later on.
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 or engaged citizenry. Visit: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/socialentrepreneurs.html. We will explore this assignment more, later in the course.
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. If possible 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. (If you have taken a class from me in the past, chose another subject.)
Course Objectives
English 201 will look primarily at writing which persuades: argumentative writing, as well as expository writing, narrative and descriptive writing. At the end of the course students will have read work of accomplished writers, as well as practiced writing in a variety of styles to suit the writer’s purpose.
This course is intended to be both a group learning experience as well as an individually rewarding one. Mid-semester students can schedule conferences with the instructor to evaluate his or her progress in the course. Classroom instruction will consist of lectures, small group work, and students working in pairs. This is an effective way for students to exchange ideas with classmates, compare reactions to readings and practice giving and receiving constructive feedback on class work.
Preparation for class, regular attendance and active participation is imperative for those students who wish to succeed in this course.
It is a student’s responsibility to contact the instructor if he or she plans to miss class. The student is responsible for all materials and information given during the class time, so please get telephone numbers for three (3) classmates in case you are late or absent. You will not be able to make up in-class assignments when you miss class.
Requirements for homework assignments:
No late papers are accepted unless arranged in advance. Any papers below a C grade are an automatic revision or rewrite. Essays under 500 words (750 words for English 201B students) will not be accepted. (Put a word count on the upper right corner of page 1.) Choose topics which give you enough to write about. We will use documentation to substantiate all of our claims. With this in mind, I expect all papers to utilize at least two (2) different outside print sources, in addition to the occasional interview, or broadcast journalism, that is, radio or television, internet also. You will learn to document sources; we will practice citing sources in text, using footnotes and end notes, and writing bibliographies and notes pages. Remember save all your work! This is a portfolio course.
All essay assignments you receive comments on have to be revised prior to resubmission; included with the revision is a student narrative or correction essay to me regarding your understanding of what needed to be done; a student can prepare this as a part of the Writing Center visit (see below), especially if said student is unclear over what steps to take. SPHE will assist students with this response.
Cyber-Assignments
These often daily assignments are posted on the class blog: http://professorsabirsposse.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.
Library Orientations:
TBA
We will write short essays that reflect themes and ideas discussed that week. Some of these essays will be written in class and posted on the class blog: http://professorsabirsposse.blogspot.com/
The research essay will be an argument. There will be a midterm (SPHE) and a final (portfolio essay and presentation) along with a Book Report Essay which is a biography or autobiography.
Jot down briefly what your goals are this semester. List them in order of importance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Homework Assignment 1:
Email the following data to me by August 20, 2013: coasabirenglish201@gmail.com
Please include: your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address, 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?
Homework Assignment 2:
Respond on the blog to the syllabus, so I have a record of your reading it. Make sure you include examples from the syllabus to support your points. The response is due by August 21, 2013, 12 noon.
Write a comment to me regarding the syllabus: your impressions, whether you think it is reasonable, questions, suggestions. This is our contract, I need to know you read it and understand the agreement.
Grading
Weekly essays: 20 percent
Cyber Assignments: 10 percent
Midterm: 10 percent
Final: 15 percent
Research Essay/Presentation: 5-10 percent
Portfolio: 15 percent
Office Hour Visits or instructor contacts (5 for the semester): 5-10 percent. This includes a reflection on the visit sent as a follow-up.
Each book (Virgin and Book Report Essay) will have collected writings or essays. This in itself is its own “portfolio.” The essays which take their themes from the books are practice essays, and are about a fourth of your grade, your midterm and final are another fourth and your portfolio is the final fourth. (Save all of your work.) 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 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 or Essay Narratives
All 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 in office hours for assistance; again, prepare your questions in advance to best make use of the time. Do not leave class without understanding the comments on a paper. I don’t mind reviewing them with you.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Reading:
Analyze and evaluate a variety of written material for relevance and validity in
academic, professional and social situations.
Writing:
Compose and critique written responses to reading materials and scenarios in
academic, professional and social situations.
Critical Thinking:
Synthesize information from a variety of sources and formulate original ideas
based on evidence in academic, professional and social situations.
Diverse Perspectives:
Recognize the vastness of perspectives in today’s society and integrate those
perspectives into a personal world view.
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
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, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in D-219 located in the D-216 suite.
My campus number is (510) 748-2286. Leave messages on my cell number. I am available on Monday afternoon by appointment after 3:30 p.m. as well. Tuesdays I am available by appointment after College Hour. I will give students my mobile number, please use it to text and call when you have questions.
The email I check is: coasabirenglish201@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.
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. There are study rooms available in the library. Ask at the reference desk.
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.
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.
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. See Admissions and Records.
Textbooks Recap:
Juanita, Judy. Virgin Soul. New York: Viking, 2013. Print.
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.
Recommended:
Hacker, Diane. Rules for Writers. 6-7th Editions. Boston/New York: Bedford/St. Martins. Print.
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 is subject to change, at the instructor's discretion, so stay loose and flexible.
College of Alameda
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 201A Preparation for Composition and Reading (concurrent enrollment for both sections)
ENGL 201A - (40013) MoWe 1:30PM-3:20PM A 202
ENGL 201B - (40017) MoWe 1:30PM-3:20PM A 202
Class Meetings: August 19-Dec. 13; Holidays: 9/2; 11/11; 11/28-Dec.1
Finals Schedule:
Final Exam Week of Dec. 10-13. English 201 Final: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
(Portfolios due Friday, Dec. 13, 12 noon.)
Drop dates: Sept.1 (w/out “W” and a refund); Nov. 16 (w/W). Sept. 8: Last day to file for PASS/NO PASS Grading Options for Regular Session Classes
Syllabus for English 201A/B: Preparation for Composition and Reading
The English 201 series (4 units) is a preparatory course designed to emphasize the thinking, reading, organizing and writing skills required for successful execution of college-level papers in all subject areas. This course is designed for those students requiring minimal preparation for entering English 1A.
Absences must be kept to a minimum. If you miss 6 consecutive hours or 8 cumulative hours you will risk being dropped from the course, doing poorly or both. English 201 consists of weekly essays and daily assignments. This is a portfolio driven class. Keep all of your written work, graded and otherwise to turn in the last day of class. There will be an assessment, a midterm, a research project, a final and a presentation of the research essay.
Stewart Pidd Hates English
Stewart Pidd Hates English is a workbook which looks deceptively easy; however, students need to pay attention to the details. The fictional character, Stewart Pidd, hates English, so he doesn’t spend the necessary time to complete his writing tasks. He’d rather do anything instead of writing, and his grades, you will notice, reflect this. The essays you analyze are not deep so don’t worry about content; the authors want you to practice the grammar lessons Stewart Pidd has not mastered. These grammar assignments might be ones you don’t remember or remember only vaguely. The goal of the book is to help you identify these errors in your own writing in your revision process, so you don’t make the same mistakes Pidd makes.
Grammar is not the most important aspect of writing. Having something substantive to say is, however, if you make too many grammatical errors, your audience will often not know what it is you want to communicate.
Virgin Soul or Essay 1
Essay 1, after we complete the SPHE workbook will take its topic from Virgin Soul, a coming of age story set in the San Francisco Bay Area. Virgin Soul is by Judy Juanita, faculty at Laney College. When I read this novel earlier this year, I knew I’d like to use it as one of my textbooks this fall. In the story we meet a young woman who is a native Oaklander who is smart and daring and willing to take risks which in the process helps her come to know herself better.
In a review of the book, I wrote: The novel, Virgin Soul, is a tour de force featuring Geneice Hightower who takes us on a journey through the Black Arts, Revolutionary Movements of the '60s, most notably the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Up close and personal, this old soul in a young body, smart and cute and hip, when she needs to be, innocent and fierce yet always honest, is a for real foot soldier movement woman, who attends Oakland City College, hosts Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) at her flat, which becomes a SafeHouse. She learns to clean and assemble guns, dodges police bullets, graduates from San Francisco State, feeds kids breakfast, tutors in Bayview Hunter's Point, recites poetry, gets laid, and ultimately finds herself (smile).
To listen to an interview with the author, visit: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2013/04/19/wandas-picks-radio-show
Essay 2 (Student Choice)
The second essay students will write is the Book Report Essay. Students can choose an autobiography or biography or a work of fiction to examine a character whose life and work challenges an unfair system either civic/governmental, economic, social or political.
The book needs to be approved first.
Third or Final Essay
Students will look for a person whose business or organization or movement has impacted society in a positive way, similar to the work of Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Note the party’s 10-point program. However the organization created by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale was bigger than the two men and the work continues to have an impact globally today. Note: United African Alliance Community Center in Tanzania (UAACC). The paper will be about 2-4 pages. This does not include the works cited page and bibliography. Students will make 5-10 minute presentations of these papers the day of the final. The paper will be due about two-three weeks prior to the presentation. We’ll discuss this task further later on.
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 or engaged citizenry. Visit: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/socialentrepreneurs.html. We will explore this assignment more, later in the course.
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. If possible 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. (If you have taken a class from me in the past, chose another subject.)
Course Objectives
English 201 will look primarily at writing which persuades: argumentative writing, as well as expository writing, narrative and descriptive writing. At the end of the course students will have read work of accomplished writers, as well as practiced writing in a variety of styles to suit the writer’s purpose.
This course is intended to be both a group learning experience as well as an individually rewarding one. Mid-semester students can schedule conferences with the instructor to evaluate his or her progress in the course. Classroom instruction will consist of lectures, small group work, and students working in pairs. This is an effective way for students to exchange ideas with classmates, compare reactions to readings and practice giving and receiving constructive feedback on class work.
Preparation for class, regular attendance and active participation is imperative for those students who wish to succeed in this course.
It is a student’s responsibility to contact the instructor if he or she plans to miss class. The student is responsible for all materials and information given during the class time, so please get telephone numbers for three (3) classmates in case you are late or absent. You will not be able to make up in-class assignments when you miss class.
Requirements for homework assignments:
No late papers are accepted unless arranged in advance. Any papers below a C grade are an automatic revision or rewrite. Essays under 500 words (750 words for English 201B students) will not be accepted. (Put a word count on the upper right corner of page 1.) Choose topics which give you enough to write about. We will use documentation to substantiate all of our claims. With this in mind, I expect all papers to utilize at least two (2) different outside print sources, in addition to the occasional interview, or broadcast journalism, that is, radio or television, internet also. You will learn to document sources; we will practice citing sources in text, using footnotes and end notes, and writing bibliographies and notes pages. Remember save all your work! This is a portfolio course.
All essay assignments you receive comments on have to be revised prior to resubmission; included with the revision is a student narrative or correction essay to me regarding your understanding of what needed to be done; a student can prepare this as a part of the Writing Center visit (see below), especially if said student is unclear over what steps to take. SPHE will assist students with this response.
Cyber-Assignments
These often daily assignments are posted on the class blog: http://professorsabirsposse.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.
Library Orientations:
TBA
We will write short essays that reflect themes and ideas discussed that week. Some of these essays will be written in class and posted on the class blog: http://professorsabirsposse.blogspot.com/
The research essay will be an argument. There will be a midterm (SPHE) and a final (portfolio essay and presentation) along with a Book Report Essay which is a biography or autobiography.
Jot down briefly what your goals are this semester. List them in order of importance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Homework Assignment 1:
Email the following data to me by August 20, 2013: coasabirenglish201@gmail.com
Please include: your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address, 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?
Homework Assignment 2:
Respond on the blog to the syllabus, so I have a record of your reading it. Make sure you include examples from the syllabus to support your points. The response is due by August 21, 2013, 12 noon.
Write a comment to me regarding the syllabus: your impressions, whether you think it is reasonable, questions, suggestions. This is our contract, I need to know you read it and understand the agreement.
Grading
Weekly essays: 20 percent
Cyber Assignments: 10 percent
Midterm: 10 percent
Final: 15 percent
Research Essay/Presentation: 5-10 percent
Portfolio: 15 percent
Office Hour Visits or instructor contacts (5 for the semester): 5-10 percent. This includes a reflection on the visit sent as a follow-up.
Each book (Virgin and Book Report Essay) will have collected writings or essays. This in itself is its own “portfolio.” The essays which take their themes from the books are practice essays, and are about a fourth of your grade, your midterm and final are another fourth and your portfolio is the final fourth. (Save all of your work.) 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 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 or Essay Narratives
All 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 in office hours for assistance; again, prepare your questions in advance to best make use of the time. Do not leave class without understanding the comments on a paper. I don’t mind reviewing them with you.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Reading:
Analyze and evaluate a variety of written material for relevance and validity in
academic, professional and social situations.
Writing:
Compose and critique written responses to reading materials and scenarios in
academic, professional and social situations.
Critical Thinking:
Synthesize information from a variety of sources and formulate original ideas
based on evidence in academic, professional and social situations.
Diverse Perspectives:
Recognize the vastness of perspectives in today’s society and integrate those
perspectives into a personal world view.
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
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, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in D-219 located in the D-216 suite.
My campus number is (510) 748-2286. Leave messages on my cell number. I am available on Monday afternoon by appointment after 3:30 p.m. as well. Tuesdays I am available by appointment after College Hour. I will give students my mobile number, please use it to text and call when you have questions.
The email I check is: coasabirenglish201@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.
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. There are study rooms available in the library. Ask at the reference desk.
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.
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.
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. See Admissions and Records.
Textbooks Recap:
Juanita, Judy. Virgin Soul. New York: Viking, 2013. Print.
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.
Recommended:
Hacker, Diane. Rules for Writers. 6-7th Editions. Boston/New York: Bedford/St. Martins. Print.
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 is subject to change, at the instructor's discretion, so stay loose and flexible.
Comments:
Marco Ochoa
Professor Sabir
English 201 A
21 August, 2013
Syllabus Response
Professor Sabir,
I have read the syllabus and it is pretty straight forward, it is a solid outline for the class and I am really looking forward to all the assignments and projects planned. I understood most of the syllabus, there were a few things that concerned me like the cyber assignments and the Library Orientations, but besides that everything appears great and I am actually really excited to read the books that we are reading in class.
On the topic of the cyber assignments, I don't understand how those are going to work exactly. What I understood was that there will be daily assignments posted on your "BlogSpot" blog, so does that mean that we need to check your post everyday? What kind of assignments will they be? Will we have homework on top of the cyber assignment of the day? The paragraph about the Cyber Assignments is really vague in the syllabus and it would really help if you could explain in more detail. Also on this topic, it says that "we are required to engage each other in conversation for two minutes," so would that be in class or also be online via Skype or another similar program? This section of the syllabus could be explained in greater detail.
Another section that could be explained in greater detail is the "Library Orientation" section. It says, "To Be Announced,"
what exactly does that mean? Are we going to meet in the Library on certain days? It also says, "We will write short essays that reflect themes and ideas discussed that week," so does that mean that we are going to go once a week and write an in class essay? I also noticed that this section talks about our research paper and book reports so will we have time to work on them on these days that we meet in the library? If we are allowed to use our laptops in class couldn't we just get a little time in class to do the assignments in class? Not everyone has a laptop, so that is probably why, but my biggest concern was the reflection essays. Does that also mean that we are going to writing a lot of in class essays? I actually wouldn't mind doing that and I'm actually really looking forward to the class like I am really excited for the books that we are going to read.
I am really excited to read Virgin Soul, the fact that the book takes place in Oakland and the main character is such a strong and powerful inspirational character, that just makes me want to read it even more. Oakland is my home town and I know a lot about the history of Oakland and how dangerous and violent it used to be and the fact that this book was written in from the perspective of one of Black Panther Party just makes me that much more excited for the book and I am really glad that we get to read it in this class.
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Kendy Lee
Professor Sabir
English 201A
21 August 2013
Syllabus Response
I think the syllabus is well informed and very reasonable. The syllabus is something I can look back to whenever I might need a reminder. I think the syllabus will be a good help for those who will forget important information and details in the future.
I have a couple of questions to ask. 1) What if on finals day, students have another final that clashes with their time schedule on the same day? And what should students do? 2) For essay revisions, must students ask a teacher or tutor to revise their work? Or can they ask an educated adult for assistance?
Although I do not read many books, I will try to engage myself in reading in this class. I recently found a useful website that might help other students in finding books they need in school with a low budget cost. The website is called slugbooks.com and this site compares the prices of books in other websites to see which is best for people. Even though the website gives really low prices, not all will give the lowest price. Sometimes when the book is brand new, the lower price may not be much different from the original. So looking for used book on this website would be the best. This website is just a suggestion for students who do not have time to look for book at the bookstore or do not have the budget to buy one.
Professor Sabir
English 201A
21 August 2013
Syllabus Response
I think the syllabus is well informed and very reasonable. The syllabus is something I can look back to whenever I might need a reminder. I think the syllabus will be a good help for those who will forget important information and details in the future.
I have a couple of questions to ask. 1) What if on finals day, students have another final that clashes with their time schedule on the same day? And what should students do? 2) For essay revisions, must students ask a teacher or tutor to revise their work? Or can they ask an educated adult for assistance?
Although I do not read many books, I will try to engage myself in reading in this class. I recently found a useful website that might help other students in finding books they need in school with a low budget cost. The website is called slugbooks.com and this site compares the prices of books in other websites to see which is best for people. Even though the website gives really low prices, not all will give the lowest price. Sometimes when the book is brand new, the lower price may not be much different from the original. So looking for used book on this website would be the best. This website is just a suggestion for students who do not have time to look for book at the bookstore or do not have the budget to buy one.
Yihan Tang
Professor Sabir
English 201A
21 August 2013
Syllabus response
The book that is required, “Stewart Pidd Hates English” seems very fit for our levels and needs in English language. For me, I really hope that I get a chance to work on my grammar and to get to know more about different types of words and when to use them. Like the syllabus stated, although the substance and content of the author are much more important than the grammar, the grammar is still the soul of the writing, if the author doesn’t know how to express his or her ideas and feelings through the words, the audience will never understand the good points and the good things will never be displayed.
I am also very interested in the novel that we are about to read: “Virgin Soul”, it is about an African American girl from Oakland in the 60s trying her best of the best to achieve her ambitious goals and how she succeeds. This is a very challenge opportunity for me to improve my English language reading skills throughout the reading; as well as getting to know the black history more, the revolution movements and the positions of women, especially African American women at that period of time. I am quite excited about this book because we are about to experience a journey to see how this brave, strong and ambitious girl go through her hardest time and finally achieve her goals in life, she should always be a remodel.
Finally I want to make some comments on the assignments of the class after reading the whole syllabus. I think the assignments are very fair and vary, not only just taking notes, reading and writing responses, but also I see we will do some very fun activities. For example, we will do some researches throughout the semester and will write some very interesting essays and poems. Like I see we will be writing an essay about an innovative person that had a positive effect in the society. Then we will write about New Heroes, these are very interesting essay topics and options, I am looking forward to them.
Professor Sabir
English 201A
21 August 2013
Syllabus response
The book that is required, “Stewart Pidd Hates English” seems very fit for our levels and needs in English language. For me, I really hope that I get a chance to work on my grammar and to get to know more about different types of words and when to use them. Like the syllabus stated, although the substance and content of the author are much more important than the grammar, the grammar is still the soul of the writing, if the author doesn’t know how to express his or her ideas and feelings through the words, the audience will never understand the good points and the good things will never be displayed.
I am also very interested in the novel that we are about to read: “Virgin Soul”, it is about an African American girl from Oakland in the 60s trying her best of the best to achieve her ambitious goals and how she succeeds. This is a very challenge opportunity for me to improve my English language reading skills throughout the reading; as well as getting to know the black history more, the revolution movements and the positions of women, especially African American women at that period of time. I am quite excited about this book because we are about to experience a journey to see how this brave, strong and ambitious girl go through her hardest time and finally achieve her goals in life, she should always be a remodel.
Finally I want to make some comments on the assignments of the class after reading the whole syllabus. I think the assignments are very fair and vary, not only just taking notes, reading and writing responses, but also I see we will do some very fun activities. For example, we will do some researches throughout the semester and will write some very interesting essays and poems. Like I see we will be writing an essay about an innovative person that had a positive effect in the society. Then we will write about New Heroes, these are very interesting essay topics and options, I am looking forward to them.
Sonia Reyes
Professor Sabir
English 201b
21 August 2013
Syllabus Response
I read the syllabus and I found it to be pretty straight forward. I like the fact that you say that students should not leave the class without understanding the comments on their papers and how you are willing to explain what we do not understand. That makes me feel comfortable to know that I can ask questions when needed.
Cyber-Assignments are going to be a part of this class as specified in the syllabus. That will be a bit of a challenge for me because I am not that good at working on the computer. That will be something that I will definitely have to work on.
I look forward to reading Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita as well as working with the work book Stewart Pidd Hates English.
I also see that we will have to keep a vocabulary log of words that we do not understand so that we can look up and use in a sentence so that we can become accustomed to new words and be able to use them regularly and in the correct way.
Professor Sabir
English 201b
21 August 2013
Syllabus Response
I read the syllabus and I found it to be pretty straight forward. I like the fact that you say that students should not leave the class without understanding the comments on their papers and how you are willing to explain what we do not understand. That makes me feel comfortable to know that I can ask questions when needed.
Cyber-Assignments are going to be a part of this class as specified in the syllabus. That will be a bit of a challenge for me because I am not that good at working on the computer. That will be something that I will definitely have to work on.
I look forward to reading Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita as well as working with the work book Stewart Pidd Hates English.
I also see that we will have to keep a vocabulary log of words that we do not understand so that we can look up and use in a sentence so that we can become accustomed to new words and be able to use them regularly and in the correct way.
Peter Roque English 201A
Dear Professor Sabir,
I think that the syllabus if reasonable. It shows everything that we will be doing really well. It took me a while to come up with a question at all for the syllabus. It's pretty straight forward and gives off very detailed facts in each section. Such as in the section of "Course objectives", it shows clearly on what the main goal is in the semester and what some other smaller goals in this class are.
I am very excited to read about virgin soul. It sounds like a terrific story that talk about an important part of the bay areas past and how people grew up with that type of movement. The best part that got me is that it is based on a true story and is written by someone who was actually in the black panthers. The book of Stewart Pidd Hates English, seems interesting. The way they tell a story and gets you thinking on what he is doing wrong is an interesting concept. This will surely make me want to think about my own errors when reading or writing.
I have never made a portfolio before. After reading the syllabus, I have gotten a more clear idea on how it will work out. The idea of keeping a vocabulary log for the semester is a good idea. You truly do learn from you’re mistakes. Hopefully writing down our mistakes will help us to break bad habits and will improve our vocabulary and reading skills.
Throughout the year I know I will come across some questions about the class but I know that if I go back and look at the syllabus, it should clear up my question.
Dear Professor Sabir,
I think that the syllabus if reasonable. It shows everything that we will be doing really well. It took me a while to come up with a question at all for the syllabus. It's pretty straight forward and gives off very detailed facts in each section. Such as in the section of "Course objectives", it shows clearly on what the main goal is in the semester and what some other smaller goals in this class are.
I am very excited to read about virgin soul. It sounds like a terrific story that talk about an important part of the bay areas past and how people grew up with that type of movement. The best part that got me is that it is based on a true story and is written by someone who was actually in the black panthers. The book of Stewart Pidd Hates English, seems interesting. The way they tell a story and gets you thinking on what he is doing wrong is an interesting concept. This will surely make me want to think about my own errors when reading or writing.
I have never made a portfolio before. After reading the syllabus, I have gotten a more clear idea on how it will work out. The idea of keeping a vocabulary log for the semester is a good idea. You truly do learn from you’re mistakes. Hopefully writing down our mistakes will help us to break bad habits and will improve our vocabulary and reading skills.
Throughout the year I know I will come across some questions about the class but I know that if I go back and look at the syllabus, it should clear up my question.
Kimberly James
Professor Sabir
English 201A and 201B
August 21, 2013
Syllabus Response
I do understand that this is a contract. I have read, understand, and agree to the syllabus. I think this syllabus is very reasonable. I understand the materials I need are a pens, blue or black ink, paper, stapler or paper clips, a jump drive, a notebook, a three hole punch, a folder, a binder to keep all work organized and together and dictionary, preferably The American Heritage Dictionary Fourth Edition. Along with that I am aware that I need The Virgin Soul book and Stewart Pidd Hates English textbook.
I do have a question about the essay that is due on The Virgin Soul. When do you expect or recommend us to be done reading the book and when are the essays due? Also, for the research project can we form groups with other students in the class, research together, and do our presentations together on the day of the final?
I understand that daily assignments are posted on our class blog on http://professorsabirsposse.blogspot.com/ I think that making this for your students is very helpful! Whenever we need to post a comment we should make sure we include a heading, student name, Professor Sabir, English 201A or 201B, the date, and our syllabus response.
I am very excited to start this class and I am ready for whatever assignment you give me. I am very determined and striving for success!
Professor Sabir
English 201A and 201B
August 21, 2013
Syllabus Response
I do understand that this is a contract. I have read, understand, and agree to the syllabus. I think this syllabus is very reasonable. I understand the materials I need are a pens, blue or black ink, paper, stapler or paper clips, a jump drive, a notebook, a three hole punch, a folder, a binder to keep all work organized and together and dictionary, preferably The American Heritage Dictionary Fourth Edition. Along with that I am aware that I need The Virgin Soul book and Stewart Pidd Hates English textbook.
I do have a question about the essay that is due on The Virgin Soul. When do you expect or recommend us to be done reading the book and when are the essays due? Also, for the research project can we form groups with other students in the class, research together, and do our presentations together on the day of the final?
I understand that daily assignments are posted on our class blog on http://professorsabirsposse.blogspot.com/ I think that making this for your students is very helpful! Whenever we need to post a comment we should make sure we include a heading, student name, Professor Sabir, English 201A or 201B, the date, and our syllabus response.
I am very excited to start this class and I am ready for whatever assignment you give me. I am very determined and striving for success!
So far, your comments are excellent! They show that the writer has read the syllabus completely.
I am glad you are looking forward to reading Virgin Soul Peter. Do you plan on attending the book reading next week? Take your book with you to get an autograph from Ms. Juanita.
The book is certainly a page turner. I am looking forward to your impressions once we get started mid-Sept.
I am glad you are looking forward to reading Virgin Soul Peter. Do you plan on attending the book reading next week? Take your book with you to get an autograph from Ms. Juanita.
The book is certainly a page turner. I am looking forward to your impressions once we get started mid-Sept.
Syllabus Response
Delgermaa Ailtgui
Professor Sabir
English 201B
August 21 2013
I’m glad that this class is concentrated on the writing. Writing is a big part of English. I’m not very good at writing essays and such so I’d like to learn how to write professionally because my plan is to transfer to a 4 year college so I wouldn’t have a hard time.
I noticed the syllabus’ section where it explains more about the grades and portfolio: “Grades are not necessarily the best response to work; grades do not take into consideration the effort or time spent.” Most students care about their grades more than their efforts. There are times that the teachers don’t see the students’ efforts as well. Grades are important, but the effort and being not lazy makes us know the adventure of studying. I think that as long as we not sit back, we will get the grades that we deserve.
The workbook Stewart Pidd Hates English seems interesting because everyone do mistakes unintentionally. I expect that this workbook will help us to not give up and learn from our mistakes.
Delgermaa Ailtgui
Professor Sabir
English 201B
August 21 2013
I’m glad that this class is concentrated on the writing. Writing is a big part of English. I’m not very good at writing essays and such so I’d like to learn how to write professionally because my plan is to transfer to a 4 year college so I wouldn’t have a hard time.
I noticed the syllabus’ section where it explains more about the grades and portfolio: “Grades are not necessarily the best response to work; grades do not take into consideration the effort or time spent.” Most students care about their grades more than their efforts. There are times that the teachers don’t see the students’ efforts as well. Grades are important, but the effort and being not lazy makes us know the adventure of studying. I think that as long as we not sit back, we will get the grades that we deserve.
The workbook Stewart Pidd Hates English seems interesting because everyone do mistakes unintentionally. I expect that this workbook will help us to not give up and learn from our mistakes.
Nohemi Romero
Professor Sabir
English 201A
August 21st, 2013
Syllabus Response
I am excited to read the book “Virgin Soul” by Judy Juanita because of the mention of the Black Panther Party. I hope that as I continue to read this book I will learn more about them and the time period. I have already read up to page 20, and find the book to be an easy read and I hope that the book will pick up soon to the part where Geniece gets involved with the Black Panthers. I plan on attending the book reading next week in the Main Library too. I am also interested in reading “Stewart Pidd Hates English” which will be a great resource for me so that I can improve on my grammar.
At the end of this course I hope to have earned an A, which I need to get into English 1A and have learned to analyze a variety of written material for relevance, critique written responses, synthesize information from a variety of sources, and to recognize the vastness of perspectives in today’s society. I want to be able to write an essay where I can express everything I want to say while keeping the audience engaged and understand me.
I feel that this syllabus is very reasonable and if I should have any questions in the future then I will make an appointment for Office hours on Mondays and Tuesdays afternoons after 3:30pm or email you at coasabirenglish201@gmail.com. Also if I should ever be absent, then I will ask my fellow classmates what we did on the days I missed and what was assigned for homework.
Professor Sabir
English 201A
August 21st, 2013
Syllabus Response
I am excited to read the book “Virgin Soul” by Judy Juanita because of the mention of the Black Panther Party. I hope that as I continue to read this book I will learn more about them and the time period. I have already read up to page 20, and find the book to be an easy read and I hope that the book will pick up soon to the part where Geniece gets involved with the Black Panthers. I plan on attending the book reading next week in the Main Library too. I am also interested in reading “Stewart Pidd Hates English” which will be a great resource for me so that I can improve on my grammar.
At the end of this course I hope to have earned an A, which I need to get into English 1A and have learned to analyze a variety of written material for relevance, critique written responses, synthesize information from a variety of sources, and to recognize the vastness of perspectives in today’s society. I want to be able to write an essay where I can express everything I want to say while keeping the audience engaged and understand me.
I feel that this syllabus is very reasonable and if I should have any questions in the future then I will make an appointment for Office hours on Mondays and Tuesdays afternoons after 3:30pm or email you at coasabirenglish201@gmail.com. Also if I should ever be absent, then I will ask my fellow classmates what we did on the days I missed and what was assigned for homework.
Jessica Rosas
Professor Sabir
English 201 B
August 21, 2013
Syllabus Response
Comprehension between Lines
In every course instructors give us a bunch of pages, which they call syllabus. This is a type of agreement or contract between the student and professor exclusively. For my English class, this agreement looks pretty good to me. Regardless to the distribution of the assignments percentages, I think that the values are quite right. In fact, this is very important to me. However, there are many other things that I am concern about, such the portfolio, the essays, and the reading.
First of all, I never have done a portfolio before and this make feel worry. Even though professor Sabir briefly explains what a portfolio will be and it sounds like an easy thing to do. I am prefer to be aware about this. About what I read in the syllabus, it looks like if the portfolio is a compilation of all my work during the semester. If this is the portfolio all about I believe that is not hard to keep all my work.
Then there are the essays, they appear to be just a few, but consider my grammar issues and other problems writing papers. I think I have a lot to work on in order to do successfully essays. I think this part of the course will be my challenge this semester.
Finally, the reading is what I am worry the most because honestly, I heat read because I don’t understand all the words, since Spanish is my primary language. It is hard and tedious to me have to read all this pages but I understand that this will help me to improve my English skills and day by day master the language.
Professor Sabir
English 201 B
August 21, 2013
Syllabus Response
Comprehension between Lines
In every course instructors give us a bunch of pages, which they call syllabus. This is a type of agreement or contract between the student and professor exclusively. For my English class, this agreement looks pretty good to me. Regardless to the distribution of the assignments percentages, I think that the values are quite right. In fact, this is very important to me. However, there are many other things that I am concern about, such the portfolio, the essays, and the reading.
First of all, I never have done a portfolio before and this make feel worry. Even though professor Sabir briefly explains what a portfolio will be and it sounds like an easy thing to do. I am prefer to be aware about this. About what I read in the syllabus, it looks like if the portfolio is a compilation of all my work during the semester. If this is the portfolio all about I believe that is not hard to keep all my work.
Then there are the essays, they appear to be just a few, but consider my grammar issues and other problems writing papers. I think I have a lot to work on in order to do successfully essays. I think this part of the course will be my challenge this semester.
Finally, the reading is what I am worry the most because honestly, I heat read because I don’t understand all the words, since Spanish is my primary language. It is hard and tedious to me have to read all this pages but I understand that this will help me to improve my English skills and day by day master the language.
Gerlanda Gelin
Prof.Sabir
English201B
August 21, 2013
Syllabus Blog Response
At first I thought the syllabus was strict as I read it through I realized that the syllabus is not as hard as I thought. I personally believe the syllabus is fair enough for this level. I still have many questions that I want to ask about the syllabus. Furthermore, in the second page I read about the research project which is not really clear to me. In my understanding I supposed that as student we need to look for a group, that business or movement has impact society in a positive way. I see that there are some example stated in the syllabus about the Black Panther Party for self-defense and many more such as, UAACC, and it supposed to be 2-4 pages long. My question is when exactly do we suppose to turn it in? The new Heroes what is that exactly a documentation or lecture? Why do we have to post comment on the blogs? Thus, I do have hard times understanding the student learning outcomes. I’m not sure if this is what you for us students to be able to accomplish at the end of the semester. However this is not as hard as I expected to be but I do think we have too many books to read for the class. Since we are going to write essays I think the number of books should be one in my opinion. Lastly, I’m looking forward to give my best performance in your and prepare myself for English 1A.
Prof.Sabir
English201B
August 21, 2013
Syllabus Blog Response
At first I thought the syllabus was strict as I read it through I realized that the syllabus is not as hard as I thought. I personally believe the syllabus is fair enough for this level. I still have many questions that I want to ask about the syllabus. Furthermore, in the second page I read about the research project which is not really clear to me. In my understanding I supposed that as student we need to look for a group, that business or movement has impact society in a positive way. I see that there are some example stated in the syllabus about the Black Panther Party for self-defense and many more such as, UAACC, and it supposed to be 2-4 pages long. My question is when exactly do we suppose to turn it in? The new Heroes what is that exactly a documentation or lecture? Why do we have to post comment on the blogs? Thus, I do have hard times understanding the student learning outcomes. I’m not sure if this is what you for us students to be able to accomplish at the end of the semester. However this is not as hard as I expected to be but I do think we have too many books to read for the class. Since we are going to write essays I think the number of books should be one in my opinion. Lastly, I’m looking forward to give my best performance in your and prepare myself for English 1A.
Rodrigo Elenes
Professor sabir
English 201B
21 august 2013
Syllabus response
I am a freshman in college. I have never reviewed a syllabus. However, I can say that the syllabus you provided us is of great help. My family and friends had mention that when I went to college I would receive a Syllabus. Now that I have it I can see that it’s like a road-map for the class. This is my “go to” whenever I need to know what is due next. In the first page I could see the date of my finals. This will allow me to prepare for it. I can also see in the second page that I will be having a research project. And over it lets me get prepare for it. Furthermore the syllabus explains the homework assignments requirement it talks about no late papers and any papers below a c grade will be revised or we will have to rewrite. And now that I read that getting a C or lower grade makes me prepare for and A. So I don’t have to rewrite and worry about it anymore. The grading section gives me a good picture on how much every little assignment from weekly essays to my finals. This syllabus is an amazing tool you have gave us to refer back to at any time. I believe the syllabus is not long and I believe it’s reasonable. I read it and I understand every little thing and I agree to the agreement.
Professor sabir
English 201B
21 august 2013
Syllabus response
I am a freshman in college. I have never reviewed a syllabus. However, I can say that the syllabus you provided us is of great help. My family and friends had mention that when I went to college I would receive a Syllabus. Now that I have it I can see that it’s like a road-map for the class. This is my “go to” whenever I need to know what is due next. In the first page I could see the date of my finals. This will allow me to prepare for it. I can also see in the second page that I will be having a research project. And over it lets me get prepare for it. Furthermore the syllabus explains the homework assignments requirement it talks about no late papers and any papers below a c grade will be revised or we will have to rewrite. And now that I read that getting a C or lower grade makes me prepare for and A. So I don’t have to rewrite and worry about it anymore. The grading section gives me a good picture on how much every little assignment from weekly essays to my finals. This syllabus is an amazing tool you have gave us to refer back to at any time. I believe the syllabus is not long and I believe it’s reasonable. I read it and I understand every little thing and I agree to the agreement.
Marco Ochoa
Professor Sabir
English 201 A
21 August, 2013
Syllabus Response
Professor Sabir,
I have read the syllabus and it is pretty straight forward, it is a solid outline for the class and I am really looking forward to all the assignments and projects planned. I understood most of the syllabus, there were a few things that concerned me like the cyber assignments and the Library Orientations, but besides that everything appears great and I am actually really excited to read the books that we are reading in class.
On the topic of the cyber assignments, I don't understand how those are going to work exactly. What I understood was that there will be daily assignments posted on your "BlogSpot" blog, so does that mean that we need to check your post everyday? What kind of assignments will they be? Will we have homework on top of the cyber assignment of the day? The paragraph about the Cyber Assignments is really vague in the syllabus and it would really help if you could explain in more detail. Also on this topic, it says that "we are required to engage each other in conversation for two minutes," so would that be in class or also be online via Skype or another similar program? This section of the syllabus could be explained in greater detail.
Another section that could be explained in greater detail is the "Library Orientation" section. It says, "To Be Announced,"
what exactly does that mean? Are we going to meet in the Library on certain days? It also says, "We will write short essays that reflect themes and ideas discussed that week," so does that mean that we are going to go once a week and write an in class essay? I also noticed that this section talks about our research paper and book reports so will we have time to work on them on these days that we meet in the library? If we are allowed to use our laptops in class couldn't we just get a little time in class to do the assignments in class? Not everyone has a laptop, so that is probably why, but my biggest concern was the reflection essays. Does that also mean that we are going to writing a lot of in class essays? I actually wouldn't mind doing that and I'm actually really looking forward to the class like I am really excited for the books that we are going to read.
I am really excited to read Virgin Soul, the fact that the book takes place in Oakland and the main character is such a strong and powerful inspirational character, that just makes me want to read it even more. Oakland is my home town and I know a lot about the history of Oakland and how dangerous and violent it used to be and the fact that this book was written in from the perspective of one of Black Panther Party just makes me that much more excited for the book and I am really glad that we get to read it in this class.
Ramona Gabriel
Professor Sabir
English 201B
21 August 2013
Syllabus response
I think this syllabus is really great, because is very organize and easy to read. I am looking forward to reading all the books besides, Stewart Pidd Hates English. I do not like this book at all because I had worked in this book before in the past. But, I think that we should get together as a class to do a study group in the library on campus. I think that this would be fun because this is one way for us as a class to get to know one another. I never heard of judy juanita before, but I know it will be very interesting and fun to read.
Professor Sabir
English 201B
21 August 2013
Syllabus response
I think this syllabus is really great, because is very organize and easy to read. I am looking forward to reading all the books besides, Stewart Pidd Hates English. I do not like this book at all because I had worked in this book before in the past. But, I think that we should get together as a class to do a study group in the library on campus. I think that this would be fun because this is one way for us as a class to get to know one another. I never heard of judy juanita before, but I know it will be very interesting and fun to read.
# posted by 
: 11:21 PM
: 11:21 PM
Amanda Man
08.21.13
English 201A
Syllabus Response
I feel that the syllabus is reasonable and just straight forward. Now i know what is acceptable and unacceptable in your class. I know what materials to bring in such as pens, notebooks and what textbooks we will be using. I also like that "grades are not the necessarily best response to work" because I feel that if you put enough effort then thats all the should matter. I like the fact that if I dont understand some of the material covered during class I can set up an appointment during the weekdays and ask my questions. It makes me feel a lot more confident about being able to pass this class . I'm also looking forward to reading The Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita. It sounds interesting and sounds like a woman empowering book. Another thing I would like to add is that i like that daily assignments are posted online and im able to look up what happened on a day that i might have missed or whether i forgot what the homework assignment was .
08.21.13
English 201A
Syllabus Response
I feel that the syllabus is reasonable and just straight forward. Now i know what is acceptable and unacceptable in your class. I know what materials to bring in such as pens, notebooks and what textbooks we will be using. I also like that "grades are not the necessarily best response to work" because I feel that if you put enough effort then thats all the should matter. I like the fact that if I dont understand some of the material covered during class I can set up an appointment during the weekdays and ask my questions. It makes me feel a lot more confident about being able to pass this class . I'm also looking forward to reading The Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita. It sounds interesting and sounds like a woman empowering book. Another thing I would like to add is that i like that daily assignments are posted online and im able to look up what happened on a day that i might have missed or whether i forgot what the homework assignment was .
Frankie Singh
Professor Sabir
English 201B
21 August 2013
Syllabus Response
Dear Professor,
The syllabus is really easy, interesting and understandable. Syllabus is the important part of the class that helps us to keep track of the assignments, projects, holiday and everything else. Syllabus should always be understandable. Syllabus shows that we have to write down the three essays. It is very amazing to write an essay about the book Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita. This book will be very interesting like the professor tells in her review of the book. I’m looking forward to read this book. In the second essay we have a choice to write about some topics. I think it is very good that we can write about some problems or positive things and share them with every one else. Third essay will be the best part for me to write because I’t will be very interesting to find a person and research on his business. I always liked this kind of things. I will try my best to write a perfect essay. I’m very grateful that professor gave her cellphone number and her email address to all the students. Anyone can ask her for help anytime.
Stewart Pidd Hates English is an easy book to read but it has a lot to learn. This book will definitely will help me in my grammar. I will be trying to improve my reading, writing and speaking. I will focus and I will try to do my homework and classwork on time.
Professor Sabir
English 201B
21 August 2013
Syllabus Response
Dear Professor,
The syllabus is really easy, interesting and understandable. Syllabus is the important part of the class that helps us to keep track of the assignments, projects, holiday and everything else. Syllabus should always be understandable. Syllabus shows that we have to write down the three essays. It is very amazing to write an essay about the book Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita. This book will be very interesting like the professor tells in her review of the book. I’m looking forward to read this book. In the second essay we have a choice to write about some topics. I think it is very good that we can write about some problems or positive things and share them with every one else. Third essay will be the best part for me to write because I’t will be very interesting to find a person and research on his business. I always liked this kind of things. I will try my best to write a perfect essay. I’m very grateful that professor gave her cellphone number and her email address to all the students. Anyone can ask her for help anytime.
Stewart Pidd Hates English is an easy book to read but it has a lot to learn. This book will definitely will help me in my grammar. I will be trying to improve my reading, writing and speaking. I will focus and I will try to do my homework and classwork on time.
Tsatsral Tsendsuren
Professor Sabir
English 201A
21 August 2013
Syllabus response
From the syllabus, I’m more interested in our text book called “Steward Pidd Hates English” because the fictional character, Steward Pidd doesn’t like English that much and his writing tasks was not good. Therefore, it’s interesting for me to know how he improved his writing tasks and how did he able to write this book. While I’m studying this book, I want to improve my writing tasks as well as Steward Pidd did. Also I’m looking forward to read “Virgin Soul” by Judy Juanita, and planning to attend the book event.
The information for Essay 2 (Student Choice) has already given me an idea that what should I write about, and I have a question for the assignment. Can I write about a book that I have read during the summer, or should I read a new book for the assignment? Also I need more information about Third Essay or Final essay and New Heroes assignment. I hope, you will give us more information on a day before the assignment.
It’s my first semester in a college, so I would like to visit my teachers by their office hour to know them better and about the school. Also I was happy to hear that we can jump up to English 1A, if students get an A in English 201A because it was what I was going to ask about.
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Professor Sabir
English 201A
21 August 2013
Syllabus response
From the syllabus, I’m more interested in our text book called “Steward Pidd Hates English” because the fictional character, Steward Pidd doesn’t like English that much and his writing tasks was not good. Therefore, it’s interesting for me to know how he improved his writing tasks and how did he able to write this book. While I’m studying this book, I want to improve my writing tasks as well as Steward Pidd did. Also I’m looking forward to read “Virgin Soul” by Judy Juanita, and planning to attend the book event.
The information for Essay 2 (Student Choice) has already given me an idea that what should I write about, and I have a question for the assignment. Can I write about a book that I have read during the summer, or should I read a new book for the assignment? Also I need more information about Third Essay or Final essay and New Heroes assignment. I hope, you will give us more information on a day before the assignment.
It’s my first semester in a college, so I would like to visit my teachers by their office hour to know them better and about the school. Also I was happy to hear that we can jump up to English 1A, if students get an A in English 201A because it was what I was going to ask about.
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