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English 1302| Writing and Rhetoric II

Spring 2023

Instructor Name: Jennifer Guerra, M.A.

Office: Faculty Center 113
Telephone: (look for snoopy and pink stuff)
Email: Jennifer.Guerra@tamucc.edu
Program Website: www.writingandrhetoric-jfg.weebly.com/Blackboard

Office Hours: Mon/Wed. 8:30-9:30

Format: Face-to-face T/TH 9:30-10:45 & 12:30-1:45

ENGL 1302 Course Description

Principles, techniques, and processes of written composition, textual analysis, and critical thinking.

English 1302 builds on the concepts of writing studies, rhetoric, and academic research
(information literacy) introduced in ENGL 1301. Students will read, apply, and reflect on the current
research and scholarship in writing studies, especially threshold concepts, kinds of knowledge
about writing, and rhetoric. Students will learn how to transfer, deepen, and extend their ability to
use writing in discipline-specific, workplace, and civic contexts.

Student Outcomes:

1. COMPOSE STRATEGICALLY: Modify writing for different rhetorical situations (academic,

workplace, and/or civic contexts), audiences, purposes, and genres (among other factors).

2. USE INFORMATION STRATEGICALLY: Use information and evidence, consider warrants,

and weigh disparate viewpoints, within the situational constraints.

3. MAKE LANGUAGE CHOICES: Demonstrate awareness, creativity, and control of

situation-appropriate conventions of language use.

4. TAKE RISKS: Step outside one’s comfort zone, be willing to fail, try something new.

5. COLLABORATE: Complete activities and/or projects as a member of a team.

6. EVALUATE: Evaluate choices and actions, and relate consequences to that decision
making.
Core Outcomes: As part of the University Core Curriculum, the ENGL 1302 helps students
achieve these Core Curriculum Outcomes:
● Critical Thinking: Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.
● Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas through written
communication.
● Teamwork: Integrate different viewpoints as a member of a team.
● Personal Responsibility: Evaluate choices and actions, and relate consequences to decision
making.
Key Terms
• Rhetorical Situation: audience, purpose, context, exigency, threshold concepts, voice
• Genre and genre conventions
• Research as Learning / Information Literacy
• Writing Processes: planning, researching, drafting, sharing and responding, revising,
editing, publishing, reflecting
• Reflection, metacognition, transfer/expansion
• Discourse Communities and/or Activity Systems
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English 1302 Textbook and Materials Required:
Bad Ideas About Writing by Cheryl E. Ball & Drew M. Loewe
Suggested - Available free online
• Adler-Kassner, Linda and Elizabeth Wardle, eds. (2016) Naming What We Know: Threshold
Concepts of Writing Studies, Classroom Edition. (paper or electronic).
• ACRL. (2015) ''Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.''
http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework.
• CWPA, NCTE, NWP. (2011). "Framework for Success in Post-secondary Writing."Download
PDF.
• Ball & Loewe, eds. (2017). Bad Ideas about Writing (read online or download PDF) https://
textbooks.lib.wvu.edu/badideas/index.html. WVU Libraries.
• Caulfield. (2017). Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers.
https://webliteracy.pressbooks.com/
• Access Islander account, Blackboard, and One Drive/Google Drive

Grade Distribution 1000 possible points

Any changes will be posted.

Attendance/Participation 200 points, Midterm Portfolio:

includes: 300 points
• Attendance is taken via daily journal entries • Profession Reviews
that must be completed in class. • Expectations
• You are only allowed 2 excused absences • Personal Statement
• Professional documentation
without university approval.
• Works Cited
• While the university must approve over 2
• Peer/Professional Review
absences, please let me know so we can • Drafts
make a plan to help you complete the term.

Chapter Reviews 200: Final Project

• Book Reviews style
presentations of assigned
chapters from the text.(Don't
panic, each student will be
assigned different sections.)
• Discussion and presentation of
these reviews are part of the
grade.
300 points
• Information Gathering Proposal
• Source Log
• Annotated Bibliography
• Synthesis (several form options)
• Reflection on research and the
semester.
• Drafts and Peer/Pro Reviews

Late Work:

The approval of an extension or acceptance is entirely at my discretion, and will depend on the reason
for your absence, your record of completion of work, and attendance. All extensions must be
confirmed by email. This policy includes weekends. There is no grade penalty if you have an approved
extension. In the email:
• Include your name and section number
• The subject link should read: Extension Request for “Name of Assignment”
• You will need to propose a new due date/time that does not exceed SEVEN days (one week)
past the original due date.
• You will also need to go through SEAS.
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Classroom/Professional Behavior
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as an academic community, requires that each individual respect
the needs of others to study and learn in a peaceful atmosphere. Under Article III of the Student Code
of Conduct, classroom behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the
class or (b) the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program may be considered a
breach of the peace and is subject to disciplinary sanction outlined in article VII of the Student Code of
Conduct. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom. This
prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including classrooms, electronic classrooms, labs,
discussion groups, field trips, etc.

In-class Conduct & Beyond

In general, treat each other and the instructor with respect and follow standards of common
courtesy. Here are a few specifics:
• TURN OFF all cell phones or other electronic communication devices and placethem out of
sight (in a bag, purse, pocket) while in class.
• Do not use your time in English 1301 to work on assignments for other classes.
• All conversations should be constructive and foster communication and understanding,
whether in person on via email. Make sure to think about your tone, word choices, and bein
the right mindset before starting a conversation with your professor.
• WARNING: If you are off task (i.e., facebooking, tweeting, shopping online, texting,
snapchatting, watching videos, gaming, etc.) I will mark you absent, no questions asked,
which affects your grade. In order to succeed in this class, you need to be mentally and
physically present.

Exemplary Labor.
If by our final class day (end of semester),
 you do not miss any classes (above the allowed).
 participates in all activities
 have no late or ignored assignments
 have demonstrated a respectful and helpful attitude toward your classmates and your
professor,(no arguments, name calling, belittling of others, or other disrespect. Only constructive
criticism, solutions not problems, questions that help propel the class grow, a desire to better
yourself and those around you.)
 Then I reserve the right to bump your grade up as seen fit. This rule is meant to reward those
students who engage in all the labor of the course in the fullest spirit asked of them and who
demonstrate themselves to be exemplary class citizens.

This course requires attendance to be able to meet all of the parameters of the assignments. If you cannot or are not
able to commit the time in the classroom as well as out, then you may need to take this course during another semester.

This is a university level writing course and the course work is presented at university level. I am willing to work with
you, and encourage you to meet with me to discuss any questions you may have on the class or assignments. If you
completely miss the mark on an assignment come and meet with me.

I do; however, reserve the right to not re-explain an assignment outside of class and office hours, a week before it is due.
(In other words, don't email the week it is due and ask me to re-teach a months worth of classes).

I want you to succeed, but it will be based on your efforts to complete not only the bare minimum, but the spirit of the
assignments, and pay attention to the details as well as the bigger picture of the assignments.
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Writing Center
The CASA Writing Center at TAMUCC, located in Rooms 112 and 113 of the Glasscock Student Success
Center, provides free help for students at any stage of their writing process. Writing Consultants are
trained to support writers in planning, outlining, drafting, organizing, and/or revising their writing and
are also knowledgeable in citing sources in various documentation styles used in academic writing. It
offers both face-to-face and online appointments for both undergraduate and graduate students. The
Writing Center works closely with faculty across the TAMUCC campus to understand writing in different
disciplines and to help students meet these expectations. The Writing Center encourages students to
make a 30-minute appointment; however, if Writing Consultants are available, they do accept walk-in
appointments. Visit http://casa.tamucc.edu/wc.php to create an account using your
@islander.tamucc.edu email address. Once you have an account, you can log-on to make an
appointment.

Academic Honesty/Plagiarism
Definition: In an instructional setting, plagiarism occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone else’s
language, ideas, or other original (not common-knowledge) material without acknowledging its source.
This definition applies to texts published in print or on-line, to manuscripts, and to the work of other
student writers. Most current discussions of plagiarism fail to distinguish between:

1. Submitting someone else’s text as one’s own or attempting to blur the line between one’s own
ideas or words and those borrowed from another source, and
2. Carelessly or inadequately citing ideas and words borrowed from another source.

Such discussions conflate plagiarism with the misuse of sources. Ethical writers make every effort to
acknowledge sources fully and appropriately in accordance with the contexts and genres of their
writing. (Quoted from “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”)

Plagiarism is a serious violation of departmental and University policies, but it is sometimes difficult to
understand what plagiarism actually is. Often, students commit unintentional plagiarism (not citing
sources properly, for example), because they are unaware of the standards that apply. Plagiarism
includes:

• Using the work of another as your own,

• Downloading or purchasing ready-made essays off the web and using them as your own,
• Using resource materials without correct documentation,
• Using the organization or language of a source without using quote marks and proper citation.
• Turning in a researched project without citing sources in an appropriate documentation style.
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When you are confused about citation of quotes or ideas, please visit the Writing Center or me
to get help. Information on MLA documentation rules and APA documentation rules is
available at Purdue University’s OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/, and from our local
Writing Center atCASA.
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Disabilities Accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation
requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for
reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an
accommodation, please call or visit Disability Services at (361) 825-5816 in Corpus Christi Hall 116. You
can also visit their website at http://disabilityservices.tamucc.edu/ and contact them via e-mail at
disability.services@tamucc.edu. If you are a returning veteran and are experiencing cognitive and/or
physical access issues in the classroom, or on campus, please contact the Disability Services office for
assistance.

Dropping a Class
I hope that you never find it necessary to drop this or any other class. However, events can
sometimes occur that make dropping a course necessary or wise. Please consult with your
academic advisor, the Financial Aid Office, and me, before you decide to drop this course. Should
dropping the course be the best course of action, you must initiate the process to drop the course
by going to University Center 324 and filling out a course drop form. Just stopping attendance and
participation WILL NOT automatically result in your being dropped from the class. You may also submit a
PowerFormSigner online. Friday, November 4, 2022 is the last day to drop a class with an automatic
grade of “W” this term.

Student Grade Appeals

As stated in University Procedure 13.02.99.C0.03, Student Grade Appeal Procedures, a student who
believes that he or she has not been held to appropriate academic standards as outlined in the class
syllabus, equitable evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in
the course. The burden of proof is upon the student to demonstrate the appropriateness of the appeal.
A student with a complaint about a grade is encouraged to first discuss the matter with the instructor.
For complete details, including the responsibilities of the parties involved in the process and the number
of days allowed for completing the steps in the process, see University Procedure 13.02.99.C0.03,
Student Grade Appeal Procedures. These documents are accessible through the University Rules Web
site at https://www.tamucc.edu/governance/rules-procedures/index. For assistance and/or guidance in
the grade appeal process, students may contact the Dean’s office in the college in which the course is
taught or the Office of the Provost.

Academic Advising
The College of Liberal Arts requires that students meet with an Academic Advisor as soon as they are
ready to declare a major. Degree plans are prepared in the CLA Academic Advising Center using
DegreeWorks. Any amendment must be approved by the Department Chair and the Office of the Dean.
All courses and requirements specified in the final degree plan audit must be completed before a degree
will be granted.

• For all students with 0-45 hours earned you will be advised by the Islander Advising Center:
University Services Center (1st Floor), 361-825-3453.
• For CLA students with more than 45 hours earned you will be advised by the CLA Academic
Advising Office: Faculty Center 148, 361-825-3466.
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For all other colleges with more than 45 hours earned, you will be advised by the Advising Center that
oversees your major:
 College of Business: OCNR 120, 361-825-2653
 College of Education and Human Development: FC 201, 361-825-2662
 College of Nursing and Health Sciences: IH (3rd Floor),361-825-2799
 College of Science and Engineering: CI 350D, 361-825-3928

Support for Basic Needs

Insufficient basic needs--food, a safe living space--can affect your performance in classes and make your
university experience more challenging. If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient
food, or you lack a safe and stable place to live, you might consider several resources on campus.

• Contact the Division of Student Engagement and Success for support. Specifically, the office of
Student Assistance provides consultations, resource management, and institutional support for
“extenuating circumstances.” Their website is here:
http://studentaffairs.tamucc.edu/StudentAssistance.html. The Student Assistance Coordinator is
Kristeen Gonzalez. UC318, M-F 8AM-5PM. 361-825-2612
• If you do not have access to or cannot afford sufficient food, be aware that “Izzy’s Food Pantry”
provides on-campus access to food. Find more information here:
http://seas.tamucc.edu/FoodPantry/
• If you feel comfortable doing so, please talk with me and / or your other professors. We may be
able to assist.

Civil Rights Reporting

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is committed to fostering a culture of caring and respect that is
free from discrimination, relationship violence and sexual misconduct, and ensuring that all affected
students have access to services. For information on reporting Civil Rights complaints, options and
support resources (including pregnancy support accommodations) or university policies and procedures,
please contact the University Title IX Coordinator, Sam Ramirez at Samuel.ramirez@tamucc.edu or
Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Rosie Ruiz at Rosie.Ruiz@tamucc.edu ext. 5826, or visit website at Title
IX/Sexual Assault/Pregnancy.

Limits to confidentiality. Essays, journals, and other materials submitted for this class are generally
considered confidential pursuant to the University's student record policies. However, students should
be aware that University employees, including instructors, are not able to maintain confidentiality when
it conflicts with their responsibility to report alleged or suspected civil rights discrimination that is
observed by or made known to an employee in the course and scope of their employment. As the
instructor, I must report allegations of civil rights discrimination, including sexual assault, relationship
violence, stalking, or sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator if you share it with me. These reports
will trigger contact with you from the Civil Rights/Title IX Compliance office who will inform you of your
options and resources regarding the incident that you have shared. If you would like to talk about these
incidents in a confidential setting, you are encouraged to make an appointment with counselors in the
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University Counseling Center.

Campus Emergencies
At TAMU-CC, your safety is a top concern. We actively prepare for natural disasters or human-caused
incidents with the ultimate goal of maintaining a safe and secure campus.
• For any emergency, dial the University Police Department (UPD) at 361-825-4444 or dial 911. It’s
a good idea to have the UPD emergency number (and non-emergency number 361-825-4242)
saved in your cell phone.
• There are nearly 200 classroom telephones throughout campus. If you feel threatened or need
help and don’t have a cell phone, dial 4444 (emergency) or 4242 (non-emergency) to be
connected to UPD.
• If we hear a fire alarm, we will immediately evacuate the building and proceed to the nearest
building exit or evacuation stairway.
o Proceed to the nearest building exit or evacuation stairway. Do not use the elevator. Persons
who need help navigating stairs should proceed to a marked Area of Rescue Assistance, if
possible.
o Persons with disabilities should speak with their faculty about how to best assist themin case of
an emergency.
o Review the evacuation route (see specific Building Emergency Plan).
• TAMU-CC employs the Code Blue Emergency Notification System, an alert system which
connects the campus community during emergency situations.
o The notifications include emails, text and pre-recorded messages, as appropriate.
o Code Blue emergencies may include severe weather warnings, threats, school closures,
delays, evacuations and other incidents which disrupt regular campus activities.
o Students can update personal contact information anytime at
https://emergency.tamucc.edu/contactform/
• Shelter in Place via Code Blue.
o "Shelter-in-place" means to take immediate shelter where you are and may be
implemented for severe weather, hazardous material spills, active shooters or other
dangerous situations.
o If there is a shelter in place for a tornado warning, our preferred location is the bottom
floor of this building, away from windows and doors.
• Active Threat Protocol. There are three things you could do that make a difference if there is an
active threat: Run, Hide, and/or Fight. For more information about the Run, Hide, Fight
protocol, including what to do when law enforcement arrives, visit
http://safety.tamucc.edu/ems/activethreat.html
For the Quick Campus Guide to Campus Emergencies (including a list of Areas of Rescue Assistance and
additional protocols on assisting persons with physical disabilities, hurricanes, bomb threats, animal
bites, crime reporting, elevator entrapment, etc.), visit
https://safety.tamucc.edu/uploads/Site/finalbooklet.pdf

COVID – 19 Campus Safety Measures

While the University does not require face coverings or vaccinations, we encourage every Islander to
consider getting vaccinated, wear a face covering while indoors, and wash your hands frequently to aid
in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should follow testing and campus Covid-19 policies, including
contacting Seas.