Composition and Rhetoric I

The college catalog describes this course as “a multi-paragraph composition course, including language study and the mechanics of writing, with examples from selected readings. Students may be required to achieve a departmentally approved score on a proficiency test before credit for the course may be awarded.” This course uses a variety of methods to support instruction and enhance learning, including but not limited to interactive group work, use of media, online quizzes, and postings to a discussion board.  Each student is expected to go to an assessment center approximately two (2) times during the semester to take exams (including the final) and/or write essays.

All on-campus exams and/or essays must be taken at a LSC assessment center if you are within the college system. If you are outside of the system, you should provide me with the name, phone number, and e-mail address of a proctor at the college assessment center where you will test. Keep in mind, however, that the use of any out-of-system assessment centers is subject to my approval.

Required texts:

  • What It Takes
    • Author: Behrens and Rosen
    • Edition: 2nd
  • Little, Brown Compact Handbook (with MyCompLab)
    • Author: Aaron
    • Edition: 8th

Contact the University Park bookstore (281.401.5323) for price information or go to www.eFollett.com.

ACCESS: For information about registering for the course and obtaining your username and password, as well as other pertinent information about LSC-Online, click here. You will also find helpful material under the Getting Started section on the right side of the screen.

ONLINE ORIENTATION: Once you have enrolled, you must complete an online orientation. This two-part orientation will familiarize you with Angel, the course management system that LSC uses for its online courses. Part 1 of the online orientation can be done outside of the class.  It is a mandatory orientation that must be completed before gaining access to LSC online courses and should be done before the first day of class, January 14. You can find the orientation here.

Part 2 will be completed online once you have logged into the course.  You will complete a series of items that will further prepare you for the activities you will encounter during the semester. (Remember that you will not have access until January 14.)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Some are under the notion that an online class is easier than a face-to-face; this notion is fallacious. Online courses are an alternative form of teaching and learning that offer flexibility and added convenience for a variety of students. The course objectives and expectations are the same as in a traditional course, and the quality of education is equivalent as well. However, taking an online class is a task that requires a great amount of discipline, responsibility and time management skills, sometimes even more than a traditional course. In my experience, those who do not possess these qualities are not as successful in an online environment.

LSC has an optional assessment called SmarterMeasure that you can take to measure your readiness for an online course. Completing the assessment is for your benefit and I will not be privy to your results; just answer honestly and thoughtfully. Though you may still register for the course if your score is low, please carefully consider your decision before doing so. Your best interest should be the successful completion of the course.