Honors Contract: Comp I

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
HONORS PROGRAM

DESCRIPTIONS OF HONORS CONTRACT

 Composition I 

This Honors Contract can be taken concurrently or sequentially (the semester immediately following the semester the course is taken) with the following:

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Course Title: Hon: Composition I                            Course #:  ENGL 121H

Author of Contract: Maureen Fitzpatrick               Hours Credit:  1 

In addition to satisfying the normal objectives and competencies of the course, the student must complete, in the honors course, the following objectives to accomplish a higher level of scholastic work. 

Objectives:

  1. To employ a variety of methods for exploring topics, including field research.
  2. To reflect on and synthesize research, readings and experiences into thoughtful prose with a controlling idea and appropriate mode of organization.
  3. To develop a clear voice and personal style, sense of purpose, skill in writing reader-based prose for audiences other than the classroom, and skills in editing and revising
  4. To utilize critical thinking and writing skills that transcend into other college courses and into life situations.

Assignments:

Total number of written polished words: 1500-2000.

Students will begin the semester by collaborating with the instructor concerning the types of research and writing that he/she will conduct to produce the final project.

  1. Write a text based on research (field or otherwise).
  2. Select and read a non-fiction book with themes or styles of interest to the student and/or relevant to the student’s project.
  3. Maintain a log of readings, writing process, observations and so on. Write a 250-500 reflective essay/review of the book selected.

Expectations:

  1. Punctual attendance at all scheduled meetings
  2. Discussions in which students actively participate with one another and the instructor.
  3. Discussions of reading material and critical analysis of chapters assigned per meeting
  4. Independence in completing assignments but willingness to seek help from the instructor when necessary.
  5. Completion of all written work.

Grading Criteria:

  1. Thorough development, logical organization, effective expression and competent mechanics.
  2. Appropriateness of writing for particular rhetorical purpose and audience.
  3. Application of critical thinking skills in selecting and synthesizing facts when informing and persuading.
  4. Completeness of reading logs.

Evaluated Work:

One paper                                           50-80%
Reading log for book                          10-30%
Final reflection on readings               10-25%

Grading Scale:

Written assignments will receive point grades according to the following scale:

A+ = 100         B+ = 88           C+ = 78           D+ = 68           F= 0-59
A   =   95         B   = 85           C   = 75           D   = 65
A-  =  90          B-  = 80           C- = 70            D-  = 60