Preparation for College Writing
Course Description
This class will teach you to write short essays. We will review grammar and sentence structure. Our goal is to learn to write effective, well-organized paragraphs that consist of clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences. One requirement for passing the class is that you write a minimum of 3,000 words (12 typed pages of writing). You also must past an exam given to all student of 015 by the Department of English to get a C or better in the class. The exam requires you to read an essay and answer a question about the reading in a coherent, grammatical essay.
Contacting the Instructor
You may leave written or phone messages for me with the secretaries at the Department of English. The Department of English extension is x1620.
Required Materials
1. the textbook--John Langan's English Skills with Readings, 3rd. ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1995)
2. standard school supplies--notebook, pencil, eraser, pen, folder for your papers, paperclips
3. a dictionary--preferably two, a hardback (unabridged) for home use and a small (abridged) paperback you can take to class
4. typing or computer supplies (you can use the school's machines or a public library's) but will need to provide either typing paper or a disk
Attendance
It is difficult to pick up a book and learn from it without any guidance. I have found students who miss over three weeks of class (in our case, 6 classes) tend to fail my courses. I also have found that students who receive As tend to have missed only one or two classes over the entire semester. You of course, could be the rare genius who can pass a class having missed many classes--but why risk it? After all, you are paying for these classes! For more information, please consult the college catalog about attendance policies. Remember also attendance is a key part of your class participation grade--one must be there to contribute to the class.
Grading Policy
To receive an A, B, or C in the class you must pass the final exam. Students failing the final will receive either a D or an F. If your grade before you fail the final is a D or less, you will receive an F for the course. If your grade before you fail the final is a C or better, you will receive a D. If you pass the final you will receive your grade before the final. Grades before the final will be calculated in the following way.
Class Participation, Quizzes, and Other Work: 20%
Paragraph One (125 words) 3%
Definition Paragraph (125 words) 3%
Revised Definition Paragraph 3%
Description Paragraph (125 words) 5%
Comparison Paragraph (125 words) 5%
Contrast Paragraph (125 words) 5%
Process Analysis Paragraphs (250 words) 5%
Revised Process Analysis Paragraphs 5%
Division Paragraphs (250 words) 8%
Classification Paragraphs (250 words) 8%
Cause and Effect Paragraphs (250 words) 8%
Argument Paper (500 words) 6%
Revised Argument Paper 6%
Grammar Exam 10%
Academic Honesty
The school policy on cheating and plagiarism will be enforced. For details, see the college catalogue, page 14. Any time you turn in work to me, you must make clear if any number of words--even only two words-
are taken from someone else's writing. I will teach you how to indicate from where you have copied these words. Any use of another's work that is not clearly labeled by the use of quotation marks, parenthetical citation, footnotes, or endnotes, is plagiarism. Typical punishments for plagiarism include failing the assignment or the course. Occasionally, plagiarism results in expulsion from college.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Class discussions are times for expressing our opinions. However, if our opinions hinder the learning process of others, the goal of education is defeated. Thus, the school non-discrimination policy will be enforced:
Class Schedule: Except for the classes on 8/21 and 12/4, the textbook, English Skills with Readings, must be brought to class
8/21 Introduction
8/23 Paper Format, Writing Workshop
8/28 Paragraph One Due (125 words); Subjects and Verbs
8/30 Discussion of "The Tryout"
9/6 Definition Paragraph Due (125 words); Sentence Fragments
9/11 Writing Workshop
9/13 Revised Definition Paragraph Due; Run-Ons
9/18 Discussion of "The Steel Magnolias"
9/20 Description Paragraph Due (125 words); Standard English Verbs
9/25 Discussion of "People Need People"
9/27 Comparison Paragraph Due (125 words); Irregular Verbs
10/2 Discussion of "Old Before Her Time"
10/4 Contrast Paragraph Due (125 words); Subject Verb Agreement
10/9 Discussion of "Will You Go Out with Me?"
10/11 Process Analysis Paragraphs Due (250 words); Consistent Verb Tense
10/16 Writing Workshop
10/18 Revised Process Analysis Paragraphs Due; Pronoun Agreement
10/23 Discussion of "How to Think Clearly"
10/25 Division Paragraphs Due (250 words); Pronoun Types
10/30 Writing Workshop
11/1 Apostrophe
11/6 Discussion of "Power Learning"
11/8 Classification Paragraphs Due (250 words); Quotation Marks
11/13 Discussion of "Television Changed My Family Forever"
11/15 Cause and Effect Paragraphs Due (250 words); Comma
11/20 Discussion of "What It Means to Be Young Today"
11/22 Argument Paper Due (500 words); Grammar Workshop
11/27 Writing Workshop
11/29 Revised Argument Paper Due; Grammar Workshop
12/4 Grammar Exam
12/6 Exam Prep
12/11 Exam Prep
12/13 Exam Prep