Fundamentals of Composition

Course Description
This class will teach you to write clear, concise, coherent, and grammatically correct paragraphs and short essays. We will review grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Our goals are to improve our ability to think logically and to learn to express our logical thoughts in clear, effective prose. We will learn to write clear, vivid, and compelling topic sentences and thesis statements.

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 typewriters or computers) but will need to provide either typing paper or a disk

Attendance
Students must attend at least 8 of the twelve classes to pass the course. Role will be taken at the start of each class. Students with five absences will be dropped from the class or receive a grade of F.

Drop Policy
If, early in the quarter, you decide you cannot finish the class, please notify me and registration of your decision to drop the class. If you do not properly file for a "drop" or "withdraw" by April 26th, you may receive an F on your college record. After April 26th, you cannot get a "W" for the class.
Class Policy
If you are delayed for any reason and arrive late for class, please enter quietly and sit down. Bring to every class your text book, your homework, lined paper, a pencil, an eraser, a pen, a few paperclips, and a folder containing your syllabi, handouts, and assignments for the class. It would also be helpful to bring a dictionary and a notebook for taking notes.

Grading Policy

Class Participation 5%
Homework and Classwork 5%
Grammar Quizzes and Tests 20%
Description Paragraph (250 words) 5%
Examples Paragraph (250 words) 10%
Cause and Effect Paragraph (250 words) 10%
Comparison or Contrast Paragraphs (300 words) 10%
Division and Classification Paragraphs (300 words) 10%
Argument Essay (500 words) 10%
Grammar Exam 5%
Final Exam 10%

Academic Honesty
The English Department policy on plagiarism will be enforced. This policy is as follows: "Plagiarism, an unlawful act which is defined as the misrepresentation of the published ideas or words of another as one's own, will not be tolerated in Chaffey College English courses. At the discretion of the professor, plagiarism will be punishable by either an F for the assignment or an F in the course" (School of Arts and Humanities, Some Guidelines For Part-Time English Instructors 2).

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Chaffey College non-discrimination policy will be enforced. No discrimination on the basis of "race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation" is permitted, (Chaffey College Catalog 1994 95) 25).

How to Get Help
Reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed. Ask other students in your class if you can meet to talk about assignments or writing skills. Talk to me about your situation. The school also provides many forms of assistance, including Physically Limited Student Services (941-2380), the Counseling Center (941-2116), the Transfer and Career Center (East Campus Center), and the Job Placement Center (941-2339). The Campus Police also have many helpful brochures available on issues such as preventing rape, dealing with battering, and earthquake procedures.

Class Schedule
For each class that a Paragraph Development section, Sentence Skill section, or Reading is listed, consult the table of contents in your textbook, find the section, read the entire section. For each Paragraph Development section, read the section and answer the questions following it (you do not have to do the writing assignments). For each Sentence Skill section, do all exercises and the review test. For each reading, answer all of the reading comprehension questions. Be prepared to tear out the pages of your book or turn in your comprehension questions for a grade. Do not wait to do these exercises and questions until the last minute!

2/8 Introduction, The Writing Process, Description Writing Exercise, Subjects and Verbs

2/15 Have prepared: pp. 2-6,11-25; 120-6; "Describing a Scene or Person," pp. 180-9; "Subjects and Verbs," pp. 231-5
Quiz on Subjects and Verbs

2/22 Description Paper Due (250 words)
Have ready to turn in exercises on pages 249-251
Have prepared: pp. 32-42; "Providing Examples," pp. 127-135; "What is Means to Be Young Today," pp. 543-549; "Sentence Fragments," pp. 236-251

2/29 Fragment Test
Have copy of Examples Topic Sentence and Outline to turn in for a grade
Have prepared pp. 44-52; "Run-Ons," pp. 253-266

3/7 Examples Paragraph Due (250 words)
Have prepared pp. 61-66; "Examining Cause and Effect," pp. 143-151; "The Tryout," pp. 440-451; "Commonly Confused Words," pp. 396-406

3/14 Cause and Effect Paragraph Due (250 words)
Have prepared "Comparing or Contrasting," pp. 152-164; "People Need People," pp.535-541; "Comma," pp. 361-370

3/28 Grammar Test on Run-ons, Commonly Confused Words, and Commas
Have copy of topic sentence and outline of Comparison or Contrast paper to turn in for a grade
Have prepared pp.72-82; "Subject-Verb Agreement," pp. 285-289

4/11 Comparison or Contrast Paragraphs Due (300 words)
Have prepared pp. 86-102; "Consistent Verb Tense," pp. 290-293; "Dividing and Classifying," pp. 172-179; "The Steel Magnolias," pp. 528-34

4/18 Grammar Quiz on "Subject-Verb Agreement" and "Consistent Verb Tense"
Have prepared topic sentence and outline of Division and Classification Paper for a grade
Have prepared 103-117; "Apostrophe," pp. 344-352

4/25 Division and Classification Paragraphs Due (300 words)
Have prepared "Arguing A Position," pp. 198-205; "Writing the Essay," pp. 209-219; "Quotation Marks," pp. 353-360

5/2 Grammar Quiz on "Apostrophe" and "Quotation Marks"
Have prepared "Pronoun Agreement, Reference, and Point of View," pp. 294-301; "How to Think Clearly," 514-521; "Will You Go Out with Me?" 551-556

5/9 Argument Essay Due (500 words)
Grammar Exam

5/16 Final Exam