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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 110-8"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Christin Campbell
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Placement via JCU English Composition Placement Exam or completion of either EN 103 or EN 105 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course reinforces the skills needed to write well-organized essays, focusing specifically on argumentative essays. Elements covered include thesis development, critical reading, organizing and outlining, paraphrasing and summarizing, and citation and documentation standards. Techniques of academic research and the use of the library and other research facilities are discussed. In addition to regular in- and out-of-class reading and writing assignments, students are required to write a fully documented research paper. Students must receive a grade of C or above in this course to fulfill the University’s English Composition requirement and to be eligible to take courses in English literature. Individual students in EN 110 may be required to complete additional hours in the English Writing Center as part of their course requirements.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course explores a range of fundamental writing strategies and key rhetorical moves to strengthen the skills needed to write a well-organized essay and argumentative research paper. The course is organized as a writing laboratory where students can workshop their writing in a structured environment. It begins with formal and informal register and letter writing; the critical reading of sources, summarizing, paraphrasing, accurate quoting, outlining, paragraphing; it continues with the writing of a topic proposal, the selection of primary and secondary sources, and thesis development. Paper formatting according to the MLA standard, research and the use of library resources will also be covered. In addition to regular in and out-of-class reading and writing assignments, students are required to write a fully-documented research paper.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will be able to write a well-organized, evidence-supported and error-free argumentative research paper.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
They Say, I Say with Readings. 3rd EditionGraff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein and Russel DurstW.W. Norton & Co Inc., New York/London978-0-393-93751-0     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 15th EditionLester, James D., and James D. Lester Jr.Pearson-Longman13: 978-0-312-53113-3  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
In class essays 30%
Summary 5%
Quizzes/Worksheets/Participation 15%
Research Proposal 5%
Annotated bibliography 15%
Preliminary Outline REQUIRED
Rough Draft REQUIRED
Final Research Paper 25%
Final Presentation 5%
Literature Review REQUIRED

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the assignment
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

 

Since the course is based on a series of in-class writing workshops and activities, regular attendance and class contribution are essential. As such, students are required to attend all class meetings. Students are allowed 3no-questions-asked absences per semester for both the expected (i.e., being the best man in your brother’s wedding) and the unexpected (i.e., a flat tire). Each additional absence beyond the 3 allowed, with the exception of absences excused by the Dean's Office, will result in the reduction of the final grade for the course of 5%. Students who arrive to class after attendance has been taken will be counted as late. Two late arrivals will count as one absence. Note well that 6 absences or more will result in an automatic failure for the course. 

Please note that there is homework in nearly every class so if you are absent, you are still responsible for whatever material was covered in classWhen you are absent, you are responsible for all of the work covered during the lesson.  Papers or homework due on the day of the absence are to be turned in via email or via another student. Do not email the instructor asking what the homework is or what we covered in class: contact a classmate instead. 

Scheduled in-class essays may not be made up unless arrangements are made with the professor before the day of the absence. 

The use of computers and phones is not permitted during class unless indicated by the instructor.  

If a major scheduled grading event (assignment due, in-class workshop/peer review, presentation) is scheduled for that class period, and you don’t show up and don’t have a university-sanctioned excuse (see below) then you will lose the points for that activity. Please refer to the JCU Academic Policies link on the website for the University's Absence Policy.

 

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY 
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Schedule

Please note that this schedule will change depending on course progress. There will be in and out of class readings assigned throughout the semester related to the topic that week. Homework will be assigned daily.

Week 1:  Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 January                   

Introduction to Course
Syllabus and Requirements-Goals, Expectations and Texts

Grading Policy
Email Etiquette
Formal and Informal Register: Letter Writing

How to Write a CV
Grammar review, Run-ons, fragments

HW/Reading: Study for syllabus quiz; Sign up/create account for Moodle; Read Graff et. al. Introduction and Ch. 2 “Her Point is: the Art of Summarizing” and WRP Ch. 8 "Reading and Evaluating Sources" p.127-142 8e

Week 2: Monday 23 and 25 January               

Quiz on course policy/syllabus
Critical Reading, Source Criticism, Evaluating Sources
Annotating

The Characteristics of Summary
Paraphrasing and Plagiarism

Descriptive Essay Techniques

HW/Reading:  Read WRP Ch. 7 "Avoiding Plagiarism" p.116 7d-123 7f; At home summary; Read MFW p. 7-12 “The Writing Process;” Prepare for in class essay no. 1 with assigned readings and podcast.                                                                                                                

Week 3: Monday 30 January and Wednesday 1 February                  

In class essay #1
Workshop In class essay #1
HW/Reading:
Read
MFW p. 12-22 “The Writing Process.”  Study University Plagiarism policy in preparation for quiz. Read Graff et al. Ch. 1 “They Say: Writing as Response. Entering the Conversation and the Argument.” Bring laptops to workshop essay #1 for Wednesday’s class.

Week 4: Monday 6, Wednesday 8 and *Friday 10 February-(Make up day for Mon. 17 April)

Quiz on plagiarism
Entering the Conversation and the Argument
Ways of Responding: Agreeing and Disagreeing Simultaneously
The Art of Quoting

In class essay # 2


HW/Reading: 
Read Graff et al. Ch. 3 “As he himself puts it: the Art of Quoting” and Ch. 4 “Three Ways to Respond.” Read and annotate other assigned articles. Read WRP: Ch. 5 "Using Library Sources” p. 83-101 5i ; WRP Ch. 2 "Topic Selection” pp. 31 2a-50 2g. Meet in Library on Monday.

Week 5: Monday 13 and Wednesday 15 February

Library session #1 on sourcing and doing research *Class meets in Library on Monday 13 February
Introduce final research paper topics
Workshop in class essays #2


HW/Reading:
 Write assigned paragraphs.  Bring laptops to workshop essay #2 on Wednesday. Revise in class essay no. 2 and load to Moodle by Friday, 24 February at 5 pm. Read WRP Ch. 3 pp. 51-59 3h “Organizing Ideas and Setting Goals.” Other assigned reading.

Week 6: Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 February

Brainstorm disciplines for papers
Discuss assigned reading
Library session #2 on sourcing and doing research *Class meets in Library on Wednesday, 22 February

HW/Reading: Continue other assigned readings. Begin researching final papers. Make appointments with Librarians. Library worksheets due Wednesday, 8 March.

Week 7: Wednesday 27 February and Friday 1 March

Finish discussion of reading and literary themes.
Parts of the paper: How to write an annotated bibliography

HW/Reading: Finish other assigned readings. Read WRP Ch. 8 pp. 143 8f-145 “Preparing an Annotated Bibliography.” Study all sources on Moodle on annotated bibliography and be ready to present in class. Begin writing annotated bibliography due Wed., 22 March. Prepare for in class essay #3. Library worksheets due next week.

Week 8: Monday 6 and Wednesday 8 March

In class essay #3
Workshop in class essay #3

Library worksheets due

Conferences and Mid-term Evaluations

HW/Reading: Bring laptops to workshop essay no. 3 on Wednesday. Study all sources posted on Moodle regarding MLA 8th edition formatting basics, page layout and paragraphing, and formatting quotations. In particular, study MLA 8th edition “In-text citations” and be ready to present in class.

Week 9: Monday 13 and Wednesday 15 March

Mid-Term Warnings Issued

Primary vs. Secondary Sources; Bias and Objective Sources
MLA 8th edition discussion-Formatting Basics, Page Layout and Paragraphing, and
Parenthetical Citation-Works Cited
Quiz on MLA
MLA vs APA
Parts of the paper: How to Write a Thesis discussion
How to draft a research proposal


HW/Reading
: Prepare for Quiz on MLA; Study sources on Moodle on how to write a thesis. Read WRP “Proposal” p. 25-26 1d; p. 45-46 2g “Drafting a Research Proposal: the Short Proposal.” Begin working on research proposals due on Monday, 27 March.   Read Ch. 9 “Developing Outlines and Writing Effective Notes” pp. 153 9a-163 9f. Annotated bibliography due next week.

Week 10: Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 March

Parts of the Paper-How to write an outline
How to write a review of the literature discussion

Annotated bibliography due

HW/Reading: Read WRP “Review the Literature" p. 221 12a- 146-152 146. Study sources posted on Moodle and be ready to present in class on Wednesday. Begin working on literature review due on Wednesday, March 29.  Read Ch. 5 Graff “Distinguishing what you say from what they say.” Begin work on preliminary outline due Monday, 10 April. Research proposals due next week. Literature review due next week.

Week 11: Monday 27 and Wednesday 29 March

Research Proposals due
Academic Writing and Your Own Voice
Review of Literature due
Planting a Naysayer: Addressing your critics

HW/Reading: Read Graff Ch. 6 “Planting a naysayer in your text”.” Over Spring Break: Finish work on outlines. Read Graff Ch. 9 “Ain’t so, Is not.” Read WRP Ch. 12 “Writing the Introduction, Body and Conclusion" pp. 218-235 12c. Outline due after Spring Break.

Week 12: 3-7 April SPRING BREAK

Week 13: Monday 10 and Wednesday 12 April

Outline due
Ain’t So, Is Not: Mixing the Academic and the Colloquial
Parts of the Paper: How to write the Introduction, Body and Conclusion
So What, Who Cares: Saying Why it Matters
As a Result: Connecting the Parts
Argument and Logical Fallacies

HW/Reading: Read WRP Ch. 10 p. 175 10a-191 10f “Drafting the Paper in the Academic Style.” Read Graff et al. Ch. 7 “So What, Who Cares: Saying Why it Matters” and Ch. 8 “As a Result: Transitions-Connecting the Parts.” Read MFW “Argument” p. 525-531

Rough draft due end of next week.

Week 14: *Monday 17 HOLIDAY-NO CLASS and Wednesday 19 April

Rough draft due (Workshop)
Final course evaluations

HW/Reading: Finish final papers and presentations

Week 15: Monday 24 and Wednesday 26 April

Final papers due-in class presentations

29 April – 5 May-NO FINAL EXAM WEEK. I will be available for consultations.