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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 110-14"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Macias Gutierrez
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 4:30PM 5:45PM
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:
The course examines a range of fundamental writing strategies, including critical reading of sources, summarizing, paraphrasing, proper quoting, and grammar. It continues with the writing of a topic proposal, selection and citation of sources, literature review, and thesis development. Research and use of library resources will also be covered. Students will be required to submit assignments through TurnitinUK.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will learn to write a well-organized and error-free argumentative research paper. By the end of the course students will be able to:

Grammar
            Write sophisticated as well as grammatically and idiomatically correct, English prose

Reading
             Read to comprehend increasingly complex material
             Read and think critically

Vocabulary
              Expand vocabulary through reading and writing
              Develop subject specific terminology through reading and writing

Rhetoric
               Write well-organized essays, focusing specifically on argumentative essays
               Write a strong and developed thesis statement with supporting arguments
               Think, read, write critically for an academic audience
                Write a developed outline
                Paraphrase and summarize
               Cite and write using documentation
               Write a fully documented research paper

Research and sourcing (can be covered by a librarian in one or more workshops in the library)
                Be familiar with research and information literacy skills including:                       
                        - A reinforcement of searching skills: catalog, database, and web sourcing
                         - Source evaluation
                         - Subject searching
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Final Research PaperA rubric and assessment breakdown will be given.30
Three In-Class Essays (handwritten)A rubric and assessment breakdown will be given.30
Assignments See course schedule.25
Participation & Activities See course schedule.15

-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 course. (90-92 = A-; 93-100 =
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. (80-82 = B-; 83-86 = B; 87-89 = B+)
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. (70-72 = C-; 73-76 = C; 77-79 = C+)
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. (60-62 = D-; 63-66 = D; 67-69 = D+)
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. (<60) Note well: Each assignment handed in late will be subject to a loss of five points for each day it is late.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are required to attend all scheduled class meetings. Students are allowed 4 absences during the term (excused or unexcused). Each additional absence beyond the four allowed will result in the reduction in the final grade for the course by 5%. Students arriving to class after attendance has been taken will be counted as late.

Two late arrivals will count as an absence. Please refer to the JCU catalog for the attendance and absence policies. Please note that there is homework in nearly every class, so if you are absent it is your responsibility to call a classmate for the assignment.

A ‘no show’ = no fun =  more work outside of sessions.  

Participation

In and out-of-class sessions will consist of: lectures, seminars, various types of workshops,  class discussions, writing  labs,  oral  presentations,  readings,  and research. 

Lecture: Professor teaches specific material while students take notes

Seminar: Interactive class conducted by instructor where students participate actively

Workshop: Hands-on editing and research sessions individually or in groups

Fieldwork: Conducting research outside of class


NOTE:
Students are expected to engage actively in every session.
Every assignment and activity will receive a score towards the final grade. 
Assignments are relevant for participation during the class in course, therefore, 
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 


Instructions for Written Work

·       12-point font, double spaced. All assignments must be typed unless notified.

·       Use your spell and grammar checks, but always reread, revise, and self edit.

·       Use MLA Referencing, Citation and Margins.

·       Please visit the Writing Center for additional support!

 


Submissions

·       Assignments are due in class, unless specified.

·       Printed submissions will be specified in advance.

·       Late submissions are not accepted.


Laptops and Phones

Laptops will be allowed in class only when specified in advance for a particular session. Phones are not allowed in class. 

 


Food & Drinks

Food is a distraction in class, and it is therefore not welcomed. Sealed and healthy drinks are welcomed.

 


Respect

A crucial value for an enjoyable class.

 


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


Week #

Session #

Date

In Session

Out of Session

Week 1

S 1

T

Jan. 16

WELCOME!

Intro to Class / Course Overview / The Writing Process / Syllabus Discussion

Two argumentative topics of interest, presented in a 2- min. pitch and written sentences.

S 2

TH

Jan. 19

Argumentative Discussion on Interest-Topic Pitches

Seminar on The art of Argument: the peaceful conflict; subversion, veracity, inspiring speeches, rhetorical warnings.

 

Assignments

1 Reading

1 Video

1 Audio

1 Comic strip

Week 2

S 3

T

Jan. 24

 

Assignment Discussion for Participation Marks

 

The Argumentative Essay Lecture:

- the bliss of persuasion

- arguing your case: thesis, claims, evidence

- the importance of academic veracity

Prepare for in-class Essay #1

S 4

TH

Jan. 26

In-Class 500-word Essay #1:

Assessment of argument quality.

Preview of writing level and style.

Proofread Assessment Writing Piece and Submit it via Turn It In

Week 3

S  5

T

Jan. 31

Lecture: Artistic interventions as documentation of social impact and subversive communication in 21st Century

Reading, Video, and Audio Assignment

S 6

TH

Feb. 2

Seminar: arriving to a topic and research question.

Workshop: discussion, visual and text inputs, cluster, freestyle writing,

Topic proposal questionnaire

Week 4

S 7

T

Feb.  7

Research: Phase 1

The importance of exploratory research

Critical Thinking

Critical Reading

Workshop: Annotated Article

Prepare list of questions for Library Visit

Annotated Article

S 8

TH

Feb. 9

Tentative Group Visit to Library

-       checklist/worksheet

        Individual visits to Library begin

Collect & read Library Sources in Laptop folder

Week 5

S 9

T

Feb. 14

Reviewing Literature

Paraphrasing and summarizing, proper quoting, plagiarism (Part 1)

Finish exercise

S 10

TH

Feb. 16

Preparing Literature Review

Paraphrasing and summarizing, proper quoting, plagiarism (Part 2)

Write Literature Review

Week 6

S 11

T

Feb. 21

Thesis Statement Workshop

Individual visits to library continue

S 12

TH

Feb. 23

Claims Workshop

Final Thesis Statement

and Claims due

Week 7

S 13

T

Feb. 28

     Evidence Workshop

 Evidence due

Annotated articles

S 14

TH

Mar. 2

Lecture: The Magic Formula

-Essay Content & Structure

Prepare Outline’s

first draft

S 15

F

Mar 3

 

*Make up session (April 25 holiday)

 Workshop: Outline

    Complete Outline

Week 8

S 16

T

Mar. 7

 

-Argumentative Discourse & Vocabulary

-Transitions/Connectives

 

List of informal words & phrases from E#1

S 17

TH

Mar. 9

Polishing Language & Vocabulary:

Idiomatically correct and sophisticated English prose (formal language)

Prepare for

 In-Class Essay #2

Week 9

S 18

T

Mar. 14

In-Class Essay #2- Opinion Piece

Assessment of Content and Structure

Essay peer revision

Revise following specific guidelines

S 19

TH

Mar. 16

Workshop: Revise and proofread with professor

Final Draft of In-Class Essay #2 via Turn It In

Week 10

S 20

T

Mar. 21

Grammar & Style Intensive Workshop (Part 1)

Complete Assignment

S 21

TH

Mar. 23

Grammar & Style Intensive Workshop (Part 2)

Complete Assignment

& Prepare for Essay #3

Week 11

S 22

T

Mar. 28

In-Class Essay #3: Class Theme Topic

Assessment on: Grammar & Style, Vocabulary, Connectives and Transitions

Essay peer revision

with specific guidelines

S 23

TH

Mar. 31

Workshop: Revise and proofread with professor

Final Draft of In-Class Essay #3

via Turn It In

Week 12

T

Apr. 4

SPRING BREAK:  NO SESSION

TH

Apr. 6

SPRING BREAK:  NO SESSION

Week 13

S 24

T

Apr. 11

MLA citation and documentation workshop

*Bring laptop with Research Folder ready 

S 25

TH

Apr. 13

Annotated Bibliography workshop

 Finish Annotated     Bibliography Draft

Week 14

S 26

T

Apr. 18

Semester Review:  Written & Oral Quiz

Finish first draft of Final Research Paper

S 27

TH

Apr. 20

One-on-one professor time with students-

 Research Paper Draft Revision

Work on Research Paper

Week 15

T

Apr. 25

NO SESSION

Italian Holiday (Make up Friday, March 3)

Work on Research Paper

S 28

TH

Apr. 27

Last Session – Editing, Revising, and Proofreading Workshop

 Work on Research     

 Paper

F

Apr. 28

   Study Day

   STUDY!

Final Meeting

Exam Schedule

TBA

Final Research Paper Draft due

Research Pitch

Professor and Students’ Feedback

 GOOD LUCK

       Final Grades

    WELL DONE

Disclaimer: course schedule is subject to slight changes according to personalization of Class.


Thank you for reading.

Have a great semester.