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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "EN 110-6"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2019
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Alex Gregor
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 11:30-12:45 PM
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
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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.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course examines a range of fundamental writing strategies, starting with grammar, critical reading of sources, summarizing, paraphrasing and proper quoting; it continues with the writing of a topic proposal, selection and citation of sources, and thesis development. Research and use of library resources will also be covered. Students will be required to submit assignments through TurnitinUK.
This particular section encourages students to identify an area of interest early in the semester and propose a topic for the research project based on this interest. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to have developed a specialization in their research topic, which must be exhibited in the final paper and presentation.
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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
- Utilize MLA style for all aspects of a research paper
- Understand how to avoid plagiarism
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th Edition) | Graff and Birkenstein | Norton | 978-0393631678 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| In-Class Writing | Warm Ups, Reflections, Responses & Analyses | 30 |
| Final Exam | Reflective Writing | 5 |
| Research Project | Topic Proposal (5%)
Annotated Bibliography (15%)
First Draft of the Research Paper (15%)
Final Draft of the Research Paper (20%)
Presentation (10%) | 65 |
-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.
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:
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. As a common courtesy, students are asked to notify the instructor before the scheduled class time to communicate your tardiness or absence. Please refer to the JCU catalog for the attendance and absence policies.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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Week 1: Choosing an Area of Interest
- Introduction to Course
- Reflective Writing
- Statement of Purpose
Week 2: Identifying a Starting Point
- Engagement with Texts
- Topic Proposal Due
Week 3: Becoming A Writer's Reader
- Engagement with Texts
- Analytical Writing
- Thesis Development
Week 4: Presenting What "They Say"
- Research
- Annotation
- Annotated Bibliography Due
Week 5: Planning Your Research Paper
- Engagement with Models & Templates
- Revisiting the Thesis
- Brainstorming & Outlining
Week 6: Putting Pen to Paper
Week 7: Sharing Your Research
Week 8: Conferences
Week 9: Reworking a Piece
Week 10: Preparing for Submission
Week 11: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Week 12: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Week 13: Changing Gears
Week 14: Catch Up
Week 15: Reflecting on the Experience
- Final Exam
- Reflective Writing
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