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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 103-4"
COURSE NAME: "Intensive English Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2025
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Fenella Joan Collins Smith
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 3:00 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 6
PREREQUISITES: This course carries 6 semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Placement via JCU English Composition Placement Exam
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This intensive course has two components. One concentrates on developing the ability to write grammatically and idiomatically correct English prose, and includes an in-depth grammar review and examination of academic register. The other focuses on the elements of academic writing, from sentence structure through effective paragraph writing in essays, and introduces students to the various rhetorical modes. Elements covered include outlining, the introduction-body-conclusion structure, thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting arguments, and transition signals. Students will also become familiar with the fundamentals of MLA style, research and sourcing, as well as information literacy. To develop these skills, students will write in- and out-of-class essays. Critical reading is also integral to the course, and students will analyze peer writing as well as good expository models. Individual students in EN 103 may be required to complete additional hours in the English Writing Center as part of their course requirements. Students must receive a grade of C or above in this course to be eligible to take EN110. Students who receive a grade ranging from C- to D- can take EN105 or repeat EN103. Students who receive an F must repeat EN103.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This intensive course has two components. One concentrates on developing the ability to write grammatically and idiomatically correct English prose, and includes an in-depth grammar review and examination of academic register. The other focuses on the elements of academic writing, from sentence structure through effective paragraph writing in essays, and introduces students to the various rhetorical modes. Elements covered include outlining, the introduction-body-conclusion structure, thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting arguments, and transition signals. Students will also become familiar with the fundamentals of MLA style, research and sourcing, as well as information literacy. To develop these skills, students will write in- and out-of-class essays. Critical reading is also integral to the course, and students will analyze peer writing as well as good expository models. Individual students in EN 103 may be required to complete additional hours in the English Writing Center as part of their course requirements. Students must receive a grade of C or above in this course to be eligible to take EN110. Students who receive a grade ranging from C- to D- can take EN105 or repeat EN103. Students who receive an F must repeat EN103.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This intensive course has two components. One concentrates on developing the ability to write grammatically and idiomatically correct English prose, and includes an in-depth grammar review and examination of academic register. The other focuses on the elements of academic writing, from sentence structure through effective paragraph writing in essays, and introduces students to the various rhetorical modes. Elements covered include outlining, the introduction-body-conclusion structure, thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting arguments, and transition signals. Students will also become familiar with the fundamentals of MLA style, research and sourcing, as well as information literacy. To develop these skills, students will write in- and out-of-class essays. Critical reading is also integral to the course, and students will analyze peer writing as well as good expository models. Individual students in EN 103 may be required to complete additional hours in the English Writing Center as part of their course requirements. Students must receive a grade of C or above in this course to be eligible to take EN110. Students who receive a grade ranging from C- to D- can take EN105 or repeat EN103. Students who receive an F must repeat EN103.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Two In-Class EssaysOne classification and one problem and solution essay (500-700 words), students will be required to bring only a written plan to the exam.25
Two At-Home EssaysOne cause and effect and one summary and response essay with outside sources (1000 words). MLA referencing required. 25
Research PaperArgumentative Essay with outside sources and clear composition structure. MLA. 30
Final ExamGrammar and Composition Exam.20

-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 3 absences during the term (excused or unexcused). Each additional absence beyond the three 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. Any student who attends less than 70% of classes will fail the course.
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 1: 

  • Class 1 - Welcome, Syllabus, class topic, Writing Center, 'Cut Clutter' - Fitzgerald Documentary
  • Class 2 –What does it mean to be a man? Effective Sentences 
  • Week 2 -
    • Class 1 -Topic Sentences - The Great Gatsby
    • Class 2 -Brainstorming - Complex Sentences

    Week 3

    • Class 1 –Classification Essay - Fight Club 
    • Class 2 -Transitions - Unity and Coherence - Rylan: How To Be A Man podcast 

    Week 4

    • Class 1 - Reading: What is Toxic Masculinity? - Plan
    • Class 2 –IN-CLASS ESSAY 1

    Week 5 –

    ·         Class 1 -Errors in Writing Workshop

     Week 6

    • Class 1 - Parallelism 
    • Class 2 – Quoting - PEER-  AT HOME ESSAY 

    Week 7 -

    • Class 1 -Paraphrasing - PEER -  Problem and Solution Essay -
    • Class 2 – Dangling Modifiers and Adverbial Phrases -Editing and Proofreading

    Week 8

    • Class 1 - The Instagram Effect - Plan
    • Class 2 -IN CLASS ESSAY 2

    Week 9

    • Class 1- Reading: A Vindication of the Rights of Women - What does it mean to be a Woman?
    • Class 2 - How easy it is to plagiarize, MLA, class discussion - Brainstorming - Summary and Response Essay

    Week 10

    • Class 1 - In Class Readings on Femininity - 
    • Class 2 –Rhetoric - AT-HOME ESSAY 2 

    Week 11

    • Class 1 -LIBRARY SESSION 
    • Class 2 –Presentation of sources - Argumentative Essay

    Week 12

    • Class 1 –Introduction and Conclusions
    • Class 2 -FINAL RESEARCH PAPER

    Week 13

    • Class 1 -Counterarguments - Verb Choice
    • Class 2 - PEER REVIEWS


    Week 14

    • Class 1 - Works Cited, final questions
    • Class 2 - Paper due and Final presentation instructions

    Finals week
    Final presentations. 
    Our final exam could be any day during finals week. Make your plans accordingly.