This course focuses primarily on developing the ability to write grammatically and idiomatically correct English prose, using a variety of sentence structures and appropriate vocabulary. The course includes in-depth grammar review and an introduction to the basic elements of academic writing. In addition to reading short essays, students will have both in- and out-of-class writing assignments.

As the semester progresses, students will produce a number of writing assignments focusing on proper sentence construction starting at the sentence level. While emphasis will be placed on proper sentence structures, students will also be introduced to paragraph and essay development, culminating in compositions of approximately 500 words. Rewriting and revising writing assignments will also improve writing skills. Readings will be used to offer models and stimulate ideas for writing assignments. Class time will be spent reviewing grammar, discussing assignments and readings, and practicing writing techniques.

By the end of the course students will be able to produce properly structured, and grammatically and idiomatically correct English prose, using a variety of sentence structures and appropriate vocabulary.

To move on to the next level of composition (EN105) students must receive a grade of C- or higher in this course.

Homework

Reading: You will generally read at least two essays a week, for which you will write a summary and analysis, answer questions and use new vocabulary in original sentences. As you read, underline key phases and sentences to help you identify and focus on the main ideas.

Writing: All longer written assignments (paragraphs, essays and responses to readings) must be typed. Make sure to leave time to print them out before class. Your written work will be kept in folder, which is essential for final evaluation. We will review this portfolio together towards the end of the semester.

If you are absent you may hand in the homework for the class you missed on the day you return to class, but I would prefer that you drop off the work at the faculty support office before the next class, and get it time-stamped and placed in my mailbox. You should also be prepared for the class you attend after an absence, with all assignments completed for that class as well.

Format of Assignments Written at Home

-        Typewritten on standard (A4) paper

-        Double-spaced to leave room for corrections

-        Name, date and essay number in top left corner of each page

-        Pages numbered

-        Title centered over the essay, appropriately capitalized (do not underline title)

Problems and Help

Students are asked to make an appointment to meet with me during the first month of the course to discuss problems and needs. Please communicate with me privately at any point in the course if you confused, dissatisfied or feel that you are falling behind. Do not wait until it is too late. You are also encouraged (and may be asked) to seek extra help at the Writing Lab. 

No electronic devices can be used during class (this includes iPads, iPods, cell phones, personal digital devices, and lap top computers). Students are not allowed to leave the classroom during class time. At the beginning of the semester each student must give me a folder for handouts and returned written assignments. Students are required to bring a notebook of lined paper (size A4), a pen, and a pencil with eraser to each class meeting.

Course Contract Statement

All class members are responsible for knowing all the information and adhering to all of the policies, procedures, and deadlines as outlined in the syllabus. Any and all changes to the syllabus will be made at the professor's sole discretion and announced in class.  Students are responsible for all the changes to the syllabus announced in class, even if they are absent on the day when an announcement is made.

The grade of A reflects excellence. The A paper offers a well-focused and organized discussion appropriate to the instructor's assignment, reflects critical use of relevant materials, and demonstrates effective and formal writing requirements.  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.

The grade of B represents an effort beyond satisfactory and indicates the paper was completed in an appropriate and competent manner and, in general, demonstrates a strong attempt at original and critical analysis, writing, and research. The B paper may contain a number of minor errors of grammar or citation, and its thesis or its conclusions may be undeveloped or too weakly supported.

The grade of C indicates that the paper was done in a satisfactory or appropriate fashion and represents the average work expected for university courses. The presentation is organized around a central idea with arguments supported by relevant examples. The paper is structured into correctly written paragraphs and sentences. Although fulfilling the assignment, the C paper may exhibit one or more weaknesses including, but not limited to, errors of punctuation and grammar, imprecise or incorrect word use, inaccurate or uncritical use of materials, occasional inconsistency of organization or development, and lack of direct relevance of the selected research materials to the topic.

The grade of D indicates that the paper may have a poorly defined topic or thesis, lack clear focus or organization, and contain unsupported generalizations or conclusions. Research support is inadequate, not clearly relevant, or improperly documented. A less-than-minimal research effort is evident. The paper may also suffer from numerous or major formal writing errors.

The grade of F indicates that the paper is not clearly relevant to the assignment and that its topic and thesis are poorly focused or defined. The paper may display inadequate organization or development, unsupported generalizations, and nonstandard formal features (including language usage, sentence structure, paragraphing, and so on). Research support is absent, inadequate, or irrelevant to the assignment. 

Attendance is mandatory and not optional. Frequent absences (more than 3 classes missed) could lead to a lowering of your grade or dismissal from the course, and you will be required to repeat the course. In the case of illness, a doctor’s note is required or the absence is unexcused. If you are seriously ill and will be out for more than one class, please contact the professor via email. Late arrivals are very disruptive. Habitual late arrivals will not be tolerated and three late arrivals (after the class has already started) will be counted as one absence. If, for whatever reasons, a student cannot attend classes regularly, the student may be invited to withdraw from the course. It is the student’s responsibility to contact a classmate to find out what was missed and to come to the next class fully prepared. Attendance is mandatory to all graded in-class writings which you will be told about in advance. Make-ups of in-class writings will not be given. Please refer to the University catalog for the attendance and absence policy.