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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 105-2"
COURSE NAME: "English Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sunstein Lauren
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 16:30-17:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Placement via JCU English Composition Placement Exam
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Like learning to speak a foreign language (or for that matter, learning a martial art, the tango, chess, or even checkers), learning to write academic English is a skill that can be improved with practice. No one is a "born writer": every writer struggles to translate the chaos and complexity of his or her thoughts into meaningful communication. Indeed, thinking and writing are inextricably connected. Although this statement may seem self-evident, it suggests the somewhat less obvious claim that better thinking leads to better writing (where "better" means clearer and more profound). This course, therefore, focuses on developing both your critical thinking and your writing skills in order to improve the organization, clarity, coherence, and elegance of your writing.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course seeks to integrate three distinct, complementary approaches: a review of grammar and sentence-level work to improve your eloquence, work on critical reading to improve your ability to analyze, summarize and expand upon your reading, and experimentation with rhetorical modes to improve the organization and logic of your writing. The aim is to weave these three threads together into a sort of hammock that you can rely upon to support you in whatever writing you do in the future. It is up to you, however, to make it swing!

Specifically, we will be reading and discussing essays from your text and other sources, including op-ed articles from the New York Times, which will also serve to provide material for your writing. You will write four essays in class and another three at home. For most at-home essays, I will give comments but no grade to the initial draft, which you will then rewrite and turn in to be graded. In general, essays will be of 5-7 paragraphs with 5-7 sentences each. Some of this work will be evaluated by your classmates. Class time will also be spent discussing and practicing the various rhetorical modes (illustration, cause and effect, compare and contrast, etc.).

We will also be using MyCompLab, a very effective, user-friendly online grammar assessment and learning tool. You will be required to buy into this service and to complete a series of individualized interactive grammar assignments as an integral part of the course. This will free up our class time for more discussion on essays and writing issues, although, when necessary, some grammar and structural problems will be reviewed in class as well.

HOMEWORK

Reading: You will read chapters in your text in addition to at least one essay a week. You may be asked to write a summary, identify and use new vocabulary and/or to answer questions. Always underline key phrases and sentences when you read to help you identify and focus on the main ideas. This will also be useful for in-class discussions and for quick reference during in-class writing.

Grammar: You will have regular MyCompLab assignments whose quantity will vary according to your proficiency.

 

Writing: All longer written assignments (paragraphs, essays and responses to readings) must be typed. Make sure you leave time to print them out before class, if necessary. Unexcused late papers will be penalized. 
Keep all your written work in a folder, which is essential for final evaluation. We will review this portfolio together towards the end of the semester.

 

Format for assignments written at home:

-        Typewritten on standard (A4) paper

-        Double-spaced to leave room for corrections

-        Paragraphs indented but no extra spaces between them

-        Name and date in the top left corner of the first page

-        Title centered over the essay, appropriately capitalized

 

EXAMS

There is no official midterm. The final exam will be a 2 ½-hour composition during exam week. Any changes from the syllabus regarding the dates of in-class writings will be announced at least one week in advance.

PROBLEMS AND HELP

Please feel free to speak to me at any point in the course if you are dissatisfied or feel you are falling behind. Do not wait until it’s too late. Sooner is better than later.

You are also encouraged to seek extra help with other instructors at The Writing Center in the Guarini building.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
 In general, by the end of the course, you will be a more perceptive reader with a clearer understanding of what actually makes good writing. In your own writing, you will find yourself using a broader vocabulary, more varied and grammatically correct sentences, and taking advantage of the various rhetorical modes to improve essay organization and clarity. All this should increase your confidence and make writing more enjoyable for you as well.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
LONGMAN WRITER: RHETORIC AND READER – 8TH Ed. Concise EditionNadell, Langan, Comodromos LongmanISBN-10: 0205798373     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Rhetorical ChoicesGilyard, Holdstein, SchusterPearson Longman0-321-44492-2  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
 In-class essays&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 25%<br /> At-home essays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20%<br /> MyCompLab&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20%<br /> Final exam&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20%<br /> Homework &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10%<br /> Participation&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5%<br /> <br /> Essays written later in the semester are given greater weight in your overall final grade.<br /> In order to pass into EN 110, a minimum final course grade of C is required. In borderline cases, other members of the English faculty may be called in to confirm your readiness to move onto the next level. 

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
 

Outstanding: GradeA/A- This is fluent writing which reflects a thoughtful response to the assignment. It is well organized with excellent development of its ideas. The writer is in control of the standard conventions of English prose and has few errors in the mechanics of writing.

Very good: Grade B/B- This is good writing that fulfils the assignment and shows evidence of thought and planning. It is well organized with good supporting details. Errors in the mechanics of writing do not detract from a reading of it.

Satisfactory: Grade C/C- This is satisfactory writing that fulfils the assignment. The writing is coherent but errors interfere with overall quality and/or the writer fails to demonstrate any particular strength that would mark this writing above average.

Below Average: Grade D/D- This is below-average writing which exhibits major problems in writing. Itmay involve a difficulty with the presentation of ideas, or it may reflect poor control of the conventions of standard English prose or be marred by enough errors in the mechanics of writing to seriously distract the reader.

Unsatisfactory: Grade F - This is writing that fails to fulfill the assignment. It does not succeed in presenting its basic ideas, either because of poor organization and lack of clarity or because of a lack of control over the basic conventions of standard English usage.


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
 Attendance and class participation are critical to your progress and to your grade. In accordance with English Department policy, your grade may suffer if you miss more than four classes. If you miss more than six classes, including for illness or other legitimate reasons, you may be asked to leave the course, regardless of your grades.

Late arrivals are disruptive. Three late arrivals will be counted as an absence.You are responsible for all work done or assigned in your absence. Assignments should either be sent by email to me personally or brought to the next possible class.

Attendance is mandatory for all announced in-class writings. No make-ups will be given unless specific arrangements are made with the instructor before the day of the test or essay.
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