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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 110-8"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Conor Deane
EMAIL: cdeane@john cabot.edu
 HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
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, and takes the students through the process of writing a research paper.
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, 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
                         - Use MLA style for all aspects of a research paper
                         - Understand how to avoid plagiarism
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Writing Research PapersLester and LesterPearsonISBN-10: 0-321-45798-6 ISBN-13: 978-0-321-45798-1     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
In class essays 20
In class summaries 15
Quizzes 10
Research proposal 10
Annotated bibliography 15
Preliminary outline Required
Rough draft Required
Final Research Paper 25
Final Presentation 5

-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 cours
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. 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.
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
Note: This schedule may  change based on the progress of the class. Students will be informed in class regarding changes. Each student who is absent must contact classmates regarding assignments due and scheduling.

 

Classwork

Assignment – Next Day delivery

Week 1  Tuesday

 

·         The “decalogue” – Rules on writing a sentence;

 

·         examination of  short  essay/article  in class (“Pret a porter pay”)

·         Write two sentences on   subsistence pay, trade unions etc (see worksheet for themes );

·         Get textbook (Lester & Lester )

Week 1  Thursday

 

§  Analysis of a short  essay in class (“Victoria’s Secret”)

 

·         Read pp 1-32 Lester & Lester (Finding a topic);

·         Opening paragraph  (c. 150-200 words) on why you disagree with essay used in class;

·         Collect new vocabulary and  phrases in separate notebook - always have this book updated and ready for review;

·         Find 4  pertinent online sources and  2 books in library.

 

 

Week 2  Tuesday

 

§  Analysis of short essay in class (TBA);

§  Analysis of student sentences

·         Sign up to MyCompLab

·         Sign up to TurnItIn

·         Read pp 33-41 Lester & Lester (Organizing ideas);

Week 2 Thursday

 

§  Quick review of Lester & Lester pp 1-41.

§  Clauses,  commas and paragraphs;

§  Active v. passive verbs

 

·         Write 20 error-free sentences, each with  no more than  8 words (themes provided); use new vocabulary where possible.

 

Week 3  Tuesday

 

§  Analysis of essay in class (TBA)

·         Read pp 44-76 Lester & Lester (Gathering sources online).

·         Take a photo of a building, a person or a meal  (for  essay)

Week 3  Thursday

 

§  Quick review of pp 44-76 Lester & Lester (Gathering sources online).

 

§  Review of sentences submitted;

 

§  Analysis of common errors.

 

·         Prepare outline of essay on your photo. Identify approach (thesis, hypothesis, enthymeme).  You may NOT choose  the same topic as a classmate.  Write first 2 paragraphs and submit electronically and in person

Week 3  Tuesday

 

§  Analysis of outlines;

§   

§  Workshop on opening sentences

·         Read pp 77-100 Lester & Lester (Gathering sources in the library).

 

Week 3  Thursday

 

§  Review of pp 77-100 Lester & Lester (Gathering sources in the library

·         Essay on photo 600 words

·         Find 4  pertinent online sources and  2 books in library;

 

Week 3  Tuesday

 

§  Meet in library to look up resources.

·         Write 20 linked sentences, each with no more than 8 words. Submit electronically

Week 3 Thursday

 

§  In-class essay 250 words

·         Write summary (c 250 words) of article (to be provided).

Week 4  Tuesday

 

§  In class summary  of a text 250 words

·         Pp. 112-136 Lester & Lester  (Reading and Evaluating sources)

Week 4  Thursday

 

§  Review of  Reading and Evaluating sources;

·         Mock-up of essay outline (themes will be provided)

Week 5  Tuesday

 

§  Workshop on collaboration; long essay to be parsed and analysed in sections

·         Summary of long essay:  500 words

Week 5  Thursday

 

§  Correcting others’ mistakes;

§  “The trick of submitting” – distancing yourself  from your work

·         Pp. 137-157 Lester & Lester  (Writing effective notes)

Week 6  Tuesday

 

§  Review of writing effective notes

·         250-word essay  arguing a case (theme will be suggested)

Week 6  Thursday

 

§  In-class written refutation of your  argument

·         Write out 12 questions you need to ask your instructor (on grammar, syntax, vocabulary , choice of subject etc.)

Week 7  Tuesday

 

§  Useful connecting words and

§  Sounding professional ;

§  In-class exercise (worksheet)

·         Pp. 160-176 Lester & Lester (Drafting in an academic style)

Week 7  Thursday

 

§  Decalogue II – More errors to avoid, tricks to use

·         Write 10 concessive sentences with subordinate clauses

Week 8 Tuesday

 

§  How to use irony and humour;

§  Syllogisms

·         Pp. 177-202 Lester & Lester (MLA Style)

Week 8  Thursday

 

§  Review of MLA style.   Spotting mistakes

·         Improve an article (written piece in need of improvement)

Week 9   Tuesday

 

§  Library visit

§  MLA style

·         Pp. 204-222 Lester & Lester (Writing the introduction, body and conclusion)

Week 9  Thursday

 

§  Spanning subjects – How to approach a theme from multiple angles.

·         Write one paragraph explaining why you prefer a given approach (political, sociological, literary)

Week 10  Tuesday

 

§  Using citations, avoiding plagiarism, how to generate new ideas

·         Write Proposal for topic 250 words

Week 10  Thursday

 

§  Examination of proposal

·         Pp. 223-249 Lester & Lester  (Revising and proofreading)

Week 11  Tuesday

 

§  Using MyCompLab

·         Merge two pieces  into one (texts will be provided)

Week 11  Thursday

 

§  Persistent grammar errors; Memory tricks – visualization of rules

·         Free writing exercise to use all your new vocabulary

Week 12  Tuesday

 

§  Elegance and balance in a sentence (Stanley Fish)

·         Convert 12 ugly  sentences into elegant periods

Week 12  Thursday

 

§  Final assignment of main essay

§  Open discussion, questions

·         TBA

Week 13  Tuesday

 

§  Open discussion, questions

·         Rough draft of main essay 1500 words (1 week)

Week 13  Thursday

 

§  In-class analysis of essay

·         Rough draft of main essay 1500 words (finish)

Week 14  Tuesday

 

§  Finalizing your paper workshop I

·         TBA

Week 14  Thursday

 

§  Finalizing your paper workshop II

 

Week 15  Tuesday

 

§  Final Exam 2000 words