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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 103-1"
COURSE NAME: "Intensive English Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Anthony Casling
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW10:00 AM 12:30 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:
The course aims to improve student's understanding of what constitutes good writing. A variety of strategies for producing clear and convincing prose are introduced.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The intensive course has two components. One concentrates on developing the ability to write grammatically correct English prose, and includes an in-depth review and examination of academic register. The other focuses on elements of academic writing, from sentence structure to writing effective paragraphs. The various rhetorical modes are also introduced. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Grammar: write grammatically correct English prose.

Reading: Increase vocabulary by reading and writing
Develop subject specific terminology through reading and writing.

Rhetoric: Write effective paragraphs and essays.
Summarize.
Understand how to recognize and utilize rhetorical modes.
Construct detailed outlines.
Understand the introduction-body-conclusion structure.
Write a strong thesis statement.
Construct topic sentences and supporting arguments.
Utilize transition signals.
Understand and use the essential features of academic writing

Research: Develop research skills.
Use databases and web-based research.
Use MLA format for citations.
Understand the essential techniques for avoiding plagiarism.
 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
WRITING ACADEMIC ENGLISH, fourth edition, level 4ALICE OSHIMA & ANN HOGUEPEARSON LONGMAN978-0-2-13-153359-3     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
In-class essays 25%
Out-of-class-essays 25%
Mid-course exam 15%
Homework and Quizes 15%
Final 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 cour
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:
Student's are required to attend all classes, with a maximum of four unjustified absences.
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

Session

Session Focus

Reading Assignment

Other Assignment

Meeting Place/Exam Dates

Lesson 1

Introduction to course & Mycomplab

Lesson 2

Overview of essay structure

Lesson 3

Topic sentences

Out of class essay I

Lesson 4

Paragraph structure

Lesson 5

Cohesion

Lesson 6

In-class essay I

Lesson 7

Process and Chronological order essays

Lesson 8

Introductions

Lesson 9

Sentence structure

Out of class essay II

Lesson 10

Sentence struucture

Lesson 11

Conclusions

Lesson 12

In Class essay II

Lesson 13

Comparison and Contrasting Essays

Lesson 14

Aspects of Academic Style

Lesson 15

Aspects of Academic Style

Out of class essay III

Lesson 16

Cause and Effect Essays

Lesson 17

Avoiding plaigarism

Lesson 18

In-class essay III

Lesson 19

Argumentative essays

Lesson 20

Word Choice and Formality

Lesson 21

Proofreading

Lesson 22

Academic caution

Out of class essay IV

Lesson 23

Summarizing

Lesson 24

In-class essay IV

Lesson 25

The language of graphs and charts

Lesson 26

Revision

Lesson 27

Revision

Lesson 28

Wrap up