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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 110-3"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Composition"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Andrea Pacor
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 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:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course reinforces the skills needed to write well-organized essays, focusing specifically on argumentative essays. Elements covered include thesis development, critical reading, organizing and outlining, paraphrasing and summarizing, and citation and documentation standards. Techniques of academic research and the use of the library and other research facilities are discussed. In addition to regular in- and out-of-class reading and writing assignments, students are required to write a fully documented research paper. Students must receive a grade of C or above in this course to fulfill the University’s English Composition requirement and to be eligible to take courses in English literature. Individual students in EN 110 may be required to complete additional hours in the English Writing Center as part of their course requirements.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course examines a range of fundamental writing strategies from finding a viable topic to selecting primary and secondary sources, paraphrasing and summarizing, critical reading, thesis development, citing and documenting sources. Paper formatting according to the MLA standard, research and use of library resources will also be covered. By the end of the course students will have acquired a variety of tools that will enable them to produce academic-level research papers autonomously.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will learn to write a well-organized, evidence-supported research paper.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research PapersMLAMLA978-1-60329-024-1     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
5 Worksheets and Annotated PrintoutsA worksheet for each reading is due on the date indicated in the schedule. Worksheets are designed to train students in basic MLA formal requirements (top matter, works cited, in-text citation), and to encourage organizing knowledge extracted from the article. The knowledge component includes a terminology section (two terms and definitions) and a quotes section (two selected quotes with lead-in and follow up sentences complete with in-text citation in MLA format). For each reading, the student must also submit annotated printouts as specified in the schedule. Failure to printouts will set the grade for the worksheets proportionately In the final grade computation, I will average the student's best five worksheets. Missing grades will be counted as F and will weigh 0% in final averages. Late or unprinted worksheets will NOT be accepted.15
3 In-Class EssaysIn-Class essays represent an opportunity for application and analysis of knowledge gained from two source articles. Required length is 550 words. Essays under 550 words will receive a maximum grade of C (75%); essays under 450 words receive an F (55%). NOTE: There will be no make-ups for this assignment. Missing grades will weigh 0% in final averages.30
Topic ProposalThe topic proposal is the first step towards the final paper. It consists of five sections: 1) specific topic/purpose/claim; 2) general topic/larger categories/ big themes; 3) conflict; 4) method; 5) tentative title. All sections, except for the tentative title, should be one paragraph in length.10
Annotated BibliographyStudents identify five secondary sources for use in their final project. Sources should be a mix of scholarly articles and books, trade books, newspaper and magazine articles.15
Preliminary outlineThis is a preliminary outline for the final paper. It does not receive a grade, but is mandatory. Students will take this opportunity to begin organizing their paper in writing blocks. A late outline will set the grade for the grade for the final paper back by 3 percentage point; a missing outline will set it back by 5 percentage points.Mandatory, not graded.
Rough DraftThis is a rough draft of the final paper. Required length is 1000 words. It does not receive a grade, but is mandatory. Students will take this opportunity to begin writing the actual paper. The draft should develop at least three major writing blocks, although students are not required to join the blocks with transitions. A late draft will set the grade for the grade for the final paper back by 3 percentage point; a missing draft will set it back by 5 percentage points.Mandatory, not graded.
Final paperThis is the final paper for the class. Final papers must be turned in in hard copy on the day of the final exam. Students are also required to send an electronic version to be used with plagiarism detection software. Required length is 2000 words. 100 words below 2000 caps the grade for the assignment at C (75%); essays under 1500 words receive an F (55%). Failure to turn in the final paper will result in an F for the course.30

-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 cou
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 and to participate in all classroom activities. In addition to this weighting of attendance, students are allowed three absences (no questions asked, no excuse needed), without penalty. However, each additional absence beyond the three allowed will result in the reduction of the final grade for the course by 5%. Students with seven absences or more will receive a failing grade for the course. Please note that absences excused through the dean's office are not added to the three allowed; thus, a student with four absences, three of which are excused, has still exceeded the number of allowed absences for the course by one, and will be penalized. Students arriving at class more than 15 minutes late will be counted as half absent; after a first warning, students chatting audibly and persistently during class, or using electronic devices for non-class related activities, will be marked absent for the day. Please refer to the JCU catalog for the attendance and absence policies.

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 Course Introduction

Week 1 WRP Ch. 8. Adler, Mortimer. “How to Mark a Book” (MyJCU). Reading 1 (MyJCU) (print and bring to class); Tools: Pdf viewers.

Week 2 WRP Ch. 9 (9a-9e); Reading 1: (92-101) (Submit annotated printout)

Week 2 WRP Ch. 9 (9h-9i); Reading 1: (101-end) (Submit annotated printout)

Week 3 WRP Ch. 2 (“Finding a Topic”); Reading 1 Worksheet due.

Week 3 In-Class Essay 1/3 (550 words)

Week 4 WRP Ch. 3; Reading 2: (27-35) (Submit annotated printout)

Week 4 Tools: Word Processors; Reading 2: (35-end) (Submit annotated printout and worksheet)

Week 5 Tools: reference managers; Reading 3 (entire) (Submit annotated printout and worksheet)

Week 5 In-Class Essay 2/3 (550 words)

Week 6 WRP Ch. 11; Reading 4 (30-33) (Submit annotated printout)

Week 6 Reading 4 (33-45) (Submit annotated printout)

Week 7 Reading 4 (45-end) (Submit annotated printout and worksheet)

Week 7 In-Class Essay 3/3 (550 words)

Week 8 WRP Ch. 10; Reading 5 (147-158) (Submit annotated printout)

Week 8 Reading 5  (158-end) (Submit annotated printout and worksheet)

Week 9 WRP Ch. 12; Informal topic selection (identify two secondary sources)

Week 9 Reading 6 (entire)(Submit annotated printout and worksheet)

               

Week 10 Topic Proposal Due 

Week 10 Identify two additional secondary sources

Week 11 Identify two additional secondary sources

Week 11 Annotated bibliography due 

Week 12 Outlining (WRP Ch. 9h-i)

Week 12 Preliminary outline due 

               

Week 13 Workshop: develop one block from outline (500 words)

Week 13 Rough Draft Due (1500 words)

Week 14 WRP Ch. 13

Week 14 Workshop: Finalizing the paper

               

Final Exam           Final Paper Due (2000 words)