ENGL 0903 provides practice with the elements of non-fiction writing, including purpose, audience awareness, organization, development, grammar, usage, and mechanics. While providing a guided introduction to college-level writing, the course emphasizes writing as a process of discovery and revision, the relationship between writing, thinking, and reading, and how to prepare your work for public assessment. By semester’s end, students will (provided all coursework is completed successfully) be ready to write longer, more focused compositions as well as be better prepared to write more effectively in all college courses.
Your enrollment in this course is based on a combination of your ACT/SAT (or Accuplacer) scores and previous school work (or you may have elected to take the course to refresh or build your skills). Successful completion of this course (i.e., earning a grade of “Credit” or “CR” at semester’s end as a result of graded work and portfolio assessment) is necessary in order to enroll in ENGL 1013: English Composition I. Students who receive a grade of “No Credit” or “NC” (except those students who have elected to take the course) must re-enroll in ENGL 0903 until it is completed successfully. As with all skills-building courses, ENGL 0903 may not be dropped (that it, it is not eligible for a grade of “W”).
NOTE: Performance in this course does not result in
GPA quality points, and it has no impact on one’s college-wide grade point
average. A student may repeat a CR/NC
course in which a grade of “NC” is received. CR/NC courses may be counted toward
graduation as elective hours up to a maximum of 12 hours, but such courses may
not count toward completion of major or general education requirements unless
that is noted specifically in the course description.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Adventures
in Writing: An Introduction to the Writing Process with
Prentice Hall, 2003)
The Everyday Writer, 3rd edition (Lunsford, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005)
Exercises to accompany The Everyday Writer, 3rd edition (Runciman and Lengel, Bedford/St.
Martin’s, 2005)
WORK COMPONENTS
Classroom participation and attendance 15%
1st Essay 10%
2nd Essay 15%
3rd Essay 20%
Portfolio Assessment 40%
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
PHILOSOPHY
The mission of
COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS
To complete ENGL 0903 successfully, you must demonstrate college-level competency (through graded work and portfolio assessment at semester’s end) in the following:
1. Writing as process
l ability to define/describe and provide examples of pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading
l discovery and invention
2. Critical reading/thinking
l critical reading/thinking (ability to respond orally and in writing to the works of published writers and peers)
3. Basic rhetorical strategies
l introduction/body/conclusion (ability to define/describe, create, and recognize)
l thesis control (ability to define/describe, create, recognize, and support with good reasons)
l development of ideas (ability to know when and where to elaborate using evidence, examples, facts, definitions, anecdotal information, etc.)
l audience awareness (ability to define/describe)
l control of tone (ability to define/describe as it relates to audience, emotion, word choice, level of formality, etc.)
4. Standard English grammar and usage
l ability to define/describe, recognize, and exercise reasonable control of parts of sentences, parts of speech, punctuation conventions, spelling, sentence structure (fragments, comma splices, and fused sentences), subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, pronoun reference, and pronoun-antecedent agreement
5. Appropriate assigned format
l ability to write papers containing page numbers, a title, 1-inch margins, 12-point font, standard double-space throughout, 1 tab space indent for paragraphs
l adherence to assigned number of pages (ability to produce a minimum of 10 full pages of polished/evaluated text)
INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES
Participation: A willingness to participate in a prepared and constructive manner is encouraged and will be appreciated and rewarded. Your participation grade encompasses your record of attendance, your contributions to class discussions (both orally and in written responses to writing prompts), your collegiality (your behavior as a mature, intelligent, and cooperative student), and your willingness to meet with the instructor in scheduled conferences if advised.
Quizzes: Expect occasional quizzes, usually announced in advance,
on assigned readings and material previously covered. The quizzes reinforce material and skills
learned and encourage you to read and understand assigned material in advance
of class discussion.
Formal Essays: You will be guided through three essay assignments. Submissions of specified preliminary drafts will be required, and the finished product of each essay must be typed and of a specified format and length. The grading criteria for each assignment will be discussed at the time the assignment is given, and you are strongly encouraged to tailor your work to the assignment’s expectations. The following numerical grading scale will be used: A=94-100; A-=89.5-93; B+=87.5-89; B=83.5-87; B-=79.5-83; C+=77.5-79; C=73.5-77; C-=69.5-73; D+=67.5-69; D=63.5-67; D-=59.5-63; F=below 59.5. These grades will be used to indicate the degree of success on individual assignments but will not be used to indicate your course grade (which, as discussed above, will be either a “CR” or “NC”).
Portfolio Assessment: In order to pass the course with a grade of “CR” you must accomplish both of the following: first, you must earn at least a “C” average on the combination of in-class activities, quizzes, and essays; second, you must build a portfolio according to specifications discussed in class that will showcase the process work (the preliminary drafts) and finished graded products of your three essays, as well as a thorough and carefully written cover letter addressed to your readers; you must then submit it according to guidelines and deadlines to be discussed in class, and it must earn at least a “Low Pass” during end-of-the-semester portfolio assessment. A minimum “C” average on participation, quizzes, and essays is required in order to be eligible to submit a portfolio. If you are ineligible to submit a portfolio, you will automatically receive a grade of “NC” (No Credit) for the course. IMPORTANT: Portfolio eligibility and portfolio submission do not guarantee successful completion of the course. If you submit the portfolio but it is not passed by the English Program readers, you do not pass the course (though you may appeal your case following guidelines available from the instructor).
Completing and Submitting Assignments: Whether present or absent, you are held accountable for all work on the date the work is due. No major work (the preliminary drafts and finished products of essay assignments and the portfolio) will be accepted late unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor or in the event of extreme circumstances as interpreted by the instructor. If you miss class due to an excused absence, you may submit the day's work at the beginning of the following class period without penalty.
Minimum Work Requirement: All major assignments (the three essays, the cover letter to reviewers, and the portfolio, provided you are eligible to submit it) must be completed and a passing grade on these assignments must be earned in order to receive a “CR” in the course.
Revision/Resubmission Policy: To advance the view that "writing is rewriting," that successful writing is an ongoing process that fosters discoveries about subjects and therefore deserves as much if not more emphasis than the final product, I offer you the option to revise and to resubmit graded products of essay assignments--except Essay #3--according to the following guidelines:
1. In the context of this policy, "revision" means a substantial rethinking and reworking of the graded essay's thesis, thesis statement, content, and/or organization. In other words, global changes are required; you cannot just correct surface errors or weaknesses in style or simply
"tack on" ideas to the original.
2. You must have prior approval to resubmit an essay; absolutely no revisions will be accepted unless you have discussed with me your specific revision plan.
3. Revisions must be submitted to me no later than three weeks from the date you receive your graded essay.
4. You must, before conferring with me, plan a revision strategy. At our meeting, the first question I will ask you will be, What specific plans do you have for improving your essay?
5. At the time of our conference, we will decide on a mutual due date for submitting the revision.
6. When submitting the revision, you MUST also re-submit the original graded draft and its instructor evaluation form.
7. I will assign a grade to the revised version and then average that grade with the original mark. For example, if you make a "C" on the original and an "A" on the revision, your grade for the assignment will be a "B."
Attendance: Your attendance at every class meeting is expected. Habitual absences will affect your grade adversely, both directly (in your in-class activity grade) and indirectly (in your performance on quizzes and papers). Additionally, more than two unexcused absences will automatically disqualify you from portfolio review, which will result in a grade of NC (No Credit) for the course. To qualify for excused absences, a written statement giving the date and the specific reason for any absence is required, preferably before the expected absence but no later than a week following the absence. The instructor reserves the right to interpret the validity of “excused” absences. See your Official Student Handbook for the College’s policy on class attendance.
ENGLISH
PROGRAM CRITERIA FOR GRADING WRITTEN WORK
A (Outstanding) — An “A” paper as a whole presents a fresh subject or central idea or treats it in an interesting or original manner, displaying unusual insight. Organization is clear and developmental strategies are varied. The paragraphs are fully developed with substantiating details; sentences are linked together with effective transitions. Sentences are imaginative, effective and varied; syntax is smooth; diction is accurate and effective. The paper contains virtually no grammar and mechanical errors or errors only in sophisticated matters, and no spelling errors.
B (Above Average) — A “B” paper presents an interesting subject or central idea and approaches it in a consistent and careful manner, displaying insight, though without the freshness or originality of the “A” paper. Organization is generally appropriate and clear. Paragraphs are, with few exceptions, well-developed and supportive. Sentences are clearly related and, for the most part, effectively related. Sentences are generally clear and correct in structure and style. Word choice is generally good. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling follow accepted conventions except for a few minor errors.
C (Adequate) — A “C” paper as a whole presents a clearly defined central idea or subject, but the treatment may be trivial, uninteresting, or too general. The insight may be adequate but not marked by independent thought. The plan and purpose are clear, but they are inconsistently or incompletely carried out. Some paragraphs may lack supporting details or may not be related to the central idea. Sentences may be only loosely related or missing internal transitions. Sentences may be wordy, vague, or sometimes incorrect. The paper may have an isolated serious error or several minor errors in grammar, punctuation, or mechanics. Some misspellings may occur.
D (Weak) — A “D” paper as a whole presents a poorly defined central idea and displays very little insight. The plan and purpose are not clear or consistently developed. Paragraphs contain little or no supporting detail and are often unrelated to the central idea. Transitions between ideas are frequently lacking. Sentences are incorrect in structure or are vague or wordy. Style and word choice are incorrect or inappropriate. The paper may contain serious errors of grammar and mechanics or many little errors as well as frequent misspellings of common words.
F (No Credit) — An “F” paper does not have a clear subject or apparent plan, or it is completely unresponsive to the assignment. Paragraphs are not related to the central idea, sentences are not related to each other, and transitions are inappropriate or missing. Serious errors in grammar, mechanics, and spelling demonstrate a lack of understanding of the conventions of written standard English.
A BRIEF PROGRAM
STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is the invalid claim that written material is the writer’s own invention or discovery; it is the theft of another person’s intellectual product. Whether it is accidental or intentional, plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the paper submitted in an English composition or literature course and perhaps for the course. (See official College policy below.)
COLLEGE
POLICIES
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty refers to any form of cheating or
plagiarism in academic courses.
Plagiarism is defined as any use of another writer’s words,
concepts, or sequence of ideas without acknowledging that writer by the use of
proper documentation. Plagiarism is not
only the direct quotation of another writer’s words but also any paraphrase or summary of another
writer’s concepts or ideas without documentation. Academic dishonesty is a profoundly serious
offense. It is not tolerated at
Statement on Learning/Physical Disabilities
The
Students
are encouraged to utilize this Center as a resource for improving study
strategies and reading techniques. The
Center also offers assistance with other academic problems resulting from
documented learning disabilities. All
services are free of charge to all Lindsey Wilson College students (students
with learning disabilities are responsible for providing documentation from an
appropriate outside professional source such as a professional evaluation or
school IEP). Please contact Jan Green, Tutor
Coordinator at 384-8037 for further information and assistance.
(Note: The College now also houses a
Final Exams
Final Exams are scheduled for the Fall
2005 semester on December 12-15 and May 8-11 for the Spring 2006
semester. The academic calendar, which
contains the schedule for finals, is in the College Catalog and course schedule
listing. Please make any necessary
flight arrangements after the final exam week. Students will not be permitted to take
early finals unless extenuating circumstances exist. “Extenuating circumstance” means illness, a verified family emergency or
participation in officially sponsored travel in support of an event arranged by
the College. Travel arrangements must
be made in sufficient time that tickets may be obtained after final exams
and the semester is officially over. All
requests for early finals must be made in person to Dr. William Julian,
Provost.
Cell Phone
Policy
Student cell
phones will be off during class time unless prior arrangement is made with the
instructor.
Course
Withdrawal
When withdrawal
from a course is properly authorized and submitted to the Registrar’s Office,
the course will appear on the student’s record with the designation of W
(withdrawn). No course withdrawals are
permitted during the last 30 class days of the semester. (Note: ENGL 0903 and other skills-building
courses may not be dropped; certain exceptions apply.)
Students who wish to withdraw from a
course must complete an Add/Drop Form, including instructor and advisor
signatures, and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. Failure to do so will result in a grade of F
for the course. Add/Drop Forms may be
obtained from the Registrar’s Office or the academic advisor.
Important Fall 2005
Dates:
August 22 -- Classes Begin
August 26 -- Last Day to Register or Add a Class
September 05 -- Labor Day Holiday (No Classes)
September 22-23
-- Family Weekend
October 10-14 -- Fall Break
October 17 -- Mid-Term Grades Due
November 04 -- Last Day to Drop a Class or Withdraw (does not apply to ENGL
0903)
November 04-05 -- Homecoming
November 14-18 -- Advance Registration for 2006 Spring Semester
November 24-25 -- Thanksgiving Holiday (No Classes)
December 09 -- Last Day of Classes
December 12-15 -- Final Exams
December 16 -- 2005 Fall Term Ends
December 17 -- Winter Commencement
December 19 -- Final Grades Due
ENGL 0903:
Introduction to College Writing
M
Fall 2005/Dr. Grubbs
Working Schedule Through Midterm
M, 8/22 Introduction to course; diagnostic assignments
M, 8/29 Chapters 2 & 3 in Adventures in Writing
“Learning from Common Errors,” pages 1-22 in Everyday Writer
Pages 1 – 4 in Exercises for Everyday Writer
M, 9/5 Labor Day Holiday (no class)
M, 9/12 Two-page discovery draft due (typed, double spaced)
Chapters 4, 5, & 6 in Adventures in Writing
Chapters
6 & 7, 21 & 22 in Everyday Writer
Pages 10 – 14 in Exercises for Everyday Writer
M, 9/19 Chapters 8, 9, and 10 in Adventures in Writing
Chapters
8 & 9, 23 & 24 in Everyday Writer
Pages 15 – 20 in Exercises for Everyday Writer
M, 9/26 Chapters 13, 14, & 15 in Adventures in Writing
Chapters 25, 26, & 27 in Everyday Writer
Pages 21 – 24 in Exercises for Everyday Writer
M, 10/3 Four-page essay due (finished version)
Chapters 16, 17, 21 in Adventures in Writing
Chapters 28, 29, & 30 in Everyday Writer
Pages 41 – 53 in Exercises for Everyday Writer
10/10 – 1014 Fall Break