Spring 2007 – Written Expression 3B

Instructor: Rob Fieser (pronounced “Feezer”)

Classroom: - L-215

Class hours: Monday -Friday   12:30 – 2:20

Office Hours – 11:30 – 12:20

Telephone:   (425) 564-2350, Email: rfieser@bcc.ctc.edu

 

TEXTS:

  1. Great Paragraphs (2nd ed.), Folse, Muchmore-Vokoun, and Vestri Solomon  
  2. Understanding and Using English Grammar, 3rd. edition, (Azar)

IMPORTANT DATES

No Classes

Thursday, May 10, Monday, May 28

TOEFL

Friday, May 11

Elective Sign-up

Thursday, May 31

Last Class Day

Wednesday, June 13

EOQ Celebration

Wednesday, June 13

 

CLASS FORMAT - We meet two hours daily. There is a 10-minute break in the middle of the class. This class teaches academic writing techniques and grammar. We teach grammar so that you can write better.  Therefore, even if you can pass a multiple choice grammar test, you won’t pass this class if your writing is weak.

           

Grammar pts

1. Verb tenses taught in levels 1 and 2 (review)

 

2. The perfect tenses

 

3. Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.)

 

4. Time adverb clauses

 

5. Passive voice (modals included)

Writing pts

1. Prewriting (brainstorming & organizing)

 

2. Thesis statements

 

3. Detailed, concrete support of main ideas

 

4. Coherence (fitting ideas together well)

 

5. Narrative, Descriptive, and Expressing Opinion type paragraphs

 

ACTIVITIES

            Grammar and writing exercises in class and for homework

Partner and group writing

Weekly compositions (multiple drafts)

Exams (midterm and final)

SUPPLIES

            Lots of 8 ½” X 11” white notebook paper

Some pencils or mechanical pencils with erasers

An English-English dictionary (Longman’s is good)

A bilingual dictionary is optional, but a good idea. However, don’t rely on it too heavily.

GRADES

Will be based on your performance throughout the quarter. It is not wise to neglect your homework and weekly assignments, thinking that high grades on the midterm and final exams will ensure that you pass. It rarely happens that way.            

20%

Attendance and homework

40%

Weekly compositions

20%

In class writing

20%

Midterm and final exams

 

The midterm and final exams will be timed in-class writings. You will have a choice of two or more topics, and then write a paragraph on it. Afterwards, other level 3 writing teachers will grade your papers as either P (passing) or NP (not passing). These grades are very important. You should be prepared to do your best on these tests. If you have below a B - average and don’t pass the final exam, I can’t pass you for the quarter.

 

        Attendance thresholds

2 late arrivals equal one absence

5 absences means that the student advisor in ISP will contact you for a talk

 

9 absences mean that you cannot pass the class.

 

12 absences means you will get an F

 

 

THINGS WHICH HURT YOUR GRADES

1. Skipping class or coming to class late.

2. Turning your homework in late

3. Remaining silent during group discussions

4. Sleeping in class

5. Doing your previous day’s homework in class

6. Not following directions for homework or tests

7. Not using English in class

 

 THINGS TO REMEMBER

If you are not sure about something, ask. There are no stupid questions. It is ok to make mistakes when using new words or grammar structures. In fact, your English will improve faster if you are not afraid of making mistakes. Please, try new structures, especially in your homework.

 

If you are sick or injured and unable to come to school, please call me 425-564-2350 or send me an email (rfieser@bcc.ctc.edu) to let me know. When you come back, you may have to take any tests that you missed. If you don’t take them, you will receive a grade of zero for them.

 

LAST NOTE

Writing well can be hard, but it should be fun, too. Be consistent in doing your homework and pay attention in class and you’ll learn a lot. Your homework for this class should average between 1 and 1½ hours a day. If you are spending much longer that that, please let me know. Don’t worry about grades so much. If you do your best, that’s enough.

 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS 

If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, have emergency information to share, or need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation; please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.  To inquire about becoming a DSS (Disability Support Services) student, call 564-2498 or go to the DSS office located in the B 132.

 

 

Tentative Schedule for Spring Quarter 2007

 

 

 

MONDAY

 

TUESDAY

 

WEDNESDAY

 

THURSDAY

 

FRIDAY

 

WEEK 1

 

 

 

4/2

4/3

4/4

Classes Begin

 

4/5

 

4/6

Late Placement

Challenge Test:

New students only

WEEK 2

 

 

 

 

 

4/9

 

 

4/10

 

4/11

 

 

 

4/12

Faculty Meeting

4/13

 

WEEK 3

 

 

 

 

 

4/16

 

4/17

 

4/18

 

 

 

4/19

4/20

 

WEEK 4

 

 

 

 

 

4/23

 

4/24

4/25

 

 

 

4/26

4/27

 

 

WEEK 5

 

 

 

 

 

4/30

5/1

 

5/2

 

 

5/3

 

5/4

 

WEEK 6

 

 

 

 

 

5/7

 

5/8

Midterm Evals

Due

5/9

 

 

 

5/10

College Issues Day

 

No Class

5/11

Inst. TOEFL

WEEK 7

 

 

 

 

 

5/14

5/15

 

 

5/16

 

 

 

5/17

 

5/18

 

WEEK 8

 

 

 

 

 

5/21

 

5/22

 

5/23

 

 

5/24

 

5/25

 

WEEK 9

 

 

 

 

 

5/28

Holiday

 

5/29

5/30

 

 

5/31

Electives Sign-Up

6/1

 

WEEK 10

 

 

 

 

 

6/4

6/5

6/6

 

 

6/7

 

6/8

 

FINALS WEEK

 

 

6/11

 

6/12

Reading:  2:30

Speaking  3:30

Electives: Class Time

6/13

Writing::  12:30

EOQ Party:  2:30

 

6/14

6/15