I. Text(s):
a. A Reader for Developing Writers
(5th ed.) by Santi V. Buscemi.
b. (Optional – but helpful) A
Collegiate Dictionary.
II.
Course Description:
This course emphasizes
advanced editing and critical thinking skills. Students
learn to meet composition objectives by writing,
revising, and editing essays in one class period and by analyzing their work
from other classes. Students will also read several short essays by
professional and student authors.
III.
Course Outcomes/Objectives:
a. By the end of the course,
students will be able to write essays which demonstrate the ability to use all
stages of the writing process effectively, identify the needs of their
audience, produce a substantive and engaging topic, and create a unified,
coherent, and well-developed piece of writing that consistently follows
appropriate grammatical and mechanical conventions of Standard English.
ü Use a variety of purposes
for essay construction, such as analysis, exposition, and/or persuasion.
ü Demonstrate ability to
recognize some strengths and weaknesses in their own writing, based on specific
criteria. (i.e. self-assess).
ü Comprehend texts written at
college level or above both literally and inferentially.
IV.
Assignments:
a. In-class and out-of-class
reading and writing assignments.
b. Four out-of-class essays.
c. Several short reading
quizzes (based on the out-of-class assigned reading).
d.
V. Grading:
a. Your overall grade will be
based on the weighted numerical grades you receive in the following areas:
1. Four out-of-class essays: 40%
2. Midterm Grammar Exam 15%
3. Final Grammar Exam 20%
4. Several short reading
quizzes: 10%
5. Class Participation and
Attendance: 10%
6. In-class reading and
writing assignments: 5%
Each of these areas will be given a numerical grade in accordance with the
A 4.0 - 3.8 B+ 3.3 - 3.1
C+ 2.3 - 2.1 D+ 1.3 - 1.1
A- 3.7 - 3.4 B
3.0 - 2.8 C 2.0 - 1.8
D 1.0
B- 2.7 - 2.4
C- 1.7 - 1.4 F 0.0
VI.
English 092 Class Attendance Policies:
a. I will take roll call at the
beginning of class and keep a record of your attendance. If you arrive late, I
may not mark you as having attended class. You should check with me after class
to ensure I marked you present.
b. Class Participation and
Attendance is worth 10% of your overall grade. It is a combination grade of
your participation in classroom discussions, activities, and your overall
attendance.
c. The following is a breakout
for the attendance portion of the English 092 Class Participation/Attendance
grade:
Number of absences Grade
0 – 2 A, A-
3 – 4 B+, B
5 – 6 C+, C
7 – 8 D+, D
9 – 10 D-, F
VII.
Class Policies:
a. Please arrive on time, as the
class will begin at
b. Much of what we cover in
class will be beneficial to meeting the course objectives, so attendance is important.
If you cannot attend a class, it is your responsibility to get the information
from a fellow student or me.
c. Plagiarized assignments will
result in a failing grade for that assignment. Additional penalties such as failure of the
course or expulsion from the college may also occur as appropriate.
d. I will accept late papers.
However, I will deduct from the numerical grade 0.1 per class period that the paper is
late. If you do not submit a paper, you will receive a numerical grade of 0.0 for the
assignment.
e. Eating and drinking in class
are fine (within reason) as long as you clean up your mess.
f.
If you need special accommodations because of a disability, or have emergency
medical needs, or you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, see me as soon as possible.
VIII.
Miscellaneous Notes:
a. Please note that this
syllabus is subject to change. I will notify you of any changes as early as
possible.
b. If you have any questions,
comments, or concerns, about the course, instruction, assignments, or grades,
please see me as soon as possible. I’m here to help you, but if you wait until
the last minute to get my help on a particular problem, assignment or are
simply confused as to what you are supposed to do, I may not be able to assist
you. So, please don’t hesitate to ask questions.
c. If you have any questions
regarding BCC’s student policies, please refer to the Student Procedures &
Expectations section online. The web address is below:
http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/studentinfo.html