COURSE SYLLABUS:  ENGLISH 092      

 

Fall  2003                                                                     Instructor:  Clay Cooper

Daily  1230-0120                                                         Office:  R230L

R209                                                                            Tel (425) 564-4185

                                                                                    Email:  ccooper@bcc.ctc.edu

                                                                                    Office Hours:  by appt. only

 

Required Textbooks:   75 Readings:  An Anthology ( 9th edition)

Jump Start!  A Workbook for Writers, Clouse

A good standard dictionary

 

Course Description

 

Welcome to English 092.  This course is designed to help you become a more skilled and confident writer.  Working closely with the texts, we will approach writing as a process, and attempt to make writing essays less intimidating by breaking down this process into elements. These individual elements will be topics for classroom discussions and in-class exercises. 

 

1.  We will alternate between the two texts.   We will use 75 Readings to improve comprehensive reading skills, stimulate ideas, expand vocabulary, and practice critical thinking.   The workbook will assist us in writing clear, effective, grammatically correct sentences.      

 

2.  There will be two short quizzes covering the material learned from the workbook.  We will cover some basic grammar and style topics in preparation for those quizzes.  You are also responsible for any vocabulary words assigned in class. You will write three short essays for the class (3-5 pages).  You will also rewrite the lowest graded paper among the first two with the the hopes of receiving a better grade.  You must score a 90 or better on the first two essays to be exempted from the rewrite requirement.

 

  We will talk about each essay in class and I will issue a handout outlining the requirements of each assignment in detail.  I will also be available for consultation throughout the course, preferably by appointment during office hours.  All papers and outlines for this class should be typed or word-processed.  We will visit the Writing Lab and Reading Labs on campus (D221, NWCET) Individual instruction is available and is included with you lab fee.  I encourage you to take advantage of this resource and do the lion’s share of your writing at this facility.  You will need a standard floppy disk to store your documents. 

 

3.  We need to move along at a rapid pace, so late work will not be encouraged.  Homework will never be accepted late.  If you are absent from class on the day an assignment is due, you have lost the opportunity to receive credit for that assignment.  No e-mailed assignments will be accepted.  Late essays will be marked down one full letter grade per class day.

 

4.  Homework:  The standard guideline for college courses is two hours of outside preparation for each class.  You can expect to spend that much, give or take, in this class.  You need at least a C- to move on to 101.  This is an intensive, developmental class, and we have a lot of material to cover in a short time.  If you are having trouble keeping up with assignments, I suggest you come see me. 

 

GRADING

 

Attendance (see below for grading guidelines)                                                   10%

Quizzes                                                                                                                        20%

Classroom Participation                                                                                                10%

Workbook assignments and handouts                                                                           10%

4 essays (1 rewrite)                                                                                                      50%

 

  • I will give you a more detailed breakdown of how I grade the essays when I pass out the assignment sheets. 
  • Participation grade evaluates contributions to class discussions, group exercises, peer review, and your perceived attitude towards the course.
  • Attendance is crucial to successful completion of this class.  We have limited class periods in which to accomplish our learning goals, and after loss time for holidays, etc. our time becomes even more valuable.  Chronic tardiness will also count against your attendance grade.  If you come to class after I have taken attendance, it is your responsibility to make your presence known.  Here are the guidelines, as outlined by the English department:  

0-2--A             2-3--B             4-5--C             6-7—D            8+F and you fail the class

 

GROUND RULES

 

Out of respect for everyone in the classroom, I ask that you follow these ground rules.

1.                  Turn off pagers and cell-phones

2.                  Do not talk or whisper while I am talking, or when another student is talking

3.                  Be constructive in your comments and respect the opinions of your classmates.

 

DISABILITIES:

 

If you have a disability that affects you as a student in this class, you are encouraged to let me know.  It’s also a good idea to contact the Educational Access Center so that appropriate accommodations can be made.    

 

A Final Note:  I am here to serve as your guide and then ultimately to evaluate your work.  I am interested in helping you do as well as you want in this class.  My schedule permitting, I’ll assist you in any way I can.  If you’re having difficulty, speak to me about it, and I’ll see what I can do to help.  If life interferes with school, as it has a habit of doing, let me know.  I am not judgmental, and if you show me that you’re concerned with doing good work in this class, I’ll do what I can to help you around the obstacles.  Communication is the key here.  Keep me informed of your circumstances, and you should do fine.   Talk to me after things fall apart, and there’s nothing I can do.