Instructor: Sara Blake Spring Semester 2014 English A Syllabus CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to strengthen college-level writing skills. Students will read and analyze articles and essays and will practice writing coherent, well-developed expository essays. Students will revise their writing using peer review and weekly one-on-one tutorials. Students will review functional grammar and sentence skills and be introduced to techniques of research and documentation. COURSE OBJECTIVES (what you’ll do in the course): 1. Read and apply critical thinking skills to college-level expository prose for the purposes of writing and discussion. 2. Apply appropriate strategies in the writing process including prewriting, composing, revising, and editing techniques. 3. Demonstrate ability to incorporate into draft revision information received in peer review and one-on-one tutorials. 4. Plan, write, and revise 500-word multi-paragraph expository essays including an introduction and conclusion, exhibiting coherence and unity, avoiding major grammatical and mechanical errors that interfere with meaning, and demonstrating awareness of audience, purpose, and language choice. 5. Utilize MLA guidelines to format a document, to cite sources in the text of an essay, and to compile a Works Cited list.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (what you’ll be able to do at the end of the course): Upon Completion of English A, students will: 1. Compose a coherent, unified multi-paragraph expository essay that has undergone revision and relates to a text discussed in class. 2. Compose introductory paragraphs with a thesis, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and concluding paragraphs. 3. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate and document material from outside sources. 4. Use basic rules of grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation so that the ideas are clear. 5. Utilize MLA style for formatting and documentation. COURSE DESIGN (how the course is set up): This class consists of one regular class meeting and one computer lab session each week. During the lab session, you’ll have the opportunity to work on your writing on a one-to-one basis with the instructor and a tutor from the Writing Center, to revise your essays using computers in the lab, to access the internet for purposes of course-related activities and research, and to work on your grammar skills using computer-aided instruction. You need to bring your Writer’s Notebook and the textbook to all class meetings.

Lab meeting: classroom/day ______Regular meeting: classroom/day ______TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:

 Blake, Writing the College Essay (McGraw- Hill Create, 2013) ISBN 9781121736139. This is a low-cost custom text available in the ECC Bookstore. There’s also a copy on Reserve in the library.  1" 3-Ring Binder (Writer’s Notebook)  Subject Dividers (5 minimum)  Standard-sized, College-ruled Notebook Paper  Black or Blue Pen  8½ X 11” Bluebook  Stapler, 3-Hole Punch

 USB Flash Drive STUDENT CONDUCT: Every student is entitled to a respectful learning environment free of disruption and distraction. If you fail to comply with the El Camino Standards of Student Conduct (ECC Board Policy 5500) while in this class, you’ll be subject to disciplinary action by the college. RESOURCES:  Reading Success Center (East Library Basement E-36) Software and tutors are available for vocabulary development & reading comprehension. If you score below passing on the diagnostic and/or the midterm exams, you should be visiting the RSC weekly.  Library Media Technology Center - LMTC (East Library Basement) Computers are available for free use. Bring your student ID # & flash drive. There’s a charge for printing.  Writing Center (H122) Computers are available for free use. Free tutoring is available for writing assignments, grammar, and vocabulary. Bring your student ID & flash drive to save work. Printing is NOT available.  Learning Resource Center - LRC (West Wing of the Library, 2nd floor) The LRC Tutorial Program offers free drop-in tutoring. For the tutoring schedule, go to www.elcamino.edu/library/lrc/tutoring .The LRC also offers individualized computer adaptive programs to help build your reading comprehension skills.  Student Health Center (Next to the Pool) The Health Center offers free medical and psychological services as well as free workshops on topics like “test anxiety.” Low cost medical testing is also available.  Special Resource Center – SRC (Southwest Wing of Student Services Building) The SRC provides free disability services, including interpreters, testing accommodations, counseling, and adaptive computer technology.

STUDENT SUCCESS:  Going to college can change your life; make the most of it. Don’t sabotage yourself by failing to show up for class, coming to class without materials or failing to turn in assignments. What you get out of your experience depends on what you put into it.  If passing this class with a minimum of effort is your objective, you’re failing to take advantage of the course. You’re in this class because you need to improve your reading skills so you can perform successfully at the college level. This is a serious task. It requires a commitment on your part to make the most of every opportunity to learn and to become a reader who can succeed in college-level courses.  Stay focused on your personal and educational goals. Ask yourself throughout the semester, “Why am I here? What are my goals? Am I doing everything I can to achieve these goals?” If you don’t see how a particular course topic or activity relates to your goals, ask.  Due to new restrictions on course repeatability, you have limited opportunities to take this class, so make the most of it this semester.  Have a positive attitude: You can succeed in this course! If you need extra help or if you get confused or overwhelmed by an assignment, go to the Reading Success Center or see the instructor. We’re here to support you and give you the assistance you need.

Spring 2014 MW English A Topics and Assignments Instructor: Blake

Assignments and readings are to be read or completed before class on the dates indicated. Beginning page numbers of reading assignments are given in parentheses. Bring textbook and writer’s notebook to all class meetings. Class meets in a computer lab on Monday and in a regular classroom on Wednesday. NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the schedule if necessary.

Date Assignments, Readings, In-Class Topics and Activities and Reminders W 1/22: Topics and Activities:

 Introduction to Class.  Overview of syllabus and strategies for success. Week 1  Get acquainted activity.  Timed writing #1: (5 pts).

 Overview of writing process. M 1/27: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Sign up for TPLC.  Bring materials for  Finding subjects and verbs. Writer's Notebook (5  MyECC Portal Activity (5 pts). pts): binder, paper,  Set up Writer's Notebook. dividers.

 Sentence Starters: In-class paragraph. W 1/29: Topics and Activities: To Do: Week 2  Timed writing #2 (5 pts).  Read "Narration" (1),  More on finding subjects and verbs. "My First Field Trip"  Sample Reading Quiz. (10).  Prewriting with two-column diagram and focused freewriting.  Bring your textbook  Essay #1 assigned: narrative paragraph on memorable or a photocopy of incident. page 1 to class (5 pts). (Copy available  Writing narration, topic sentence and unity on Reserve in the Library.) IMPORTANT DATE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, IS THE LAST DAY TO ADD A CLASS Week 3 M 2/3: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Format MLA manuscript.  Bring USB flash drive  Etudes: Log in and check acceptance of syllabus to save work. policies.  Draft check 1: Essay #1 (5 pts).  Bring draft of Essay  Revise and print copy of Essay #1 for Wed. #1 (typed and saved to USB).  CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Finding Subjects and Verbs. W 2/5: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Timed Writing #3 (5 pts.)  Read "Salvation" (13)  Grammar Quiz 1 on finding subjects and verbs (15 and "Down These pts). Mean Streets” (18).  Reading Quiz 1 (10 pts).  Complete Review Test  Coherence and specific details. 1 (93).  Using dialogue.  Avoiding fragments.  Bring revised draft of Essay #1 for peer  Peer review (5 pts). review. M 2/10: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Draft check 2: Essay #1 (5 pts).  Bring USB flash drive  Revise and print copy of Essay #1 for submission. to save work.  Etudes: Take sample quiz, check Gradebook, post  Bring revised draft of favorites in discussion board (5 pts). Essay #1 (typed and  CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Fragments. saved to USB). Final draft Essay #1 due by end of class (75  Review Subjects and Verbs in Resources and take pts). online make-up quiz (if required). Week 4 W 2/12: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Timed writing #4 (5 pts).  Read "Exemplification”  “The College Essay” format. (24), "Double Talk"  Finding a topic (prewriting) and focusing a topic (thesis). (35).  Reading Quiz 2 (10 pts).  Writing exemplification.  Complete Review Test  Essay #2 assigned: exemplification essay on 3 (108). technology.

 Grammar Quiz 2 on avoiding fragments (15 pts). M 2/17: No class. Washington’s Day Holiday. W 2/19: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Timed writing #5 (5 pts).  Read “Why I Want a  Planning and writing an outline. Wife" (39). Week 5  Reading Quiz 3 (10 pts).  Primary and secondary support.  Writing Introductions: In-class activity (5 pts).  Avoiding Run-ons and Comma Splices.

 Audience and tone. Week 6 M 2/24: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  More on introductions.  Bring USB flash drive  Lab Check: Thesis and Outline for Essay #2 (10 to save work. pts).  Use thesis and outline to compose introduction for  Bring outline with Essay #2; print a copy of this introduction for Wed. thesis for Essay #2.  Originality Check: Register for Turnitin.com (5 pts).  CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Run-ons.  Etudes: Review fragments in Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required).

W 2/26: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Timed writing #6 (5 pts).  Bring typed draft of  Writing a conclusion. Essay #2  Reading Quiz 4 (10 pts). introduction for peer  Developing an essay by comparison and contrast. review.  Grammar Quiz 3 on avoiding run-ons (15 pts).  Read "Comparison-  Subject-verb agreement. Contrast" (44), “A Matter of Geography" (50), and “The  Peer Review: Introductory Paragraph for Essay #2 (5 American Family (54). pts).  Complete Review Tests 2 and 3 (120- 21). M 3/3: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Insert MLA running header.  Bring USB flash drive  Draft Check: Essay #2 (10 pts). to save work.  Print out copy of revised Essay #2 for submission on  Bring typed draft of Wed. and submit Essay #2 to Turnitin.com for analysis. Essay #2 (saved on Important: Essay must be submitted to Turnitin to USB). receive credit.  CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Subject-Verb Agreement.  Etudes: Review run-ons and comma splices in Week 7 Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required).

3/5: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Timed writing #7 (5 pts).  Essay #2 Due (110  Reading Quiz 5 (10 pts). pts).  Essay #3 assigned: comparison/contrast.  Complete Review Test  Outlining a comparison/contrast essay. 1 & 2 (126-27).  More on developing comparison/contrast (purpose, audience, tone).  Read “Neat People v. Sloppy People” (62),  Grammar Quiz 4 on subject-verb agreement (15 Grant v. Lee (56). pts). 3/10: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Draft check: thesis and outline for Essay #3 (10  Bring USB flash drive pts). to save work. Week 8  Use thesis and outline to compose introduction for Essay #3; print a copy of this introduction for Wed.  Bring thesis and outline for Essay #3.  Etudes: Review subject-verb agreement in Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required). 3/12: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Coherence in comparison/contrast.  Bring typed Essay #3  Pronoun agreement and person (handout). introduction for peer  Writing from sources: critical reading handout for Essay review. #4 distributed.  Bring up-to-date  Timed writing #8 (5 pts). Writer’s Notebook.  Prewriting: Annotating an article.  Writer’s Notebook Check (10 pts).

 Peer review (5 pts). 3/17: No Class. SPRING BREAK 3/19: No Class. 3/24: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Draft check: Essay #3 (10 pts.)  Meet in computer lab.  Print out copy of revised Essay #3 for submission on  Bring USB flash drive Wed. and submit copy to Turnitin.com. Important: to save work. Essay must be submitted to Turnitin to receive credit.  CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Pronouns.  Bring draft of Essay  Review Test Handout: review of pronoun agreement #3 (saved on USB). and type.

 Use online dictionary to look up unfamiliar vocabulary in Week 9 critical reading articles. 3/26: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Reading Quiz 6 (10 pts).  Bring annotated  Essay #4 assigned: responding to a text articles for critical  Writing a summary introduction reading activity.  Grammar Quiz 5 on pronoun agreement and person  Essay #3 Due (125 (15 pts). pts).  Revising for “you.”  Complete Review Test  Critical Reading Activity (10 pts). Handout 3/31: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Draft check: Essay #4 intro and outline (10 pts.)  Bring USB flash drive  Print copy of revised introduction to Essay #4 to bring to to save work. class Wednesday for peer review.  Bring introduction  Etudes: Review pronoun agreement and person in and outline of Essay Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required). #4. 4/2: Topics and Activities: To Do: Week 10

 MLA Works Cited.  Read “Argumentation-  Pronoun reference and types. Persuasion” (67) and  Writing Argumentation-Persuasion. “The Year-Round  Timed writing #9 (5 pts). School” (76).  Reading Quiz 7 (10 pts).  Essay #5: Argumentation essay assigned.  Bring Essay #4  Avoiding plagiarism introduction for peer review.  Peer review (5 pts). 4/7: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Format Works Cited in MS Word using hanging indent.  Meet in computer lab.  Draft check: Essay #4 (10 pts)  Bring USB flash drive  Print out copy of revised Essay #4 for submission on to save work. Wed. and submit copy to Turnitin.com.  Bring draft of Essay  Etudes: Online exercises (in Resources) on Pronoun #4 (saved on USB). Reference and Type. 4/9: Topics and Activities: To Do: Week 11  Timed writing #10 (5 pts).  Essay #4 Due (145  Reading Quiz 8 (10 pts.) pts).  Strategies for introducing Essay #5.  Read “The Right to  Discussion of Controversial Issues. Die” (79) and "How  Supporting your argumentation-persuasion essay. About Low-Cost Drugs  Grammar Quiz 6 on pronoun reference and types for Addicts?" (84). (15 pts).  Complete Review Test 1 (133) and Review Test 1 (141). 4/14: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Decide on topic for  Academic Research Exercise Assigned. Essay #5 before  Work on Research Exercise. class.  Meet in computer lab.  Review pronoun reference and types in Resources and  Bring USB flash drive take online make-up quiz (if required). to save work. Week 12  Bring student ID. 4/16: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Evaluating sources.   Documentation: Works Cited.  MLA Works Cited Group Activity (10 pts).

4/21: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Draft check: Introduction and topic sentence outline  Bring USB flash drive for Essay #5 (10 pts). to save work.

 Work on Academic Research Exercise.  Bring typed introduction and Week 13 topic sentence outline for Essay #5. 4/23: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Incorporating quotations and statistics from outside  Research Exercise sources to add depth and authority to your paper. Due at beginning of class (25 pts).  In-Class MLA Quotation Activity (10 pts). 4/28: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Draft check: Essay #5 (15 pts).  Meet in computer lab.  Revise and print copy of Essay 5 for peer review on  Bring USB flash drive Wed. to save work.  Etudes: Respond to two of the questions in the Etudes Discussion Board on the topic of Essay #5 (5 pts).  Bring draft of Essay #5 (saved on USB). Week 14  Check Etudes for any missing work or low grammar quiz scores and check TPLC for 80% scores. 4/30: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Evaluate class.  Bring revised, typed  Sign up for grade conference date/time. draft of Essay #5 to class for Peer Review.  Peer review (10 pts). 5/5: Lab Activities: To Do:

 Check ECC email.  Meet in computer lab.  Draft check: Works Cited page of Essay #5 (10 pts).  Bring USB flash drive to save work.  Submit printed version of Essay #5 and upload  Bring draft of Essay essay to Turnitin.com. Important: Essay must be #5 with Works Cited submitted to Turnitin to receive credit. Page.

 Essay #5 Due in hard Week 15 copy and to Turnitin.com (200 pts). 5/7: Topics and Activities: To Do:

 Optional meeting H221G.  Complete any late work  Last day to take online make-up quizzes (by (if applicable). midnight). Note change of room to  Last day to submit late work. Instructor Office H221G!!

5/12: Instructor conferences H221G. Pick up Essay #5. Time: ______Week 16 5/14: Instructor conferences H221G. Pick up Essay #5. Time: ______HAVE A GREAT SUMMER BREAK!