Instructor: Sara Blake s1
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.
/
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 / In-Class Topics and Activities / Assignments, Readings,
and Reminders
Week 1 / W 1/22: Topics and Activities:
· Introduction to Class.
· Overview of syllabus and strategies for success.
· Get acquainted activity.
· Timed writing #1: (5 pts).
· Overview of writing process.
Week 2 / M 1/27: Lab Activities:
· Sign up for TPLC.
· Finding subjects and verbs.
· MyECC Portal Activity (5 pts).
· Set up Writer's Notebook.
· Sentence Starters: In-class paragraph. / To Do:
Bring materials for Writer's Notebook (5 pts): binder, paper, dividers.
W 1/29: Topics and Activities:
· Timed writing #2 (5 pts).
· More on finding subjects and verbs.
· Sample Reading Quiz.
· Prewriting with two-column diagram and focused freewriting.
· Essay #1 assigned: narrative paragraph on memorable incident.
· Writing narration, topic sentence and unity / To Do:
Read "Narration" (1), "My First Field Trip" (10).
Bring your textbook or a photocopy of page 1 to class (5 pts). (Copy available 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:
· Check ECC email.
· Format MLA manuscript.
· Etudes: Log in and check acceptance of syllabus policies.
· Draft check 1: Essay #1 (5 pts).
· Revise and print copy of Essay #1 for Wed.
· CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Finding Subjects and Verbs. / To Do:
Meet in computer lab.
Bring USB flash drive to save work.
Bring draft of Essay #1 (typed and saved to USB).
W 2/5: Topics and Activities:
· Timed Writing #3 (5 pts.)
· Grammar Quiz 1 on finding subjects and verbs (15 pts).
· Reading Quiz 1 (10 pts).
· Coherence and specific details.
· Using dialogue.
· Avoiding fragments.
· Peer review (5 pts). / To Do:
Read "Salvation" (13) and "Down These Mean Streets” (18).
Complete Review Test 1 (93).
Bring revised draft of Essay #1 for peer review.
Week 4 / M 2/10: Lab Activities:
· Check ECC email.
· Draft check 2: Essay #1 (5 pts).
· Revise and print copy of Essay #1 for submission.
· Etudes: Take sample quiz, check Gradebook, post favorites in discussion board (5 pts).
· CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Fragments.
· Review Subjects and Verbs in Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required). / To Do:
Meet in computer lab.
Bring USB flash drive to save work.
Bring revised draft of Essay #1 (typed and saved to USB). Final draft Essay #1 due by end of class (75 pts).
W 2/12: Topics and Activities:
· Timed writing #4 (5 pts).
· “The College Essay” format.
· Finding a topic (prewriting) and focusing a topic (thesis).
· Reading Quiz 2 (10 pts).
· Writing exemplification.
· Essay #2 assigned: exemplification essay on technology.
· Grammar Quiz 2 on avoiding fragments (15 pts). / To Do:
Read "Exemplification” (24), "Double Talk" (35).
Complete Review Test 3 (108).
Week 5 / M 2/17: No class. Washington’s Day Holiday.
W 2/19: Topics and Activities:
· Timed writing #5 (5 pts).
· Planning and writing an outline.
· 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. / To Do:
Read “Why I Want a Wife" (39).
Week 6 / M 2/24: Lab Activities:
· Check ECC email.
· More on introductions.
· Lab Check: Thesis and Outline for Essay #2 (10 pts).
· Use thesis and outline to compose introduction for Essay #2; print a copy of this introduction for Wed.
· 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). / To Do:
Meet in computer lab.
Bring USB flash drive to save work.
Bring outline with thesis for Essay #2.
W 2/26: Topics and Activities:
· Timed writing #6 (5 pts).
· Writing a conclusion.
· Reading Quiz 4 (10 pts).
· Developing an essay by comparison and contrast.
· Grammar Quiz 3 on avoiding run-ons (15 pts).
· Subject-verb agreement.
· Peer Review: Introductory Paragraph for Essay #2 (5 pts). / To Do:
Bring typed draft of Essay #2 introduction for peer review.
Read "Comparison-Contrast" (44), “A Matter of Geography" (50), and “The American Family (54).
Complete Review Tests 2 and 3 (120-21).
Week 7 / M 3/3: Lab Activities:
· Check ECC email.
· Insert MLA running header.
· Draft Check: Essay #2 (10 pts).
· Print out copy of revised Essay #2 for submission on Wed. and submit Essay #2 to Turnitin.com for analysis. Important: Essay must be submitted to Turnitin to receive credit.
· CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Subject-Verb Agreement.
· Etudes: Review run-ons and comma splices in Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required).
3/5: Topics and Activities:
· Timed writing #7 (5 pts).
· Reading Quiz 5 (10 pts).
· Essay #3 assigned: comparison/contrast.
· Outlining a comparison/contrast essay.
· More on developing comparison/contrast (purpose, audience, tone).
· Grammar Quiz 4 on subject-verb agreement (15 pts). / To Do:
Meet in computer lab.
Bring USB flash drive to save work.
Bring typed draft of Essay #2 (saved on USB).
To Do:
Essay #2 Due (110 pts).
Complete Review Test 1 & 2 (126-27).
Read “Neat People v. Sloppy People” (62), Grant v. Lee (56).
Week 8 / 3/10: Lab Activities:
· Check ECC email.
· Draft check: thesis and outline for Essay #3 (10 pts).
· Use thesis and outline to compose introduction for Essay #3; print a copy of this introduction for Wed.
· Etudes: Review subject-verb agreement in Resources and take online make-up quiz (if required). / To Do:
Meet in computer lab.
Bring USB flash drive to save work.
Bring thesis and outline for Essay #3.
3/12: Topics and Activities:
· Coherence in comparison/contrast.
· Pronoun agreement and person (handout).
· Writing from sources: critical reading handout for Essay #4 distributed.
· Timed writing #8 (5 pts).
· Prewriting: Annotating an article.
· Writer’s Notebook Check (10 pts).
· Peer review (5 pts). / To Do:
Bring typed Essay #3 introduction for peer review.
Bring up-to-date Writer’s Notebook.
SPRING BREAK / 3/17: No Class.
3/19: No Class.
Week 9 / 3/24: Lab Activities:
· Draft check: Essay #3 (10 pts.)
· Print out copy of revised Essay #3 for submission on Wed. and submit copy to Turnitin.com. Important: Essay must be submitted to Turnitin to receive credit.
· CAI: Exercises 1 and 2 in TPLC on Pronouns.
· Review Test Handout: review of pronoun agreement and type.
· Use online dictionary to look up unfamiliar vocabulary in critical reading articles. / To Do:
Meet in computer lab.
Bring USB flash drive to save work.
Bring draft of Essay #3 (saved on USB).
3/26: Topics and Activities:
· Reading Quiz 6 (10 pts).
· Essay #4 assigned: responding to a text
· Writing a summary introduction
· Grammar Quiz 5 on pronoun agreement and person (15 pts).
· Revising for “you.”
· Critical Reading Activity (10 pts). / To Do:
Bring annotated articles for critical reading activity.
Essay #3 Due (125 pts).
Complete Review Test Handout
Week 10 / 3/31: Lab Activities:
· Check ECC email.
· Draft check: Essay #4 intro and outline (10 pts.)
· Print copy of revised introduction to Essay #4 to bring to class Wednesday for peer review.