ENG111 - ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 – Section 1K – Room 509
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Kevin McGuirk
Contact:
kmcguirk@concorde.edu or 925-683-8600
Course Description
In ENG111, students will explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process
and create several essays focusing on different modes of development to better prepare
the student for future courses requiring writing.
Prerequisite
None.
Textbook and Supporting Material
Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library:
http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Course Objectives
In this course, you will learn and explore the key elements of English Composition. We
will learn to:












Explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process.
Compose a strong thesis statement.
Organize an essay into a well-written introduction, body, and conclusion.
Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast,
argumentative, persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of
spelling errors.
Analyze the different types of fictional and non-fictional readings and successfully
identify and apply the use of analogy.
Employ proper research techniques.
Analyze and judge the validity of the various kinds of reading materials.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without
plagiarizing.
Successfully revise and edit all aspects of an essay.
Create a professional resume and cover letter.
ENG111
Section 1K
McGuirk
Grading Policy
End-of-Unit Assessment
Unit Assignments
10%
25%
Journals
10%
Mid-Term Assessment
Final Research Paper
Final Assessment
Total
15%
20%
20%
100%
General Education / Applied General Education Course Grading Scale
Letter Grade
Percentage
Description
A
90-100%
Passing - Exceptionally Competent
B
80-89%
Passing - Highly Competent
C
70-79%
Passing – Fully Competent
D**
60-69%
Passing – Minimally Competent
F*
59% or less
Failing – Not Competent
*Must be repeated for credit
** Certain programs may require that this course be repeated for credit
Make-up work
A student who misses classwork, or deadlines due to absence, including being tardy or
leaving early will be ineligible for make-up or late submission. The student will receive a
zero (0) for missed work. Classwork is defined as any lab, competency, quiz, activity, or
discussion that occurs during scheduled class hours.
Homework
There is a great deal of homework in this class, including 1 research paper; 4
additional 750-1000 word essays; a résumé and cover letter; numerous grammar
exercises; and 4 journal entries. The research paper, which will be an informative
essay, is a term-long project, and cannot be completed successfully if you wait until the
last few weeks of the class before beginning.
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Section 1K
McGuirk
The 4 additional essays come in quick succession starting at the middle of the term.
The résumé and cover letter are assigned on the last day of class and due (via email)
on Thursday of that week.
Late assignments are not accepted. It is critical that you keep pace with the homework if
you wish to pass the class.
Tutoring
Tutoring will be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor or Academic Dean.
Exams & Quizzes
An exam missed as a result of an absence may be made up within 5 regularly
scheduled class days from the first day the student returns to class. The student must
initiate the request to reschedule on the first day s/he returns. It is the student’s
responsibility to schedule time outside the student’s regularly scheduled class hours to
take a missed exam. Not rescheduling on the day of return, or not appearing for the
rescheduled time will result in an automatic zero (0). An exam taken after the course’s
original exam scheduled date will have its grade reduced by one letter grade. A student
arriving late for a test or quiz will only be given the remaining time allotted for taking the
test or quiz to answer as many questions as s/he can. Additional time will not be given
in order to complete the test or quiz.
Quizzes cannot be made up. Quizzes and tests may include material from any
previously taught material in this course. The final exam will be comprehensive.
Maintaining Satisfactory Attendance Status
Attendance is mandatory. All absences are unexcused. Review your school catalog for
specifics of satisfactory attendance, probation and terms of dismissal.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to abide by the policies established in the school catalog. Dress
code is to be followed as outlined in catalog.
If you miss a class, it is up to you to obtain a copy of any notes from your fellow
classmates and/ or request any handouts or missed work from the instructor. It is also
courteous and professional to call the school and inform the instructor, PD and/or Dean
of your absence, just as you would an employer.
This course will require a great deal of individual effort. If, for any reason, you are
experiencing problems in this course, please speak with the instructor immediately. Do
not let any problem continue to grow until it is too late or unmanageable.
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ENG111
Section 1K
McGuirk
Classroom Conduct
Refer to the catalog for details on eating, breakage, cleanliness, etc. Other items not
covered are below:
Cell Phones – Cell phones are not allowed in the classroom. Upon entering the
classroom please turn off all cell phones and store away. Cell phones must not be
visible at any time. If seen during quizzes or exams, the student’s paper will be collected
and given a zero (0) with no option for make-up or retake.
Classwork — You are expected to participate in class. Class assignments, which are
a part of your course grade, occur throughout the day, with or without announcement, at
the instructor’s discretion.
Week Dates: 10/28/13
Unit # 1
Getting Started with Writing
Course Objectives:





Explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process.
Organize an essay into a well-written introduction, body, and conclusion.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:



Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Plagiarism Contract Document
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Reading Assignments:
 Chapter 1: An Introduction to Writing
 Chapter 2: The Writing Process
 Chapter 23: Subjects and Verbs
Optional Activities:
 Chapter 1:
o Activity 2
o Activity 3
o Activity 4

Classwork is defined as any competency, skill, quiz, activity, or discussion that occurs during scheduled
class hours.
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ENG111
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Section 1K
McGuirk
Chapter 2:
o Activity 7
o Activity 9
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 1.1: Journal Entry
Due Dates
 11-04-2013

Assignment 1.2: Plagiarism Contract

11-04-2013

Assignment 1.3: Subjects and Verbs

11-04-2013

Discussion 1.1: Grammar and Punctuation

11-04-2013
Week Dates: 11/04/13
Unit # 2
Building thesis statements and developing the
introduction, body and conclusion
Course Objectives:







Explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process.
Organize an essay into a well-written introduction, body, and conclusion.
Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Analyze the different types of fictional and non-fictional readings and successfully identify and
apply the use of analogy.
Analyze and judge the validity of the various kinds of reading materials.
Text and Other Readings:




Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Thesis statements worksheet
Little Red Riding Hood story
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Reading assignments:
 Chapter 3: The First and Second Steps in Essay Writing
 Chapter 4: The Third Step in Essay Writing
 Chapter 24: Fragments
 Chapter 25: Run-ons
Optional Activities:
 Chapter 3:
o Activity 2
o Activity 4
o Activity 8
o Activity 15
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ENG111
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Section 1K
McGuirk
Chapter 4:
o Activity 1
o Activity 5
o Activity 9
o Activity 13
Chapter 24:
o Activity 1
o Review Test 1
Chapter 25:
o Activity 2
o Activity 5
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 2.1: Limited Thesis Statements
Due Dates
 11-11-2013

Assignment 2.2: Fragments and Run-ons

11-11-2013

Discussion board 2.1: Little Red Riding Hood

11-11-2013

Discussion board 2.2: Introductions and
Conclusions

11-11-2013
Week Dates: 11/11/13 Unit # 3
The four bases of writing essays and adding interest through
figurative language
Course Objectives:




Explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process.
Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Text and Other Readings:


Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Required Readings:
 Chapter 5: The Fourth Step in Essay Writing
 Chapter 6: Four Bases for Revising Essays
 Chapter 8: Description
 Chapter 9: Narration
 Chapter 39: Comma
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 5: The Fourth Step in Essay Writing
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ENG111
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Section 1K
McGuirk
o Review Test 3
o Review Test 5
Chapter 6: Four Bases for Revising Essays
o Activity 10
o Activity 11
Chapter 8: Description
o Questions 1
o Questions 2
Chapter 9: Narration
o Questions 1
o Questions 2
Chapter 39: Comma
o Review Test 1
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 3.1: Journal Entry
Due Dates
 11-18-2013

Assignment 3.2: Figurative Language

11-18-2013

Assignment 3.3: Regular and Irregular Verbs

11-18-2013

Assignment 3.4: Commas

11-18-2013

Discussion Board 3.1: Use Concise Words

11-18-2013
Week Dates: 11/18/13
Unit # 4
Using Research & Writing a Research Paper
Course Objectives:




Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Employ proper research techniques.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:




Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Proposal Handout
Finding Sources Worksheet
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Required Readings:
 Chapter 21: Using the Library and the Internet
 Chapter 22: Writing a Research Paper
 Chapter 27: Subject-Verb Agreement
 Chapter 38: Quotation Marks
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ENG111
Section 1K
McGuirk
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 21: Using the Library and the Internet
o Activity 6
 Chapter 22: Writing a Research Paper
o Activity 3
 Chapter 27: Subject-Verb Agreement
o Activity 3
o Activity 4
 Chapter 38: Quotation Marks
o Activity 1
o Activity 3
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 4.1: Finding and evaluating
sources
Due Dates
 11-25-2013

Assignment 4.2: Proposal

11-25-2013

Assignment 4.3: Subject Verb Agreement

11-25-2013

Assignment 4.4: Quotation Marks

11-25-2013

Discussion board 4.1: Possible Research
Topics

11-25-2013
Week Dates: 11/25/13
MID-TERM ASSESSMENT
Assessment Objectives:
 Explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process.
 Compose a strong thesis statement.
 Organize an essay into a well-written introduction, body, and conclusion.
 Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
 Construct grammatically correct sentences.
 Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling
errors.
 Analyze the different types of fictional and non-fictional readings and successfully identify and
apply the use of analogy.
 Employ proper research techniques.
 Analyze and judge the validity of the various kinds of reading materials.
 Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Review
 Units 1-5
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ENG111
Week Dates: 11/25/13
Section 1K
Unit # 5
McGuirk
Argumentation Essays
Course Objectives:





Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Employ proper research techniques.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:


Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Required Readings:
 Chapter 16: Argument
 Chapter 29: Pronoun Agreement and Reference
 Chapter 30: Pronoun Types
 Chapter 35: Capital Letters
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 16: Argument
o Questions 2
 Chapter 29: Pronoun Agreement
o Activity 2
o Activity 3
 Chapter 30: Pronoun Types
o Activity 1
o Activity 3
 Chapter 35: Capital Letters
o Activity 3
and Reference
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 5.1: For or Against?
Due Dates
 12-02-2013

Assignment 5.2: Pronoun Types and
Agreement

12-02-2013

Assignment 5.3: Capital Letters

12-02-2013

Discussion Board 5.1: Argumentation

12-02-2013
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ENG111
Week Dates: 12/02/13
Section 1K
Unit # 6
McGuirk
Compare and Contrast Essays
Course Objectives:





Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Employ proper research techniques.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:



Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
The Ugly Truth About Beauty Reading
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Reading Assignments:
 Chapter 13: Comparison and/or Contrast
 Chapter 32: Misplaced Modifiers
 Chapter 33: Dangling Modifiers
 Chapter 36: Numbers and Abbreviations
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 13:
o Questions 1
o Questions 2
 Chapter 32:
o Activity 1
 Chapter 33:
o Activity 1
 Chapter 36:
o Activity 1
o Activity 2
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 6.1: Journal “The Ugly Truth
About Beauty”
Due Dates
 12-09-2013

Assignment 6.2: Contrasting attitudes

12-09-2013

Assignment 6.3: Dangling and Misplaced
Modifiers

12-09-2013

Assignment 6.4: Numbers and Abbreviations

12-09-2013
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ENG111
Week Dates: 12/09/13
Section 1K
Unit # 7
McGuirk
Process Essays
Course Objectives:






Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Analyze the different types of fictional and non-fictional readings and successfully identify and
apply the use of analogy.
Employ proper research techniques.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:


Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Reading Assignments:
 Chapter 11: Process
 Chapter 37: Apostrophes
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 11:
o Questions 1
o Questions 2
 Chapter 37:
o Activity 1
o Activity 2
o Activity 3
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 7.1: Journal Entry
Due Dates
 12-16-2013

Assignment 7.2: Process Essay

12-16-2013

Assignment 7.3: Apostrophes

12-16-2013

Discussion Board 7.1: Research Topics

12-16-2013
Week Dates: 12/16/13
Unit # 8
Cause and Effect Essays
Course Objectives:

Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
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ENG111
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Section 1K
McGuirk
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Employ proper research techniques.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:


Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Required Reading:
 Chapter 12: Cause and/or Effect
 Chapter 40: Other Punctuation Marks
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 12:
o Questions 1
o Questions 2
Assignments & Deliverables
 Discussion Board 8.1: Cause and Effect
Relationships
Due Dates
 12-20-2013

Assignment 8.1: Cause and Effect Essay

12-20-2013 (submit via email)

Assignment 8.2: Colons and Semi-Colons

12-20-2013 (submit via email)
Week Dates: 01/06/14
Unit # 9
Peer Review
Course Objectives:




Successfully revise and edit all aspects of an essay
Employ proper research techniques
Correctly use APA citing
Summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Text and Other Readings:



Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Peer Review Worksheet
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Reading Assignments:
12
ENG111
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Section 1K
McGuirk
n/a
Optional Assignments:
 n/a
Assignments & Deliverables
 Discussion Board 9.1: Peer Review

Due Dates
 01-06-2013

Assignment 9.1: Final Research Paper Draft
Week Dates: 01/13/14
Unit # 10
01-06-2013
Résumé, Cover Letter and Final Research Paper Due
Course Objectives:



Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling errors.
Create a professional résumé and cover letter.
Text and Other Readings:


Textbook: College Writing Skills with Readings 9th Edition by Langan, John
Concorde online Library: http://galesites.com/menu/index.php?loc=miss22358
Teaching and Learning Activities:
Required Reading:
 Chapter 20: Writing a Résumé and Cover Letter
 Chapter 40: Other Punctuation Marks
Optional Assignments:
 Chapter 20:
o Questions 1
o Questions 2
Assignments & Deliverables
 Assignment 10.1: Résumé & Cover Letter
Due Dates
 01-16-2013 (submit via email)

Assignment 10.2: Dashes, parentheses and
hyphens

01-16-2013 (submit via email)

Assignment 10.3: Final Informative Paper
with Safe Assign

01-13-2013 (at start of class)

Discussion Board 10.1: Résumé & Cover
Letter

01-13-2013 (in class)
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ENG111
Week Dates: 01/13/14
Section 1K
McGuirk
FINAL ASSESSMENT
Assessment Objectives:











Explain and identify the steps involved in the writing process.
Compose a strong thesis statement.
Organize an essay into a well-written introduction, body, and conclusion.
Identify and compose the following types of writing: compare and contrast, argumentative,
persuasive, narrative, cause and effect, process, and descriptive.
Construct grammatically correct sentences.
Compose sentences and paragraphs with correct punctuation usage and free of spelling
errors.
Analyze the different types of fictional and non-fictional readings and successfully identify and
apply the use of analogy.
Employ proper research techniques.
Analyze and judge the validity of the various kinds of reading materials.
Correctly use the APA style of citing; summarize and paraphrase without plagiarizing.
Successfully revise and edit all aspects of an essay.
Review

Units 1-9
14