Appended Syllabus 2014; fall 2014
T.L. Ware, Instructor
Description
A course devoted to improving the student’s writing and critical reading. Writing essays for
a variety of purposes from personal to academic, including an introduction to
argumentation, critical analysis, and the use of sources. Prerequisite: A satisfactory
assessment score, completion of ENGL 0310, or (for non-native speakers) ENGL 0349.
Credit: 3 semester hours (3 lecture hours).
Required textbook: Readings for Writers, McCuen-Mether, 14th edition, ISBN
978-1-111-83706-8
Optional textbook: McGraw Hill Handbook, 3rd edition, ISBN 978-0-077-39730-2
Required materials: 1 spiral notebook for composing journal entries and homework
assignments (you will turn the entire notebook in for a grade), loose-leaf notebook
paper for in-class assignments and notes, 1 three-ring binder for maintaining notes and
handouts, 1 three-prong folder used to maintain the student portfolio (you will present
this for your final grade), several blue and black ink pens for writing drafts, homework,
and in-class writing assignments. (Please do not submit any final assignments in pencil.)
Course requirements:
In-class writing
30%
Out-of-class essays
30%
Instructor’s choice/Journal
10%
Writing Portfolio
20%
Mid-term
Final Exam
5%
5%
In-class writing will mainly include short essays 500 words in length, handwritten and
Double-spaced on notebook paper. The topic will be assigned in class.
Out-of-class essays will consist of writing based upon the patterns of development and
should be 800 words in length, typed, double-spaced, and in 12 point font. I will give
you a template to use as a guideline for how you should format your papers. The final
out-of-class essay will be an argumentation and persuasion essay due on the final day
of class. All out-of-class essays must be submitted both in class and on turnitin.com.
Instructor’s choice includes assignments, quizzes, journal entries,
impromptu assignments, and participation.
Instructions for journal entries: Each assigned reading is followed by questions that
Assess your critical thinking skills. Prior to the class that the assigned reading is discussed
in class, you are required to define the vocabulary terms and select and answer one
question from the respective Facts, Strategies and Issues sections. Record your brief
answers in your journal and be prepared to discuss your perspective with your peers.
Refer to the assignment calendar for deadlines.
Writing portfolio:
Instead of requiring a comprehensive final exam, you will submit a portfolio
That reflects your strengths as a writer. You will select four examples of your best work: two
revised in-class essays, (typed and formatted properly) t wo revised out-of-class essays,
(typed and formatted properly) and a cover letter of self-reflection that discusses how
your writing has developed throughout the semester. Your writing portfolio and
presentation is due on _________________ (NO EXCEPTIONS) and must be submitted
electronically. You will present your portfolio in class as time allows. I will provide
further instructions regarding the writing portfolio during the semester.
Late assignments: As a rule, I don’t accept late assignments, i.e., in-class writing,
quizzes, homework, etc. Homework is due the following class unless otherwise noted.
Only under extreme circumstances, i.e. death in family, medical emergency, jury duty,
court date, will I accept a late essay. Under these conditions, you must supply the
appropriate documentation and conference with me about rescheduling the assignment.
Submitting your assignments on the due date will prevent work from accumulating at the
11th hour and reduce stress for us both.
Electronic devices: Please turn off your cell phone before entering class. Taking phone
calls during the lecture is a distraction to your peers and will not be tolerated. If you
absolutely must take a phone call for an emergency, please leave the class quietly.
Other mobile devices including iPads, laptops, etc. require instructor approval
beforehand.
Grading: A = 90-100% (Excellent)
79% (Average)
B = 80-89% (Above Average)
C = 70-
60-69% = IP In progress is given to students who do not meet minimum standards but
who consistently do the coursework and complete the semester. The student must reenroll in the course.
12-week calendar
(Subject to change at the instructor’s discretion)
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Introduction to class
Reading Critically
Diagnostic Essay
The Art of Persuasion Developing
Good Paragraphs Exercises and
peer review
Journal entries for in-class discussion due: Man
against Darkness; What Is a Poet? Shame by Dick
Gregory.
The Writer’s Thesis
Creating a Writing Portfolio
In-class writing assignment 1 due
Journal entries due: The Grieving Never Ends; Spring
Week 4
Writing with Images
Out-of-class essay 1 assigned
Begin first drafts in class
Week 5
The Description Essay
Out-of-class essay 2 assigned
In-class writing assignment 2 due
Journal entries due: The Libido for the Ugly; Body
Image
Week 6
Out-of-class essay 1 due
The Comparison and Contrast Essay
In-class writing assignment 3 due
Journal entries due: Diogenes and Alexander
The Truth about Online Dating
Week 7
The Causal Analysis Essay
In-class writing assignment 4 due
Journal entries due: A Peaceful Woman Explains Why
She Carries a Gun; Coming into Language
Week 8
Out-of-class essay 2 due
The Argumentation and Persuasion Essay
Out of class essay 3 assigned
In-class writing assignment 5 due
Journal entries due: Homeless
Week 9
Journal notebook due
Incorporating Outside Sources
Revise drafts for writing portfolio
Week 10
Rewriting your Writing
Revise drafts for writing portfolio
Week 11
Final out-of-class essay 3 due
Writing portfolios and presentations due
Week 12
Grades posted