Houston Community College—Northeast College
Fall 2011
ENGL 0347—Writing and Grammar II
(CRN#55704) Mon/Wed 9:00-11:00AM
Instructor: Jason Whittington
Dept. Office: 713-718-8181
Telephone: 713-718-8181
E-mail: rjwhittington@comcast.net
Course Description:
English 0347 is a composition class that is designed for non-native speakers of English. We work on
the structure of language. We review the elements of a paragraph and learn how to develop essays
from 300-500 words. We will learn how to use the computer to word process, access information via
the Internet, and reinforce writing skills through grammar software (when possible). In addition to
building vocabulary, reading, and writing skills, this course prepares students for ENGL 0349 and the
writing assignments for other college-level courses.
Course Objectives:
Specific course objectives include learning to:
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read and understand a writing topic
write a meaningful thesis for an academic essay
support a thesis with a variety of details (specific details, facts, statistics)
write 300-500 word essays in a variety of rhetorical structures (narrative, comparison/contrast,
cause/effect, argumentative)
use research sources; summarizing + giving credit to a source
work collaboratively to complete the writing process (for one comp)
expand vocabulary
use compound and complex sentence structures accurately
demonstrate ability to edit an essay for correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
use the computer in the lab to word-process (one comp)
Materials: Students must be prepared each day by bringing the following:
Destinations 2: Grammar for Academic Success by Herzfeld-Pipkin
Destinations 2: Writing for Academic Success by Herzfeld-Pipkin
 Online site to accompany Destinations 2: http://elt.thomson.com/destinations
An English-English dictionary (the Cobuild Dictionary or the Longman Dictionary of
American English have been ordered for you, but you may buy another American English
dictionary);
Pens (two colors), highlighters, a pencil, and an eraser, and stapler
A green Scantron (for the final exam)
A 1” ring binder to be used only for this course containing:
Lined paper (standard size-8.5 by 11 inch loose-leaf)
All course handouts
All homework assignments
All graded work
Students must have all of the above materials to participate successfully in this class.
College Grading System:
Students who have completed English 0347 and show that they are ready for the next level (ENGL
0349) with a final average of 70% or higher will receive a letter grade of A, B, or C. Students who are
not ready for English 0349 may receive a grade of IP. The IP grade is not a good or bad grade;
however, it means "IN PROGRESS" and requires the student to take English 0347 again because the
student will benefit from another semester in 0347 to learn all of the skills that are taught in this
course. However, if a student repeats 0347 after receiving one IP, a letter grade must be given (A, B,C,
or F upon completing the course for the second time). Students who do not complete the work in the
course will receive an F. Students who exceed the number of absences allowed by HCCS policy (up to
8 hours before the last day to withdraw from classes) will be dropped and receive a W. Any student
who stops attending classes after the last official day to withdraw will receive either an IP or F.
HCC Grading Scale:
A=
90-100
B=
80-89
C=
70-79
*IP/F =0-69
*IP=in progress-not passing
You must receive at least 70% overall average to pass the course.
Notice: Effective Fall 2006, HCC charges a higher tuition rate to students registering for the third or
subsequent time for certain courses. Students who enroll for most credit and CEU classes for
a third or more time will be charged an additional $50 per semester credit hour and $3.00 per
contact hour, except for courses exempted by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board.
*****Students are limited to a total of 6 W’s during the course of their academic
careers. Be careful about dropping a class and about excessive absences that lead your
teacher to drop you! *****
Grading Formula :
Compositions 1,2
10%
Compositions 3,4
30%
Homework
20%
Quizzes
10%
Final Composition
20%
Final Grammar Exam
10%
Dropping Courses and absences: It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw
from a course. Failure to officially withdraw will result in the student receiving a grade of “F” or “IP.” The
instructor after three absences (or excessive tardies) will inform "Early Alert.” This means
you—international students-- are in jeopardy of losing your F1 status.
Course Work:
Compositions: Because this is primarily a writing course, the bulk of your grade will be based
on your compositions. You will write a minimum of 5 compositions this semester (including the final
essay). These essays will be written in class. All essays must be at least 300 words in length, and the
argument essay must be 500 words. You will keep all of your drafts and comp. assignment sheets in
your notebook. The final draft will be typed and must be submitted with the first draft(s) in order to
receive a grade for the composition.
Quizzes: I will periodically test you on grammar we have studied in class to measure how well
you understand the material, but grammar tests are not a large percentage of your final grade. The
grammar is taught to support your writing. You will also have online vocabulary quizzes.
NOTE: If you are absent when we have a quiz, there is no make-up quiz. However, at the end
of the semester, I will drop the lowest quiz grade for every student. In other words, if you miss a quiz,
you will get a “0” grade, but I will drop one “0”—not use it—when I calculate your semester quiz
average.
Journals: To improve your fluency in English, you will occasionally write journal assignments.
Students will practice expressing ideas in English regularly, usually once per week. Students should
write freely, without fear of penalty. The journal is not graded like a composition. It is part of
homework. The grade at the end of the semester is based on the total number of entries that you
write. The journal assignments are listed on the course calendar. The journal may not be handed in
late. The journal will be collected at random, so you must keep journal writing in the binder and bring
it to class every day.
Homework: Homework consists of grammar and writing assignments, reading of texts, some
online research, and comprehension and vocabulary exercises. You will receive a completion grade
rather than a letter or number grade for homework. An average homework load in ENGL 0347 is 1-2
hours for every hour in class. If you are taking too many classes or working long hours, you will not
have time to complete the homework. Please do not remain in this class if you do not have time to
complete the work, for it will result in a failing grade.
Course Requirements:
1) Regular and punctual attendance is mandatory. You may miss one class without penalty. After 4
absences, you may be dropped. Two tardies (entering after the class has started, leaving early, or
leaving during class) count as one absence. If you are absent, you are still responsible for the class
work. Therefore, it is a good idea to get the phone number or email of 2 classmates so that you can
find out about the work that you have missed:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
If you are absent on the day of a composition or test, it is your responsibility to notify me and to make
arrangements for doing the work after an absence. There are no make-up quizzes, but I will drop the
lowest quiz grade for every student.
2) Students are expected to participate in all class discussions and take notes in class
and annotate (mark up) readings.
3) Both textbooks and a notebook for all class work must be brought to class each day.
4) Please double-space all compositions and write neatly, on one side only, in blue/black pen. If you
type any work, please double space and use a size 12 Times New Roman font.
5) Written assignments, exercises, and all readings are to be completed before the class meeting for
which they were assigned. Late homework is not accepted. Homework is due before class begins.
Homework is not always collected. Rather it will be checked randomly, and missing assignments will be
counted against the final grade.
6) Anyone caught cheating on a test or composition will immediately be given a “0” on that
assignment. Anyone caught cheating twice will be reported to the Academic Dean. Cheating takes
many forms. One form is plagiarism, using another person’s words or ideas without giving them credit.
In American schools, plagiarism is considered dishonest, like stealing or cheating. Plagiarism can be
“borrowing” a friend’s paper or downloading papers from the Internet. We will learn language skills to
avoid plagiarism and develop our understanding of it throughout the semester, but if you think you
might be plagiarizing, stop and don’t do it.
7) You are responsible for all the information on this syllabus. Put it in your notebook and bring it to
class with you. Read it over when you have a question about the course.
8) No cell phones or other electronic devices are to be used in class unless the teacher has
incorporated them into the assignment. If you leave class to answer your cell phone, you will be
counted tardy. Turn your phone off before class. Students who are in any way disruptive will be asked
to leave and marked absent. Following is a list of behaviors I consider unacceptable for class:
Sleeping or daydreaming during class
Chronic tardiness. We need you to be here when class starts!
Reading or working on materials that are extraneous to this class.
Doing homework for this class inside the classroom.
Prematurely packing up your books and bags before class has ended.
Chatting with your classmates while I am talking or your classmates are asking
questions.
Checking your cell phones or other electronic devices. All cell phones must be turned off.
Students with Special Needs
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Ability Services Office. Your instructor
is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the office of Ability Support Services.
The Disability Services Office number for Southwest College is 713-718-7910. Dr. Becky Hauri is the
ADA contact counselor.
Tutoring:
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the student services on campus. Tutors are available
to assist students with any reading/writing assignments. Ask your teacher for the Tutoring Schedule on
your campus. Prepare yourself before you see a tutor to ask specific questions in order to use your
time together well. In addition, online tutoring is available through: www.askonline.net. Reminder: the
tutor is not your editor and will not write papers for you nor correct all your mistakes.
Course Calendar:
The instructor reserves the right to supplement this syllabus later in the semester with additional
guidelines, rules of conduct, etc. and to revise due dates to meet the needs of the class.
Holidays and Important Dates
Aug. 27
Aug. 30
Sept. 5
Sept. 9
Nov. 3
Nov. 23
Nov. 24-27
Dec. 11
First day of Fall semester classes
Last day to add/drop/swap a class
Labor Day Holiday
Official Date of Record
Last day (by 4:30 p.m.) to drop with a “W”
No evening classes before Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving Holiday
Instruction ends
Dec. 12-18
Final Exam Period (See HCC Final Exam Schedule)
Course Calendar for ENGL 0347- Fall 2011
WEEK
Reading:
Destinations
1
2
Unit One
3
Unit Two
4
Unit Two
5
Unit Two
Writing:
Grammar Homework:
Intro to the AESL program and 0347 course;
Diagnostic assessment
HW: Read pp. 2-7
Journal #1: p. 8, #4 Due
Paragraph Structure, pp. 14-24
Sentence Structure – Coordinating Conjunction
Review Writing Process
Summary writing
Journal #2, p. 25, #3 Due
HW: Read pp. 37-39, Answer Comprehension Check,
p. 39
Begin Unit 2: (Narration), Discussion pp. 40-43;
Writing sentences with subordinating conjunctions,
pp. 43-50
Journal #3, p. 50 #2 Due
Writing Essays-Narrative, pp. 51-58
Continue Narrative, pp. 59-62
Journal #4, p. 61, #2 Due
Write C1D1 and C1D2- Narrative
Discuss revision strategies and grading rubric
Grammar Diagnostic
Destinations
Destinations 2 : Grammar (D2)
Perfect & Perfect Continuous
(D2) pp. 51-64
Perfect & Perfect Continuous
(D2) pp. 65-76
Past Perfect
(D2) pp. 77-90
Adverb Clauses
(teacher supplements)
www.englishpage.com/grammar/
Passive
(D2) pp. 153-171
6
7
Unit Three
Unit Four
Grammar Test #1- Perfect/Perfect Continuous
Writing sentences with transitions, pp. 78-86
HW: Read pp. 105-108, Do comp. check, p. 108-109
Journal #5, p.111, #3 Due
Discuss, pp. 109-111
Writing sentences with connectors showing reasons,
results, or conditions, pp. 111-120
Cause or Effect Essay, pp. 120-127
Journal #6, p. 120, #1 Due
Prepositions
(D2) pp. 211-231
Conditionals (D2)
pp. 182-194
8
Unit Four
Cause or Effect, pp. 127-134
Grammar Quiz #2- Passive Voice and
Conditionals
Write C2D1- Cause or Effect
Journal #7, p. 126, #2 Due
Study--Transitions +
punctuation
(teacher supplements)
Study--Parallel Structure
(teacher supplements)
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.
edu/grammar/parallelism.htm
9
Unit Four
C2D2-Cause and Effect
HW: Read pp. 136-139, Do comp. check, p.139-141
Journal #8, p. 143, #2 Due
10
Unit Five
Discuss pp. 141-143
Writing sentences with relative (adjective clauses),
pp. 144-160
The Opinion Essay, pp. 161-162
Fact vs. opinion, pp. 163-164
Journal #9, p. 164, #3 Due
Expressing an Opinion, pp. 163-171;
discuss the role of a counter-argument
Write C3D1
11
12
Unit Five
Unit Five
Unit Six
13
Unit Six
14
Unit Six
Write C3D2- Opinion
Grammar Quiz #3- Adverb & Adjective Clauses
Writing sentences with connectors of contrast, pp.
182-189
HW: Read pp. 175-177, Do comp. check, pp. 177179
Journal #10, p. 182, #3 Due
Discuss, pp. 180-182
Writing Essays of Comparison/Contrast, pp. 191-200
Continue comparison/contrast essay, pp. 201-209
Write C4D1
Write C4D2- Comparison/Contrast
Grammar Quiz #4-Noun Clauses
15
Write Final Essay on XXXXXXX
16
Final Grammar Exam on XXXXXX
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu
/grammar/transitions.htm
Take QUIZ online for practice.
Adjective Clauses
(teacher supplements)
www.englishpage.com/grammar/
Noun Clauses
(teacher supplements)
www.englishpage.com/grammar/
Noun Clauses
(teacher supplements)
www.englishpage.com/grammar/
Gerunds and Infinitives (D2)
pp. 239-265 (including
Appendices)
Comparatives/
Superlatives/Equatives (D2)
pp. 233-238
Review