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ENGLISH 0300: FUNDAMENTALS OF GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION I
COURSE GUIDELINES & WEEKLY CALENDAR – SPRING 2012
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
ENGL 0300 is a refresher course devoted to improving basic English skills for native speakers of English
(NOTE: Non-native speakers must refer to ENGL 0320-0349 or ESOL 0341-0356). This course emphasizes
grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development, and creative techniques in essay writing.
COURSE OVERVIEW/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the time you have completed English 0300, you should be able to:
* Write sentences that demonstrate proper use of grammar and mechanics.
* Read analytically.
* Write in response to readings.
* Develop a thesis statement and use supporting paragraphs to strengthen and support the thesis.
* Write a variety of paragraphs including introductory, supporting, and concluding paragraphs.
DEVELOPMENTAL ENGLISH DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT:
The Developmental English Department provides opportunities for students to upgrade their basic language skills
in order to maximize their chance of success in college level courses. In addition, the department promotes goal
setting and values clarification and fosters self-esteem and positive attitudes to aid students in becoming
contributing members of society and gaining personal satisfaction.
TEXTBOOKS:
Textbook: Paragraphs and Essays by Lee & Kelly Brandon, 11th Edition
A 3-ring notebook with dividers (Syllabus/Assignment Guidelines, Essay in Progress, Vocabulary/Notes from
readings, Writing Process/Grammar, Returned Papers, Miscellaneous)
Any Good paperback college-level Dictionary
Blue or black ink pens for handwritten work
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
50% Five Essays (at least 2 will be in-class writings)
10% Average of all paragraphs (4-5) using various rhetorical modes
30% Instructor's Choice (homework, quizzes, attendance/participation, Lab Hour Activities)
10% Departmental Final Exam (in-class writing of an argumentative essay)
In-class writing: All students must demonstrate competence on in-class writing to pass English 0300.
Essays: Essays will be built from different types of paragraphs (introduction, body, transition, conclusion),
and always require a directly stated thesis. In your own essays and in other writers' essays, you will discuss
elements of essays such as topic, purpose, audience, thesis, style, tone, strategy, etc. The essays you write in
class should be at least 300 words long and those out of class should be at least 400 words long. Both will be
graded using a departmental grading profile based on the assessment guidelines of appropriateness, unity
and focus, development, organization, sentence structure, word usage, and mechanics.
Instructor's Choice: This part of your grade will be determined by a combination of class assignments: quizzes,
reading responses, homework, vocabulary, and various short writing assignments throughout the semester.
Included in this component of your final grade will be all Lab Hour Activities assigned throughout the semester.
These are listed separately on your syllabus.
Exams: All in-class essays are based on a prompt which you are given on the day of the in-class writing. You
must have a passing average of at least 70% on in-class essays in order to pass this course.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available in FAC 321B: Monday-Thursday ___________: Friday ____________
(**Students may be required by instructors to work with a tutor.)
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Library: The library is located in The Learning Hub Science Building on the 3rd and 4th floor.
Open Computer Labs: Computers are available for student use at various locations around campus.
Especially convenient for you are computer labs in FAC 302, the library, and the Macintosh Interdisciplinary
Lab in JDB 203-204. Check locations for open hours.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Disability Support Services: Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are
encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office in Room 106 of The Learning Hub Buidling or call 713718-6164 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are authorized to provide only those accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
HCCS POLICIES:
COURSE REPEATING: For students who repeat a course for the third time, financial aid will no longer
pay tuition/fees at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. Before you withdraw from a
course, confer with your instructor/counselor about the consequences of withdrawing and to discuss other
options available to you.
ATTENDANCE: Texas State law requires 87.5% minimum attendance for college courses. You may be
dropped if you miss more than 12.5% of instruction (6 class hours in a 3-credit hour course).
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY: According to the Student Handbook for the Houston Community College
System, "scholastic dishonesty" includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes: Copying from another student's test paper; using during a test, materials
not authorized by the person giving the test; Collaborating with another student during a test without
authority; Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of an unadministered test; Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the use of another's written work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that
work in one's own written work offered for credit.
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit.
As stated in the HCCS Student Handbook : “Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0
or F for the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the
College System”.
For my students, my policy on plagiarism is: For a first offense, you will receive a grade of “0” for the
assignment, with no opportunity to redo the assignment. For a second offense, you will receive an “F” for the
course.
GRADING: A 90-100% (Excellent/Superior)
B 80-89% (Above Average)
C 70-79% (Average)
IP (In progress) is given to students who do not meet minimum standards but who conscientiously do the work of
the course and complete the semester. It indicates that the student must re-enroll in the course.
FX (new for Fall 2011) is given to a student who is taking the course for a second time and stops attending, or
misses 12.5% of instruction without notifying the instructor of extenuating circumstances. A grade of FX can not be
changed and will result in denial of future financial aid unless the student reimburses the government.
W (Withdrawn) is given to students who miss more than 12.5% of instruction or who withdraw themselves from the
class before the drop deadline. It does not affect the grade point average (GPA), but it may affect the student
receiving Financial Aid Benefits.
F or D may only be given if a student is repeating the course, for violations of the scholastic dishonesty policy, or in
rare circumstances at the discretion of the instructor.
I (Incomplete) is NOT a possible grade in developmental courses.
EVALUATION FOR GREATER LEARNING STUDENT SURVEY SYSTEM (new in Fall 2011)
At HCC, thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. At a designated time, you
will be asked to answer a short online survey of questions related to instruction. The anonymous results will be
made available to your professors and division chairs. Look for the survey as part of the HCC Student System
online near the end of the term.
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HCCS Holidays/Crucial Days for Spring 2012:
January 16, 2012:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 17, 2012:
Classes begin, Drop/Add/Swap fee begins
January 18, 2012:
Registration Ends - Last day for change of schedule (drop/add/swap)
February 20, 2012:
President’s Day Holiday
March 12-18, 2012:
Spring Break
March 29, 2012:
Last day for student/administrative withdrawals (drop course with grade of “W”)
April 6-8, 2012:
Easter Holiday
May 6, 2012:
Last day of Instruction
May 7-13, 2012:
Final Exams (See HCCS Spring 2011 Schedule of Final Exams)
May 18, 2012:
Grades available to students via HCCS website for students
IMPORTANT CLASSROOM POLICIES & PROCEDURES
McSherry
Besides the HCCS policies already mentioned, please be aware of the following
policies and procedures which will apply to this class. These will be discussed during
the first week of class, however, you are responsible for knowing these, regardless of
when you entered class.
PLEASE TURN OFF AND PUT AWAY ALL CELL PHONES AND OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICES,
INCLUDING LAPTOP COMPUTERS, UPON ENTERING CLASS. IF VISIBLE, OR IF YOU BEEP, BUZZ,
RING, OR BREAK INTO SONG DURING CLASS, YOU WILL GIVE ME YOUR CELL PHONE TO HOLD
UNTIL THE END OF CLASS. YOU MAY ALSO BE ASKED TO WRITE A FORMAL LETTER OF APOLOGY
OF 350 WORDS TO YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS FOR INTERRUPTING THEIR EDUCATION.
Courtesy and Respect: The rules of decorum and behavior in a college classroom are similar to those of
any public space or work place. You share the classroom space with a diverse group of individuals, of
varying ages, ethnicities, and beliefs. Since this class involves discussion and interaction among
students, it is essential that the common rules regarding courtesy and respect for one another be
followed. Everyone is entitled to share his or her views on subjects discussed. An important part of the
learning process is to listen and consider these views even when they are contrary to your own. It is
important that one person speaks at a time during class discussion and that everyone has the chance to
share his or her viewpoint. The classroom is a place of learning and expanding your awareness of self
and others, so considering the viewpoints of others is essential to your learning experience.
All students have the right to benefit from instruction provided by the professor, so when I speak, I
have the floor. Please refrain from conducting extraneous conversations when instruction is being
provided as this interferes with your fellow students’ ability to hear what is being said and to benefit
from instruction. If you are confused or do not understand what is being said, please ask for further
clarification from me, or see me after class for further explanation.
As a college professor, I am a partner in your learning experience. Your success as a college student is a
source of great pleasure for me, and I will assist you, to the best of my ability, to achieve your learning
goals. However, the work required to reach those goals is your responsibility. Instructors do not “give”
grades; students “earn” grades, according to the thought and effort they choose to devote to any given
assignment. As adults, each of you is responsible for your academic success and appropriate
behavior in a shared group space.
As a college professor, I am responsible for maintaining a cooperative, pleasant and emotionally positive
classroom atmosphere in which ideas can be expressed freely by all. Please check your attitudes at the
door. The public space of the classroom is not the place to air personal grievances, frustration, or anger.
Inappropriate disruptions of the classroom process are unfair to other students and to me, and will not
be tolerated. I am happy to discuss any conflicts or issues which arise for you personally, with me, other
students, or the course in general, in the privacy of my office.
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Course Repeaters: If you are on financial aid, your grant will not cover the cost of a course which you
have taken more than twice. Before dropping any course, it is important to speak with an academic
advisor to be sure you understand the consequences of such action. ALSO, if you are taking this
course for the third time, a grade of IP is not possible at the end of the semester. Instead you will
receive a letter grade of “F” if your final average is below 70%.
Attendance: Texas State law and HCCS Policy state that a student who misses more than 12.5% (6 hours)
of class instruction may be dropped from the course by the instructor. In a course which meets two (2)
days per week for 1.5 lecture hours each day, 12.5% is equal to four classes.
Your presence in this class is very important as is your active participation in your own learning process.
Classroom instruction, discussion, and practice is essential to the improvement of your writing skills. For
this reason, I will adhere to HCCS Policy stated in your Student Handbook. Also, since there are no
make-ups allowed for Instructor’s Choice grades, if you are absent on a day when an Instructor’s
Choice grade is due or given, you may not submit the assignment late and you will have to take a zero
for the assignment(s). One instructor’s choice grade for attendance will be given at the end of the
semester.
Attendance Procedure: An attendance sheet will be passed around at the beginning of each class session.
Attendance is based on your signature on this sheet. If you do not sign it, you will be marked absent for
that day. Once class has begun, you are considered tardy. The attendance sheet will be near the door, so
be sure to sign in as you enter class. If you must leave or enter class more than 60 minutes late or early,
you are considered absent. As a courtesy to your fellow students and me, please try to get to class on
time. The class process will not be interrupted to accommodate late arrivals or early departures.
Make-up Policy: You are responsible for all materials and information covered in class when absent.
You are expected to be prepared for class, with the assignments listed on your syllabus for the day of
your return. I suggest you exchange phone numbers with one or two reliable classmates and arrange for
your “buddy” to take notes for you and pick up extra copies of any handouts on the days you are absent.
You, of course, will do the same for them. If you miss an instructor’s choice assignment due to absence,
you may not make it up. At the end of the semester, 3-5 of these grades will be dropped, so 3-5 missed
assignments will not adversely affect your grade.
Essays and instructor’s choice assignments are due at the beginning of the class session on the due date
listed on your syllabus. Instructor’s Choice assignments will not be accepted late for any reason.
Major essays are subject to a late penalty of 10% of the grade for each class session missed. All major
essays must be turned in order to pass the course. In-class essays (there will be at least three (3) of
these), must be made up within one week if you are absent on that day. In the event that you know
beforehand that you will be absent, all assignments can be turned in early, prior to the class session
during which they are due.
Keep up with your Syllabus. This document tells you exactly what is due and when. Revisions will be
made to the syllabus if changes are needed due to unexpected happenings. In the event of official
school closings, come to the next class prepared with all assignments for days missed and those due
on the date of your return.
Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarizing, or calling someone else’s work your own, is a crime in
academic settings and unacceptable in this course. For the first offense, the assignment will be given a
grade of “0” with no opportunity to redo the assignment. If it happens more than once, you will receive
a grade of “F” for the course and referred to The Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
Keep track of your progress. As a college student, you are responsible for your own academic progress.
As your instructor, I will provide you with feedback about your progress and make suggestions to help
you improve upon your writing skills. It is up to you to respond to this information and do your part to
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improve these skills. PLEASE SAVE ALL RETURNED PAPERS IN YOUR BINDER UNTIL THE END
OF THE SEMESTER. These are a great source of review to be studied to improve upon your writing
skills, in preparation for in-class essay writing, and as proof of completed assignments if our records
should disagree.
Final Grade Criteria: Your grade for this course will be determined by the following assignments:
ENGL 0300:
ENGL 0310:
10%
5 Paragraphs (Average)
10%
Essay #1
10%
10%
Essay #1
Essay #2 (**In-class writing)
10%
10%
Essay #2 (**In-class writing)
Essay #3
10%
Essay #3
10%
Essay #4
10%
Essay #4 (Collaboration)
10%
Essay #5 (**In-class writing)
10%
Rewrites of Major Essays
10%
Rewrites of Major Essays
10%
Final Exam Essay (**In-class)
10%
Final Exam Essay (**In-class)
Instructor’s Choice
30%
Instructor’s Choice
_______30%
(**Instructor’s Choice includes in-class writing activities, reading, vocabulary, and grammar quizzes,
homework, attendance/participation/class discussion.)
**Remember: You must have a passing average on in-class writing to pass the course.
ENGL 0300 COURSE SYLLABUS for Spring 2012
MCSHERRY
Instructor’s Name: Kimberly McSherry Office location/hours: Room 206 FAC; MW 7-8 am and 11:45-12:30;
TR 7-800 am. (Other times may be arranged on an individual basis.) Course CRN/Days/Times:
76228 MW 8-10am in Room 312 FAC and 76229 MW 10-12 in Room 312 FAC.
E-mail: kimberly.mcsherry @hccs.edu.
Phone(s): 713-718-6625 (VM) or 713-718-6671 (English Office)
*Abbreviation for textbook (Lee and Kelly Brandon’s Paragraphs and Essays, 11th Ed.) is P&E.
** Students should be prepared for in-class quizzes over readings/vocabulary on the day they are due.
***Things which are due on the day of class are listed first in bold print. Items listed in lighter print are
things we will do in class on that day, and require no preparation on your part.
WEEK 1: January 16-January 20 (Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday)
MON: No classes today – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
WED: Distribute/Discuss Course Guidelines, Classroom Procedures & Policies, and Syllabus
Complete Student Questionnaire; Introduce Textbook/Brief Course Overview
Discuss Formal (Academic) vs. Informal (Casual/Creative) Writing;
LAB HOUR TOPIC: In-class writing of Diagnostic Essay
WEEK 2: January 23-January 27
MON: Must have textbook by today
Due: Read Chapter 1 P&E pages 1-5 and 10-16
Discuss: Clarifying the assignment (Addressing the Topic), Academic Writing and Requirements,
Purpose, Audience, and The Writing Process to be used in this class
Student Interviews in preparation for Paragraph #1 assignment (See Guidelines provided)
WED: Due: Paragraph #1 (Introduction of Fellow Student)-SEE GUIDELINES
Discuss P&E, page 394 (Heading-MLA Format)
Share paragraphs – Introduction of Fellow Students
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Discuss: Revision
Discuss: Ongoing vocabulary building activity/Sentences (see written guidelines
for this assignment on the same handout as the vocabulary list for the semester)
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Writing Sentences using new vocabulary words in context using words
from Wong’s essay “The Struggle to be an All-American Girl” (P & E 23-24)
Guidelines for this ongoing assignment will be provided and discussed.
WEEK 3: January 30-February 3
MON: Due: Polished draft of Paragraph 1 (revision/rewrite)
Due: Reread Wong’s essay “The Struggle to be an All-American Girl” (P&E 23-24), and
Read Greenlea’s essay, “No Tears For Frankie” and Cofer’s essay “More” (P&E 119-123)
Due: Ten (10) Sentences using 10 vocabulary words from Week 2 list in context (see guidelines)
**Be prepared for quiz over reading and vocabulary due today
Discuss essays read for today as examples of Narrative Essay writing
In-class work with Kinds of Sentences (P & E 417-425)
WED: Due: Read P & E 426-432 (“Combining Sentences”)
Due: Complete EX. 12, page 433, 1-10 (Rewrite group as one sentence on your own paper)
Due: Read Chapter 2 P&E pages 31-39 (Prewriting)
Discuss Step #1 of The Writing Process - Prewriting
Introduce Essay 1 topic (Personal Narrative/Exemplification)
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Begin freewriting exercise for Essay #1 (Step 1)
WEEK 4: February 6-February 10
MON: Due: Read Chapter 8 of P&E, pages 137-140 (Exemplification or Using Examples) AND
read Lara’s essay “Who’s Cheap?”, Burciaga’s essay ”Tortillas”, and Angelou’s essay “Liked
For Myself” (pages 146-154 in P&E)
Due: Ten sentences using any 10 new words from Week 3 list provided
**Be prepared for quiz over vocabulary and essays read for today
Discuss essays read for today as examples of exemplification
In-class work with Subjects and Verbs (P & E 410-417)
WED: Due: Freewriting Exercise for Essay 1 (Step One of The Writing Process)
Due: Read P & E 439-444 (“Correcting Fragments, Comma Splices, and Run-Ons”)
Due: Complete EX. 16, page 444-446, 1-20 (For each sentence, identify the error and rewrite
incorrect sentences on your own paper.)
Be prepared for Major Quiz over sentence types and correct sentence combining
WEEK 5: February 13-February 17
MON: Due: Read Chapter 5 P&E 72-81 (“Writing the Paragraph”)
Due: Ten sentences using any 10 new words from vocabulary list for Week 4
Be prepared for quiz over five paragraphs from Chapter 5 and vocabulary due today
Discuss Paragraph Patterns
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Practice paragraph writing using topic from Ex. 3, 1-10, page 80 P&E
Rough Draft and final draft of Paragraph due by end of session. This will be #2 of 5 paragraphs
due by semester’s end for a major grade.
WED: Due: Read Chapter 3 P&E pages 40-51 (Organizing and Developing Ideas/Outlining)
Discuss Thesis Statement, Supporting Details, Developing the Topic, Outlining
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In-class work with Pronoun Case and Person (P & E 472-477)
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Using prewriting, begin Organizational Plan for Essay 1 (outline);
One on one time with instructor.
WEEK 6: February 20-February 24 (Monday is President’s Day Holiday)
MON: No classes today – President’s Day Holiday
WED: Due: Read Chapter 11 P&E pages 222-230 (Cause-Effect Writing)
Due: Read Shaw’s essay “The Girls in Their Summer Dresses”, Flaherty’s essay “The Ghetto
Made Me Do It”, and Scheindlin/Getlin’s essay “Enough is Enough” (pages 233-244 of P&E)
Due: Ten sentences using Week 5 vocabulary words in context
Be prepared for Reading/Vocabulary Quiz over readings and vocabulary for Week 5
Discuss cause-effect development pattern and essays read for today
WEEK 7: February 27-March 2
MON: Due: Organizational Outline for Essay 1 (Step #2 of Writing Process - Worksheet)
Due: Read P & E 85-88 (Introductions and Conclusions)
In-class work with Agreement of subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent (P & E 461-5 and 477-481)
Practice writing different versions of Essay #1 Introduction
WED: Due: Read Chapter 6 P&E pages 82-97 (Writing the Essay)
Discuss types of paragraphs within the essay
Quiz over Agreement (subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent)
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Using Organizational Plan for Essay 1, begin writing Rough Draft;
One on one time with instructor.
WEEK 8: March 5-March 9
MON: Due: Rough Draft of Essay 1
Due: Read Chapter 4 P&E ((52-71) (Writing/Revising/Editing)
Discuss Chapter 4 and various revision techniques (esp. Peer Analysis)
Discuss “Rules for Academic Writing” Worksheet provided
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Peer Analysis with Rough Drafts of Essay #1; One on one time with
instructor.
WED: Computer Lab Time – Bring a flash drive to save your work
Using Rough Draft of Essay #1, practice writing on the computer
March 12-March 18 is Spring Break
WEEK 9: March 19-March 23
MON: Due: Final Draft of Essay #1
Due: Read Chapter 13 pages 278-286 (Comparison-Contrast Writing)
Discuss patterns of development for comparison-contrast writing
Distribute guidelines/Discuss Essay #2 (In-class Essay) and #3 (Out-of-class Essay)
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Write a comparison-contrast paragraph of 150-200 words using one of
the topics provided. Rough draft and final draft are due by the end of class. This will be #3 of
five paragraphs due for major grade at semester’s end.
WED: Due: Read Brehm’s “Blue as in Boy…” (287-288); Shaskan’s essay “Chick Flicks vs.
Macho Movies…”, Mukherjee’s essay “Two Ways To Belong in America”, and
Britt’s essay, “Neat People vs. Sloppy People” (290-297); and Gray’s essay
“Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus” (173-176)
Due: Ten sentences using new Week 8 vocabulary words in context
Be prepared for Reading/Vocabulary Quiz over readings and vocabulary for Week 8
Discuss essays read for today as models of comparison-contrast development
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WEEK 10: March 26-March 30 (Thursday, March 29th is the last day to withdraw from courses.)
MON: Due: Prewriting for Essay 3 (See Guidelines for Essay 3 for essay topic choices)
Due: Vocabulary list for Week 10 (Quiz over Homonym and Near Homonym List)
In-class: Read/Discuss Chapter 14 pages 309-319 (Defintion)
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Begin organizational plan for Essay 3 (outline);
One on one work with instructor over Essay #3.
WED: Due: Read Guilbault”s essay “Americanization is Tough…” (177-179); Pearson’s essay
“Whose Values?” (323-325); and Grant’s essay “Graffiti…” (326-330)
Due: Ten sentences using new Week 11 words in context
Be prepared for Reading/Vocabulary Quiz over readings and vocabulary for Week 10
Discuss essays read for today as models of development using definition
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Write a definition paragraph based on one topic from the list provided.
One paragraph (rough draft and final draft) is due by end of class session. This will be the 4 th paragraph of 5
paragraphs due for a major grade at semester’s end.
Week 11: April 2-April 6 (Friday is Good Friday Holiday)
MON: Due: Organizational Plan (outline) for Essay 3 (comparison-contrast essay)
Discuss rewrite of Essay #1, and in-class essay #2 to be written in-class next Tuesday
In-class work with correct use of comma (P & E 502-506)
WED: Due: Rewrite of Essay #1 (Staple rewrite on top of original and turn it in)
In-class writing of Essay 2
Week 12: April 9-April 13
(**Please note: No more sentences assigned for vocabulary words from this point on; However, you are still
responsible for learning the meanings of the words provided on the list for each essay assigned.**)
MON: Due: Rough Draft of Essay 3
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Peer analysis of Essay 3 rough draft focusing on correct and varied
sentence structure and use of vocabulary words from list learned to date.
WED: Due: Final Draft of Essay #3 (turn in complete package)
Due: Read Chapter 15, pages 340-344 (Argument)
Introduce Essay #4 (Collaborative Argument and Oral Presentation)
Introduce Argumentative Writing (Writing to Persuade)
Distribute supplemental handouts for Essay #4 and final exam topics
Use of Animals…Research, Drug Legalization, and Lowering the Drinking Age
Discuss and assign topics for Collaborative Essay/Oral Presentations
(Pair students in groups according to one side of one topic per student with no duplicates)
Week 13: April 16-April 20
MON: Due: Read Daum’s essay “Shouldn’t Men Have ‘Choice’ Too?” (350-352)
Due: Prewriting/Argument Analysis for Collaborative Presentation Topic (each student is to
do his/her own prewriting)
Discuss essay read for today and analyze the argument using Argument Analysis Worksheet
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Meet in collaborative groups to work on oral arguments.
WED: Due: Read supplemental essays provided: Use of Animals in Scientific/Medical Research
Due: Argument Analysis Worksheet for Use of Animals in … Research
Discuss essays/topic/argument read for today
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Paragraph #5 - Write a paragraph of 150-200 words in which you
summarize the main points of support for your position in the argument based on today’s topic
(Use of animals in scientific and medical research). Your topic sentence should clearly state the
topic and the side you take. This will be the 5th paragraph of 5 paragraphs due for a major grade
at semester’s end.
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Week 14: April 23-April 27
MON: Due: Organizational Plan for Essay #5
Due: Rewrite of Essay #2
Due: Argument Analysis Worksheet for Lowering the Legal Drinking Age in Texas
In-class writing of Essay #4
Distribute essays to analyze for Final Exam Essay Topic
WED: Due: Rough Draft of Essay #5
Peer Analysis of Essay 5
In-class: Rewrite one of five paragraphs returned to you
LAB HOUR TOPIC: Meet with collaborative groups to complete Argumentative Essay begun
last class. This essay is due by the end of class today.
Week 15: April 30-May 4 (Last day of instruction is May 6 th)
MON: Due: Final Draft of Essay #5
Due: Rewrite of Essay #3
Oral Presentations – The Great Debates
Return Essay #2 and discuss Final Exam Essay (topic and preparation)
WED: **YOUR FINAL EXAM ESSAY WILL BE WRITTEN IN CLASS TODAY**
Due: Rewrite of Essay #2
Due: Argument Analysis Worksheet for Final Exam Topic: Flag Burning Controversy
Please be on time as exam will begin and end at specific times
IN-CLASS writing of FINAL EXAM ESSAY (An argument based on essay topic provided)
Week 16: December 12 – December 16 (Final Exam Week) You will attend classes only one time on the day of
the final exam. In order to complete/pass this course, you must attend the final exam session. According to
HCCS’s final exam schedule for Spring 2012, the final exam session for this class is:
For MW classes at 8:00 am, the final exam in on Wednesday, May 9th at 8:00 am in this room.
For MW classes at 10:00 am, the final exam is on Wednesday, May 9th at 10:00 am in this room.
SUMMARY OF REQUIRED WORK AND GRADE COMPONENTS WHICH WILL BE USED TO CALCULATE
YOUR FINAL GRADE FOR THIS COURSE:
3-5 Paragraphs throughout the semester (in-class writing)
10%
Essay #1
(out-of-class essay)
10%
Essay #2
(in-class essay)
10%
Essay #3
(out-of-class essay)
10%
Essay #4
(in-class essay or collaboration)
10%
Rewrites of Major Essays (3)
10%
Instructor’s Choice: Includes all daily assignments, quizzes, short writing activities, 30%
(sentence crafting, writing in response to essays, etc.) grammar & vocabulary
building exercises, attendance & participation, and lab hour activities)
Final Exam Essay (in-class essay on last day of class)
10%
**All essays must be completed in order to pass this course.
**Average of in-class writing (30% of your grade) must be 70% or higher in order to pass this course.
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