Miami Dade College
Department of ESL and Foreign Languages
Building 7 - Third Floor – Room 7307
Phone: (305) 237-1304
WELCOME TO MDC NORTH CAMPUS
EAP 0240
Welcome to Writing Level #2
Course:
Reference:
Credits:
Term:
Days:
Time:
Co-Requisite:
Pre-Requisite:
EAP 0240 Writing #2
728600
3
Spring Term (2012-2)
Tuesday and Thursday
9:50-11:05 AM
EAP 0240 Lab
EAP 0140 or equivalent proficiency
Instructor Information
Name:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Dr. Leon Palombo
(305) 237-1521
lpalombo@mdc.edu
Place  7322-05
Days and Times  TBA
Mailbox Location: Building 7, Third Floor, Room 7324
Textbook and Materials
Textbook: Great Writing 1: Great Sentences for Great Paragraphs by Folse,
Muchmore-Vokoun, and Solomon, 3rd Edition
Recommended:
-A set of wired index cards / A three-hole binder / A highlighter
-An erasable ink pen or a pencil for tests
-A dictionary
-Scantrons
Course Description
Students continue to develop writing skills in the context of guided discourse on
personal topics with an emphasis on logical thought and mechanics.
Learning Outcomes
The following Miami Dade College Learning Outcomes will be assessed in this
course:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing
skills (timed-writings, internet research, and oral reports)
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively (practice typing written
Assignments)
Course Competencies
Competency 1:
The student will develop writing fluency and produce a
series of related sentences on personal and/or general
topics with an emphasis on logical thought.
Competency 2:
The student will write simple and compound sentences
in paragraph format appropriate to the level in
Standard English focusing on accuracy and grammatical
form and word order.
Competency 3:
The student will proofread and edit grammar,
mechanics and sentence structure appropriate to the
level.
Competency 4:
The student will use appropriate reference tools to edit
writing.
Teaching Methods and Strategies
Students will be expected to participate both individually and/or in pairs or small
groups, role-playing conversations in which they interact using acquired
vocabulary and expressions as appropriate. Participation includes being ready for
class (bringing textbook, completed homework assignments, etc…), and the
willingness to use the English language in a variety of classroom activities.
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Course Regulations
Attendance: Active participation is an integral part of the learning process. If
you are not present in class, you cannot make up for lost work. Therefore, you are
expected to attend every class. I understand that occasional emergencies (illness
or family problems) may occur; if for some reason you are unable to attend one
class session, you must notify me either in advance or on the same day of the
session class you miss. If you cannot speak to me in person, you can leave me a
voice mail or send me an e-mail message with your phone number and the reason
of your absence. Even if you are absent, you are still responsible for finding out
what you missed in class, and for coming prepared the following day of classes.
Absences beyond two (2) may result in a reduction of your final grade, unless a
documented excuse is presented.
The student must have a valid reason for missing class (e.g. serious illness, family
emergency, religious observance, attendance to statutory governmental
responsibilities—jury duty, court appearance, military obligation— or participation
in a college-sponsored event at which the student is representing the College) to
obtain an excused absence.
After three (3) consecutive absences without notification, you must drop
the course, or you will receive a final grade of “F”.
Withdrawals: You are responsible for officially withdrawing from or dropping the
course within the allotted time if you cannot continue attending classes. Do not
expect me to do it for you; it is your responsibility. I may initiate drops for noshows and non-attendance, and only in those cases I will personally drop you.
For last day(s) to withdraw from classes this semester, please refer to the
Academic Calendar available at the Miami Dade College website.
Punctuality: Punctuality is imperative so as to avoid distraction to both your
instructor and classmates; therefore, tardiness is unacceptable in my class. Always
observe starting times of the class, and also when we reconvene after a break.
Make every effort to be on time since not only is arriving late rude, but it also
disrupts the learning process for the entire class. Late arrivals will affect your
weekly class participation points. If you have an emergency and must be
late, before entering the classroom make sure the class is not taking a test. If so,
wait until I allow you to enter. If you arrive late and the class is not taking a test,
sit down quietly without greeting your classmates. The fact that you are late is
already an unacceptable behavior.
Tardiness is disruptive to the class; therefore, the students should be on time for
class. Attendance will be taken at the beginning and end of each class period.
Your instructor has the prerogative to deny admission to students who arrive more
than 10 minutes late.
Class Participation: Active class participation, which amounts for 10% of the
final grade, is essential in the language learning process. By participation, I mean
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taking an active role in the classroom activities, and interacting with your
classmates in class activities.
Each week, your instructor will evaluate your participation level and determine a
grade. You will have the opportunity to earn 5 points for every class. To
increase your opportunities to participate in class, you must complete all work and
readings before every class meeting. Students are expected to come to class
prepared and ready to participate actively. A student who has perfect attendance
may still receive a low grade in participation if he or she does not actively
participate in class. Errors are to be expected and are viewed as a natural part of
language learning.
Compositions: You will be required to write a total of 3 compositions for the
semester, which amount for 20% of your final grade. All entries are to be AT
LEAST 150 WORDS LONG and written IN ENGLISH. Copying sections of another
classmate's composition will result in a grade of zero for that composition.
You will find the topics for each composition on this syllabus. Compositions
must be typed. The compositions will be evaluated using the grading
criteria discussed in class.
Please note that if your instructor suspects that you have used the aid of a
translator or of another person to write your composition, you will receive a zero.
Timed Writings: You will be required to write Three (3) timed writings,
which will amount for 15% of the final grade. For these timed writings, you will
be given twenty to thirty minutes to write 8 to 10 sentences about the given topic.
Quizzes and Final Exam: There will be a total of Four (4) unit quizzes (worth
30% of the final grade), in addition to a cumulative Final Exam (worth 25%
of the final grade). Quizzes and the Final Exam include grammar and writing
sections. The Final Exam will not be administered early under any circumstance. If
you are planning a trip or vacation, make sure that you do it around the Miami
Dade College Final Exam Schedule. NO exceptions will be made.
Make-Up Quizzes and Final Exam: There will be no make-up tests.
Temporary Grade of Incomplete: According to departmental policy, a
temporary grade of ‘INCOMPLETE’ will be assigned ONLY to students under
extreme hardship, in good academic standing nearing the end of the semester,
and when the outstanding coursework is mainly the final exam. An agreement to
complete the outstanding coursework must be signed by the student and the
instructor, and it must contain a description of the work to be done and a
timetable. If a change-grade form is not submitted by the completion date, the
grade of I becomes an F. All agreed upon work must be concluded within the
next major semester.
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Grading Criteria
Criteria used for grading is outlined below. Missed assignments, presentations,
collaborative activities, tests, etc. etc., will receive grades of zero, which will be
computed in your final average.
Quizzes
Class Participation
Compositions
Timed Writings
Final Exam
30%
10%
20%
15%
25%
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
90 - 100%
80 - 89%
70 - 79%
60 - 69%
Below 60%
If you receive a final grade of “D,” “F,” “W,” or “IW,” you MUST repeat the
course.
Student Records: I will keep information of your academic records, attendance
and grades, for one additional semester; therefore, any questions or concerns
regarding grades must be presented within this time frame.
MDC Student E-Mail Account: Every Miami Dade College student has a free
Miami Dade College e-mail, which is the means of communication that the College
uses to post announcements to students using a class electronic list.
Consequently, if we need to communicate electronically, this is the only means of
communication we will use, and it is your responsibility to access and check your
electronic correspondence regularly.
Student Questions: I look forward to and appreciate intelligent subject-related
questions from my students, not just during class time, but in my office, or
electronically as well. If you have doubts on a specific course issue, please feel
free to contact me either personally during my office hours, by telephone, or via email. If by e-mail, please use your MDC e-mail account, as stated above. Be sure
that I will respond as soon as time permits.
Seating Arrangements: If I consider it necessary, either at the beginning or
during the development of the course, and for the purpose of facilitating the
learning process and interaction among the students (as well as to maintain
discipline), I may ask you to take a specific seat in the classroom. It is my right as
your instructor. Please make sure that when you come to class you are aware of
this convention and that you follow it.
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Classroom Etiquette
Student Conduct: Instructors are responsible for maintaining order and a
positive learning environment in the classroom. Students whose behavior is
disruptive either to the instructor or to other students will be asked to leave.
Students whose behavior suggests the need for counseling or other assistance
may be referred to the Chairperson of the Department of ESL and Foreign
Languages. If a student’s behavior happens to be more serious and delicate, and
violates Miami Dade College Student Conduct Code, the student will be referred to
the Dean of Students Office.
Cellular Phones: When entering the classroom, you should make sure to TURN
OFF your cellular telephone or any other “up to date” electronic device; students
CANNOT leave the classroom to answer their cell phones, or send text messages
during class, so if you are really expecting to receive an important phone call from
either a relative, or from work, I must be notified in advance so that you can set
your cell phone on vibrate mode. If a cell phone loudly rings while in class (or
even worse, while taking a test!), the final grade of the offender will drop by one
(1) grade. I understand that modern electronic devices have become a necessary
part of contemporary life, but they could also be an annoying distraction if used
inappropriately. In addition, I do consider that the disruption they might cause is a
sign of disrespect to the instructor and classmates alike. *Additional note: No
student will be allowed to leave the classroom while taking a test unless there is a
very serious emergency.
Food and Drinks: While class is in progress, it is NOT permitted to bring any
food or drinks to the classroom, so please abstain from doing so.
Important
Academic Dishonesty: We will adhere to the rules and guidelines delineated in
the Miami Dade College Students’ Rights & Responsibilities Handbook (Code of
Conduct – Procedure 4025) and (Academic Dishonesty – Procedure 4035) in
dealing with academic dishonesty. The ramifications for cheating or any other form
of academic dishonesty may include a grade of “F” for the course, a student being
placed on academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the College. We
encourage you to familiarize yourself with this document. In this course, students
who are caught cheating will automatically fail the test.
Services for Disabled Students: The Department extends its commitment to
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The college has developed special
support services to assist disabled students in achieving equal opportunity.
Students who have a disability that might affect their performance in the class are
encouraged to contact Access Services, in confidence, as soon as possible. This
office will aid in appropriate accommodations for the student. This is in
accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American
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with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please inform me during the first week of classes if
you need special accommodations due to a disability that might otherwise affect
your performance in the class. Access Services at MDC/North is located in Room
6112, and the number to call for information is (305) 237-1272.
Names, telephone numbers and /or e-mails of two classmates:
___________________________
________________________
__________________________________
_______________________________
Course Outline
The following is the course outline for this semester’s work. I reserve the right to
make any necessary changes. This is only a guideline for you to be aware of the
material to be covered, and when there will be tests.
Week One:
1/8
1/10
Course Syllabus & Introductions
Diagnostic Writing Sample
Understanding Sentence Basics (Unit #1)
Pages 1-12
Week Two:
1/15
Understanding Sentence Basics (Unit #1)
Pages 12-24
1/17
Understanding Sentence Basics (Unit #1)
Pages 25-35
Review for Unit #1 Test
Week Three:
1/22
1/24
Test for Unit #1
Connecting Sentences and Paragraphs (Unit #2)
Pages 36-49
Connecting Sentence and Paragraphs (Unit #2)
Pages 49-65
Composition #1:
Select one of the ten topics found on page 35 (Due on 1/19)
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Week Four:
1/29
Writing about the Present (Unit #3)
Pages 66-71
1/31
Writing about the Present (Unit #3)
Pages 72-75
Composition #2:
Select one of the ten topics found on page 65 (Due on 1/26)
Week Five:
2/5 & 2/7
Writing about the Present (Unit #3)
Pages 76-89
Review for Units #2-3 Test
Timed Writing #1:
Topic on Page #92 (In-Class Assignment on 1/31)
Week Six:
2/12
Test for Units #2-3
Writing about the Past (Unit #4)
Pages 93-97
2/14
Writing about the Past (Unit #4)
Pages 98-100
Week Seven:
2/19
2/21
Week Eight:
2/26
2/28
Writing about the Past (Unit #4)
Pages 101-104
Writing about the Past (Unit #4)
Pages 105-107
Writing about the Past (Unit #4)
Pages 108-111
Writing about the Past (Unit #4)
Pages 112-115
Review for Unit #4 Test
Timed Writing #2:
Topic on Page #117 (In-Class Assignment on 2/21)
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Week Nine:
3/5
3/7
Test for Unit #4
Describing Actions (Unit #5)
Pages 118-122
Describing Actions (Unit #5)
Pages 123-125
Week Ten:
3/12
Describing Actions (Unit #5)
Pages 126-130
3/14
Describing Actions (Unit #5)
Pages 131-136
Review for Unit #5 Test
Composition #3:
Select one of the ten topics found on page 137 (Due on 3/8)
Week Eleven:
3/19
Test for Unit #5
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 139-141
3/21
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 142-144
Week Twelve:
3/26
3/28
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 145-147
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 147-148
Timed Writing #3:
Topic on Page 165 (In-Class Assignment on 3/22)
Week Thirteen:
4/2 & 4/4
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 149-154
Week Fourteen:
4/9 & 4/11
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 155-158
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Week Fifteen:
4/16
4/18
Week Sixteen:
4/23 & 4/25
Writing about the Future (Unit #6)
Pages 159-163
FINAL COMPOSITION (In-Class Assignment)
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
Week Seventeen: FINAL EXAM
(4/30)
(This program is subject to adjustments and/or modifications)
ABOUT THIS SYLLABUS: This syllabus establishes the requirements of this
course. Please use it as a reference for the nature of the assignments, tests,
classroom regulations, attendance policies, and grading procedures.
GOOD LUCK!
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