Syllabus EAP 1540, Writing Level 5, Reference #
Michael Bowler
Text: READY TO WRITE , chapters 1-12
Text is available at campus bookstore.
http://www.mdc.edu/academic_calendar/
Course Description
Students develop the ability to write basic, structured academic essays with an
emphasis on accuracy and cohesiveness and execute other academic writing tasks.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of EAP 0440 or equivalent proficiency
Co-requisite: EAP 1540L
Competencies:
Competency 1: The student will recognize and produce the types of academic
paragraphs and basic essays that a writing task requires.
Competency 2: The student will plan and develop paragraphs and essays using a
variety of sentence and grammatical structures. The paragraphs and essays will be
written with clarity, coherence, substance in Standard English appropriate to the level.
Competency 3: The student will proofread and edit written work for accuracy
focusing on grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure, and for meaning, focusing on
unity and coherence.
Competency 4: The student will use appropriate reference tools to edit writing.
Competency 5: The student will continue development of computer word processing
skills.
Competency 6: The student will execute other academic writing tasks such as: essay
responses to test questions, written responses to reading selections, summaries, written
records of observations and experiences, and e-mail.
Teaching methods: video; class discussion; computer assisted learning; collaborative
activities; dictations; tapes and cds, lecture, other
Course Requirements:
In addition to your class time, you are required to read or view an assigned text or film to
form a common experience for the class about which we shall write.___
Attendance Policy: You should come to every class in order to obtain the most
complete educational experience. Participation in this class is only possible if you attend
class.
Absences: Students may be absent from one class with no penalties. Students who are
absent __3__ times will see their final grade lowered by one letter grade. Students who
are absent __6__ times will see their final grade lowered by two letter grades. Students
who are absent __7__ or more times will be asked to drop the class, or the instructor will
drop them or assign a grade of “F”.
Tardiness: If you are late, please enter quietly and join in the class activities. For every
__3_ times that you arrive late or depart early, this will count as one absence.
Exceptions may be made if you provide documentation which demonstrates that you had
a serious illness, injury or court appearance. (Note: reword this to fit your own
preferences.)
Course Policies: Note to instructors: (cell phones on vibrate no gum).
Student code of conduct: The college policy on the Student Code of Conduct is located
at http://www.mdc.edu/pdf/procedures/4071.pdf. Please familiarize yourself with it.
Academic dishonesty: The department affirms its commitment to treat cases of
academic dishonesty according to Miami-Dade Community College Procedure No. 4074.
Students are forewarned that academic dishonesty in any form will be penalized
according to this procedure. The instructor has the option to award a grade of “F” for the
course. Cheating or any form of academic dishonesty may also result in the student’s
being placed on academic probation, suspended from school, or dismissed from the
College. The College policy for dealing with Academic Dishonesty is located at
http://www.mdc.edu/pdf/procedures/4074.pdf
Course Drop: It is your responsibility to drop this class within the time available. The
College academic calendar is available at http://www.mdc.edu/academic_calendar/
Grading:
The final grade for this course will be based on the following:
Tests
Workbook Assignments
Lab Assignments
Homework
Attendance
Participation
%
%
%
%
10%
10%
Final Exam
Extra Credit
Presentations
Portfolios
Group Project
Other
10%
%
%
70%
%
%
Make-Up Test: There will be no make-up tests.
Incompletes: No incomplete grades will be assigned.
Scale: A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
Students earning a “D” must retake the course and pass it
with a “C” or better in order to advance to the next level.
F
Below 59%
Tutoring is available in the lab in room 6237 for students who have a paid registration to
use the lab.
Tentative Class Schedule:
No tests or quizzes are anticipated. Writing assignments done at home and brought to
class are required as are writing assignments in class.
EVERYTHING YOU WRITE FOR ME AND EXPECT ME TO LOOK AT MUST
BE WRITTEN IN INK ON ONE SIDE OF A PAGE AND BE DOUBLE SPACED.
UNIT ONE
You will write a NARRATIVE paper based on a common experience such as a
reading or viewing.
PARAGRAPH DEFINITION
You will then write a paragraph, defined for the purposes of this class as 10 to 12
sentences with 15 to 25 words in each sentence using 1 A,2B,3C,2D,AND 1E WORD
(see handout on ABCDE words of first day). This paragraph must include 2 of the four
varieties of Subjunctive Mood, evidence of all tenses, gerunds and infinitivesand causal
expressions and expressions of the sense with NO punctuation mistakes.
The paragraphs will be reviewed on the overhead projector by the class and they will be
rewritten until they meet the criteria above. At that time, ALL DRAFTS will be collected
so DO NOT THROW AWAY ANY OF YOUR ROUGH DRAFTS OR CORRECTED
VERSIONS.
UNIT TWO
Read PART ONE WRITING A PARAGRAPH IN THE TEXT (FIRST 50 PAGES)
In class review of PART ONE including assigned exercises.
UNIT THREE THRU SIX
Again based on a common experience or viewing, write An EXPLANATORY ,
ARGUMENTATIVE , OR COMPARISON OR CONTRAST paragraph and repeat the
process of Unit One.
UNIT SEVEN
Read PART ll WRITING AN ESSAY, complete assigned exercises and review in
class.
UNIT EIGHT
WRITE A THREE PARAGRAPH ESSAY EXHIBITING THE DEFINITION OF
THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PARAGRAPHS THAT MEET THE CLASS
CRITERIA FOR A PARAGRAPH
Final Exam week THERE WILL BE A FINAL WRITING EXAM
READING ASSIGNMENTS : 15 PAGES IN READY TO WRITE PER WEEK