ESL and FL Department
Main Office 1415
Phone (305) 237-8750
Chairperson: Maria W. Jofre
Hialeah Campus
Syllabus
EAP 0440 - Writing Level 4
Reference # 529699
MWF 9:00-9:50AM
Semester:
Fall 2009-1
Instructor: Maria Vargas-O’Neel
Email:
mvargas@mdc.edu
Office Hours : TBA
Office:
1415-9
Phone:
(305) 237-8757
Mailbox: Room 1415 (#18)
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
1. Textbook – Introduction to Academic Writing. By Alice Oshima and Ann
Hogue. Third Edition
2. Dictionary – Standard English or Thesaurus.
3. Portfolio (folder), for writing exercises (paragraphs) and re-writes.
Important dates this semester:
Academic calendar: http://www.mdc.edu/academic_calendar/
Last day to drop with a “W”:
Last day of class:
Final Exam week:
Tuesday November 3rd, 2009
Friday, December 11th, 2009
December 14th-18th, 2009
Miami-Dade College General Education Outcomes
As graduates of Miami-Dade College, students will be abler to:
1: Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in
society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate the
principles of academic writing as pertained to the following Learning Outcomes:
 The student will be able to use varied concise and coherent sentences
and apply the structure in the paragraph form.
 The student will be able to use appropriate level four grammar i.e.
verb tenses, adjectives, adverb and noun clauses, subject verb
agreement, mechanics, transitions and word usage in a variety of
themed topics.
 The student will recognize and apply varied rhetorical modes to the
writing process i.e. Comparison & Contrast, Descriptive, Classification
and Process to develop an extended paragraph using a clear topic
sentence with a controlling idea, major and minor supporting points
and concluding summary sentences related to the topic that can be
applied in college level writing courses.
 The student will be able to brainstorm, organize, outline and apply the
steps involved in the writing process this includes drafting editing and
publishing the assignment using word processing skills.
 The student will be able to utilize information literacy and reference
materials to create a paragraph which encompasses a variety of
cultural, ethical and global topics.
Course Description: Students develop the ability to use
intermediate-level grammatical structures
appropriate to classroom discussion, oral
presentation, and writing of more
sophisticated academic paragraphs with an
emphasis on increased accuracy.
Course Competencies:
DEMONSTRATION OF PROFICIENCY
Competency 1:
The student will demonstrate proficiency when
using the grammatical structures from Levels 1 –
3 (See competencies for these levels)
SENTENCE STRUCTURE, CONJUNCTIONS, &
CLAUSES
Competency 2:
The student will use a variety of sentence
structure
patterns
(including
questions)
appropriate to the level and containing
grammatical forms covered in this and previous
levels. Also:
a. Either/neither/so/too.
b.
Restrictive and non-restrictive
adjective clauses with relative pronouns (who,
whom, which, that, whose)
Competency 3:
Competency 4:
PARTS OF SPEECH (N, PN, ADJ., ADV., PREP.)
AND PHRASES
The student will use the following grammatical
forms in appropriate word order and context:
a. Gerunds and infinitives after verbs
b.
Past participle
c. Comparative, superlative, and equative
phrases
d.
Intensifiers (e.g., very, too, etc.)
VERBS (Tense, Aspect, Voice, & Mood)
The student will use the following verbs in
affirmative, negative, and question forms as
indicated by the context of a passage or
conversation:
a. Present perfect
b. Present perfect progressive
GRADING POLICY:
To receive a passing grade of (A,B,C) you are required to:
1. Pass all tests and quizzes given in class:
No make-up exams allowed unless you have prior permission from me. If you
are absent on the day of an exam with an excusable absence, please see me
before the next class session to discuss possible make-up alternatives. If
you do not contact me before the next class, your exam grade will be
counted as an F.
2. Participate in class, exercises and homework.
3. Turn-in a complete portfolio prior to the Final Exam, at the end
of the semester. [ANGEL Program: to be discussed in class]
4. Miss no more than three (3) classes.
5. You need to have at least two private conferences with your instructor.
6. Pass the final exam.
7. Homework :
Homework must be done on the day that it is assigned. You may be required
to turn it in or to use it for an in-class assignment or activity.
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Final Exam………………………..
Tests and Quizzes…………………
Portfolio [ANGEL]
Homework/class participation
25%
40%
25%
10%
GRADING SCALE:
100%-90%
89%-80%
79%-70%
69%-60%
59%-below
A
B
C
D
F
ATTENDANCE POLICY AND STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Welcome to this class. I hope to make it as interesting as possible to help you
achieve your goal. The instructor allows you to have one (1) unexcused absence. More
than three (3) absences indicate to me a serious lack of commitment on your part.
Departmental research has proven that students who miss more than four classes in a
semester have a considerably lower chance of passing the class/final exam. If you
have more than three consecutive unexcused absences from class, you will be
withdrawn (dropped) from the class, and receive a grade of “W” for the course, and
YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM.
Call me if your are going to be absent or late (Absences, tardiness or leaving
class EARLY ) will be detrimental to your progress. It is still your responsibility to
complete and if necessary turn in any assignment that may have been given as
homework. Either by placing it in my mailbox (#18), my office, or by bringing it to your
next class. (I will NOT accept any assignment after that, and you will receive an F for
that particular assignment). Have a classmate’s phone number in case you are absent,
so that you can be informed about the activities that went on in class. I want you to
pass this course, but I cannot help you if you are not here.
1.classmate__________________ Phone #__________________
2.classmate__________________ Phone #__________________
When you re-write your returned paragraph, attach it to the original and
return it to me. It is your responsibility to re-write the paragraphs and for you to
make the necessary corrections in order to be able to monitor your progress in class.
Your final draft Must be submitted in the ANGEL Program.
CELLULAR PHONES… No, no, no!!! for emergencies, keep it on “Vibrate” or
“Silent Mode”. If you do have an emergency during the class, let me know and we shall
take the necessary action. (If it is an extreme emergency, and you have the need to
answer the phone, PLEASE DO NOT ANSWER IT IN CLASS, WAIT UNTIL YOU
ARE OUTSIDE THE ROOM TO DO SO.)
Keep in mind that the textbook is required, and homework is essential during
the entire semester. Failure to acquire/purchase the book… may affect your grade.
Ask questions in class. Be an active participant as much as you can.
REMEMBER: There is never a dumb question …
If you have any kind of special needs, make an appointment or see me after
class.
Tardiness: If you are late, please enter quietly and join in the class activities. For
every three (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.
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 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
CONCLUSION:
I know it is difficult for many of you to practice English outside of the
classroom; therefore, you understand that I emphasize that no language other than
English is acceptable during class time. Because your jobs, families and other
responsibilities make it difficult for many of you to practice English outside of the
classroom, it is essential for you to attend class. If you find that this policy is not
acceptable to you, come to see me and we will find you an alternative class. The
purpose of EAP writing classes is to help make you successful not only in EAP 1441/EAP
1441L, but in all your future writing assignments as a college student. But the
responsibility is yours, you are the captain of your own destiny. I will be here before
class begins and after class to give you any assistance I can, to answer questions
and/or to talk about individual concerns you may have.
MOST IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that a grade is NOT GIVEN to you.
YOU earn it!!!
In addition, this semester you will be using the ANGEL program. More details to follow
soon.
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/
THIS SCHEDULE IS TENTATIVE AND MAY BE CHANGED AT ANY TIME
Week 1
Week 2
Introductions &
Syllabus
Ch 1
Pgs 2 -22
Week 3
Ch 3
Week 4
Ch 2
Week 5 & 6
Ch 4
Week 7 & 8
Ch 5
&
Ch 6
Week 9 & 10
Ch 7
Week 11 & 12
Ch 9
Week 13 & 14
Appendix
C&D
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Baseline Assessment
Sentence Structure :
Paragraph Format
Pgs 68-87
The Parts of a Paragraph
The Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentences
Making a Simple Outline
Pgs 23 - 36 Narrative Paragraph
Word & Phrase Order
Pgs 60-75
Descriptive Paragraph
Spatial Order & Expression
Pgs 76 –
Logical Division:
107
Paragraph Organization
Unity and Coherence
Process Paragraph: Time
Order, clauses, complex
sentences.
Pgs 108Comparison & Contrast
121
Outlining
Using Examples for Support
Pgs 146 Classification Paragraph:
167
Topic Sentence & Supporting
details.
Pg. 187Summary Punctuation Rules.
191
Timed-Paragraph Practice
Review
FINAL
Exam
Portfolio (with re-writes) due
Note: There will be a required Research thru LINCC done in the college
library to be applied into your writing skills. Details will be given later on
in the semester.
.