Department of ESL/Foreign Languages
Translation/Interpretation Studies
627 SW 27th Avenue- Room 1308-5
Miami, Florida 33135
Telephone: 305-237-6068
EAP 0340 WRITING LEVEL 3
Reference # 551407
Thursday: 8:20 pm - 10:50 pm
Instructor: Luis M. Rodríguez
Inquiries by e-mail, phone, and after class
2009-2 (Spring 2010)
TUESDAY 01/05/2010 – 04/30/2010
ROOM: 1381
E-Mail Address: lmrodrig8@mdc.edu
Webpage: http://faculty.mdc.edu/lrodrig8
Office: (305) 237-3257
Goals and Objectives





To be able to produce basic, structured, academic/expository paragraphs on familiar topics in
order to develop writing fluency and vocabulary. Narrative, descriptive, definition and
process styles will be used.
-The use of cultural references would be emphasized.
To be able to write basic single paragraphs using simple, compound and complex sentences
when appropriate using Standard English appropriate to the level.
-The paragraphs should be written with substance, clarity and organization.
To be capable of proofreading and editing grammar and sentence structure adequate to the
level.
To identify and use reference tools to edit writing.
To be capable of executing other academic writing tasks including:
1. Factual short answers responses to text questions
2. Brief outlines of text
3. Brief formal definitions of academic terms and e-mail.
Competencies Link
http://www.mdc.edu/iac/AcademicPrograms/ESL_Foreign_lang/docs/EAP%20Writing%20Competenci
es.pdf
Textbook
Hogue, A.First Steps in Academic Writing (1995), Longman
Grading Criteria
Class Participation/ Attendance/ Homework
Writing Assignments
Final Exam
10%
50%
40%
__
100%
Grading Scores
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79%
=C
60 - 69%
=D
Less than 60% = F
The mission of Miami-Dade Community College is to provide accessible, affordable, high quality education by keeping the learner’s needs at the
center of decision making and working in partnership with its dynamic, multi-cultural community.
1
Class Policy
1. Students must follow these writing techniques:
a) Assignments should be written in double space-lined standard paper. Use ink.
b) The instructor will return the graded assignment the following class. Students will make
further corrections (typed), and attach the final (edited) copy to the package for storage in
a folder until the end of semester.
c) A journal will be kept. Entries should be done at least two times per week in
regard to what is learned in class, opinions, feelings, etc.
2. Students being absent for three consecutive sessions without proper justification, will
be dropped automatically. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO LATE MINUTE JUSTIFICATIONS!!
- Be punctual as a courtesy to the class in avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
- E-mail or call instructor to notify the nature of your absence and how to complete
due work.
3. Exam make-ups are allowed with proper justification, but no late assignments will be accepted.
Students are responsible for submitting their work as assigned in the course outline or announced
by instructor, even if they missed the preceding class.
4. Submit only work written by you and not copied from any other source. No plagiarized work or
cheating will be accepted. Academic plagiarism could lead to serious disciplinary actions.
Common Courtesies
1. Come prepared to class with writing material, paper and textbook.
2. Avoid unnecessary conversations during class, especially when a student is answering the
instructor, etc. English must be spoken in class in order to practice the language.
In case of doubt, ask the instructor rather than the neighbor or classmate.
3. Respect your classmates’ beliefs and customs considering our diverse cultural
environment.
4. Cellular phones MUST be turned OFF / VIBRATION in class. Telephone answering is not
allowed in class
Tentative Course Outline
1/6
-Orientation & Diagnostics
-Handwriting & Typing Techniques
1/13
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING PEOPLE
1. ORGANIZATION: PARAGRAPH FORM
2. CAPITALIZATION: SIX RULES
1/20
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCING PEOPLE- CONTINUED
3. SENTENCE STRUCTURE, SIMPLE SENTENCE
CONNECTING WORDS : AND, OR
4. REVIEW, WRITING PRACTICE
1/27
2/3
ASSIGNMENT # 1
CHAPTER 2: LISTING ORDER PARAGRAPHS.
1. ORGANIZATION: CLUSTERING
LISTING ORDER PARAGRAPHS
THREE PARTS OF THE PARAGRAPH.
LISTING ORDER TRANSITIONS
The mission of Miami-Dade Community College is to provide accessible, affordable, high quality education by keeping the learner’s needs at the
center of decision making and working in partnership with its dynamic, multi-cultural community.
2
2/10
2/17
2/24
3/3
CHAPTER 2: LISTING ORDER PARAGRAPHS - CONTINUED
2. SENTENCE STRUCTURE: COMPOUND SENTENCE.
COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS. AND, BUT, OR, SO
RUN-ON SENTENCES AND COMMA SPLICES
3. THE WRITING PROCESS, REVIEW
ASSIGNMENT # 2
CHAPTER 3: GIVING INSTRUCTIONS
1. ORGANIZATION: “HOW TO” PARAGRAPHS.
2. SENTENCE STRUCTURE: COMPLEX SENTENCES. FRAGMENTS
DEPENDENT – INDEPENDENT CLAUSES: ADVERB SUBORDINATORS
SUMMARY: THREE TYPES OF SENTENCES
CHAPTER 3: GIVING INSTRUCTIONS. CONTINUED
3. CAPITALIZATION AND COMMAS: FOUR MORE RULES.
4. THE WRITING PROCESS: REVIEW, CLUSTERING.
ASSIGNMENT # 3
3/10
CHAPTER 4: DESCRIBING A PLACE
1. ORGANIZATION: DESCRIPTION. SPACE ORDER.SPECIFIC DETAILS.
2. GRAMMAR: ADJECTIVES. ORDER OF ADJECTIVES
3/17
CHAPTER 4: DESCRIBING A PLACE . CONTINUED
3. SENTENCE STRUCTURE: PREPOSITIONS. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES.
4. THE WRITING PROCESS: REVIEW, WRITING PRACTICES
ASSIGNMENT# 4
3/24
CHAPTER 5: STATING REASONS AND USING EXAMPLES
1. ORGANIZATION: USING EXAMPLES, REASONS & EXAMPLE.
TRANSITIONS SIGNALS WITH REASONS AND EXAMPLES
CONCLUSION SIGNALS WITH EXAMPLES
2. SENTENCE STRUCTURE: MORE COMPLEX SENTENCES.
REASON AND CONDITION SUBORDINATORS.
3/31
CHAPTER 5: STATING REASONS AND USING EXAMPLES. CONTINUED
3. CAPITALIZATION AND PUNCTUATION: TWO MORE RULES
4. THE WRITING PROCESS. REVIEW QUESTIONS. WRITING PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT # 5
4/7
CHAPTER 6: EXPRESSING YOUR OPINION
1. ORGANIZATION: FACTS & OPINIONS. TRANSITION SIGNALS
2. SENTENCE STRUCTURE
ADJECTIVE CLAUSES. WHO, WHICH, THAT
MORE ABOUT FRAGMENTS
4/14
CHAPTER 6: EXPRESSING YOUR OPINION: CONTINUED
3. APPENDIX F: BUSINESS LETTERS
4. THE WRITING PROCESS. REVIEW QUESTIONS
EDITED PAPERS & JOURNALS GRADING.
4/21
FINAL EXAM
Last Revision: 12/29/09
The mission of Miami-Dade Community College is to provide accessible, affordable, high quality education by keeping the learner’s needs at the
center of decision making and working in partnership with its dynamic, multi-cultural community.
3