English 090, Basic Writing I
Course Syllabus
Western Nevada College, Carson Campus
Fall Semester, 2009
Room: Bristlecone 320
Time: T & Th 2:30 – 3:45
Instructor:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Lynda Carrasquel
445.3290 (leave message); cell: 702.750.8288
lcarrasquel@yahoo.com
BRIS 350 H Tues. 4 – 5 p.m.
BRIS 330 Thurs. 4 – 5 p.m. by appointment
Cancelled class hotline: 445-3030 or 1-866-532-5118
Credits:
3
Prerequisites:
None
Transfer Information: Courses with numbers below 100: English 090 is a developmental
course that does not apply toward a WNC degree or honors designation. Developmental courses
do not normally transfer to a university. Please see a counselor for more information
___________________________________________________________________________
I: Course Description: English 090 is designed for the inexperienced writer who would like to
improve his or her writing for college-level work or professional writing. It provides instruction
in basic English skills including grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling, usage, and sentence
structure. It focuses on a variety of sentence patterns and types. Grading: Pass/Fail.
II: Text/required materials: The Dolphin Writer, Book 1, Building Sentences &Composing
Paragraphs (2008, Houghton Mifflin). While not a text, a collegiate dictionary is a necessity to
anyone who writes anything. Standard size note paper and pen/pencil are required for in-class
exercises.
III: Course Objectives: The Primary Objective of this course is to make the student a better
writer. For purposes of this course, sentence mastery will be the measuring stick for objective
assessment. Upon completion of this course the students should be able to:
 Identify and correctly use the different parts of speech;
 Identify the essential elements of sentence structure;
 Write sentences that are correct and meaningful;
 Use punctuation correctly, particularly commas, semicolons, and apostrophes.
IV: Course Linkage: Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one
educational program outcome.
Although this course does not fulfill any general education or degree program requirements, it
will assist students toward developing college-level reading, writing, and critical thinking skills
and prepare them to succeed in college-level courses.
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V: Instructional Methodology:
Class discussion: Of necessity, class will usually begin with some lecture, which will develop
into class discussion and writing exercises. Questions are essential to the learning process and
are highly encouraged. Informed discussion is a highly effective tool in improving writing.
Active participation in class discussion and exercises is also part of the student’s
evaluation.
In-class writing exercises: The most effective way to learn writing is to write. Some of these
exercises will be collected. Others, both individual and group efforts, will be discussed in class.
Out-of-class writing assignments (commonly called homework): Are due on the assigned date.
Assignments will be submitted in typed, manuscript format, an example of which is on page four
of this syllabus. Assignments will not contain slang, contractions, and most abbreviations.
These are not acceptable in standard expository writing. Assignments will present the original
thinking and language of the student. Editing and proofreading your work are part of the
writing process, and as such, part of the student evaluation.
VI: Attendance/Grading Policies
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class. Attendance will be taken each class. WNC
policy states that any student who misses more hours than the credit value of class (3 for Eng
090) may be dropped. Attendance does factor into the student’s grade. If you have an
emergency, let me know. Students are responsible for any material covered in classes missed.
Classroom decorum: I will maintain a positive, comfortable atmosphere at all times.
Civilized, courteous, enthusiastic discourse is encouraged. Disrespect will not be tolerated. For
purposes of this classroom, disrespect includes the following:
1. Coming to class late.
2. Ringing cell phones. Turn them off. If you are aware of an emergency, place them on
vibrate and quietly leave the class to attend your business. Plans for later in the
evening, or getting a ride are not emergencies.
3. Insulting me or any other student. This includes “side discussions” while class is
in session.
Grades: Eng 090 is a pass/fail class. Fifty percent of the student’s evaluation will be based on
out-of-class assignments. Fifty percent will be based on in-class assignments, class attendance
and participation. The assignments will include:
 Grammar and writing exercises
 Brief writing exercises (usually sentences and sentence combining exercises)
 Textbook exercises
Academic Integrity: Acts of academic dishonesty (herein defined as cheating, plagiarism,
falsifying data, or assisting others to do the same) are an assault against learning and will not be
tolerated. For this class, any act of academic dishonesty will result in the failure of that
assignment and, depending on the severity, possible failure of the course. You are here to
become a better writer. You can not do so by using someone else’s work. If you are unsure
about how to incorporate outside material into your own, ask me.
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VII. Additional Student Resources: There is a wealth of support available to help students.
The below listed resources can help make the collegiate experience a very rewarding time in
your life. Use any/all of the resources to facilitate your time at Western Nevada College. If you
are unsure where to start, start with me. If I do not know an answer, then we will find out
together.
Disability Support Services (Bristlecone, Room 103): WNC supports providing equal access for
students with disabilities. Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation should
contact the DSS office at 445-3266 or 445-3275 or, if needed, make an appointment to see the
DSS coordinator during office hours.
Tutoring Assistance (Bristlecone, Room 330): An English tutor is available throughout the
semester in the Academic Skills Center. This is an invaluable asset available free of charge.
Counseling Center (Bristlecone, lower level): Testing and placement; personal counseling; career
and college advisement; learning disability and accommodations assistance. Please note that in
an effort to help students successfully complete their courses, the Counseling office on campus will
ask faculty for names of students they feel may be in need of additional assistance. A counselor may
contact you to offer some ideas.
Computer Lab (Cedar, Room 331): Computers and printers for your use. (Small lab fee can be
paid at the Business Office.)
Media Lab (Library/Student Center): VCRs, typewriters, tape recorders, word processor,
computers, and printers.
Library (Library/Student Center Building)
Bookstore (Aspen Building, entrance in courtyard)
The Instructor may revise the syllabus at any time.