Sample Syllabus
Community Learning Center
Bridge Writing Syllabus
Spring 2009
Instructor:
Mina Reddy
617-349-6358
mreddy@cambridgema.gov
Class time: Tuesdays 7:30-9:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to help students understand and prepare for the writing demands of college.
Students will work on crafting paragraphs, essays, and a short research project. The class will include
whole group, small group, pair, and individual work. The second part of most classes will be conducted in
the computer room. Computers will be used to type paragraphs and essays, conduct research, and do
grammar exercises.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
 Describe and practice the steps in the writing process
 Identify and correct sentence errors
 Write a well-organized paragraph
 Write a one-paragraph summary of a text
 Write a well-organized essay
 Write a business letter
 Write an outline
 Show evidence of critical thinking through questions and analysis
 Complete a research project using and citing multiple references
 Identify an area of weakness in grammar or mechanics and show improvement
 Organize their time so that they can complete assignments when they are due
TEXTBOOK
Introduction to Academic Writing, Third Edition, by Oshima and Hogue
MATERIALS
Bring the following materials to every class:
 3-ring binder with section dividers
 8.5 x 11 lined writing paper
 pencils and pens
 the textbook (provided by the school)
 journal blue books (provided by the school
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Products
 Weekly journal entry
 Short paragraphs and essays
 Scholarship application essay
 Research project
 Business letter
 Reflections on class work
Journal
Journal entries are informal reflective writing pieces. One paragraph is sufficient, although longer pieces
are acceptable. The writing is generally personal, describing experiences, concerns, plans, etc. It can be
handwritten or typed. If you write it by hand, use the blue journal notebooks. Write the date at the top of
each entry. If you type it, make sure to include your name and date. I will respond briefly to the content of
what you write. I may ask a question that you can respond to in your next entry. I will only correct the
grammar and punctuation if you request it.
Why do we do journal writing? One reason is the importance of regular practice for developing confidence
and skill in writing. Another reason is the opportunity to think about yourself and your environment.
Writing helps the thinking process.
We will also do reflective activities at the end of class so you can think about what you learned and what
you need to learn.
Short Writing Assignments
All assignments other than journal entries should include a heading with name, course, title, and date at the
top. They should be double-spaced. Typed versions are preferred. If you do not have a computer at home,
check the availability of computers at the public library. You may also be able to use computers at the CLC
by appointment.
Research Paper
The research paper will be completed in stages:
 Topic and questions
 Notes on initial readings
 Outline
 First draft: at least 1 page double-spaced with outline and bibliography
 Second draft: at least 2 pages double-spaced with outline and bibliography
 Final paper: at least 3 pages double-spaced with bibliography
 Oral presentation
Portfolio
The following items will be part of your portfolio:
 One expository or persuasive essay (optional if you have completed “Place Where I Study”)
 Scholarship application essay
 Business letter
 Research paper
Weekly homework expectations
There will be two written homework assignments each Tuesday, due the following Tuesday. One will be a
journal entry. The other will be a paragraph, essay, or a draft of the research project. In addition, you will
need to turn in revisions of any assignment that had more than a few minor corrections. Homework should
be turned in at the next class or emailed before the class session.
If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what the assignments are. You can do that by
emailing or calling a classmate. You are expected to turn in the assignment at the next class even if you
were absent the week before.
CLASS SESSIONS
February 3
Overview of syllabus and class expectations
Review of paragraph format
Correction symbols
Sentence combining
Identify topics of interest
February 10
Writing process
Topic sentences
Process paragraph
Essay structure
February 24
Quiz on paragraph format
Business letter
Writing a thesis statement
Grammar review
March 3
Informational essay
Outlining: purpose, format
Writing introductions
Grammar review
Due: business letter for portfolio
March 10
Audiences for writing
Opinion essay
Transitional words
Writing conclusions
March 17
Comparison-contrast essay
Research project topic and questions
Finding information on the Internet
APA reference style
March 24
Scholarship application essay
Summarizing
Grammar review
Due: research project topic and questions
March 31
Avoiding plagiarism
Practice finding and summarizing information
Due: final essay for portfolio
April 7
Evaluating information
Practice finding and summarizing information
Due: research project outline
Due: scholarship application essay for portfolio
April 14
In-class work on research project; individual and peer conferences
Due: first draft of research project
April 28
Editing guidelines
Practice editing
Oral presentation guidelines
Small group grammar review
Due: 2nd draft of research project
May 5
Individual work on research projects
May 12
Research project presentations
Grammar, sentence structure review
Due: final research project
May 19
Research project presentations
Grammar, sentence structure review
May 26
Review
Test-taking skills
Course evaluation
This syllabus is subject to change. Some classes may be pre-empted by college tours and other field trips.