SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY
Department of English
Fall 2008
English 101-Section E “Freshman English I”
Sawyer 1125
4 credit hours
MWF 10:00-10:50am
Instructor:
Office:
Office Phone:
Office Hours:
Instructor Name
Fenton 207
617-573-8722
MWF 1-2pm
Instructor email
& by appt.
______________________________________________________________________________
Catalog Description: The fundamental course, designed to increase the student’s capacity to read and
write correctly and logically. Study of the essay as a literary form, and frequent writing assignments, both
expository and argumentative.
Course Goals/Objectives:
 Teach students to practice critical reading and thinking skills
 Teach students about the writing process and academic discourse
 Teach students to apply revision strategies to written compositions
 Teach students to connect the writing process with research skills
 Teach students to perform library and Internet research
 Teach students to recognize and avoid errors in standard written English (grammar, mechanics, and
stylistics)
Textbooks/Required Materials:
Kennedy, X.J. et al. The Bedford Reader. 10th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009.
Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual. 5th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.
Grading Criteria:
Essay #1 (Narrative)
Essay #2 (Argument)
Essay #3 (Research)
Reading Quizzes and Homework
Mid-Term Essay Exam
Final Essay Exam
Participation
94-100= A 87-89=
90-93= A- 84-86=
80-83=
B+ 77-79=
B
73-76=
B- 70-72=
15pts.max
20pts.max
25pts.max
10pts.max
5pts.max
10pts.max
15pts.max
100 pts.max.
C+ 67-69= D+ 59 or below= F
C
64-66= D
C- 60-63= D-
Essays #1-#3: For each essay, I will supply an assignment sheet stating specific requirements and
suggested strategies for the particular essay. I will ask, periodically, to see your prewriting and/or rough
drafts and meet with you individually—in student-teacher conferences—to provide direct feedback on
your writing. In addition, our class discussion of assigned readings and critique of sample student essays
will offer additional opportunities to study and understand the writing process. Final drafts of essays
must be typed or computer printed (letter quality).
The Research Essay (Essay #3): The most important essay of the semester is Essay #3 (Research) worth
25% of your course grade. This paper must be at least 5 pages and use 5 secondary sources and have an
arguable thesis on a topic approved by me in advance. In most cases, I will require your research to be
conducted on the online databases available through the Sawyer Library website. You may also be
Syllabi -- 1
required to peer review the work of your classmates for part of your grade for this essay. Finally, an
electronic copy of your final draft must be submitted to the Director of Composition to discourage
plagiarism and aid in writing program assessment. I will supply more details on all of this as we move
along this semester.
Reading Quizzes and Homework: To make sure you are ready for class discussion and related activities, I
will quiz you on most readings (especially toward the first half of the semester) as well as collect selected
homework pieces. Reading quizzes must completed in class and homework must be turned in when
called for. I will not accept late homework or allow make up quizzes after I collect a quiz. It is in your
best interest to complete readings and homework; doing so, these should be easy points to earn.
Mid-Term Essay Exam: This essay exam will be written during one class session toward the middle of
the semester. This essay must be written in class and will more than likely be a response to pair of
readings.
Final Essay Exam: This essay exam will be written during the Final Test time listed below. The exam
questions will be distributed and discussed on the last regular class day. No make-up exam will be given
without prior approval from the instructor.
Participation: Participation in class is essential to a positive learning experience. Your participation grade
will be based upon your attendance and contribution to class discussion and group activities. Please
note: I take attendance every class day and participation points may not be made up if you are absent;
moreover, frequent absences will potentially lower your course grade. So please hand in, in advance, any
material due on a day you may be absent. I will also factor in your on time completion of “Discussion
Board” material from our Blackboard course website and any other online work to be completed inside of
or outside of class, if assigned. In sum, please participate and attend class because it counts in your grade,
and, more importantly, you will learn more.
Scheduled Final Exam:
The Final Exam is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10th, from 8:00-9:50am. This essay exam must
be written in class at this time. No make-up exam will be given without prior arrangements with the
instructor. This exam will more than likely be a response to a reading selection distributed and discussed
during the final week of scheduled classes and a self-reflection essay on your progress and growth as a
writer.
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty
Please see page 5 of the Student Policies and Procedures handbook regarding the penalties for plagiarism.
If you have any questions about using someone else’s work in your essay, please check with me first.
Final Note:
It is my hope to make this class as challenging and enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions or
concerns about the course, or this syllabus, please contact me by phone (x8722), e-mail
rmiller@suffolk.edu or in person during my office hours.
Syllabi -- 2