English 67 Writing Fundamentals #20811
Fall 2012, Mt SAC
Mon./Wed. 6:45pm-8:50pm
Room: 26A-3841
Materials:
Instructor: Candace Lynch-Thompson
voicemail: (909) 594-5611 x 3315
email: clynch-thompson@mtsac.edu
wiki: http://mtsacenglish67.wikispaces.com
The Brief McGraw-Hill Reader: Issues across the Disciplines, Gilbert H. Muller, 2012.
How to Write copy packet from MtSAC bookstore
An English dictionary and thesaurus; a stapler
Course Description:
Using an integrated approach, we will focus on developing effective writing based on reading as well
as emphasizing the sentence, the outline, the summary, the paragraph and an introduction to the
essay. Attention will be given to grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. We will work on developing
critical thinking through reading comprehension in conjunction with related writing. Students who
repeat this course will improve skills through further instruction and practice.
Course Objectives:
 Write grammatically accurate sentences and organized paragraphs
 Begin to write an essay
 Demonstrate the ability to develop ideas in writing
 Learn the language structures required in formal writing and systematically check for language
errors
 Apply reasoning and critical analysis in academic writing
 Demonstrate comprehension of reading passages by using the text to complete both oral and
written assignments
 Analyze reading passages and their features in order to critically assess the material
Attendance, Tardiness & Participation Policy:
Regular attendance is required and an integral part of student success. It is included in
final grade calculations. Three absences or less will not result in final grade reduction.
Four or more absences will result in lowering of the student’s final grade in the following
manner:
4 absences= 5% reduction in final course grade
5 absences= 10% reduction in final course grade
6 absences= 15% reduction in final course grade
7 absences= 20% reduction in final course grade
8 absences= 25% reduction in final course grade
9 absences= 30% reduction in final course grade
10 absences or more= automatic failure of course
It is the student’s responsibility to drop the course by the college’s posted dates.
Students will be considered absent if not present at the time attendance is taken. If you are late, you
must tell me so that I count you as present. Three late occurrences will be counted as one absence.
Student participation is an important component to learning. Students must come to class ready to
learn with the proper materials. All assignments, including reading, must be completed before the
start of class. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will result in the student being asked to
leave and counted as absent for the day. Some examples of disruptive behavior include using
electronic devices like cell phones or MP3 players, sleeping, leaving the class excessively, or
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engaging in anything that is not related to the class. The different policies regarding student conduct
are listed in the fall schedule of classes, starting on page 36.
Late/Makeup Assignment Policy:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the posted due date. You will receive two “late
assignment coupons” to be used at your discretion for writing assignments. Late assignments
received with a coupon will have the final grade reduced by 10% and will be accepted up to seven
days after the original due date. There will be no make-ups. Emailed assignments will not be
accepted in lieu of a paper copy.
Cheating/Plagiarism Policy:
All work must be your own, whether completed in-class or out-of-class. The following are examples of
academic dishonesty:
 Copying answers from another student’s homework, quiz, or test
 Using another writer’s words as your own
 Failing to properly cite sources in written assignments
Academic dishonesty will result in the grade of “0” for the assignment or test. On the second
occurrence of academic dishonesty, the student will be dismissed from the class with the grade of “F”
and the instructor will file a student misconduct report with the Student Life Office.
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S):
The DSP&S office provides services to students who have professionally documented disabilities and
need special services to successfully attend classes at Mt. SAC. Accommodations include but are not
limited to sign language interpreters, adaptive equipment, note takers, and classroom and testing
accommodations. The DSP&S office can be reached at x4290.
General Policies: Fall Schedule of Classes, pages 36-41
The Spring Schedule of Classes contains several policies important to all students, including policies
on academic honesty, crime prevention and public safety.
Grading Policy:
Student grades will be calculated based on the following criteria:
Writing Assignments:
60%
3 “Out of Class” Paragraphs-20%
1 “In Class” Paragraph-15%
1 Essay-10%
Reader Response Journal-15%
Group-Led Grammar Presentation
5%
Homework & Participation
10%
Quizzes
10%
Final Exam
15%
Letter grades will be based on the following:
A=
90-100%
B=
80-89%
C=
70-79%
Credit
D=
60-69%
No Credit
F=
0-59%
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