English Composition 1153 International

Transcription

1 The University of Central Oklahoma Course Information and Syllabus English Composition 1153 International CRN in Liberal Arts (LA), room 215 at 12:30 TR Instructor: Jeannine Bettis, English Department College of Liberal Arts Office: LA 221-I, Phone: address: Office Hours: 1:00 2:00 p.m. MW 10:20 11:00 a.m. M F and by appointment Spring

2 Policies and Syllabus English Comp Int l. ENG 1153 Class Catalog Description: This course is the same as ENG 1113 but designed for international students.this course provides instruction in college-level writing, covering grammatical skills, rhetorical issues, and cognitive abilities necessary to produce effective academic prose. The primary purpose of first-year English is to produce writers of competent expository prose by providing an environment which acts as an initiation into the academic world. Credit may be earned in only one course from ENG 1113, 1143, 1153, or Prerequisites: None. Course Overview: English 1153 is the first of two required courses in grammar and composition skills at the University of Central Oklahoma for speakers of English as a language to which they are not native. Its purpose is to prepare its students to meet the academic and professional expectations which they will face in the future. Proficiency in writing, reading, grammar usage, and mechanics in English will be furthered in the course of the semester. Orientation to the university and the culture are also provided through special field work and opportunities for field-based scholarship. Critical thinking in evaluation and problem-solving is stressed, also, in preparation for more advanced work. Editing will be improved through grammar study designed especially for students from backgrounds other than English-speaking. Exercises, quizzes, and major examinations (i.e., the midterm and final exams) will allow the student to measure progress throughout the term. Also, grammar usage will be examined in compositions, and thorough marking, discussion, and correction of the writing will follow. The culmination of this study will be the creation of able editors of their own work. Composition types and methods will also be studied, and specific types of writing will be explained, planned, and executed. Narrative, argumentation, and critique formats are studied in this class; and business writing will be addressed, as well. In-class and out-ofclass writing of compositions will provide practice in various writing situations and will allow the student to receive feedback regarding revisions and editing. Each student will also write a portfolio journal of two pages each week, over a period of eight weeks, recording and reflecting on his or her college experiences. In addition, smaller assignments will allow students to gain points for quizzes in class, group work in and out of class, and exercises. Extra points may be available for small papers written over campus or community activities as discussed in class. Point totals will be divided by total points possible to derive the final percentage of the grade. Students wishing to keep track of their grades need only total their points over points possible. Good luck to all!

3 Course Policies English 1153 Spring 2018 PLEASE NOTE: Link to Administration Policies: Textbook: Rules for Writers, by Diana Hacker, 8 th Ed., Bedford Books ISBN Materials: A pocket notebook with no wires for compositions, a notebook of the student's choice for note-taking; white, 8«x 11 ruled paper; black or blue pen (I suggest buying two or three of these). Students will also write out of class, and will be required to keep personal copies of all major assignments; flash-drive or other means of storage will be useful. Student Course Learning Outcomes By the end of ENG 1153 successful students will be able to Write compositions of various kinds, both academic and business professional styles Think analytically and organize compositions and spoken presentation of ideas Write correctly, having learned and practiced revision, editing, and proofreading Display sensitivity to situation and audience throughout presentation of ideas Exhibit critical thinking and careful, ethical use of sources in research Recognize and avoid logical fallacies. English Core Curriculum This course is aligned with program outcomes for English Core Curriculum as follows: Write an effective, researched argument; Develop content using analytical thinking; Craft writing that reflects an awareness of the rhetorical situation; Structure writing using the conventions of the genre being written; Make stylistic choices to arrive at a desired effect on readers; Produce writing that follows the conventions of academic writing and Standard Written English; Revise and edit in order to improve their written work; Ethically synthesize and properly document source material.

4 Student Outcomes: Transformative Learning Transformative learning is a holistic process that places students at the center of their own active and reflective learning experiences. All students at the University of Central Oklahoma will have transformative learning experiences in six core areas: discipline knowledge; leadership; research, creative and scholarly activities; service learning and civic engagement; global and cultural competencies; and health and wellness. In particular, this course aligns best with the following TL tenets: A. Students will practice analysis of the writing situation, purpose, and audience for varied types of composition: discipline knowledge. B. Students will master reliable techniques for introductions, topic paragraphs (i.e., topics and developmental strategies), and conclusions of papers of various sorts: discipline knowledge. C. Students will practice methods of planning, shaping (i.e., organizing), drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading: discipline knowledge, problem solving. D. Editing will be taught for professional purposes; it entails the study of punctuation as well as prescriptive grammar: knowledge and problem solving. E. Locally oriented argumentation and service learning instruction and multi-cultural experience gained :global competency, civic engagement, service learning. F. Critical thinking and logic will be studied and fallacy avoidance inculcated: knowledge and problem solving for maximum service to community and world Course Requirements The following are requirements for satisfactory completion of Composition 1153 in this class. Some items are not on the syllabus because they are of a continuous nature. 1. Completion of the essays and tests listed on the class

5 syllabus, and of written and oral assignments. This includes compositions, tests, quizzes, etc. 2. D2L copies as required online by theend of the semester containing the following materials: (a). all compositions written and graded during the semester; (b). reports or extra-credit compositions as assigned and/or performed during the term; (c). corrected compositions as assigned in class. 3. Satisfactory class attendance is required. For a class that meets three times per week, a student cannot miss more than eight class periods. Upon the ninth absence, the student will automatically fail the course. For a class that meets twice weekly, the limit is five class periods before failure (First-Year Composition Departmental policy) Composition Requirements (Forms) The following specifications apply to out-of-class compositions. * The paper must be typed and double-spaced. * Use font 12 Times Roman, plain style. * Use one-inch borders at margins. * No cover page is needed for these compositions. * Title should be centered, and correct capitalization used that is, traditional capitalization. Essay and Other Examinations Some compositions may be written in class; quizzes and examinations over composition techniques, grammar, and punctuation will be taken in class also. Please note policies: 1. Desks are to face the front of the classroom. 2. Students are not to look at others' persons or desks during the exam. 3. Outlines and/or other materials permitted during the exam will be examined by the instructor prior to the testing. 4. Students may not wear caps, hats, or sunglasses while testing

6 Grades: 725 Formal assignment points possible + 75 flex points on homework, pop tests, and daily work in class. Final point totals will be given during the last week of class. Four major compositions (300 points) will be allotted grades on a letter system from A through F; points are assigned to each letter grade. For quantitative purposes: A equals 98 points; an A- is 92; B+ is 88; B is 85; B- is 82; C+ is 78; C is 75; C- is 72; D+ is 68; D is 65; D- is 62. If the paper receives an F grade, a number will be given on that paper which may be from zero to 61 points. Journal points are allocated at 5 pts. per page, total 90 points, plus 10 points for completion of all, total 100 points. Examination grades will show points earned over points possible (e.g., 125/140). Further points will be earned in assignments including quizzes, homework, group work, and extra credit opportunities. See below for total points possible. Non-research Composition Totals: 200 points (1 at 100, 2 at 50) Journal Total: 100 points (2 pages per week x 8 weeks) Week Five Exam: 50 points Midterm: 100 points Argumentation with Primary Research Paper total: 125 points Final Exam: 150 points Total 725 points; plus up to 75 flex points on homework, pop quizzes, and in-class work as needed by the class. All points received will be totaled at the end of the term, and divided by points possible. This percentage forms the total course grade ( A, B, C, D). Technology Policies: 1. Cell phones should be turned off and put up prior to class. 2. Laptops will not be used in class except as instructed, in order to hone note-taking skills and focus on the environment, teacher, and fellow students. Late Work, Incompletes, and Absences 1. One late paper and/or examination will be allowed without penalty to the grade if the student has a signed excuse.

7 2. Grades of "Incomplete" may be given IF: (a). The student has experienced a valid emergency which has made completion impossible, and this is documented; (b). No more than two assignments and/or two weeks of class have been missed; (c). The instructor is advised in a timely manner. 3. Attendance is required. Students who must miss one class meeting need not advise the instructor, but are advised to get notes from a classmate. Please note: For a class that meets three times per week, a student cannot miss more than eight class periods. Upon the ninth absence, the student will automatically fail the course. For a class that meets twice weekly, the limit is five class periods before failure (First-Year Composition Departmental policy) Plagiarism All writing assignments for this course must be entirely the student's own work. If it is not, the student is guilty of plagiarism, which is not tolerated at U.C.O. 1. Copying the words of another writer without the use of quotation marks and documentation. 2. Using the ideas of another writer without crediting that writer and documenting the source of the information. 3. Incorrectly copying or inadequately paraphrasing. Quotes must be not only credited, but also exact; no alterations should be made to the text cited. Also, paraphrasing must be different from the original in sentence structure, phrasing, and style; changing of of only some words is unacceptable. Turnitin.com Plagiarism Syllabus Statement: UCO subscribes to the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention service. Students agree that by taking this course, all required assignments may be subject to submission for textual similarity review Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted assignments will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com restricted access reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such assignments. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com website. Turnitin.com is just one of various plagiarism prevention tools and methods which may be utilized by your faculty instructor during the terms of the semesters. In the UCO Student Handbook, there is a process for contesting any plagiarism allegations against you.

8 Syllabus: English Composition Int l. ENG J. Bettis, Instructor Spring 2018 Please note: This syllabus is not a substitute for class attendance. If the student must miss class, he or she is encouraged to contact a classmate or the instructor for notes and other information regarding class activities. Assignments below will be supplemented as needed with further exercises. Student journals, at least one page three days per week as assigned, are not discussed here, except for the due date. Please see class assignment page. Week One: January 8 12 Course introduction and first essay assignment Grammar vocabulary review: parts of speech Assignments: Study class notes and homepage materials Group meetings and writing of introductions Portfolio Journal, 2 pages (at journal end,100 POINTS) See course D2L Contents for journal information. Week Two: Jan Grammar work: parts of speech and sentence structures preparatory to sentence analysis Paragraphs of introduction to group members will be due Thurs. (50 POINTS) 1 ½ page. Assignments: Journal (two pages: not to submit now; keep it on docs) Memorization as assigned in class (e.g., prep. list) Study parts of speech and sentence structures Week Three: Jan Discussion of forms in English writing, especially for business use Grammar: Practice with sentence analysis Continue College Journal assignment; be ready for pop checks Assignments: Complete sentence analysis practices Work on memorization assignment

9 Syllabus, p. 2 Week Four: January 29 February 2. Scholarship letters will be introduced this week Grammar/editing: Practice with sentence structures; prepare for a basic quiz in week five; specific day will be given in class. Assignments: Prepare for grammar quiz Planning sheets for application letters Week Five: Feb. 5 9 Planning sheets for job letters will be reviewed and discussed and final drafts are due as instructed in class. Review test over grammar to this point (50 POINTS): Objective Editing: Continuation of analysis; beginning prescriptive grammar ASAP Assignments: Rough draft business letters Grammar practices as provided online Week Six: Feb Job application letters are due as assigned this week (100 POINTS). Return and discussion of grammar tests Grammar principles: Avoiding common errors Assignments: Readings/practice over grammar principles Study all materials in preparation for midterm in week 8. Week Seven: Feb Review of terms and concepts in next week s midterm, with catch-up as needed Discussion of composition terms and techniques for inclusion in the midterm exam

10 Syllabus, p. 3 Week Eight: Feb. 26 March 2 Monday: preparation for a brief writing assignment to be announced and discussion of composition principles Review for midterm exam on Tuesday of next week Assignments: Midterm review and preparation Week Nine: March 5 9 MIDTERM EXAMS FIRST SESSION (100 POINTS) Objective and short essay question Discussion of critical thinking and argumentation Preparation for argumentation using primary research only, with local theses Assignments: Read Chapter 4 in Rules, especially 4-C. Consider topics for argumentation; only topics which are local in nature, from the list given in class, may be chosen. Bring a thesis statement to class on Friday. JOURNALS ARE DUE by WEDS. THIS WEEK (16-pages for full credit)! (100 POINTS: 6 points per page + 4-point completion credit) Week Ten: March Discussion of symposium critique assignment (50 points) As time permits, a special study of verb forms, tenses, and voices will begin. Assignments: Work on argumentation papers and study verbs Week Eleven: March SPRING BREAK: No classes Work on argumentation essays; get a topic and begin to gather ideas; use the outlines given in class to organize your concepts.

11 Syllabus, p. 4 Week Twelve: March SYMPOSIUM REQUIRED WEDS. Attend and critique a symposium performance; essays due next week (50 points). Any student who cannot attend the presentation will need to contact the instructor prior to the symposium date to schedule a substitute experience. In-class study of verbs and practices with these, including modals. Assignments: Consideration of possible theses for argumentation Writing of symposium critiques, due next week Week Thirteen: April 2 6 Symposium critique final drafts are due this week (50 points). Discussion of argumentation compositions; outline templates provided Select thesis for problem/solution from the list provided; NOTE: the thesis must be LOCAL and LIMITED to the UCO community. Research may NOT be secondary Assignments: Study usage rules as covered in class; memorize these. Work on argumentation outlines for class discussion next week. Week Fourteen: April 9 13 Outlines are due for argumentation papers. These must be in correct academic format to be accepted. Punctuation study, with individual and group practices, as time permits Assignments: Work on argumentation composition. Edit these carefully for professional style.

12 Syllabus, p. 5 Week Fifteen: April Argumentation papers are due this week (100 points) In-class group work on punctuation will be done for points and practice. At the end of punctuation study, discussion begins of expectations of academic and business communities in terms of composition and professional presentation. Assignment: Practice sheets and readings as needed. Week Sixteen: April 23 April 27 Preparation for comprehensive final exam will be undertaken, with catch-up study if required. Final exam contents: Objective questions and an essay component Final Exam Week: April 20 - May 4, 2018 FINAL EXAM DATES: 11:00 TR class final exam is on Thurs, May 4, at 11:00 a.m. (150 points) 12:30 TR class final exam is on Tuesday, May 2, at 1:00 p.m. (150 pts.) Please note that final exam times may differ from regular class times. Also, students with three or more finals in one day may be provided an alternative time. Please see your instructor if this is the case.