Back to Comp 5

Syllabus for Composition Level 5

CLARK COLLEGE ENL DEPARTMENT

COURSE INFORMATION:    COMPOSITION 5, ENL 075 Spring '05 - T/Th 8-10:20AM in AA5 222. Pre-requisite: consent of division for this 5-credit class. (SLEP score of 53, or TOEFL score of 170).

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:   Professor Priscila Martins-Read: Office in HHL Room 114  MS #14. Phone: 992-2389, Campus Extension 2389.   Fax: 992-2881.    Office Hours: MW 1:30-2:30 at my office, and TTH 12:00-1:00 in BHL 101.                              E-mail address: pmartins-read@clark.edu  website: http://web.clark.edu/martpe

TEXT and SUPPLIES : 

1. Foundations of Writing, Developing Research and Academic Writing Skills, by Carolyn Spencer and Beverly Arbon  ISBN 0-8442-9354-7
2. The Bedford Handbook for Writers, by Diana Hacker. ISBN  0-312-39317-2
3. 1 inch Notebook Binder, with index tabs and a formatted 1.44 MB diskette.

RESOURCES and SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE:

1. English-English dictionary such as the American Heritage Dictionary.
2. A thesaurus you can use easily. (both available at the Clark College bookstore)
3. Internet sources for exercises and reading materials available in the Composition 5 class web page  found at http://web.clark.edu/martpe
4. Tutoring/Writing Center  and Disability services at http://www.clark.edu
5. The Language Center has materials for you to use to practice composing good essays. See the lab assistant for help accessing the Internet and other sources of exercises. The Language Center address is at http://www.csci.clark.edu/~enl
6. I am available to answer your questions during my office hours, by appointment, or immediately after class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Advanced composition course designed to teach academic writing skills. It emphasizes the development of solid 5-paragraph essays using appropriate formats for summary, cause and effect, and analysis essays and introduces the longer research paper. This course also addresses grammar points and referencing skills necessary for the production of such essays and papers. I will use lectures, small group exercises, question/answer sessions, in class essays and lab practice to accomplish our goals. Students are required to participate fully in all class sessions.

POINTS TO BE COVERED IN THIS CLASS THIS QUARTER:     This class will emphasize correct use of grammar, punctuation, mechanics and word usage in the development of the 5-paragraph essay and of a longer research paper. The following will be covered:

1.    Editing grammar errors in compound and complex sentences with simple prompting, or no prompting at all at the end of the quarter.

2.    Using conjunctions and adjective, adverb and noun clauses, creating original complex and compound sentences through joining of more complex sentences.

3.    Creating structurally sound, coherent, summaries, cause and effect, comparison contrast, and analysis writing using correct paragraph and essay format: topic sentences, supporting details, and concluding sentences.

4.    Using appropriate references to materials relating to the topic in order to complete a 7-10 page research paper.

5.    Producing at least four structurally and grammatically sound handwritten pages, with an introduction, a thesis, and at least three body paragraphs in a one and a half hour class period.  (500-700 words)

6.    Paying attention to the cultural aspect of the class such as timeliness and appearance of the work. Assignments should be typed, and should follow acceptable page format guidelines. The automatic settings for Word documents in the lab computers are good models to follow.

COURSE POLICIES:

I expect every student to:

1. come to every class on time, to do his or her best to learn the material, to ask questions, to use only English during class periods.
2. participate in discussions of the materials being studied
3. read the material before coming to class
4. take responsibility for the work that needs to be done
5. turn in assigned homework on time
6. talk to me if there is  a problem with a deadline
7. inform me if there must be an absence
8. be aware that more than 2 absences will affect grade
9. honestly give credit to sources of information
10. remember: You get out of a class what you put into it!
11. Click on these links to read the Standard Learning Outcomes  at   http://web.clark.edu/martpe/slos.htm,  Policies and Practices  at http://web.clark.edu/martpe/engl%20policies.htm,  and Statement on Plagiarism at http://web.clark.edu/martpe/plagiarism.htm.

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I expect to:

1. give as much attention and feedback to each student as I can possibly give
2. reach each student at the point of knowledge he or she has in the beginning of the course
3. encourage growth in knowledge and in self confidence with the ability to use English
4. make the course as interesting and valuable as possible

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, ASSIGNMENTS ADDRESSING THEM, AND EVALUATION DATES:  Communication Requirements and Information Technology Ability - Students will demonstrate ability to:

ASSESSMENTS, AND GRADING:  

Grades will be based on scores obtained from your portfolio, which will include in class essays, second and final drafts of your assignments, evidence of readings having been completed, and your research paper. Your portfolio will be used as placement into the next level of instruction. It is impossible to pass this course without your research paper, even if you completed all of the in class essays and revisions. See the portfolio instructions and grading criteria at http://web.clark.edu/martpe/portfolio%20instructions.htm  for more specific information.