GOUCHER COLLEGE (Spring, 2003)

English 105.008 (Academic Writing II)…MWF 1:30-2:20…(RM: VM102)

English 105.010 (Academic Writing II)…MWF 2:30-3:20…(RM: VMG01)

Three (3) credits

Instructor: Alan Britt (Van Meter 219)…(abritt@goucher.edu)

 DESCRIPTION

 English 105 is the second of two writing courses. In this course, you will continue a writing process that will enable you to focus a topic, organize and develop your ideas, write a draft, revise, edit and proofread. In this course you will conduct basic research using both print and electronic sources for each of the five essays required. You can expect to write frequently and apply the skills you learn to other courses and then in your career. The course includes an occasional review of grammar, mechanics and usage.

 OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVES

 Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

 1)     employ a generative and recursive writing process that includes invention, planning, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading;

2)     work collaboratively with peers to develop and carryout writing projects;

3)     write whole essays with clear thesis statements and coherent and unified paragraphs;

4)     think critically and support their thinking with details, examples, reasons, and evidence;

5)     write essays for a purpose, such as argumentation or exposition;

6)     vary sentence structure and length for clarity, coherence and interest;

7)     employ a variety of rhetorical strategies and modes to express complex ideas;

8)     use language appropriate to a given audience;

9)     conduct research using both print and electronic sources;

   10)  incorporate direct quotes, summaries and paraphrases into their essays;

   11)  provide documentation for sources on a Works Cited page using  

     parenthetical documentation;

   12)  edit their writing to conform to the grammar and punctuation rules of  

          standard written English.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND SUPPLIES

 Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. (trans. Stanley Corngold). A Norton Critical Edition. New York: WW Norton & Co., 1996.

Locke, Duane. Watching Wisteria. Baltimore: Vida Publishing, Inc., 1995.

Mitchell, Joni. Court and Spark. New York: Asylum Records, 1973.

Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference. New York: Bedford Books of St. Martin’s Press, 1989.

Merriam Webster College Dictionary. (Paperback okay)

     Spiral or otherwise bound separate notebook for Journal.

 *Please bring texts, notebooks, journal, and writing materials to each class.

 ASSIGNMENTS

All papers to be handed in must be typed, double-spaced, using 1” margins and a 12 pt normal font. A word processor or computer will make revising much easier. Be sure to type your name, course and number, and the date in the upper left-hand corner of the paper. Number your pages and staple them together. When necessary, include an appropriately formatted Works Cited section. Consult pages 324-360 in A Writer’s Reference for information and examples. Papers are expected to be handed in on time. Lateness will lower the grade of your paper.

 GRADING

Grades will be assessed using a cumulative grading process. More weight will be given to essays assigned later in the course.

     90-100 = A

    80-89 = B

    70-79 = C

    60-69 = D

    59 or less = F

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 1)     Complete five essays (all research based): 2 essays 2-3 pages each (500 words); 2 essays 4-5 pages each (1000 words); 1 essay 8-9 pages (2000 words).

2)     Complete assigned readings and exercises relating to five genres: Short fiction, film, dance, poetry and music.

 3)     Complete journal writings as assigned: 2 pages per week, involving free writing, observation and responses to readings.

4)     Participate in large and small group discussions.

5)     Attend class regularly.

6)     Maintain a folder, which includes all of your writing.

 ATTENDANCE

     Class participation is an important part of the learning process.  Therefore, you are expected to attend all classes. If you must skip a class, it is your responsibility to identify and make up the learning missed, either by consulting with your instructor or asking a classmate. (Note: Some class sessions will be cancelled so that individual conferences can be scheduled. Individual conferencedates are still counted as class sessions.)

 PLAGIARISM 

    Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s writing as your own. This is unacceptable and will be dealt with according to the official Goucher College policy. Make sure any material used that is not your own is well documented.

WEATHER POLICY

     For information regarding late openings, listen to local radio or TV stations, or call the Goucher College switchboard: 410-337-6000. If classes are cancelled, proceed with work as outlined and bring all work with you to the next class.

 WITHDRAWAL STATEMENT

     The last day to withdraw from this course without receiving a “W” or to change to audit status is February 5, 2003. The last day to withdraw with a “W” is April 11, 2003.

 FINAL WORDS

     Please be aware that all essays must be typed or word-processed. You should save all of your writing on a disk. Adult behavior is expected of you in this class. Please take care of all personal needs before you come to class. Please do not use a cell phone or a pager in class. And please exercise courtesy to your classmates and the instructor when one of them is speaking. The instructor reserves the right to make changes in this syllabus if he deems them necessary.

 ACADEMIC WRITING II

 College Writing Class Questionnaire/Contract

 1)      My major is ____________________________.

 2)      The last book I read was titled ____________________________.

 3)      If the teacher needs to reach me, my phone number is

         _________________________.

 4)      This is the FIRST / SECOND time I am taking this course. (Please circle one.)

5)  I plan on earning a letter grade of  A   B   C  in this course. (Please     circle one.)

          *Is there anything you would like to tell the teacher (me) about yourself before the course begins?

 Mr. Britt has explained the English 105 Syllabus to me. I agree to abide by the Syllabus, and I agree to abide by the Goucher Code of Student Conduct.

My Name (Please Print): ________________________________

 My Signature: _______________________________

 Date: __________________