Fall 2006 schedule

Cerritos College 

 

English 20

Basic Writing

Fall 2006, two sections

  

Course Description

  

As per the Cerritos catalog, “This course introduces students to the writing process as a means of developing ideas into clear, correct, and effective writing [and] … concentrates on short essay writing in accord with the conventions of standard English.”  Specifically, our instruction in and application of writing skills will encompass all steps of the writing process: inventing, writing, revising, and editing.    

Our reading selections span a broad spectrum of both traditional and culturally-diverse writings.  The writing assignments related to those readings will explore qualities and skills that foster success in school and in life.  Assignments will include individual efforts as well as collaborative learning experiences—all of which serve to strengthen communication and critical thinking skills as well as our sense of classroom community.   

Course Objectives

By completion of this course, the student will be able to

v    Write standard American English appropriate to the college and workplace

v    Write varied sentences

v    Employ one or more prewriting strategies

v    Plan and write coherent paragraphs that incorporate effective topic sentences,

      transitions, and supporting sentences by various strategies of development

v   Plan and write coherent essays that incorporate effective thesis statements,

      transitions, development, and conclusion.

v    Discuss college level reading material

v    Write summaries, paraphrases, and critiques that accurately reflect and /or

      criticize the subject matter.

v    Write paragraphs and essays in different expository modes

v    Recognize diverse purpose, audience, point of view, and style in various essay

      structures

v    Use various revision methods to improve diction, sentences, paragraphs, and

      overall essay effectiveness.

v    Recognize effective and ineffective writing in individual, student, and outside

      writing

v    Find information in the library and utilize it in writing compositions

Contact Information  (see separate handout)

Textbooks and Supplies

  

Required 

v    Skip Downing’s On Course (4^th edition, published by Houghton-Mifflin). 

v    Kari Sayer’s Views and Values (3^rd edition, published by Thomson/Wadsworth).

 

Policies  (see separate handout)

  

Assignments and Grading

  

In order to meet the objectives of this course in the areas of reading, writing, and research, you will need to complete all reading assignments and papers.

 

PAPERS

Detailed directions will be given out with assignments: five, finished, essay-length (500-700 words) papers, which will evolve from multiple drafts and collaborative efforts.  

PARTICIPATION IN LAB

There will be 15 lab assignments.  Specific directions will be given out for each assignment. 

  

READING NOTES AND ASSIGNMENTS

Written responses, or reading notes, are required for each assigned reading from the Sayers text and are due at the beginning of class on the day the assignment is scheduled to be discussed.  Full credit will be given for thorough, neat, insightful, and on-time work.  There will also be some assignments/exercises or study skills projects based on units from the Downing text.   

 

QUIZZES ON GRAMMAR ELEMENTS

Several tests or quizzes on grammar and sentence skills will culminate each of several skills units. 

  

GROUP PROJECT

Groups will need to “perform” a case study.  Choices include case studies from the text that we do not cover in class, case studies available from  

http://www.oncourseworkshop.com/Student%20Success%20Strategies.htm , 

or case studies created by the groups. 

Full participation, as attested to by student’s group members, receives full credit. 

STUDY SKILLS ASSIGNMENTS

 Several study skills projects will be assigned.  Details to be given out. 

FINAL EXAM

The final will consist of an essay and/or skills test. 

GRADING

 

Your total points will determine your final grade:

 

900 - 1000 points = A

Excellent—a grade of excellent indicates superior mastery of reading, writing, reasoning, and research skills as indicated through adept 

v    ·        focus and organization of ideas at the essay and paragraph levels; 

v    ·         maintenance of unity and coherence throughout paragraphs and the essay; 

v    ·         employment of adequate, insightful, well-ordered and original support; 

v    ·         handling of summation, paraphrase, and quotation from appropriate and    

quality sources; 

v    ·         interpretation and evaluation of readings;

v    ·         writing skills that include correct, precise, and appropriate language use, 

      including employing specific and concrete words;

v    ·         sentence construction, grammar, and punctuation.

800 - 899 points = B

Above average—this grade indicates strong mastery of all of the above, but may also be given in cases where students do not consistently reach the level of distinction that merits a grade of excellent.

700 - 799 points = C   

Average—not to be construed as a negative grade, this designation is given to competent students who show adequate mastery of most to all of the above skills.  A student needs the equivalent of a C grade to receive a CR grade, should credit/no credit grading be an option.

600 - 699 points = D

Below average—this mark often indicates either substandard skills or missing work.

Less than 599 points = F

Failure—this grade is reserved for students who fail in some way: serious writing skills problems, careless errors, or missing assignments. 

 

Credit/no credit: If this course can be taken for credit/no credit (check with your academic advisor to be sure if that would be a good choice for you and your academic plans), please note the following regulation: “The student shall petition for an optional Credit/No Credit course through the Admissions and Records Office. The approval for such a class must be no later than the end of the first 30 percent of the term.”