|
|
English Composition 101
Fall 1994 |
Required Text:
Anderson, Thayle K., and Kent Forrester. Point Counterpoint: Eight Cases for Composition. 2nd ed. New York: HBJ, 1993. |
| In addition, all students must have a standard sized spiral
ringed notebook with at least 120 lined, blank pages by the
beginning of the second class meeting. |
| Course Description
|
| English 101 is designed to both introduce and reinforce existing
writing, reading, and editing skills for use in the university
environment. Methods for attaining and honing these skills
include close, analytical readings of assigned essays, notetaking
for concise recognition of important elements of assigned essays
(ie. thesis statements where applicable, support for thesis,
introductory and concluding methods, etc.), a recognition of the
importance of and proficiency in effective summarizing and
paraphrasing, a series of essays to be completed by the student
displaying a clear grasp of the material being evaluated, the
development of a style of writing that is both appropriate to the
university level and one in which the student feels comfortable,
and close editing of final essays to ensure a myriad of
syntactical and content orientated goals. Though this seems to be
asking a great deal (and I do expect a great deal from each
individual), bear in mind that the development of critical
thinking, of which critical reading and writing are fundamental
aspects, takes time, practice, and perseverance. We aim
to improve and explore here, not necessarily perfect. |
| |
| Course Requirements |
| 1) In addition to being responsible for all daily class
assignments, be they writing, reading, or editing, students will
be required to keep a journal in which they will write EVERY day
from Tuesday, August 30th to Wednesday, December 7th. A total of
100 entries are required on a variety of topics, most of which
are of your own choosing. These journals will be collected
frequently, however, the dates of their collection will not be
announced. It is each student's responsibility to bring with him or her
to class every day their up to date journal.
|
| 2). Students will be assigned three formal essays which are due
when indicated on your syllabus. These essays will go through a
series of peer edits before their due dates and work both in
class and at home will be required. These essays should be typed,
double spaced, with your name and section number in the upper
right or left margin. Do not include a cover sheet!!!!! |
|
3) One "in class" essay will be assigned in which the student
will complete in one class period an essay to be described and
directed when indicated on your syllabus. Though peer editing
will not be allowed in this exercise, you will not be writing the
essay "cold". As a class we will prepare for the process and
examine a number of key points. |
| 4) Finally, each student is required to take a "common" final
which is designed to ensure that proficiency in the elements
described above in Course Description has been attained. The date
of this exam is noted on your syllabus and it is ABSOLUTELY VITAL
THAT YOU BE THERE AND TAKE THE EXAM IN THE ALLOTTED TIME. All 101
students (some 1000) will be taking the exam at the same time so
you must be present. Your own death may be an excuse for not
showing but I would have to clear it with the English Department
so just don't die and be there. |
| |
| Attendance and Grading |
Don't skip class. Period. If you miss 4 or more classes your
final grade will suffer. If you miss more than 6 classes, you
will fail this course. We only have 30 class meetings so it is
vital you show up, prepared, every day. There are no "excused
absences." You have 3 absences to give and I strongly advise you
not to waste them.
Though this seems strict and it may be possible (though, in
my experience, extremely unlikely) that you could, by grades
alone, pass the course after missing more than 6 classes, bear in
mind that discussion, peer input, and peer editing comprise the
majority of what we will be doing in the class. Don't expect me
to lecture often. I won't. You, either in groups or as a class,
will be doing most of the talking. If you don't show up for
class, not only are you not talking, you are denying your
classmates valuable input and insight. Simply put, come to class,
if not for yourself, for your peers. |
| |
| Final Grade Average (10 point scale) |
| Attendance/Participation, Daily Assignments, Journals |
15% |
| Essay 1 |
20% |
| Essay 2 |
20% |
| Essay 3 |
20% |
| In Class Essay |
15% |
| Final |
10% |
|
Edward Chaffin