Course Objectives

* review common and useful rules of grammar and punctuation

* refine organizational and paragraphing skills

* use personal experience as material for essays

* gain confidence in composition, expression, revision

* develop skills of critical reading and exchanging constructive criticism

Benchmark Learning Outcomes

* write a simple 3-paragraph diagnostic essay on child rearing

* pass (80% or better) test on use of apostrophes, commas, semi colons

* successfully revise diagnostic essay

* earn grade of C or better on three 5-paragraph essays

* earn grade of C or better on 5-paragraph research essay (final exam)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Define Learning Outcomes of this Course

• At the successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Understand paragraph and essay structure.

• Write a paragraph that contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.

• Compose short five-paragraph essays with an introductory paragraph containing a thesis; body paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting sentences with examples, explanations, details, and transitions; and a concluding paragraph with reworded thesis, summary, and clincher.

• Write short essays in the following rhetorical modes: description, narration, exposition, and argumentation.

• Write a researched essay using MLA style documentation: find resources; integrate in-text resource material; prepare works cited page.

• Demonstrate use of standard English in writing assignments.

• Cognitive Domain

1. Identify/Distinguish main ideas-supporting points.

2. Enlarge concept vocabulary using context clues, improving dictionary skills, employing synonyms and antonyms, and studying etymologies.

3. Draw valid inferences.

4. Make reasonable predictions of outcomes.

5. Apply (transfer) ideas to other texts/tasks.

• Affective Domain

1. Develop self-image, competency, and preparedness to succeed in English 1A.

2. Enhance taste of and appreciation for successful writing.

3. Acquire a lifelong commitment to and valuing of writing.

4. Understand the importance of choice and why a writer makes them.

In the box below type one reason why you took this course and what you hope to learn from it.

Textbook

College Writing Skills by John Langan (7^th edition)

In the box below type, I have my book for English 50 or I will have it by the end of the first week of class.

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

 

Critical Thinking Skills

* objectivity in narration, exposition, and peer editing

* choosing subjects for each essay

* using correct vocabulary and punctuation

* how to organize information

* how to increase objectivity in point of view

Methods of Instruction

* weekly lectures

* discussion board postings

* discussion board responses

* peer editing sessions

* weekly writing assignments

* email responses

* tests

* final comprehensive essay

Grading Procedure

* weekly discussion posts (8) = 25 pts/ea

* 4 weekly discussion responses = 25 pts/ea

* weekly essays (8) = 50 pts

* tests (2) = 50 pts/ea

* midterm revision = 50 pts

* midterm test = 50 pts

* punctuation exam = 50 pts

* three early quizzes = 50 pts

Total 1000 pts

Attendance & Punctuality

Students are expected to submit assignments on or before the day that they are due, to participate in the Discussion Board and Peer Editing sessions regularly, and to communicate with peers and instructor regularly. Unless some arrangement has been made at least 48 hours ahead of time, late work will not be accepted.

In the box below type, I realize I am responsible for staying with the course timeline. I understand that late work will not be accepted unless some arrangements have been made with my instructor.

Topical Outline

1. syllabus form; preliminary diagnostic essay; postings, film review;

2. thesis statements; grammar and punctuation review; 1^st punctuation test

3. narration and description

4. midterm week; revision and test

5. process essay; cause and effect

6. comparison and contrast essay

7. definition essay

8. final essay; punctuation test; final evaluation

Suggested Weekly Schedule

Tuesday……………………………Post to the Discussion Board posting; read lecture/reading

Wednesday………………………..submit rough draft (optional)

Thursday…………………………..submit rough draft to instructor (optional)

Friday……………………………...proofread; check Discussion Board

Saturday/Sunday…………………..complete assignment

Monday……………………………submit final draft

Syllabus Disclaimer

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, participation, requirements, grading, and goals and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified.

In the box below, type a syllabus is not a contract between the instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when conflicts, emergencies, or situations arise that necessitate a change. Students will be notified of any changes.

Disability Statement: 

If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Disability Student Programs and Services (DSPS) office to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The DSPS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7224 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing dsps@bcconline.com.

In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the DSPS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the DSPS department.