Fall Semester 2003

 

ENG 1061 – VU09 Community College of Vermont

 
English Composition

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

·         To achieve the specific goals outlined at the beginning of the course.

·         To acquire writing proficiency through practice and discussion.  

·         To gain an appreciation for the philosophy and application of good writing techniques.

·         To understand what constitutes solid academic writing.

·         To apply proficient critical thinking skills to communicational events.

     SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS

It is my responsibility to arrange a class experience for you, but I cannot teach you how to write.  So many elements come together during the composition process that it is impossible for me to connect all the dots for you.  Instead, I would ask that you follow the following suggestions:

·         Attempt to find definitive examples of essays and nonfiction works that move you and try to figure out why they do.

·         If you have difficulties with particular grammar issues, please work to fill the gaps in your knowledge through consulting books or credible campus writing tutors.

·         Please come to class prepared to examine writing and to make a contribution.  Class participation is vital in order for our weekly meetings to produce positive results in your writing process.

·         Please have your assignments ready on the date that they are due.  I cannot evaluate your essay fairly if it is handed in a week late – nor can your peers.

·         Your written assignments should be computer generated and double-spaced.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Erik Kaarla is available at ErikKaarla@Hotmail.com

Office Hours are by appointment.

 

CLASS MEETING TIMES

 

Tuesdays 9.30 – 1.00

 

TEXTBOOKS and CLASS MATERIALS

 

General Text: The Writing Process by John Lannon  (Addison-Wesley)

 

Reference Text: A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker  (VHPS St. Martin’s)

 

Class Handouts: There will be plenty of extra readings and materials that should be    

                             brought to class consistently.

 

Poster Boards: Students will be responsible for the purchase and creation of a poster

                          board presentation.

 

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING ASSSIGNMENTS

 

CONTENT My assumption is that the quality of your written work indicates: a) the amount of time, effort and thought you have put into the assignment and b) the grade you hope to receive. I read and listen to determine whether your written work:

  • Answers the questions, or carries out the tasks, given in the assignment.
  • Shows clear evidence that required informational sources have been carefully read and understood.
  • Adds depth and breadth to the assigned core by drawing on additional, related library or electronically-accessible resources, interviews, or description of relevant personal experience.
  • Relies on current research with proper notation of sources.
  • Possesses a professional appearance.
  • Employs proper English (i.e., is not written in broad generalities, slang or street language).
  • Contains original ideas that go beyond the questions asked or the tasks assigned (i.e., is imaginative and creative; takes the assignment and runs with it).

STYLE & MECHANICS My assumption is that you want to better your writing and to improve your thinking processes.  Please have your essays reflect this.  I will look for:

  • Grammatically correct construction of sentences and paragraphs (i.e., the paper reads easily; communicates clearly).
  • Correct spelling and thoughtful attention to detail including neatness on the page: There are few/no typos, misspelled words, or incorrect names. There is attention to inclusive language, gender agreement, agreement of tense.
  • Quotations and citations are handled properly, including citation of Web resources.  We will review MLA format early on in the semester.
  • Format & layout of paper: Paper has a title; long quotations are indented and single-spaced; there are section headings and references; a Works Cited section is included with the research paper.

 

Breakdown of Essay Components

Grade

Thesis

Organization

Evidence

Mechanics

A

The writer knows what he/she wants to say and why he/she wants to say it. The thesis is the governing idea that clearly determines what goes into the entire essay, and the writer uses the thesis to change the reader's vision.

Every paragraph supports the main argument in a coherent way, and clear transitions point out why each new paragraph follows the previous one.

Concrete examples support general points within the essay. The essay explains the source and significance of each example.

The essay uses correct spelling and punctuation. In short, it generally exhibits a good command of academic prose.

B

The essay has a solid, consistent focus, but it doesn't quite know why it does what it does.
The essay includes some imaginative ideas that hint at a convincing and important argument, but they are not yet working as an argument.

The essay as a whole works in a logical way, but the paragraphs within it do not always follow a consistent logic. Some paragraphs do not offer a reason why they appear where they do.

The essay offers a mix of solid evidence and unsupported generalizations. It uses most evidence well, but the essay needs some more or needs to clarify the significance of some of what is already there.

The essay contains occasional but limited errors in syntax, agreement, pronoun reference, and/or punctuation.

C

The essay replaces an argument with a topic, giving a series of related observations without suggesting logic for their presentation or a reason for presenting them.

The observations of the essay are listed rather than organized. Often, this is a symptom of a problem in developing the thesis, as the framing of the essay has not provided a path for evidence to follow.

The essay offers very little concrete evidence, instead relying on plot summary or generalities to talk about a text. If concrete evidence is present, its origin or significance is not clear.

The essay contains frequent errors in syntax, agreement, pronoun reference, and/or punctuation.

D

The essay lacks even a consistent topic, providing a series of largely unrelated observations.

The observations are listed rather than organized, and some of them do not appear to belong in the essay at all.

The essay offers no concrete evidence or misuses a little evidence. It does still try to support its thesis, though.

The essay contains consistent and basic errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling, and/or punctuation.

F

The essay shows little sign of a thesis — a single controlling idea.

The essay loses the reader. Both essay and paragraphs lack coherence.

The essay uses plagiarized or inapplicable evidence.

The essay contains constant and glaring mechanical errors.

 

 

 

 

 

Letter Grade Numeric Values

 

A+ =100

A = 97

A- = 93

B+ = 92

B = 89

B- = 85

C+ = 84

C = 79

C- = 75

D+ =74

D = 72

D- = 70

F = 64

 

 

 

 

COURSE GRADE

 

 

Part I: Preparation & Participation are evaluated as Good Faith Effort/Not Good Faith Effort.  Solid class attendance is required with no more than two unexcused          

absences allowed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II: Graded Work:

Assignment #1: (Narrative Essay) An Event that Changed My Life.

Assignment #2: (Definition Essay) Define a word or a phrase from a sociological perspective that is important to your belief system.

Assignment #3: (Process Analysis) Describe the process of becoming “ready” in your future career.

Assignment #4: (Argument Essay) Choose the pro or con side of an issue that has relevance to you and debate your viewpoint on paper.  Research this topic fully.  This paper must include a Works Cited page.

 

Policy on late work: Assignments may be turned in up to 24 hours late only if absence from class is unavoidable and (except in an emergency) prior arrangements are made.

 

            Grade Percentage Breakdown:

Essays ……………………….60%

Final Exam…………………..10%

Presentations ………………..20%

Critical Readings……………10%

 

                                                100%                                                             

 
           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essay Assignment Percentages:

 

Narrative Essay…....................20%

Definition Essay................…...20%

Process Analysis....…….……..20%

Argument Research Essay…....40%

                                                 100%

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


COURSE PROJECTS:

 

 

The Narrative Essay:

Assignment #1: “An Event that Changed My Life”  3 pages

 

Due Date: June 15th

 

As human beings, we are constantly on the move and growing.  Sadly, it is a rare occasion when we bother to notice what events and experiences profoundly influence us.  Most of us can look back to certain moments when we took a different turn in the road – and that turn in the road changed us forever.  Some of us may have experienced something extremely traumatic; others may have had sudden insight based on a more or less mundane experience.  In this assignment, I am not asking for a retelling of a fringe adventure, instead I ask for you to analyze and recount an event that changed you.

In this assignment, I am asking that you write an effective narrative.  A solid narrative contains many elements working in concert.  The most relevant devices that tend to move us in a well-told narrative essay include the use of:

·        Profound and diverse description: Use the five senses in your writing including sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound.

·        Meaningful use of a timeline: The element of time is crucial when telling a story.  Be clear when choosing your method; do you tell it all in the simple past tense, or do you prefer to choose certain flashback sequences for recounting and analyzing the action that took place?

·        Concentration on Me Then vs. Me Now: If you are describing how you changed during a particular period in your life, it is exceedingly important to lead your readers to really understand you before and after a certain event.  Be sure to use details and some concentration on self-description within your narrative.

 

 

 

 

 

The Definition Essay:

Assignment #2: “Define a word or phrase that is important to your            

                              belief system”   4 pages

 

Due Date: July 13th

 

In whatever language you consider to be your mother tongue -- what more powerful tool is there for becoming adept at language use than the dictionary?  Essentially, the dictionary is your entire knowledge base.  Definitions tend to create our understanding of the world.  The definition essay sets up an experience of understanding for the reader.  When a good writer defines an object or a concept in an essay the reader understands it to be just as the writer describes it.  Definitions help to build and destroy cultures.  In this essay you will define for the reader an irrevocable stance on a particular topic through using both denotative and connotative examples. 

 

The Process Essay with Supportive PowerPoint Presentation

Assignment #3: “The Process Analysis Report on your Career or Life

       Path”  5 pages

 

Due Date: July 27th

 

The ability to describe a complex process in its entirety is an essential skill for the proficient technical writer.  Knowing how to clearly describe particular steps in a process comes through practice and by employing precise language.  In order to solidly describe a process, it is essential to aid the reader through both supportive chronology and explanation.  For this assignment, in addition to writing the process analysis essay, you will design a PowerPoint presentation.  The PowerPoint piece is meant to visually convey the successful negotiation of this particular process.  Your essay will then be a resource for people online who may be considering a career or life direction change.  

Standard features of this essay should include a complete explanation of your sources and any pending outcomes.  All the sources for your information should be presented in MLA style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Argument and Research Paper 12 pages

Assignment #4: “Arguing Effectively on Paper”

 

Due Date: August 10th

 

This argument-centered work will count towards 50% of your final essay assignment grade.  It should represent your best work.  Within this ten-page document should be facts and opinions based on new and timely research. When choosing your viewpoint and topic for the argument essay, it would be best if you were truly passionate and knowledgeable about the idea that you hope to defend.  This essay should be able to sway even the most stubborn reader to at least consider your point of view.  This goal will be attained through using a healthy mixture of ethical, logical, and emotional appeals.  All your writing should reflect a deep understanding of your topic.

 

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

 

May

 

Tuesday the 25th:

 

Class introductions, policies, understanding assignments and methodologies.

Why do we write and compose?  What is the nature of good writing?  Understanding the product of solid writing.  Composing of a diagnostic essay with a specific theme.

 

 

June

 

 

Tuesday the 1st:

 

Read pages 1 through 42 in The Writing Process by John M. Lannon.  Negotiating the writing process.  Finding the proper writing process for you.  Testing the writing process in practice.  The thesis of an essay.  Understanding Topic, Purpose, Thesis, and Audience.  Navigating the pathways through drafting and revision. Study the Writer’s Planning Guide on page 38.  Have your topic fleshed out for Essay #1: “An Experience that changed My Life.”

 

 

 

 

Tuesday the 8th:

 

Read pages 43 through 68 in The Writing Process.  In-class exercises out of The Writing Process spanning pages 505 - 530.  Working with simile and metaphor.  Example essay. First draft of Essay #1 (The Narrative Essay) is due.  Please bring your essay to class in both paper form and on a floppy disk.

 

 

Tuesday the 15th:

 

Understanding the working parts in a fully functional narrative essay.  Language nuances. 

Final draft of Essay #1: the Narrative Essay is due.  In-class exercise on finding the proper audience for your narrational style and tone.  Read pages 80 - 95 in The Writing Process.

 

Tuesday the 22nd:

 

Using description effectively in the nonfiction piece. Read pages 117 – 133 in The Writing Process.  Understanding MLA citation methods.  MLA is effectively covered in Lannon pages 392 - 406.  A sample MLA report is on pages 443 – 469.  Definitions and motivations colliding.  Definition research in the library. Read about MLA style in A Writer’s Reference.  

 

Tuesday the 29th:

 

Read pages 265 - 280 in The Writing Process.  Bring to class your ideas for the definition essay and an example of an exemplary definition essay.  Please choose an example essay that is somewhat serious in its tone and methodology.

 

July

 

Tuesday the 6th:

 

First draft of Essay #2: the Definition Essay is due.  Please bring your essay to class in both paper form and on a floppy disk.  Hitting all the building blocks of the definition piece.  Examining definitions in detail.

 

Tuesday the 13th:

 

Read pages 137 – 158 in The Writing Process.    Final draft of Essay #2: the Definition Essay is due.  Read pages 220 – 233 in The Writing Process.  Library and campus research project concentrating on process analysis will begin.  Creating PowerPoint presentations. Workshops around PowerPoint and the direction of the process analysis essay.

 

Tuesday the 20th:

 

First “draft” of your PowerPoint is due.  Computer-lab session.  How are you highlighting your major thematic focus in your presentation?  First draft of Essay #3: The Process Analysis essay is due.  Please bring your essay to class in both paper form and on a floppy disk.

 

 

Tuesday the 27th:

 

Final draft of Essay #3: The Process Analysis is due.  Final PowerPoint presentation to take place.  Read pages 281 - 309 in The Writing Process.  Examining argumentation and persuasion techniques.  Highlighting research with a focused persuasive direction.

 

 

August

 

Tuesday the 3rd:

 

Your first draft of Essay #4: The Argument Research Essay is due. Please bring your essay to class in both paper form and on a floppy disk. Targeting your writing for publication.  Venues for research papers.  Brief insight into the query letter.

 

 

Tuesday the 10th:

 

The final draft of Essay #4: The Argument Research Essay is due.  Read pages 311 – 330 in A Writer’s Reference by Hacker.  Using proper business style.  In-class letter writing exercise.  Designing business documents.