English 1101  Fall 2006

 Tammie Bob, instructor                                     e-mail   bobtam@cod.edu  

phone: 942-3327

office: ic3129b

ARE YOU confused, uncertain, or just in the mood to discuss something relative to the course? Call, e-mail, or stop by during my office hours.  I am always happy to talk to you.

office hours(on my home page: www.tammiebob.com)

Text: Axelrad, Cooper, Warriner.  Reading Critically, Writing Well 7th ed. link to book's website
File Folders for handing in essay packets                 

 Welcome to class! During this quarter we will examine aspects of good
writing, and try out techniques that I hope will become a "toolbox" for you
to draw from in any writing situation you encounter. Below are some
guidelines to help you succeed in this class.
Because there are strong, proven relationships between speech and writing,
and a sense of audience and writing, your writing will progress if you come
to class prepared and ready to participate in all of the exercises and
activities.
The assigned readings present various voices, ways to approach an essay,
composition structures, and methods of organization. We will  comment on different aspects of these readings, through discussion and writing. We'll also look to them for inspiration
The class work will be intense and proceed quickly from one topic to the
next, so it's in your best interest to attend all classes. Still,
circumstances arise, so please be aware of the following standards:
More than three (3) absences may result in a lowered grade.
Tardiness is disruptive--may result in social ostracism and teacher's hostility--and may result in grade penalties if it is habitual.
Essays must be typed, double-spaced in a clearly legible font, with your name
and the page number in the upper right hand corner of every page.
Late assignments may receive a lower grade. If an assignment is more than a week late, please discuss this with me in advance--otherwise, it may be rejected and receive an "F".
Don’t even think about handing in any writing that’s not yours. Plagiarism
or cheating will result in severe measures that may include failing the
course.
I'm happy to talk to you about anything at any time. If you're having a
problem related to the class please let me know, because I'll do whatever I
can to help you succeed.

GRADES

Your grades will be based on a portfolio due two weeks before the end of the semester.

Each of five written projects will be due as scheduled. You will get feedback and critique from  your classmates and me at every stage of the writing process, as well as detailed commentary AND grade from me after paper (along with drafts, assignments, critiques) is turned in.

The portfolio will include all five of your revised essays (drafts,critiques, etc.) and grading will work like this:

A: Five  essays, reflecting serious attempt to use targeted forms.  ALL FIVE are carefully revised and edited  to reflect your learning,  prior discussion and critique of the work.  An explanation of the revisions accompanies portfolio, including how prior discussion and critique affected/didn't affect revision. If project received an "A" grade earlier, it's likely that little revision is needed for that project--so don't be afraid to go for excellence. If you stay on top of your work you shouldn't have to scramble at the end of the semester.

B: Five essays, reflecting serious attempt to use targeted forms. THREE  of the five are carefully revised and edited  to reflect your learning. prior discussion and critique of the work.  An explanation of the revisions accompanies portfolio, including how prior discussion and critique affected/didn't affect revision.

C: Five essays, reflecting serious attempt to use targeted forms. If they are graded C or higher no further revision is necessary.

D : Four essays, reflecting serious attempt to use targeted forms. Grade of C or higher for all of them.

F: Fewer than four acceptable essays.

 
Schedule of Events (dates may change)
This schedule gives an overview of material to be covered and major
assignments. It may be modified as needed. In class I will assign specific
readings and written work such as drafts, plans, and critiques, to be
collected in a packet with the final draft of your essays.

Weeks One, Two and Three  Personal narrative                                                                                           key concepts: sequence, time signals, conflict and
suspense, pace , action, dialogue, naming, comparing, sensory language,
vantage point

Weeks Four, Five and Six  Observational essay( utilizing field research)                                                                                                                                         key concepts: observation, interview, note-taking
point of view

Weeks Seven, Eight and Nine      Explaining a concept  (piling on those methods of development)
  key concepts: definition (dictionary, sentence, extended, stipulative, historical)             
classification, comparison, analogy

Weeks Ten, Eleven, Twelve  Argument in some of its common forms (taking a position)
key concepts: arguable assertion, precise language, qualification, methods of
 evidence (facts, statistics, authority, anecdote, scenario, textual) counterargument

Weeks Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen  Closely Examining Someone Else's Argument                        key concepts: critical reading strategies, evaluating sources, finding outside sources, documenting sources and ideas.