English/Speech Department / Orchard Ridge Campus

 

 

Riley's Home Page

   ENGLISH COMPOSITION II

 

  E  N  G    1  5  2  0

                  Oakland Community College

                        Fall 2008

               

 

Instructor:      Mary Jane Riley, M.A.T.

Office Hours:  Tuesday/Wednesday:  5:00-5:55 p.m.

Office:             English Adjunct Faculty Office

Class:              Tuesday/Wednesday, 6:00-8:55 p.m. G-108

Phone/e-mail: 248.341.0657; mjriley@oaklandcc.edu

Web Page:      http://www.oaklandcc.edu/or-eng

Required Text: The Aims of Argument, 6th edition, 2008, Crusius and Channell

 

Course Description:  (prerequisite ENG 1510)           Students will write persuasive and argumentative papers. They will acquire skills in library research and use a process that includes critical thinking, logical reasoning, and investigation of primary and/or secondary sources.  Students will write documented academic research papers.

 

Course Objectives:  Students will:

  • Write three papers using proper MLA academic documentation

  • Use academic library resources to locate information on topics

  • Learn how to paraphrase, summarize, and use direct and indirect quotes

  • Evaluate evidence for relevance, validity, and quality

  • Demonstrate competence in using logic, emotion, and ethics in a paper

  • Understand and practice the rudiments of sampling techniques and survey development.  This course fulfills General Education requirements

  • Communicate effectively and think critically and creatively

 

Text Box:                                                        FINAL GRADING Three papers (first paper: 40 points; second: 60 points: third: 100 points                        200 Ten homework/in-class assignments (4 points each)                                                         40 Two group quizzes (10 points each)                                                                                20 5-minute presentation of your final persuasive argument                                         5 Final Exam (in-class, individual, 20 points)                                                                       20 In-class writing prompt (15 points)                                                                                  15 Attendance                                                                                                                   + or – Total Points                                                                                                                  300

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helpful Websites:  Writer’s Handbook:  www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/index.html

University of Purdue’s Writing Lab:       http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

A         300-286                       A-        285-270

B+       269-260                       B          259-249                       B-        248-240

C+       239-225                       C         224-210                       C-        209-181

D         180-165                       WP      164 or lower

 

ADA:

Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the PASS Office,  (248.522.3480, Room K-111, who will inform the instructor of any special conditions pertaining to the students’ learning.

 

Privacy Information:

In compliance with federal law (FERPA), no personal information of your (grades, attendance, etc.) will be shared with anyone unless you provide written permission.

 

Attendance Policy (3-hour class):

Your participation in class discussions, activities, and in-class writing is a vital part of this class.  You may miss two classes without penalty (unless you miss an in-class 4 point assignment).  Beyond that, each absence after two will lower your final grade by 8 points.  Arriving 20 minutes late or leaving early constitutes a half absence.  To inspire those diligent writers who attend class, 8 points will be ADDED to your grade if you have less than two absences for the entire semester.

 

Late Papers and Exams:

Papers turned in late will be marked down by 10 % automatically.  Sorry, but no papers will be accepted beyond one week from the stated deadline.  Late quizzes are marked down by 1.5 points.  If you take the final exam late, your score will be marked down by 3 points automatically.

 

Plagiarism:

Students who plagiarize will receive an ‘E’ on their papers with no exceptions and no opportunity to rewrite.  This is a major academic offense.  If a paper contains large passages of plagiarized material, the instructor has the option of failing the student for the entire class.

 

Instructor Assumptions about Learning:

My philosophy as a teacher is to enable and facilitate students to take personal responsibility for their learning through appropriate instruction, skill development and educational opportunities.  Every student has strengths in various learning modalities.  This course is designed to provide opportunities for every student to learn in those areas. 

 

 

 

                        100% refund:  Close of 6th business day from the first class

                        Last Day to Drop:  Friday of the 12th week of class

                         

 

 

            ENG 1520 PAPER ASSIGNMENTS

My advice is to try to find unique, original topics to write about that have some intense interest to you.  No papers will be accepted on the following overdone topics:  capital punishment, gun control, euthanasia, religion, lowering the drinking age, legalizing drugs, cloning and stem cells, gay marriage, smoking issues, abortion, video game violence and others as decided by the instructor.  Papers should be double spaced, in MLA format, using a 12 point typeface.

 

Paper #1:  An Inquiry Argument (40 Points)

The first paper should be about a controversial topic that explores both sides of the issue, leading the reader on a journey through your research.  The purpose is to inform, discover, enlighten, and come to a tentative decision based upon the strength of your research.  Written in formal English and double-spaced, this paper will use four to six sources, and up to 50% can be internet sources.  All sources must be in print form (but you can access them electronically)

Length:  3.75 – 4.5 pages, not including the Works Cited page (MLA format).                                                                                      DUE:  Class #5

 

Paper #2:  An Argument (60 points)

This paper should present a controversial issue that needs to be solved.  The purpose is to sway a person, group, supervisor, committee, etc., into seriously considering your viewpoint on the issue.  Your ideal goal is to change the reader’s point of view.  Writers should address the history of the issue, review possible causes and effects, effectively explain and deal with the opposition, and offer ample evidence to support their view.  Written in professional English, double-spaced, this paper will have between five to eight sources, 50% of which may be internet sources.

Length:  4.75 – 6 pages, not including the Works Cited Page (MLA format)

                                                                                      DUE:  Class #9

Paper #3:  A Persuasive Argument (100 Points)

This paper is the culmination of the research class.  Students will research an issue, concept, or problem, establish a cogent argument and try to persuade the reader to take action.  Using logic, charisma, and emotion, students will write a paper with all the essential attributes of academic research.  This final paper must include survey results, and an in-class visual presentation.  Written in professional English, double-spaced, this final paper will have between seven to twelve sources with at least three sources in print form.  This final paper will be held to the highest standards and expectations.

Length:  8 – 10 pages, not including the Works Cited Page (MLA format)

                                                                                      DUE:  Class #14

 

ENG 1520:  Class Schedule

 

#1        Chap. 1:  Understanding Argument: 3-19; freewrite and authentic writing

 

#2        Chap. 7:  Arguing to Inquire:  167-208; find a topic for inquiry; MLA introduction, Library tour and scavenger hunt (4 points).

 

#3        Chap. 5:  Writing Research Based Arguments: 93-151, MLA practice (4 points);

1 source card, 3 note cards (summarize, paraphrase, and direct quotation) (4 points)

 

#4        Chap. 2:  Reading an Argument: 21-44; typed draft due with works cited page:  critique day

 

#5        #1 PAPER: INQUIRY DUE; Group Quiz 1; Chap. 8:  Arguing to Convince:  209-246

 

#6        Argument topic due with 1-2 page freewrite (4 points); Chap. 6: Ethical Writing and Plagiarism: 153-164

 

#7        In-class research and work day; 4 source cards/8 note cards/informal outline due

(4 points); read Part 4: Readings: Issues & Arguments (select one of your choice)

 

#8        Chap. 3: Analyzing Arguments: 45-60; typed complete draft and works cited due for    critique day

 

#9        2nd PAPER: ARGUMENT DUE; Persuasion vs. Argumentation; Chap. 4: 61-92; visual arguments

 

#10      Chap. 9:  Arguing to Persuade: 247-284;  introduction to in-class survey; 1-2 page freewrite on your persuasion topic (4 points)

 

#11      Research methods, research problem (4 points)

 

#12      Ch. 10: Resolving Conflict: Argue to Mediate: 285-321; 4 source cards, 10 note cards due (4 points); in-class research day

 

#13      Group Quiz #2; typed draft and works cited due for critique; 5-Minute Visual Presentations (5 points); work day in-class (if time permits)

 

#14      3rd PAPER: PERSUASION DUE; 5-Minute Visual Presentations continued (if necessary); class evaluations; 1.5-2 page in-class writing prompt in MLA style (15 points)

 

#15      Final Exam; final comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                   

 

 

Top of Page