Office Hours: Tues.: 11:00-12:00; Wed.: 4:00-5:40 p.m.; Thurs.: 8:15-9:15 a.m. or by appointment. E-mail is an excellent way to contact Dr. James with a question or concern.

Focusing on the multi-stage writing process, students will read, analyze and write expository essays. (3 credits)

· write three major papers—a response paper, a proposal or process paper, and an explanatory essay (the final paper with sources using MLA format)

· practice the distinct stages of the writing process (prewriting, planning, outlining, drafting, revising, proofing)

Final Grading

Three papers (first: 30 points; second: 40; third: 70) 140

Final Exam (40 points) 40

Two 1.5 page papers (10 points each) 20

Ten assignments—in-class and out (5 points each, ½ credit late) 50

Four Quizzes (two group, two individual; 10 points each;

lowest quiz score dropped) 30

Two-page in-class writing (20) 20

Attendance + or –

TOTAL…………………………………………………300

Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the American 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.

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

Students who cheat and copy the work of others, published or not, and pass it off as their own work will be penalized appropriately, either with an E (0 points) on that assignment or an E for the entire course. This is a major academic offense.

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 assignment or quiz). Beyond that, your lack of presence is harmful to both you and your fellow writers. Each absence after two will lower your final grade by 8 points. Arriving 20 minutes late or leaving early constitutes a ½ 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.

Papers turned in late will be marked down by 10% automatically. Sorry, but no paper will be accepted beyond one week from the stated deadline. If you take any quiz or exam late, your score will be marked down by 20% automatically, regardless of the reason.

I expect every student to respect the instructor and fellow students, cooperate in class while focusing on learning, and be engaged and courteous. As a concrete sign of respect for your learning, cell phones must be turned off in class.

My job has three components: 1) to create an environment that stimulates your creative and critical powers, 2) to provide constructive feedback on your writing, and 3) to enhance your knowledge and skill in inventing, formulating, planning, drafting, revising, documenting, and proofing papers.

I use a variety of delivery methods such as mini-lectures, discussion, group work, in-class writing and assignments, and peer review. I assume every person in class can be successful, depending upon each person’s motivation and work ethic.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR WINTER 2008

1. RESPONSE PAPER: 2½-3 pages typed, 30 points, written in informal English

Summarize an article (describe the main points in your own words in two or three paragraphs) and then write a personal response, indicating your views on the topic, providing concrete examples and experiences from your life. A thoughtful and insightful discussion of the topic is expected.

Goal: to paraphrase the key points of an article and present your informed response to the subject. A rewrite/revision of this paper will be required in order to receive any points, if graded under 24 points (+1-3).

2. PROBLEM-SOLVING PAPER: 3½-4 pages typed, 40 points, written in informal English

Write a problem-solving paper (using Dewey’s method) by finding a specific problem at school or at work that you feel passionate about. In writing, present the problem clearly, develop criteria for decision-making, detail at least three possible solutions, discuss the benefits of each, and make a recommendation on the best solution.

Goal: to convince the reader that your proposal to a problem is thoughtful, intelligent and worthy of consideration. A rewrite/revision of this paper will be required in order to receive points, if graded under 32 points (+2-3).

3. EXPLANATORY PAPER or INQUIRY ARGUMENT: 4-5 pages typed, not including a Works Cited page, MLA format, 70 points, written in professional English

Explanatory Paper: using 3-5 legitimate print sources (no internet sources allowed), explain and define an issue, a concept, an idea in order to present new and interesting information to the reader. Select a topic in your career or major area, or a topic that personally interests you. Controlling questions often begin with What, Who, How, and Why (i.e., What are juvenile boot camps and do they work? Does violence viewed in video games negatively affect children? How does a casino affect a city’s crime rate? What is internet gambling and why are people against it? What are the causes of political apathy and why don’t young people vote?)

Inquiry Argument: using 3-5 legitimate print sources (no internet sources allowed), provide both sides of an argument and come to a claim or tentative conclusion based upon a review of the research. Controlling questions must be controversial with at least two legitimate sides and begin with should (i.e., Should the electoral college be eliminated? Should cell phone usage while driving be illegal? Should affirmative action in college admissions be eliminated? Should first-time drunk drivers be imprisoned?) Off-Limit Topics for Third Paper: legalizing drugs, euthanasia, death penalty, abortion, smoking issues, gun control, religion, cloning and stem cell research, and gay marriage.

Goal: to provide the reader with insightful information in an interesting manner by summarizing and paraphrasing secondary sources appropriately.

1 Introductions; Show Me What You Know Survey; good vs. mediocre writing; qualities of good writing; the process of writing; goals for the course

2 Chap. 1 & 26; Gunning Fog Index; principal rewrite; summary; responding to essays; comma and apostrophes; 1^st one-pager assn. given out (summary/response paper)

3 Chap. 3 & 4; thesis, introductions and conclusions; colon and semi-colon work; One-Pager DUE (1^st) (10 points)

5 Chap 18; 1^ST MAJOR RESPONSE PAPER DUE; 2^nd one-pager assn. given out (process or problem-solving paper); learning style preferences; subject/verb and pronoun agreement

6 Chap. 8, 15; sentence types; comparison/contrast; communication styles; One-Pager DUE (2^nd) (10 points)

7 Individual Quiz #2; Chap. 17; in-class cause and effect paper; REWRITE OF RESPONSE PAPER DUE

8 Chap. 2, 11; typed draft of proposal paper DUE for critiquing; parallelism; communication skills survey

9 2^nd Paper: PROPOSAL PAPER DUE; Chap. 19; quotation marks/quoting; plagiarism; Chap. 21; library tour

10 Chap. 24 (MLA citation style—pp. 339-363); evaluation of sources; professional English; approval of topic for final paper (freewrite due)

12 Chap. 20; REWRITE OF 2^nd MAJOR PAPER DUE; 5 note cards and 3 source cards due; in-class writing and research day on final paper

13 Full draft of final paper with Works Cited DUE for critique; in-class work day

14 Individual Quiz #4; EXPLANATORY or INQUIRY ARGUMENT PAPER DUE; review day for final exam; class evaluations; in-class writing assignment (20 points)

Oakland Community College, Winter 2008

Final Grading

Attendance + or –

TOTAL…………………………………………………300

IMPORTANT DATES FOR WINTER 2008

ENG 1510: Composition I Major Paper Assignments