English M02: Introduction to College Writing
Prof. Wade Bradford
Room: AC 103
Mon/Wed 2:30 – 3:45pm
Course Number: 39864
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the elements of composition and critical reading and is designed to assist them in making a successful transition to English M01A. It emphasizes grammar, sentence structure, paragraph and essay writing.
Course Objectives:
Students will learn to develop ideas and organize them into multi-paragraph essays, maximize communication, and correctly use theses and supporting details. Students will also learn critical reading skills: identifying the author’s thesis (explicit or implicit), evaluating supporting detail, drawing logical inferences from readings, and recognizing elements of composition. Students will also learn a variety of writing methods: narration, description, example, comparison and contrast, process analysis, division, classification, cause and effect, definition, and argument and persuasion.
Books:
The Prose Reader (Edited by Kim and Michael Flachmann)
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Recommended: Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker
Note: Bring a Journal to every class (along with pens and/or pencils).
PROCEDURE:
Class time will be used for discussion, analysis, and evaluation of assigned readings and for writing and speaking activities concerning various rhetorical concepts and strategies. Class participation is necessary for student understanding and progress.
Students are expected to have read the assignments BEFORE class discussion of them and to participate in the discussions.
ATTENDANCE:
Regular class attendance assures that students will not miss assignments and will receive assignment instructions firsthand. I allow for two “free” absences. After those two “freebies” have been used, students may lose 1.5% of their grade for each unexcused absence. After five unexcused absences, I reserve the right to drop you from the course.
TARDINESS:
If you arrive late to class, please enter as quiet and as courteously as possible. Students who arrive late often (more than three times) will lose participation points.
Assignment Breakdown:
• Participation / Attendance 10%
• Quizzes / Workshops 10%
• Paragraph Samples 10%
• Compare / Contrast Essay 10%
• Narrative Essay 10%
• Process Analysis Essay 10%
• Argument Essay 20%
• Midterm In-Class 10%
• Final In-Class 10%
REGARDING PLAGIARISM
Students must not steal the writing of others. Even cutting and pasting a single sentence is an act plagiarism. If you quote from another source, you must give reference to that source; otherwise, you are being academically unethical. Students who are caught plagiarizing (or cheating in some way or another) will receive a zero on that particular assignment. The English Department will then be notified and trouble will ensue. In short, think for yourself; write for yourself.
LATE HOMEWORK
Do I accept late homework? It depends on the reason for the lateness of the paper. In most cases, if the paper is a few days late, I might accept the paper; however, I will often cut the grade in half. (So an A+ paper is then worth 50%). If this seems too harsh, I suggest you submit your papers on time.
NEED HELP?
Contact me via email: wbradford@vcccd.edu
You can also find course information and supplemental material online at my blog:
www.wadebradford.com/blog5
I also recommend the English Department’s homepage. They have lots of useful links and resources:
http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/english/index.shtml
Students with a disability, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe they will need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact ACCESS as soon as possible so accommodations can be set up in a timely fashion. Accommodations are based on eligibility and can only be provided if you have submitted a verification from ACCESS in the form of a Confidential Memo. The ACCESS office can be reached at (805) 378-1461 and is newly located in the LMC.
TURN OFF CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
PLEASE DO NOT TEXT MESSAGE DURING CLASS. STUDENTS WHO
DISREGARD THIS RULE MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
