The Elements of Writing

FlexNet Program

Course Number: ENG-101

Course Title: Elements of Writing

Contact Information: Jennifer Condon

a. Email: [email protected]

b. Phone: 515.574.1190

1. Total Semester Hour(s) Credit: 3 credit hours

2. Total Contact Hours per Semester:

Lecture: X Lab: N/A

3. Catalog Description: This course will help students develop their writing and critical thinking skills in order to prepare them for ENG-105. Elements of Writing will also provide opportunities for the improvement of oral expression and will help students learn and improve research and documentation skills with an emphasis of sentence, paragraph, and essay development. Also, covered in class are basic study and reading skills, time management techniques, job-seeking skills, and an introduction to library skills. The course wraps up with a POST-COMPASS or equivalence exam.

4. Pre-requisites and/or Co-requisites:

Mandatory Placement Levels: ASSET: 35-39; COMPASS: 38-64; ACT: 14-17

5. Textbook Required:

Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference with Exercises. 7th ed. New York, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2011. Print. ISBN -13: 978-0-312-60147-8

Bailey, Richard E., and Linda Denstaedt. Going Places: Paragraphs to Essays. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print. ISBN: 0-07-766991-6

1. Access code: The Going Places text will should be bundled with the Connect Writing access code. If not, a registration code must be purchased in addition to the text at the bookstore or online. To register for Connect Writing, all students must use the URL provided to them by their instructor at the start of class.

2. Please note: All texts are available at the Campus Bookstore. If you experience a brief delay in purchasing books due to timing of financial aid checks, be aware that copies of all course texts are on reserve in the Iowa Central Library. Reserve materials may be checked out to be used in the library only, not to take home.

6. Materials Required:

· Reliable computer and Internet access

· Paper and writing utensils

· USB storage media

· Online storage space, e.g. DropBox, Google Docs

· WARNINGS: Back up all work and name all files carefully. Confirm all electronic submissions before deleting any files. Do not assume file your upload can be opened by instructor or is complete until that process is confirmed with a note or grade. Consider using Google Docs with your student email account or some other free storage space like Dropbox.

7. Suggested Materials:

· Folder / pocket notebook

· Basic knowledge of MS Word software

· Basic knowledge of the Internet

· Familiarity using iNet and computer resources

8. Institutional Outcomes:

· Critical Thinking: The ability to dissect a multitude of incoming information, sorting the pertinent from the irrelevant, in order to analyze, evaluate, synthesize, or apply the information to a defendable conclusion.

· Effective Communication: Information, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, or beliefs transferred either verbally or nonverbally through a medium in which the intended meaning is clearly and correctly understood by the recipient with the expectation of feedback.

· Personal Responsibility: Initiative to consistently meet or exceed stated expectations over time.

9. Department Outcomes:

· Demonstrate ability to use appropriate processes for the communication mode.

· Demonstrate ability to think critically to assess communication in the assigned mode and to respond appropriately, either through self-assessment or through analysis and critique of others’ texts.

· Demonstrate ability to use appropriate methods (e.g. research skills, electronic modes, visuals) to develop and enhance communication, whether written, oral, visual, or electronic.

· Demonstrate the ability to effectively organize communication in the assigned mode.

10. Course Outcomes:

Unit (Competencies) Outcomes:

Self-Paced Units

Unit (Competencies) Outcomes:

Unit 1: Getting Ready to Write (Chapters 1-2 in Going Places by Richard E. Bailey )

· Understand the requirements of the course

· Prepare to learn about writing

· Set goals for individual growth as a writer

· Create online accounts including turnitin.com and Connect

· Manage online learning resources

· Learn basic word processing skills as they apply to writing requirements

Unit 2: Paragraph Writing (Chapters 3 – 12 ) in Going Places by Richard E. Bailey

· Practice prewriting strategies and apply one or more to students’ writing

· Examine various writing styles

· Analyze audience and purpose in writings

· Use specific, concrete, and major and minor supporting details in various types of writing

· Use a variety of sentence types to develop a cohesive paragraph

· Develop and to compose strong well-developed and well-supported paragraphs

Unit 3: Informative Essay (Chapters 13 – 15 in Going Places by Richard E. Bailey )

· Evaluate thesis statements on three (3) criteria

· Recognize and create transitional words, phrases, and sentences

· Evaluate organizational patterns for writings

· Apply punctuation rules, with an emphasis on commas, to the essay

· Apply the mechanics of pronouns, apostrophes, and end punctuation

· Compose an essay supported with major and minor supporting details and examples

· Analyze and apply revision, editing, and proofreading strategies

· Write smooth and varied sentences for good essay development

Unit 4: Informative Research Essay using credible sources and MLA documentation (Chapter 16 in Going Places by Richard E. Bailey and Linda Denstaedt) and A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker)

· Understand the qualities of a research essay

· Review narrowing topics, audience, and purpose

· Pose research questions

· Become familiar with library and online research techniques

· Identify possible sources for research material

· Utilize the materials of the library and Internet

· Improve paraphrasing skills

· Develop familiarity with MLA handbook

· Locate bibliographical information for sources

· Construct bibliographical note cards or an Annotated Working Bibliography

· Construct “Works Cited” pages based on MLA criteria

· Recognize outline criteria and apply these criteria in an outline

· Develop parenthetical documentation (MLA criteria) within the research essay

· Properly incorporate source material (direct quotes and paraphrased material) using signal phrases and lead-ins/lead-outs.

· Compose an extended essay supported with source information

· Apply principles of sentence clarity and variety

· Apply principles of effective revision, editing, and proofreading

Unit 5: The Career Portfolio

· Locate and evaluate career-specific readings

· Compose a letter of application, resume, and follow-up letter

· Improve interviewing skills

· Apply revising and editing principles

Unit 6: In-class essay (Chapter 17 in Going Places by Richard E. Bailey) and Post-COMPASS Test

· Compose an in-class essay: Students will write an essay supporting the skills they learned throughout the course.

· Apply the qualities of an effective essay

· As part of the final exam, complete the Post COMPASS examination as required by mandatory placement guidelines

Self-Paced Units / Modules

Grammar modules will be assigned based on a diagnostic test / Connect’s personal learning plan

11. Student Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate improvement in writing skills.

1.1. Write effective and coherent papers with acceptable usage of language.

1.2. Apply critical thinking skills appropriate to writing strategies.

1.3. Write summaries and coherently discuss assigned readings.

1.4. Improve job-seeking skills by writing letters of application and résumés and by reviewing interview techniques.

2. Improve and increase understanding/application of the rules of grammar and mechanics.

3. Implement study strategies that contribute to student success.

3.1. Implement effective study and time management skills to aid in college courses.

3.2. Improve analytical reading skills in order to comprehend a writer’s meaning and strategy.

3.3. Use effectively the facilities and materials of the library and Internet.

12. College Procedures:

1. Administrative Withdrawal Process: An expectation of this course is that you will participate in all class meetings and conscientiously complete all required course activities and/or assignments. However, FlexNet classes do not require physical attendance, so this policy does NOT apply:

a. After you miss 25% of the course meetings, you will be administratively withdrawn from this course. For example: A 3-credit lecture course meeting MWF is scheduled to meet 45 times during the semester. When your number of absences has exceeded 11, you will be withdrawn, and a “W” will appear on your transcript. You have the right to appeal the withdrawal to the Vice President of Instruction. Administrative withdrawal may have academic, scholarship, financial aid, and/or housing implications. If you have questions about the administrative withdrawal policy at any point during the semester, please contact me.

2. Children in the Classroom: Students are not allowed to bring children into the classrooms, labs, shops, or hallways during class times.

3. Weather policy: In the event of extreme weather conditions necessitating closing the college, the following radio stations will be asked to announce the closing, starting at 6 am for day classes and 4 pm for evening classes: KVFD, KUEL, KKEZ, KIAQ, KQWC, KTPR, KHBT, KTLB, KAYL, and KDLS. Instructors may make final decisions on make-ups due to inclement weather. The final decision to attend college classes can only be made by the individual based on his or her specific extenuating circumstances that may make it hazardous for him or her to travel.

4. Course withdrawal procedure:

1. The student will submit the withdrawal request online. This is located in WebAdvisor.

2. The instructor immediately receives an email telling him/her that the student has requested the drop.

3. The instructor will go into WebAdvisor and approve or deny the request.

4. If the instructor does not respond immediately, he/she will receive an email each night until the request is approved or denied.

5. If the instructor does not respond after two working days, the department chair will receive an email saying the instructor has not responded to the request yet.

6. Once the request is approved, the Student Records Office will withdraw the student based on the date the student submitted the request.

5. Class cancelation: Class cancelations with be posted on Triton Pass and emailed to students. Cancelations, including campus closings, are also available as text messages through Triton Alerts.

13. Grade Appeal Process: Students who believe a course grade they have received is inaccurate may seek an appeal. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more specific information.

14. Special Populations/Accommodations:

Students who feel they may need academic accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Special Needs early in the semester. The Coordinator will verify documentation and coordinate appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Students must obtain a new accommodation notification each semester.

For information contact:

Academic Resource Center

515-574-1045

15. Course Specific Policies:

a. Course Syllabus Agreement: Understanding what is expected in this course per this syllabus is a student’s first step to success. Please ask questions early and often.

b. iNET Statement: This course is completely online and posted in iNET.

c. Communication: Use email to contact instructor if you need an immediate response: [email protected] . Be sure to clearly indicate your name, class, and question or concern for the fastest response. Be aware that some email accounts filter into the junk email folder; if instructor does not respond within two days, try to email again or call. Communication within iNET link each student to the course by default.

d. Personal Responsibility: Starting and completing this course is the student’s responsibility and needs careful attention and planning. Start now and set weekly goals.

e. Online Discussion Policy: iNET is a place for academic discussion and activity. Any behavior that is outlined under the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment, Student Conduct Code, and Student Discipline Policy in the Iowa Central Student Handbook will not be tolerated. If a violation of this nature occurs, the student will be dropped from the course. Activity can be tracked. If a student witnesses such behaviors, he or she should contact the instructor immediately.

f. Participation/Attendance Policy: See Discussion Thread Posts

g. Assessments:

Units	Approximate Percentage of Overall Grade
Unit 1: Getting Ready to Write	3%
Unit 2: Paragraph Writing	12%
Unit 3: Informative Essay	12%
Unit 4: Informative Research Essay using credible sources and MLA documentation	15%
Unit 5: Career Portfolio	15%
Unit 6: In-Class Essay (Final) / COMPASS Test	15%
Computerized Self-Paced Modules	25%
Discussion Thread Posts	3%

h. Final Exam Policy: Final exam and post-COMPASS (or equivalent test) must be completed prior to midnight on the last day of the course

Grading Policy/Scale: Grades are earned, not given, and they follow the scale below. Students may access grades anytime via WebAdvisor. Grades will be determined using percentage of points earned. Final grades are determined using these percentages:

89.5 – 100%: A	Pass
79.5 – 89.4%: B	Pass
69.5 – 79.4%: C	Pass
59.5 – 69.4%: D	Pass BUT does not meet the prerequisite for Composition I
59.4% or below: F	Fail

Please Note: Papers must be submitted to Turnitin.com before they will be graded. If you fail to turn in the required papers/ projects and submit them to Turnitin.com, you will automatically fail the course.

i. Late Work Policy: No work is accepted after 11:59 PM CST on the last day of the class.

j. Extra Credit Policy: See Online Posting to Discussion Threads above.

k. Group Work/Collaboration: Students are expected to complete work on their own, but asking each other questions or sharing ideas is encouraged in the discussion threads.

l. Previous Work: Students need instructor permission to resubmit work from another class or previous attempt at this course.

m. Standards for Written Work: All work is to be typed and submitted electronically. Some items may be scanned. MLA document layout and format is expected for all major writing assignments.

n. Scholastic Honesty Policy:

Academic Honesty: The following acts of plagiarism may result in an automatic “F” for an assignment and possibly an “F” for the course:

· Cheating on exams or homework (including copying or using unauthorized help);

· Submitting another person’s work as your own;

· Submitting work from another course without consent from all instructors involved.

· Not documenting or citing research-based information.

o. Teaching Philosophy: I expect you to try and try again, learning a little bit more about writing and your personal writing style and skills each day. Activities, assessments, and assignments are planned to give you opportunities to practice and prove to me what you are learning.

p. Computer Considerations: The college computers have “Microsoft Word.” “Works” and other programs may not open unless you save the file as a rich text format or .rtf file. If I cannot open a file, I cannot grade the file.

q. Turnitin.com Statement: Papers must be submitted to Turnitin.com before they will be graded. If you fail to turn in the required papers/ projects and submit them to Turnitin.com, you will automatically fail the course.

r. Self-Paced Computerized Learning Environment: Students must respect the learning environment for all students by being respectfully quiet. Each week, students are required to show progress in the self-paced computerized learning environment by providing evidence / documentation of progress within the individualized learning plan. This documentation will be explained in class.

s. Self-Paced: The self-guided class days consist of computerized instruction in which the students will work at their own pace to complete various grammar, reading, and writing modules. The modules are based on students needs as determined by a diagnostic skills test taken at the start of the semester. Once students master their individualized components (or other required grammar, reading, and writing components assigned by the instructor), they will complete all of the “self-guided” portions/modules and no longer be required to attend the “self-guided” class-times. Attendance is required throughout the semester on both instructor-led and “self-paced” days. Only after ALL modules have been mastered and the instructor approves can students be “excused” from the “self-paced” days. Students are required to be in attendance during all instructor-led class-times throughout the entire semester.

t. Submission Policy: Only one unit should be submitted per week. Once work has been submitted, instructor will confirm submission via assignment submission note/feedback in iNET within one week. If a student submits work and does not receive confirmation within one week, the student should email or phone instructor immediately.

ALWAYS back up any work that is submitted online!

The next unit should not be submitted until the student has received an evaluation from instructor, but the student should continue working on the next topic. Instructor will posts comments and corrections for major pieces of writing within two weeks of submission.

u. Discussion Thread Posts Required: Discussions, even those not had in real time, are valuable learning tools. These tools provide an opportunity for student(s) and instructor to interact throughout the course. Each Topic in the course offers two-four potential discussion topics similar to these posted for Topic 1:

1. AHA!: Post an AHA! for Chapter 1. (An AHA! is something you just didn’t realize until completing the readings, assignments, and/or assessments for this week.)

2. Pat on the Back: What do you like about writing and what do you believe you do well?

3. Goals: According to your analysis in 1-7 and 1-8, what do you need to work on to be more effective as a college writer?

4. Reflection: Explain one thing you learned from chapter 2. Include an example from your work to support what you say.

5. Questions? I cannot help if I do not know what your questions are. Please post them here.

Posts are worth 25 points at the end of the course, about 1 point each. Although students do not have to work one Topic per week, that is the best way to complete the course successfully. At the end of the course, instructor will total how many quality posts each student made and post the earned points in the WebAdvisor Grade Book. NOTE: Instructor may award up to 25 extra credit points if a student posts to all Discussion Threads, asks questions in the Discussion Threads, and responds to other students’ posts (if available).

v. Online Discussion Policy: iNET is a place for academic discussion and activity. Any behavior that is outlined under the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment, Student Conduct Code, and Student Discipline Policy in the Iowa Central Student Handbook will not be tolerated. If a violation of this nature occurs, the student will be dropped from the course. Activity can be tracked. If a student witnesses such behaviors, he or she should contact the instructor immediately.

w. Connect 3.0 by McGraw-Hill: Students will complete a LearnSmart Achieve assessment to create a unique study plan for this course. The study plan will guide students to mastery of a variety of grammatical and mechanical issues in writing. This learning is self-paced and worth 100 points at the end of the course.

Through the course, students will submit Connect Progress reports to stay on track to complete the program before the end of the course. Once your plan is completed/mastered, you are done!

PRINTSCREEN allows you to submit evidence of results/progress into a document:

1. See “Connect Progress Report” under materials in Topics 2, 5, 10, and 14 to see the progress report requirements.

2. View evidence at website.

3. Hit PRINTSCREEN key on keyboard.

4. PASTE image into a word-processed document.

5. SAVE.

6. UPLOAD in the iNET assignment submission area.

x. Online Research Research will be a component of Unit 4. Students’ initial exploration and eventual research will take place using the internet and EBSCOhost. See “Using EBSCOhost” in Topic 9.

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