Moorpark Introduction to College Writing
Spring 2014 Syllabus
Language is a species of action, symbolic action--and its very nature is such that it
can be used as a tool.
--Kenneth Burke. Language as Symbolic Action
Course Description and Format
English M02 is designed primarily to develop your writing skills so that you can meet the demands of English 1A and other lower division college courses which require extensive writing. This course offers an intensive study of reading/writing skills, focusing on the types of reading and writing that you will do in college. This course will:
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Emphasize the basics of the writing process and build upon the skills you have already developed.
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Improve your ability to organize information and ideas through reading, writing, and discussion.
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Help you to produce writing which demonstrates appropriate grammar, sentence structure, and usage, reflecting the mature thinking of a college student.
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Help you to understand the impact of language use in a multi-cultural society and to recognize the effects of biased language on readers and writers.
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Introduce you to online learning communities: discussions and practice in
online "netiquette," the use of email, discussion lists and research data bases.
This course focuses on all aspects of the writing process: pre-writing, drafting,
revising. Much of class time will be spent discussing, writing, and working in small
groups. Students are encouraged to use the resources of the library and writing
center.
Course Requirements
- Four in-class, timed essays (20%):
- Timed Writing (SAMPLE)
- Timed Writing (RESPONSES TO TEXTS)
- Timed Writing (REFLECTION)
- Journal (40%): Summaries and Responses
for EACH article discussed in class. The work for each S&R is started in the
composition notebook
and completed as typed paragraphs following MLA format, turned in after
class discussions.
- Three revised papers (30%): links will be activated when papers are assigned.
- Annotated Bibliography (5%): A list of
evaluated web resources.
- Unannounced pop quizes and / or short writes (5%):
Required Texts and Materials
-
Bullock, Goggin and Weinberg. The Norton Field Guide to
Writing. 3rd ed.
Norton, 2013.
- Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Shadow. New York: Tor,
1999.
- College level pocket dictionary (to be used in class). Electronic
dictionaries not
acceptable.
Required Materials:
- Composition Notebook (journal) spiral notebooks are not acceptable.
- Pocket Folders (one for each revised paper)
- Stapler: all work over one page must be stapled.
- Memory device (drafts will require word processing)
Recommended materials:
- colored hi-liters
- post-it notes or small colored tabs
Last revised Jan 2014