Current Grammar text required for ENGL 1101

Additional course materials can be found at the following World Wide Web site: http://www.keithmurphy.info/0199/0199.htm

Course Description:

This course is set up specifically for those students who have taken the Regents' Essay and have failed it. The purpose of this workshop is to improve the competency level of students prior ot the Regents' retesting. The goal is to teach the student to write well-defined and efficiently developed expository and persuasive themes in which individual paragraphs are unified and coherent, and individual sentences are clear, grammatically correct, and properly punctuated. Most of the writing in the workshop is done under conditions simulating those of the Regents' examination, working on a fresh topic with a 90 minute writing period. A grade of S is required of any student before the student can retake the Regents' test.

Course Purpose:

This course is designed to improve the writing skills and competencies of students who are retesting on the Regents' Essay Examination.

Course Overview: Students should begin with the overview and Diagnostic Essay pages. They should then proceed through each section of the course in an orderly manner. The student should be aware that it is their responsibility to complete the course in time to retake the examination. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade. No incompletes or IPs will be assigned.

Student will write at least one timed essay per week. The student may choose to do this in the CSC (Bond 124) or they may write it at home and fax the essay to me (825-6110). These essays are in addition to other essays which may be assigned

Student is also responsible for a minimum of one hour per week working in the CSC outside of regular class times.

Statement of Learning Outcomes:

This course will allow the student to gain the following skills as delineated in Fort Valley State University's "General Education Outcomes" in the following manner (the letters and numbers in brackets refer to specific "General Education Outcomes" as outlined by FVSU):

[1, a,b,d]. Students will develop communication skills through writing essays and other forms of writing that emphasize analytic exposition.

[l,c]. Students will use computers to access multi-media materials, to engage in word processing, and electronic database searches.

[2, ac]. Students will enhance their critical thinking through critical reading of assigned selections and completing critiques and analyses on those selections.

[2,d]. Students will demonstrate imaginative and creative thinking in discovering relationships between texts, idea, and culture.

[4, a]. Students will write on cultural an ethical issues of the contemporary world.

These outcomes will be assessed through the end-of-term portfolio, analyses of weekly essays, and exercises.

Course Overview:

RGTE 0199 is designed to strengthen the student's skills in critical analysis, organization of thoughts and ideas, and writing. Through intensive research, analysis, and writing exercises the student will gain an understanding of how the written word is used in interpersonal, professional, and social interaction. Through weekly writing assignments, the student will identify and correct individual weaknesses as well as work toward the development of a strong, precise, and vivid writing style.

Policy Statements

Grading Policy

To be eligible to receive an "S" grade, the student must receive at least a score of "2" on at least 2 of the 4 mock regents' essay exams. This is required before your portfolio will be considered.

Grades for essays and examinations are based on the following criteria:

A grade of C means that the work in question was of "average" quality. All basic criteria were met, C work demonstrates no original thought, little creativity, and little investment in time, effort, or resources.

A grade of B means that the work in question is good (above average, yet not quire excellent), B work- demonstrates some original thought, creativity, and investment of time, effort, pride, and resources. B works has minimal errors, or logical flaws.

A grade of A means that the work in question is excellent (standing above the work of your peers). A work demonstrates original thought, creativity, individual pride, and an investment in effort and resources. A work has no errors, no logical flaws, and is well presented.

A grade of D means that the work in question was rushed, poorly executed, and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the ideas isolated by the assignment. D work demonstrates little thought, effort, pride, or responsibility. A D may be assigned for an assignment that fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.

An F is given to work that does not fulfill the assignment requirements.

No Late Work Will Be Accepted.

The bulk of the grade for this course will come from an evaluation of the student's portfolio. To receive at least a C (that is the minimum average to attain a grade of "s"), that portfolio must include the following:

1. At least six (6) timed, and then fully revised essays. All drafts must be included along with the final draft.

2. At least two (2) timed essays (60 minutes) that have been evaluated as, at least, passing by the C. S.C..

3. At least four (4) critical responses to a text. The original text should be included with the response.

4. Graded copies of all quizzes and exercises.

Attendance Policy

This class utilizes the attendance policy as outlined in the FVSU Catalog. For each unexcused absence after the first, you will lose on point from your final average. See catalog or FVSU handbook for a detailed explanation of the policy and such notions as "excused absences."

You are responsible for all information and assignments. The computer system records your "attendance" in the course by recording how you utilized the system.

Examination Policy

All timed essays will allow you one hour (60 minutes) to complete the essay. You are expected to bring your own dictionary, writing utensils, paper, and any supplementary materials.

Unless otherwise authorized, all work should be typed (word processed).

 

Supplementary Reading. Assignments, Activities, Etc:

All supplemental material, unless otherwise notified, will be available at the following web site:

http://www.keithmurphy.info/0199/0199.htm