Main, Michael

English

The Keep

Eastern Illinois University
The Keep
Fall 1998 1998
Fall 8-15-1998
ENG 1001C-048-068: Composition and
Language
Michael Main
Eastern Illinois University
Follow this and additional works at: http://thekeep.eiu.edu/english_syllabi_fall1998
Part of the English Language and Literature Commons
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the 1998 at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Fall 1998 by an authorized
administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact tabruns@eiu.edu.
Recommended Citation
Main, Michael, "ENG 1001C-048-068: Composition and Language" (1998). Fall 1998. 38.
http://thekeep.eiu.edu/english_syllabi_fall1998/38
Michael Main 
E.I.U.-- Composition I 
Sections 048, 068,~ 
Office Hours: TR 4:45-6, MW 5-6, R 10-12 
Office Phone: 581-6288 
Office: room 339 G 
CLASS POLICY SHEET 
Required Texts: 
St. Martin's Guide to Writing, 5th ed., Connections; a Multicultural Reader for 
Writers; and A Pocket Style Manual, 2nd ed. (grammar reference). A dictionary is also 
strongly suggested. 
catalog description: 1001C. Composition and Language. A course in the reading and 
writing of expressive, expository, and persuasive essays. Attention is given to effective 
expression, clear structure, adequate development, and documentation of sources. 
Prerequisite: English 1000 or proficiency in basic skills as determined by the English 
Department. 
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: (from departmental guidelines): 
Students should receive instruction that enables them: 
To write expository and persuasive papers in which paragraphs, sentences, and words 
develop a central idea. These papers should reflect a command of the writing process: 
generating and prewriting strategies for formulating a thesis, methods for planning and 
drafting a paper, strategies of revising for clarity and adequate development, and.means 
for polishing and editing. These papers should have a beginning, middle, and end, and 
should demonstrate consideration of effective methods of organization. At least one paper 
should entail the use of source materials and reflect principles of documentation. 
To write purposeful, adequately developed paragraphs and sentences that are direct, 
economical, free of ambiguity, and structurally appropriate for the ideas expressed. 
To write standard written English that exemplifies principles of preciseness and of 
suitability to the purpose of the paper. 
To develop skills in critical reading and listening for understanding and evaluating 
culturally diverse course materials, and for becoming more discerning readers and editors 
of their own writing. The course materials should reflect historically, socially, and 
culturally relevant issues. 
Minimum writing requirement: 5000 words. 
EVALUATION SYSTEM AND GRADING STANDARDS: 
The grade for the course will be based largely upon the student's demonstrated 
mastery of the above listed objectives. In addition to the major essays, a journal, 
attendance, participation, and an in-class mid-term essay will also determine the final 
grade. There is no final exam in lOOlC. Grades given are A,B,C, and NC (no credit). 
Students must be writing at C level or above to pass. A grade of NC will force the 
student to retake the course. 
The grade breakdown is as follows: 
4 three-four page essays 
2 four+ page papers, research 
+ student journal, 
participation, etc. 
1 mid-term in-class essay 
10% 
15% 
20% 
10% 
each 
each 
total 
The grading standards issued by the English Department are available to every student. If 
you have questions regarding a grade you are issued, please don't hesitate to bring your 
questions to my attention. I do sometimes make mistakes. I consider it your 
responsibility to make sure you fully understand the grades and comments you are given on 
any assignment. If my comments are not clear, ask me about them. 
Absences will also factor into the final grade. Attendance is vitally important to 
successful completion of the class, and it is the student's responsibility to make up any 
assignments missed due to absences. More than three absences will result in a lower final 
class grade. Additionally, I prefer to be contacted beforehand if an absence is 
unavoidable. 
Plaaiarism is "the appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas, and/or 
thoughts of another author, and representation of them as one's own original work" (Random 
~ouse Dictionary of the English Language). See your school handbook, or see me for 
details. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment, and can also 
result in a failing grade for the class. Any incident of plagiarism will be reported to 
the Judicial Affairs Office. 
Disabilities: If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic 
accommodations, please contact the Coordinator of the Office of Disability Services (581-
6583) as soon as possible. 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: 
This class will involve workshopping, group-discussion, in-class writing, and 
(possibly) student presentations as well as lecturing. Students are expected to write 
polished essays, correctly documented research papers, and personal/student journals. 
Failure to turn in assignments (including rough drafts and collected journals) by the 
beginning of the period on the due date will result in a lowered letter grade for the 
assignment. 
Mv in-class expectations are simple; I expect each student to respect the opinions 
and the expressions of every other student in the class. I will allow a great deal of 
classroom freedom of expression; do not abuse the classroom space by disrespecting other 
members of the class. Anyone who cannot responsibly participate in class discussion may 
be asked to leave the classroom. 
Journals: 
I will give you specific journal assignments, to be written both at-home and in-
class. Additionally, I will expect you to write one journal entry per week in which you 
choose your own subject and express your own opinions. Each journal entry should be at 
least 3/4 of a page, handwritten. I will collect the grouped journals on two specific 
dates (see calendar), but I reserve the right to collect individual entries on the day 
they are given and grade them in order to insure that reading assignments are completed on 
time. Journals are issued "checks" rather than letter grades. They are informal writing. 
Diagnostic Essay: 
This semester the diagnostic essay will be standard for each section of composition; 
these essays will be used to establish certain criteria for the 1001C class and its place 
in the core curriculum. Though the essay will not be graded, your participation is 
necessary for this essay. Diagnostic essays establish a communications point between you 
and I about where your writing is at the beginning of the semester, and where my 
expectations are. 
If you have any questions . .. please seek me out. I will be glad to clarify any of 
my or the school's grading policies, any classroom issues you have, or to help you with 
concerns about grammar or any other issue related to the class. My office hours are for 
your benefit; please use them. I look forward to an exciting semester working with you. 
Michael Main 
Composition I 
Week 1 (Aug. 24-28) 
TR 3:30 & 6:00, Fall '98 
CALENDAR 
Tues.-- Discuss course; discuss Diagnostic Essay (handouts) 
Thurs.-- Diagnostic Essay in class, due (administrative requirement) 
Week 2 (Aug. 31-Sept. 4) 
Tues-- Essay #1 Assigned <3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced) 
Thurs-- Discuss Essay #1; class ends early for individual meetings 
Week 3 (Sept. 7-11) 
Tues. Rough draft of essay #1 due (requirement for grade) 
Week 4 (Sept. 14-18) 
Tues.: ESSAY #1 DUE, beginning of class 
Thurs: Essay #2 Assigned (3-4 pages) 
Week 5 (Sept. 21-25) 
Thurs: Classes cancelled for scheduled individual meetings with instructor 
(attendance required!!) ROUGH DRAFT DUE 
Week 6 (Sept. 28-0ct. 2) 
Tues: ESSAY #2 DUE! 
Thurs: Essay #3 Assigned (3-4 pages) 
Week 7 (Oct. 5-9) 
JOURNALS DUE Tues--
Thurs-- class ends early for meetings with instructor, Mid-term discussed; 
be ready for in-class writing, Tuesday 
Week 8 (Oct. 12-16) 
Tues-- Mid-term essay, in class writing. 
Week 9 (Oct. 19-23) 
Tues: ESSAY #3 DUE!!; Essay #4 assigned (3-4 pages) 
Week 10 (Oct. 26-30) 
Tues: Rough Draft Essay #4 Due 
Thurs: classes cancelled for individual meetings with instructor 
Week 11 (Nov. 2-6) 
Tues: ESSAY #4 DUE!!!; Essay #5 assigned (4+ pages) 
Week 12 (Nov. 9-13) 
Thurs.-- Rough Draft Essay #5 due 
Week 13 (Nov. 16-20) 
Thurs.-- ESSAY #5 DUE!!! Research Essay #6 Assigned (4+ pages) 
Week 14 (Nov. 23-27) 
THANKSGIVING BREAK!!!! 
Week 15 (Nov.30-Dec. 4) 
Tues.: individual meetings with instructor 
Thurs.: Rough draft of Research paper due 
Week 16 (Dec. 7-11) 
Tues: JOURNALS DUE 
Thurs.: RESEARCH PAPER DUE!!!! 
Fri: Last day of classes 
Finals week (Dec. 14-18) 
No finals in Comp I 


ENG 1001C-048-068: Composition and Language

Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois UniversityThe KeepFall 1998 1998Fall 8-15-1998ENG 1001C-048-068: Composition andLanguageMichael MainEastern Illinois UniversityFollow this and additional works at: http://thekeep.eiu.edu/english_syllabi_fall1998Part of the English Language and Literature CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the 1998 at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Fall 1998 by an authorizedadministrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact tabruns@eiu.edu.Recommended CitationMain, Michael, "ENG 1001C-048-068: Composition and Language" (1998). Fall 1998. 38.http://thekeep.eiu.edu/english_syllabi_fall1998/38Michael Main E.I.U.-- Composition I Sections 048, 068,~ Office Hours: TR 4:45-6, MW 5-6, R 10-12 Office Phone: 581-6288 Office: room 339 G CLASS POLICY SHEET Required Texts: St. Martin's Guide to Writing, 5th ed., Connections; a Multicultural Reader for Writers; and A Pocket Style Manual, 2nd ed. (grammar reference). A dictionary is also strongly suggested. catalog description: 1001C. Composition and Language. A course in the reading and writing of expressive, expository, and persuasive essays. Attention is given to effective expression, clear structure, adequate development, and documentation of sources. Prerequisite: English 1000 or proficiency in basic skills as determined by the English Department. INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: (from departmental guidelines): Students should receive instruction that enables them: To write expository and persuasive papers in which paragraphs, sentences, and words develop a central idea. These papers should reflect a command of the writing process: generating and prewriting strategies for formulating a thesis, methods for planning and drafting a paper, strategies of revising for clarity and adequate development, and.means for polishing and editing. These papers should have a beginning, middle, and end, and should demonstrate consideration of effective methods of organization. At least one paper should entail the use of source materials and reflect principles of documentation. To write purposeful, adequately developed paragraphs and sentences that are direct, economical, free of ambiguity, and structurally appropriate for the ideas expressed. To write standard written English that exemplifies principles of preciseness and of suitability to the purpose of the paper. To develop skills in critical reading and listening for understanding and evaluating culturally diverse course materials, and for becoming more discerning readers and editors of their own writing. The course materials should reflect historically, socially, and culturally relevant issues. Minimum writing requirement: 5000 words. EVALUATION SYSTEM AND GRADING STANDARDS: The grade for the course will be based largely upon the student's demonstrated mastery of the above listed objectives. In addition to the major essays, a journal, attendance, participation, and an in-class mid-term essay will also determine the final grade. There is no final exam in lOOlC. Grades given are A,B,C, and NC (no credit). Students must be writing at C level or above to pass. A grade of NC will force the student to retake the course. The grade breakdown is as follows: 4 three-four page essays 2 four+ page papers, research + student journal, participation, etc. 1 mid-term in-class essay 10% 15% 20% 10% each each total The grading standards issued by the English Department are available to every student. If you have questions regarding a grade you are issued, please don't hesitate to bring your questions to my attention. I do sometimes make mistakes. I consider it your responsibility to make sure you fully understand the grades and comments you are given on any assignment. If my comments are not clear, ask me about them. Absences will also factor into the final grade. Attendance is vitally important to successful completion of the class, and it is the student's responsibility to make up any assignments missed due to absences. More than three absences will result in a lower final class grade. Additionally, I prefer to be contacted beforehand if an absence is unavoidable. Plaaiarism is "the appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas, and/or thoughts of another author, and representation of them as one's own original work" (Random ~ouse Dictionary of the English Language). See your school handbook, or see me for details. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment, and can also result in a failing grade for the class. Any incident of plagiarism will be reported to the Judicial Affairs Office. Disabilities: If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic accommodations, please contact the Coordinator of the Office of Disability Services (581-6583) as soon as possible. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: This class will involve workshopping, group-discussion, in-class writing, and (possibly) student presentations as well as lecturing. Students are expected to write polished essays, correctly documented research papers, and personal/student journals. Failure to turn in assignments (including rough drafts and collected journals) by the beginning of the period on the due date will result in a lowered letter grade for the assignment. Mv in-class expectations are simple; I expect each student to respect the opinions and the expressions of every other student in the class. I will allow a great deal of classroom freedom of expression; do not abuse the classroom space by disrespecting other members of the class. Anyone who cannot responsibly participate in class discussion may be asked to leave the classroom. Journals: I will give you specific journal assignments, to be written both at-home and in-class. Additionally, I will expect you to write one journal entry per week in which you choose your own subject and express your own opinions. Each journal entry should be at least 3/4 of a page, handwritten. I will collect the grouped journals on two specific dates (see calendar), but I reserve the right to collect individual entries on the day they are given and grade them in order to insure that reading assignments are completed on time. Journals are issued "checks" rather than letter grades. They are informal writing. Diagnostic Essay: This semester the diagnostic essay will be standard for each section of composition; these essays will be used to establish certain criteria for the 1001C class and its place in the core curriculum. Though the essay will not be graded, your participation is necessary for this essay. Diagnostic essays establish a communications point between you and I about where your writing is at the beginning of the semester, and where my expectations are. If you have any questions . .. please seek me out. I will be glad to clarify any of my or the school's grading policies, any classroom issues you have, or to help you with concerns about grammar or any other issue related to the class. My office hours are for your benefit; please use them. I look forward to an exciting semester working with you. Michael Main Composition I Week 1 (Aug. 24-28) TR 3:30 & 6:00, Fall '98 CALENDAR Tues.-- Discuss course; discuss Diagnostic Essay (handouts) Thurs.-- Diagnostic Essay in class, due (administrative requirement) Week 2 (Aug. 31-Sept. 4) Tues-- Essay #1 Assigned <3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced) Thurs-- Discuss Essay #1; class ends early for individual meetings Week 3 (Sept. 7-11) Tues. Rough draft of essay #1 due (requirement for grade) Week 4 (Sept. 14-18) Tues.: ESSAY #1 DUE, beginning of class Thurs: Essay #2 Assigned (3-4 pages) Week 5 (Sept. 21-25) Thurs: Classes cancelled for scheduled individual meetings with instructor (attendance required!!) ROUGH DRAFT DUE Week 6 (Sept. 28-0ct. 2) Tues: ESSAY #2 DUE! Thurs: Essay #3 Assigned (3-4 pages) Week 7 (Oct. 5-9) JOURNALS DUE Tues--Thurs-- class ends early for meetings with instructor, Mid-term discussed; be ready for in-class writing, Tuesday Week 8 (Oct. 12-16) Tues-- Mid-term essay, in class writing. Week 9 (Oct. 19-23) Tues: ESSAY #3 DUE!!; Essay #4 assigned (3-4 pages) Week 10 (Oct. 26-30) Tues: Rough Draft Essay #4 Due Thurs: classes cancelled for individual meetings with instructor Week 11 (Nov. 2-6) Tues: ESSAY #4 DUE!!!; Essay #5 assigned (4+ pages) Week 12 (Nov. 9-13) Thurs.-- Rough Draft Essay #5 due Week 13 (Nov. 16-20) Thurs.-- ESSAY #5 DUE!!! Research Essay #6 Assigned (4+ pages) Week 14 (Nov. 23-27) THANKSGIVING BREAK!!!! Week 15 (Nov.30-Dec. 4) Tues.: individual meetings with instructor Thurs.: Rough draft of Research paper due Week 16 (Dec. 7-11) Tues: JOURNALS DUE Thurs.: RESEARCH PAPER DUE!!!! Fri: Last day of classes Finals week (Dec. 14-18) No finals in Comp I 

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1037&amp;context=english_syllabi_fall1998

ENG 1001C-048-068: Composition and Language

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

The Keep

Eastern Illinois University