Basic Eng 01/03 Syllabus

(**Current syllabus for class may have some minor additions/changes and is posted on the Bb link for the course)

English 01/03: Preparation for College Writing I & II
Text:  English Skills (9^th ed.) by John Langan

Instructor:  Tondalaya VanLear
Office:  Scott Hall, Room 306
DSLCC Campus:    863-2854
DSLCC email: tvanlear@dslcc.edu

Welcome to English 01/03!  This class provides you with the tools and experiences to improve your understanding of and skills in writing.  We will be focusing on composition and grammar and will combine many activities geared to exploring the writing process.  You need to write what you think and why you think it and become confident in the writing process that helps you develop better written communication and critical thinking skills.    Persistence in your efforts and dedication of time and attention are your keys to success in this course. 

Stay on track with your work—procrastination will only place you in the miserable spot of trying to catch up. 

Course Requirements:

Each week, you will have journal and writing assignments posted on the webpage for Eng 01/03 that is located on my faculty homepage under “Courses.” Click on your class title of “Eng 01/03” to access this information.

You will need to complete your journals online in the Bb link for this class.  NONE of your assignments are not "busy work" but instead are resources for you as you develop a good foundation for clear communication.

In completing your journal entries, you should write what you think and why you think it.  Respond to the questions or statements assigned for the week.  These journals will be viewed for how thoroughly you complete the assignment.  I expect you to spend time both thinking and writing your responses.  Don't wait until the last minute to complete these journals.  These pieces will not be evaluated on grammar skills, but you should take time to ensure readability and detail.

In addition to journals, you will be writing both in class and on your own after class.  Any assignment under the “Writing Assignment” notation on the website is due at the beginning of class, so you will need to access this site during the week, between our evening sessions, and have your work ready when you come to class on Mondays.  Information for the next week will be updated on Thursday each week.  If you have any questions about the information for class, please email or call me.

**Any other assignments given during a class session should be ready at the beginning of the next class period unless it is due on a Bb assignment link.  Follow the course website Due Dates section to know when these are due. 

You will also be completing Mastery Tests from your Sentence Skills book each class period.  **These tests are to be done in class only.**  The number of tests will vary, depending on your individual results from the Diagnostic Test given at the beginning of the semester.

**You must complete all of your Mastery Tests and all writings before you can sit for the final essay writing.  No exceptions.**  Your tests and writings will form your portfolio.  A good target date for completion of this portfolio is the end of the 13^th week of classes.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance for this class is not an option.  In order to gain the writing skills you need to be successful in this course, you must be in class.  I realize that emergencies come up and an absence  from class may be necessary, but to miss more than two classes (no more than one for evening classes that meet one evening per week) will be grounds for failure in this course.    No exceptions. 

I expect you to be in class. **Persistent absences translate into lack of preparation/work and on that basis, you will not be allowed to do the final writing for this course.**

If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to talk with me about them.  I'll be glad to work with you to ensure your success in this course.   If you need assistance for a documented learning difference/disability, please talk with me immediately.

I look forward to working with each of you.  Here’s to a great semester of writing! 

Grading:  Students who complete this course receive either an S (satisfactory), R (re-enroll), or U (unsatisfactory)

To move on from Eng01/03, you must:

*Complete ALL required mastery tests at 80% or above and ALL required writings, including any required retesting or rewrites to improve skills/writing assignment

*Attend regularly, with 2 or less absences for the semester (No more than 1 for evening classes), unless approval has been gained from the instructor for extenuating circumstances and ALL other work has been completed in a timely manner

*Complete all portfolio work and submit it on or before the date required

*Complete a clear, cohesive writing sample on the announced final writing date. (This writing is evaluated by two DSLCC professors in composition once completed.  Their decision is final.)

Please be aware that there are no exceptions to these requirements for successful completion of this course.