Nancy Taylor, Lecturer English 098 Developmental Writing mw 2: 00-3: 15 Spring 2008 Course Syllabus Important Notification

First-time freshmen are required to complete all developmental writing and math within the first year of enrollment.  The University’s “Basic Subjects” policy further requires that as soon as any needed development courses are completed, students must enroll in the General Education Basic Subjects (Subject A) classes in writing, critical reasoning, oral communication, and math.  Enrollment must be continuous until Section A is completed.

Welcome to English 098 - Developmental Writing, a course designed to develop students' writing and reading skills so that they can meet the demands of English Composition 155 as well as other classes which require extensive writing. Students will become familiar with the process of writing in a collaborative setting. Because reading and writing are connected skills, students will explore methods of analyzing texts and responding to issues in their own writing. By the end of the semester, students will be able to write papers that reflect both critical thinking and sound mechanics.

You will also learn to successfully navigate the Internet and to engage in asynchronous (bulletin board/blog) discussions in our online WebCT forums.

 

Required Materials

1. 
   A Pocketful of Essays, Rhetorically Arranged, Volume One--by David Madden
   
2. 
   An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore
   
3. 
   New Voices, current edition
   
4. 
   writing journal
   
5. 
   two-pocket folder
   
6. 
   two bluebooks (available at the Matador Bookstore) for in-class essays
   

Grading: Although English 098 is credit/no credit, you must successfully complete and pass the following requirements to receive credit for this course:

Completion of all 3 drafts for each Paper Assignment
End of Semester Portfolio consisting of 3 papers, 1 in-class essay, 1 letter
An Inconvenient Truth Exam & Discussion
Written Analyses/Responses to all & New Voices Essays
In-Class Timed Writings
Active Class Participation
Absences not to exceed 3 weeks

Technical Requirements

Students will need to have access to the Internet and an active CSUN email account. To activate your CSUN e-mail address or reset its password use the account utility page.

Instructions will be provided for all computer activities; you may visit CSUN's Office of Online Instruction site for information on online courses and programs. CSUN also provides information on computer resources and availability. You can access this information 24 hours a day by visiting Student Computing Workshops. You may also attend an on-campus workshop in WebCT and Email. Please be familiar with CSUN's online applications, particularly WebCT, prior to the fourth week of school.

Grading

All work must be completed to earn a passing grade! And the portfolio MUST be submitted on time.

According to the CSUN catalogue, plagiarism is the act of “intentionally or knowingly representing the words, ideas, or works of another as one’s own in any academic exercise,” and will result in a failing grade for the assignment. In addition, it may result in a failing grade for the course and disciplinary action on the part of the university. Internet software is available to assist CSUN faculty to scan student writing. ALL student assignments will be scanned for plagiarism.

 

In-class Timed Essays

Two in-class timed writings will be given during the semester.  These essays are written in bluebooks, available at the student bookstore.  If you miss an in-class writing, you may not make it up.

I cannot accept a portfolio at the end of the semester if you have not participated in the class.  Therefore, attendance is critical to your success in this class. Always plan on class starting at the scheduled time and always arrive prepared.  After three absences, your chances of passing this class are very low.

Common courtesy is expected at all times, and I will treat you as the adults you are. Please listen when others are speaking, give your attention to class business, do not waste my time or the time of other students, and remember to turn off your cell phones—no texting. You should come to class prepared and ready to participate in discussions and class work, as this is your responsibility as a college student.

An important goal of Eng. 098 is the development of responsible study habits and the ability to meet deadlines. Therefore, late drafts and essays will not be accepted.  Please come and talk to me if you find you are falling behind! Take time now to solve technical, logistical, or any other problems that may cause you trouble later.  Remember:

NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Portfolio

Your Portfolio: At the end of the semester you will submit to the English Department your three substantially revised papers (3-4 pages in length), ALL your drafts demonstrating your process of writing, an example of in-class writing, and a reflective cover letter for a grade. (Note: ANY PAPER NOT TYPED NOR READ BY ME WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR PORTFOLIO!) Note: passing the portfolio does not guarantee a passing course grade since all course work must be satisfactorily completed.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please let me know as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need clarification on any point, please check the syllabus again, contact a classmate, check my website, or email me. Please do not email me to find out what you missed during an absence. I usually read my email in the evening, and will respond as quickly as I can, usually that night. Please put “English 098” in the subject; otherwise, I will delete it. 

Good luck this semester!

You can find the syllabus and schedule via links on my website: