Lake-Sumter Community College

Course Syllabus

Semester:Summer 2008 A/E

Course Prefix:ENC 1101

CRN:30156

Course Title:College Composition I

Credit Hours:Three (3) Semester Hours

Catalog Description:This course provides practice in writing expository themes with

instruction in grammar and mechanics, sentence variety, diction, organization, and coherence. This is the introductory course of the new State Board of Education Rule 6A 10.30 sequence, and a student entering this class should have a good background in writing skills to build upon. A major documented essay is required. Knowledge in the basic use of computers is necessary to complete the required written assignments of this course. The basics of academic research and writing for specific rhetorical situations will also be addressed. Gordon Rule writing requirement: minimum written work totaling 6,000 words. Students must earn a grade of “C” to pass.

Prerequisites:Students are strongly encouraged to complete OST 1743 Word Processing

for College Writing or a higher level computer word processing course prior to taking, or along with, ENC 1101.

Class Meets:Tues. & Thurs. 11:20am-12:50pm in HSC 207

Instructor:Melissa Dullaghan

Office:Leesburg Campus

Office Hours:Before class or by appt. Tues. & Thurs. 2-5pm

Office Phone:813.322.4385 (leave a message)

Faculty Web Site:

Note: This syllabus and supplementary course materials will be available on my faculty web site. Students are responsible for checking the web site weekly for updates. I will announce when new materials are uploaded. I reserve the right to add, delete, or change course materials as learning needs are further assessed and/or technology advances at Lake-Sumter allow.

E-mail: (preferred method of contact)

Note: please type your name and course prefix in the subject line of every e-mail. Because I do not have a physical office on campus, the most effective means of reaching me is via e-mail. I may be away from my computer on Saturdays and Sundays; please plan your questions accordingly, ahead of assignment due dates.

Course Materials:Please obtain these specific course materials prior to the first day of class:

  1. Hacker, Diana. The Bedford Handbook. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s, 2006.
  2. Reinking, James A. and Robert von der Osten. Strategies for Successful Writing: A

Rhetoric, Research Guide, Reader, and Handbook. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

  1. Four folders (three-prong style w/pockets ONLY)
  2. Basic office supplies: stapler, pens, notebook paper, etc.
  3. Microsoft Word or other compatible software to word-process documents.

Occasionally, the need will arise for you to submit your assignments via e-mail, and I need to be able to open your documents. Students may wish to download a free copy of Open Office at or use Microsoft Office Live Workspace: (click on “Microsoft Office Live.”) Microsoft Works and Word Perfect are not suitable.

Outcomes & Competencies:Upon successful completion of ENC 1101, you should be able to:

  1. format an essay in MLA style
  2. list the two major ways MLA requires documentation
  3. evaluate a text from various perspectives
  4. conduct quality primary and secondary research
  5. demonstrate a working knowledge of LSCC’s library databases
  6. understand and practice ethical summary, paraphrasing, and quoting
  7. insert images within the body of text and provide accurate captions
  8. control your writing to produce deliberate effects
  9. compose college-level thesis statements
  10. use coherence to thread your thesis throughout a paper
  11. compose engaging introductions and avoid “throat-clearing”
  12. compose thoughtful conclusions that synthesize information from main ideas
  13. compose sophisticated topic sentences and coherence devices
  14. eliminate wordiness in your writing
  15. use accurate and sophisticated diction
  16. avoid overuse of the verb “to be” and nominalizations
  17. recognize and correct errors in major grammatical and mechanical areas (such as comma splices, fused sentences, pronouns, fragments, shifts in verb tense, capitalization, italics, punctuation, modifiers,
  18. address all areas of an essay prompt
  19. organize your thoughts into logically-ordered, unified paragraphs
  20. employ a variety of writing strategies based on specific rhetorical situations

Course Content:

  • You will practice regular informal writing via worksheets, peer review narratives, and in-class journaling
  • You will develop proficiency in a particular grammar topic and prepare a ten-minute, interactive presentation
  • You will conduct primary and secondary research
  • You will evaluate source material and integrate it withyour own writing
  • You will write three major essays (1200-1500 words each) thatinvolve planning, research, and MLA documentation;each essay project will require an outline or abstract, draft, peer review narrative, instructor conference, and final draft with annotated bibliography page
  • You will complete a final exam, consisting of short answer questions and a 500-word reflection that summarizes and evaluates what you have learnedabout composition during the semester

Attendance/Withdrawal Policies:Attendance is mandatory. Class meetings will involve

discussions, writing practice, and group activities that cannot be “made up.” Youare allowed four absences and four tardies—no questions asked, no documentation required. Attendance problems beyond that become irksome and, therefore, will lower yourfinal grade by 50 points for each unexcused occurrence over four. Missing a scheduled conference with the instructor will be treated the same as any other absence. To be excused, absences should be cleared with mebeforehand (trips, family matters, religious holidays) or attended to upon yourreturn to class (illness, emergency). If you miss two or more consecutive classes, you must communicate with me regarding your situation. If you feel the need to withdraw, it is yourresponsibility to abide by LSCC’s withdrawal policies, which can be found at the link below:

Methods of Evaluation:Assignment-specific rubrics will be posted on the faculty web site and/or distributed as each assignment is introduced. Assignment parameters and grading criteria will be reviewed in class. Time will be provided for questions or concerns.

Grading Scale:

  • Course Folder (200 points)

Course Folder should hold informal writings, worksheets, peer review narratives, in-class journaling; collected randomly four times during the semester

  • Grammar Presentation (100 points)

Clear, accurate, comprehensive, interactive, and enjoyable coverage of topic

  • Three Major Essays (600 points)

Graded on ethical scholarship, grammatical accuracy, stylistic sophistication, organization of essay elements, development of ideas, adequate logic, & adherence to assignment parameters and deadlines.

  • Final Exam (100 points)

Consists of short-answer questions a 500-word reflection of composition skills

A = 1000-900 points; B = 899-800 points; C = 799-700 points; D =699-600 points; F = Below 600 points

Classroom Policies:

Condition of Manuscripts: Papers should be neat, typed, and stapled. If you are submitting one of the three major essays, your work should be in a three-prong, pocket folder with the following dividers: final draft; rough draft; outline/notes; copies of source material. Points are deducted for sloppiness. It is in your best interest to submit final draft-quality papers at the rough draft phase of major assignments; I scrutinize rough drafts thoroughly, so you are likely to receive thorough, helpful feedback at a point that will be most helpful to your grade.

Deadlines: All assignments must be completed on time. I will not accept late in-class assignments or late out-of-class homework assignments. I will accept late essays (no more than two weeks past the deadline);however, ten (10) points will be deducted for each class day they are late.

Courtesy: I appreciate punctuality. I will not draw attention to your being tardy, but I will keep record of it. Also, I am a stickler for attentiveness; please don’t slow down our class because you want to socialize or text. If that’s the case, go to Ruby Tuesday. I believe that my students have the right to a distraction-free environment. If any behaviors interfere with instruction, whether in the classroom or online, I will begrudgingly follow policies regarding student conduct from the LSCC handbook.

Involvement:Students should do their best to come to class well-rested, healthy, prepared, and willing to participate. But I understand that life happens. If you don’t feel well, I’d rather you send me an e-mail and make arrangements rather than disturb the classroom environment. I do my best to work with students if they take responsibility for their actions.

Technology: ENC 1101 requires consistent access to the Internet, word-processing software, and an ink-filled printer. Also, you are responsible for providing an accurate e-mail address and checking it regularly.

Archiving: Please retain all work you complete for this course (at least until the semester concludes). I may ask to show your work to future classes, or you may have a grade dispute which could only be cleared up by reviewing previous drafts or instructor commentary.

LSCC Academic Integrity Statement:Students should familiarize themselves with this policy, which is found on page 21 of the online catalog (link provided below).

Student Conduct: Students will be held to the standards of conduct as outlined on page 24 of the online catalog. Any violation of the code of conduct will be promptly reported for immediate administrative action which may result in sanctions leading to possible expulsion from the college.

Important Dates:May 5thCLASSES BEGIN

May 12thDROP DEADLINE (W/ REFUND)

May 26thMEMORIAL DAY (NO CLASS)

July 3rd & 4thINDEPENDENCE DAY (NO CLASS)

July 14thWITHDRAWAL DEADLINE

Aug. 14thCLASSES END

Aug. 20thGRADES AVAILABLE IN LOIS

Students with Disabilities:Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special accommodations must see the instructor AND notify the Office for Students with Disabilities immediately. The OSD Office is located in the Student Services Department on the Leesburg campus. A representative can be reached by calling 352.365.3574 to set up an appointment. Additional information about LSCC OSD services can be found at and click on Disability Services on the quick links.

My Teaching & Writing Philosophy:Write with honesty, integrity, discipline, and dynamism. Never write what you think I want to read; that pretentious type of writing is called academese,and it does neither one of us any good. If you find topics that interest you, you’ll enjoy researching them, writing about them, and joining that particular discourse community. As painful as I know it can be, this course requires you to plan ahead for readings and major assignments. Your best bet is to try your hardest early on and every time. Then you’ll find yourself with minimal revisions, developing skills, and, when the semester concludes, a respectable body of work that you will be proud to showcase for others.

Course Syllabus and Calendar are subject to change by the instructor.

Course Policy Agreement:

Please fill-out this form and give it to your instructor by the second week of classes

Student Name:______

Instructor: Melissa Dullaghan

Course Prefix:ENC 1101

Semester:Summer A/E 2008

I have read and understood the syllabus for this course, including the following policies and requirements:

  • Course Materials
  • Course Content
  • Course Outcomes & Competencies
  • Method of Evaluation
  • Grading Scale
  • Classroom Policies (including Attendance, Manuscript Condition, Deadlines, Courtesy, Technology, Archiving)
  • LSCC Integrity Statement

In submitting this form, I acknowledge that my success in ENC 1101 relies on my abiding by these policies. Furthermore, I attest that I am the author of all of the writing that I submit and post, online and in print.

Student Signature:______

Date Signed:______

WELCOME SURVEY

Instructions:Take home, complete, and return next class. Handwritten answers are acceptable.

  1. Describe where you are from.
  1. Explain why you are in college.
  1. List the classes you are taking this semester.
  1. Describe what you do for employment or recreation.
  1. What do you expect from me?
  1. What can I expect from you?
  1. What comes to your mind when you think of composition?
  1. What are you most proud of in your life?
  1. Describe your study habits.
  1. What would you most like to learn in this course?