Michigan State University ◊ English Language Center
Intensive English Program ◊ Level 4 Section 4
Content-Based Writing & Grammar
Fall Semester 2006
Required Texts: Available in the Spartan Bookstore, International Center
1. Ann Hogue, The Essentials of English: A Writer’s Handbook (Longman, 2003)
2. Jay Maurer, Focus on Grammar 5, 3rd Edition (Longman, 2006) – Red Book
3. Louise Erdrich, The Game of Silence (Harper Trophy, 2006)
Note: If you buy a used book, try to choose one without any makings. If there are markings, answers, or other notes, you MUST erase them ALL immediately.
Optional Texts:
· Ann Hogue, Exercises to Accompany The Essentials of English: A Writer’s Handbook (Longman, 2003)
· A good monolingual (English-English) dictionary (eg: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Oxford Dictionary of American English, etc.) is strongly recommended
Additional Materials:
· A folder for class handouts and assignments (please retain everything!)
· Several large-sized “blue books” from the bookstore (for journals)
· Internet and email access, including an MSU email account
Course Goals
The objective of this course is to develop the skills necessary for writing academic essays in English. Throughout this course we will be focusing on the qualities of good writing, and how you can produce it. You will learn editing and revising techniques, with the goal of making you a more independent writer. You will work to improve your understanding and use of English grammar, and learn to recognize and correct your own errors. In this class, you will learn to write and write to learn – that is, in y our writing you will explore ideas, challenge your opinions and think critically. The whole class is structured around a content area, just like a university academic course. This semester, you will read, learn and write about Native Americans (American Indians) and other indigenous tribes around the world.
Rationale (the reasons I am teaching the class in this way)
I believe the following:
1. The best way to learn to write is to write frequently;
2. All writers must learn to write, and they must write to learn;
3. All good drafts are the product of two things: bad drafts and revision;
4. Not everything that is written must be shared; some things are written only for the writer;
5. A good writer develops his or her own writing process, but is willing to experiment with new strategies.
Classroom Rules
These rules are to be followed when you are in the classroom (before, during, and after class):
1. Please only use English in the classroom. This goes for written and verbal activities. This goes during the class break. And yes, this even goes with other people who speak your language!
2. Absolutely no bilingual dictionaries in class!
3. Be an active participant in class.
4. If you don’t understand something, please ask.
5. Be respectful and helpful to your classmates at all times.
6. Be respectful to the instructor at all times.
Grading
Because we have two separate classes (Writing/Content and Grammar), you will receive two grades. The grades will be calculated as follows:
1. Writing/Content Grade
60% Portfolio of formal writing
You will write 3 formal multi-draft essays during the semester. At the end of the course, you will collect these in a portfolio, and you will have the opportunity to revise them for a higher grade. You will also evaluate your writing and your progress. For each essay, you must complete all stages of the writing process to receive full credit. This may include drafts, conferences and peer review, and will be explained in detail for each assignment.
30% Informal writing
In addition to your formal papers, there will be regular informal and creative writing assignments, both for homework and in class. You will also keep a journal, which may include paper and online entries (full details will be given later). In addition, you will work in groups to produce a presentation in the content area of the course.
10% In-Class Timed Writing
In order to evaluate your attainment, there will be in-class timed writing tests at midterm and at the end of the semester.
2. Grammar Grade
40% Grammar Quizzes
You will take regular quizzes on material covered in the class. Not all quizzes will be announced. Be sure to review each class before the next one and ask about anything you don’t understand.
30% Homework and Classwork
These assignments may include Grammar exercises, preparation, editing, review, research, and other grammar based activities. A grade will be assigned for all homework and classwork, which means that absences will severely affect your grade.
20% Grammar Exams (midterm and final)
In order to evaluate your attainment, there will be major grammar tests at midterm and at the end of the semester.
10% Attendance and Participation
You will be graded on your active participation and regular, punctual attendance.
The two grades will be reported separately on the MSU 4-point scale:
You must receive a grade of 2.5 or higher in all your classes in order to progress automatically to the next level. You will receive midterm grades.
You are encouraged to meet with me to discuss your work. If you have a question or a concern regarding your work, please speak with me after class. If we cannot resolve the issue right away, we can arrange for a time to meet and further discuss your work.
Homework
Each section of the course (writing, grammar, and content) will have regular homework assignments. Each assignment must be ready to turn in at the beginning of the class in which they are due. Late or incomplete work will not be accepted and will not receive credit. If you think your homework will be late, talk to me well in advance (an extension may be given depending on the circumstances). If you are absent, you will not receive credit for missed work unless you make arrangements with me in advance. All class and homework assignments are required and will help you meet the goals for this class. Therefore, each assignment is important to both your progress and your grade.
Attendance Policy
You are expected to attend every class and arrive on time. If you arrive after the class has started you will be marked late. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the class has started, you will be marked absent. 3 ‘lates’ = 1 absence. There are ordinarily no excuses absences, although if you know you will not be in class, discuss this with me in advance.
(Attendance Policy continued)
If you do not attend at least 90% of your classes this semester, you will not receive a certificate from the ELC and will be breaking the terms of your U.S. visa.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to catch up on work you missed before the next class; homework is still due unless you have made other arrangements with me in advance. If you are not present, you will score a zero for that day’s homework and classwork. There will be no opportunity for “make up” quizzes and exams. If you are frequently late or absent, your grade will suffer and you may fail the course.
Academic Honesty
I expect all work you submit to be entirely your own and written only for this course (work for other classes in this or other semesters will not be accepted). Do not ask for outside help with your writing (from friends, roommates, relatives, teachers, native-speaking boy/girlfriends, tutors, etc.) – ask me instead. Any attempts to copy texts in whole or in part from other sources (including the internet) will be considered plagiarism and will result in a zero grade for the assignment. Academic integrity is taken very seriously at the university.
Final Thoughts
I am very excited to be a part of this class and to be working with you. I want to do everything I can to help you succeed, but I cannot succeed for you. You must make a commitment to doing the best work possible for this and all of your classes.
I appreciate your respect and hard work. If you have any questions during this course, please do not hesitate to discuss these with me after class, and I will do my best to help you along your way.
Have a wonderful semester! Study hard!
Chris
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