Syllabus approved by UCC: 4/14/11
LockHavenUniversity of Pennsylvania
Lock Haven, PA
English
Composition Usage and Editing
I. Introductory Information
A. Department Name: English
B. Departmental Catalogue Number: ENGL315
C. Course Title: Composition Usage and Editing
D. Semester HHhH Hours of Credit3 Hours
E. Clock Hours Per Week: 3 Hours
F.Overlays:External Experience
G. Restrictions Upon Student Registration: 60 hours or permission of instructor.
II. Description of the Course
A.Catalog Description:
Techniques for evaluating and editing expository and argumentative prose.
B.Comprehensive Description:
The content of this course relates to standard 3.4 of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and standard 1 of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC).
III. Exposition
A.Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to do the following:
1. Make critical assessmentsof form, content, and mechanics of expository and argumentative writing. (Assessed by Activities #1-8)
2. Edit to improve prose writing. (Assessed by Activities #1-8)
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the most common usage problems and make usagechoices in accordance with the purpose, subject, and tone ofeach piece of writing. (Assessed by Activities #1-8)
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of theediting stage of the composing process. (Assessed by Activities #1-8)
5. Write clear, effective expository andargumentative papers. (Assessed by Activities #1-8)
6. Participate in and benefit from peer critiques. (Assessed by Activities #1-8)
B. Activities:
1. Write critical responses to reading assignments based on the lessons discussed in class.
2. Lead and participate in group discussions concerning issues of style and clarityof assigned readings and writings from other classes.
3. Participate in peer tutoring situations designed to give the tutor opportunities to make critical assessments of papers andto give the writer detailed, personalized help in improving thethemes.
4. Synthesize the materials of the class to produce lesson plans and editing strategies appropriate for the student’s particular major or field of endeavor.
5. Utilize technology as a tool for composition and editing.
6. Undertake an External Experience that involves skills discussed and developed in class.
7. Complete editing exercises focusing on specific elements of style and grammar.
8. Create new opportunities for composition through experimentation and alternative means of evaluation.
C. Major Units and Time Allotted (45 hours):
Unit 1: Writing/Peer Editing 12 hours
Unit 2: External Experience7hours
Unit 3: Short Response Papers9 hours
Unit 4: Composition Practice 10 hours
Unit 5: Editing Exercises7 hours
Total45 hours
D. Materials and Bibliography:
1. Suggested Textbooks:Joseph M. Williams, Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995.
2.Other Materials:
3.Bibliographic Support:
Clark, Roy Peter. Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer. New York: Little, Brown, and Company, 2008.
Einsohn, Amy. The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communication. 2nd ed. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2005.
Elbow, Peter. Writing with Power: Techniques for Mastering the Writing Process. 2nd ed. New York: OxfordUniversity Press, 1998.
Gross, Gerald C., ed. Editors on Editing: What Writers Need to Know About What Editors Do. 3rd ed. New York: Grove Press, 1994.
Lanham, Richard A. Style: An Anti-Textbook. Philadelphia: Paul Dry Books, 2007.
-----. Revising Prose. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2006.
Saller, Carol Fisher. The Subversive Copy Editor. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2009.
Schneider, Pat. Writing Alone and With Others. New York: OxfordUniversity Press, 2003.
Scholes, Robert, Nancy R. Comley and Gregory L. Ulmer. Text Book: Writing Through Literature. 3rd ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2001.
-----, Nancy R. Comley, and Janice Peritz. The Practice of Writing. 5th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000.
Siegal, Allan M. and William G. Connolly. The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2002.
Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 50th Anniversary ed. New York: Longman, 2008.
Trimble, John R. Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing. 3rd ed. New York, Longman, 2010.
Tufte, Virginia. Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style. Chesire, CT: Graphics Press, 2002.
Williams, Joseph M. and Gregory Colomb. Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace. 10th ed. New York: Longman, 2010.
Zinsser, William. On Writing Well. 30th Anniversary ed. New York: Harper Paperbacks, 2006.
IV. Standards and Assessment
Grades will be awarded in a manner consistent with university policy, and will be based upon student demonstration of a mastery of the course material through such means as exams, homework, discussion, and papers.
V.Rationale and Impact:
- This is a revision of a pre-existing course. The syllabus has been updated to reflect the current format expectations, and the prerequisites were changed to restrict enrollment to upper-level students.
- This course is designed forSecondary Education English and English B.A. majors. It is also a required course for the Pre-Law degree.
- No other department will be affected by the revision of this course.
VI.Cost and Staff Analysis:
- There will be no additional costs incurred on university resources.
- The course will likely be offered every spring.