Course Objectives
To help students develop the ability to think critically, to organize thoughts effectively, and to express ideas clearly; to give students practice in researching and writing short papers in MLA form. Discussion and assignments will build vocabulary, reinforce good patterns of sentence structure, and give practice in analysis of complex ideas.
Class Procedures
Class time is dedicated to discussing topics including the assigned reading and movie, student essays, sentence structure, and MLA form, as well as writing-workshop.
Texts
Other Resources
We will use various selections from the reader provided by Vincennes. Also, the class will view, discuss, and analyze five movies: Footlight Parade (1934), Sullivan's Travels (1941), Sergeant York (1941), Battleground (1949), and The Producers (1968).
Essay Exams
Topics for mid-term and final essay exams are listed below.
Essays
During the course, students will write five essays for evaluation. These analytical essays (topic prompts: "red," "green," "yellow," "blue," & "black/white") will include elements of traditional expository modes: description, narration, persuasion, argumentation, comparison & contrast, and cause & effect. Three of the five essays must include MLA style documentation.
Preparation of Manuscripts
Work written in class will require 8 1/2X11 paper. Write on one side of the paper only, using blue or black ink. Write on every other line and leave adequate margins on both sides & between lines for comments and additions. Write your title on the first line of the page. Skip the second line, indent to indicate the beginning of a paragraph, and start the body of the paper on the third line. Indent the first line of each paragraph. Write on the first line of each page following the first. Number each page following the first in the upper right hand corner. When you have finished your paper, write your name, class, date, and paper description in the upper right hand corner of the first page. Papers must be neat, legible, and carefully written. Homework must be typed in san serif 18 pt. Include name, essay number, and page number on upper right hand corner of every page.
Late Papers
Late papers will receive a grade lowered by one letter grade. No late papers will be accepted one week after the due date unless approved by the instructor in advance.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using a source without giving proper credit (MLA style). Plagiarism is stealing. Any student who engages in plagiarism will automatically receive an F .
MLA
Proper attention to MLA rules can protect you from receiving an F. All essays are to be written in proper MLA form. Use this helpful resource for MLA style information: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html
Grades
Assignments, attendance, participation, etc. are included in computation of grades.
Strong Essay ("B") · Presents well-chosen examples and strongly supports an opinion on the issue or a critique of the argument · Ideas are generally clear and well organized; connections are logical · Shows solid control of language: grammar, stylistic variety, and accepted conventions of writing; minor flaws may occur
Adequate Essay ("C") · Presents and adequately supports an opinion on the issue or a critique of the argument · Ideas are fairly clear and adequately organized; logical connections are satisfactory · Shows satisfactory control of language: grammar, stylistic variety, and accepted conventions of writing; some flaws may occur
Weak Essay ("D") · Succeeds only partially in presenting and supporting an opinion on the issue or a critique of the argument · Ideas may be unclear and poorly organized; logical connections are deficient · Shows unsatisfactory control of language: contains significant mistakes in grammar, usage, and sentence structure · Does not respond to topic or assignment
Deficient Essay ("F") · Shows little success in presenting and supporting an opinion on the issue or a critique of the argument · Ideas lack clarity and organization · Meaning is impeded by many serious mistakes in grammar, usage, and sentence structure · Does not respond to topic or assignment
Grammar Sites
Use these helpful resources for grammar information: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ & http://www.evergreen.edu/writingcenter/handouts/grammar/locating.pdf
Other Resources
Various local libraries include San Diego City Libraries, San Diego County Libraries, National City Library, Chula Vista Library, and Coronado Library. Recommended books and copies of movies may also be purchased from Amazon or obtained from local bookstores.
Attendance
Prompt attendance is required. If you are required for duty and know before the class, you must inform the instructor by email that you are unable to attend and state the reason. The instructor will decide whether to accept the excuse.
Weekly Schedule
Explanation of the course and syllabus.
Steps
of the Writing Process.
Sentence Structure (IC ... IC,cc IC
... DC, IC & IC DC ... DC, IC
cc IC)
In-class writing.
Sentence surgery. Grammar & punctuation review.
Steps of the Writing Process.
Discussion of assigned reading.
Restrictive & Nonrestrictive Clauses: Appositives, ("The company rewarded its employees, who had never been absent, with a BBQ" vice "The company rewarded its employees who had never been absent with a BBQ")
Essay 1 assigned: "Green"
Movie: Sergeant York (1941)
Week 3
Essay
1
("Green") due.
Sentence surgery.
Discussion of Lard Ratio.
Steps of the Writing Process.
Discussion of MLA style.
Essay 2 assigned: "Red"
Movie: Battleground (1949)
Week 4
Essay
2
("Red") due.
Sentence surgery.
Comma sense: items in a series & nonrestrictive clauses. Case in point.
Discussion of MLA style.
Writing Workshop.
Essay 3 assigned: "Yellow"
Essay
3
("Yellow") due.
Sentence surgery.
Essay 4 assigned: "Blue"
Movie: Footlight Parade (1933)
Mid-term
on this image:
Raising
the Flag
at Iwo Jima
Essay
4
("Blue") due.
Discussion of MLA style.
Essay 5 assigned: "Black/White"
Movie: Sullivan's Travels (1941)
Week 7
Essay 5
("Black/White") due.
Sentence surgery.
Discussion of MLA style.
The Producers (1968)
Week 8
Sentence surgery.
Final exam: discuss structure & function of humor