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.

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. 

In addition to reader provided by Vincennes, we will read and discuss William Wright's nonfiction book Born That Way: Genes, Behavior, Personality. Copies may be borrowed from various local libraries including San Diego City Libraries, San Diego County Libraries, National City Library, Chula Vista Library, or Coronado Library, purchased at small expense from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or obtained from local bookstores.

During the course, students will write five essays for evaluation. These essays will focus on analysis of abstractions and 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.

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 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 is the act of using another person's words and ideas as if they were one's own. Any student who is found plagiarizing on a paper or who permits his/her own work to be copied will automatically receive an F for that paper.

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

Use this helpful resource for grammar information: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

Prompt attendance is required. If you are late because of duty please bring a note of explanation. 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.

Explanation of the course and syllabus. 
Steps of the Writing Process.
In-class writing. 
Essay 1 assigned: "Temperance"

Sentence surgery.
Steps of the Writing Process.
Discussion of grammar: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Discussion of assigned reading.
Discussion of MLA style.
Essay 2 assigned: "Maelstrom"

Sentence surgery. Discussion of MLA style
Steps of the Writing Process.
Discussion of personality typology.
Discussion of Born That Way: Genes, Behavior, Personality.
Essay 3 assigned: "Optimism/Pessimism."

Sentence surgery.
Comma sense: items in a series & nonrestrictive clauses.  Case in point.
Discussion of Born That Way: Genes, Behavior, Personality.
Essay 4 assigned: "Structure & Function of Humor"
Essay example (Chief Scheuer)
Discussion of MLA style.
Writing Workshop.

Movie: Dr. Strangelove
Sentence surgery. Discussion of MLA style.
Discussion of Born That Way: Genes, Behavior, Personality.

Sentence surgery. Discussion of MLA style.
Discussion of Born That Way: Genes, Behavior, Personality.
Essay 5 assigned: "Life is a Tragedy to Those Who Feel & a Comedy to Those Who Think"
Mid-term Exam: discuss Dr. Strangelove in terms of Humor Theory.

Sentence surgery.
Discussion of Born That Way: Genes, Behavior, Personality.

Final exam:
Discuss the effect of Optimism / Pessimism in a productive life.