COURSE SYLLABUS: Developmental Writing
CATALOG NUMBER: DSPW 0800
CREDIT: 3 Hours Institutional Credit
LOCATION:
TIMES AND DAYS:
PREREQUISITE: DSPW 0700 - Basic Writing
(depending upon assessment)
SEMESTER:
FINAL EXAM TIME
AND DATE:
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE
NUMBER:
OFFICE PHONE:
EMAIL
ADDRESS:
Web
Address
REQUIRED TEXTS: Ford, Harriet-Lynn. Preparing for College Writing: A PracticalGuide to Grammar and Composition ( A Custom Edition with additional contributions from Columbia State Community College). Boston: Pearson, 2003.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Developmental Writing focuses on writing competencies necessary for successfully completing Composition I. Topics include conceiving ideas, organizing, proofreading, revising, rewriting, and determining the most effective writing style for different readers and purposes. Microsoft Word is utilized for some word processing. Upon earning a grade of “C” or better, the student advances to college-level English courses.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Students will become familiar with the use of word processing on computer. Most writing assignments in this class must be done using word processing. Class lectures and individualized instruction are designed to insure that all students reach the stated objectives. Class exercises and writing assignments will be used to evaluate the levels the students have reached.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of DSPW0800 Developmental Writing, students should
1. Write with a clear purpose
2. Develop knowledge of sentence structure and of essay structure, paragraphing, tone, and mechanics
3. Establish control of basic elements of diction, syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
4. Adjust their writing to the needs of audiences other than their teachers or themselves
5. Respond adequately and appropriately to different writing situations
6. Use appropriate level of language formality for Standard Composition English
7. Understand that writing for college classes involves acquiring, evaluating, analyzing and synthesizing primary and secondary sources
8. Understand the purposes and structure of documentation
9. Understand the necessity of taking most writing through a series of drafts to successfully accomplish the assignment
10. Develop personal strategies for generating ideas, revising, editing, and proofreading
11. Understand writing as a process involving rethinking and revision of ideas
12. Learn to work effectively in peer response groups
13. Learn common text formats, including business letter, cover letter, essay, book review/report/critique, etc.
Week(s)
1 Introduction to the Course [including course syllabus and policies statement]
Expectations/Responsibilities of teacher and students
2-5 Grammar, sentence boundaries, audience, purpose, punctuation, thesis
statements, spelling, proofreading, organization patterns, writing process—to be revisited as needed throughout the semester
Paragraphs to essays
Appropriate in-class and/or out-of-class writing assignments
6-10 Research, the library, summary/paraphrase, dictionary/spell-check,
documentation styles [primarily MLA], sources [primary, secondary, on-line]
Business letter, cover letter
Diction, style, syntax
Peer response groups
Grammar, etc., as needed
Appropriate in-class and/or out-of-class writing assignments
11-15 Introduction to writing about literature [prose, poetry]
Critique/review
Figurative language, imagery [glossary of terms]
Character, setting, point of view, etc.
Grammar, etc., as needed
Appropriate in-class and/or out-of-class writing assignments
16 Final Exam that includes a formal essay
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Completion of all assignments and exams.
2. Participation in class and group discussion.
3. At least one individual conference.
Attendance Policy
Class attendance is mandatory, and monitoring of class attendance is continuous. You will earn a grade based on your attendance in class. This grade will constititute 10% of your total grade. One tardy will constitute half an absence. Likewise, one early departure will constitute half an absence.
The schedule is as follows:
0 absences = a grade of 100
1 absence = a grade of 94
2 absences = a grade of 88
3 absences = a grade of 78
4 absences = a grade of 64
5 absences = a grade of 45
6 absences = a grade of 20
7 or more absences = 0
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Students are expected to attend class and to be on time for each class meeting. In addition, students are expected to remain in class for the designated period. Leaving class early for any reason is strongly discouraged.
2. All graded assignments should be kept in a specific folder and arranged in chronological order. This folder must be submitted to the instructor at the end of the term. The instructor will keep these folders on file for one semester. A student must submit this folder before he or she can be awarded a grade for the course.
3. Students are expected to complete all assigned readings and exercises both in and out of class. Participation in class discussion is expected.
4. Students who feel they need additional help with the course work should not hesitate to bring their concern to the attention of the instructor. Often, arrangements can easily be made for tutorial assistance.
5. As a general rule, STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DROP THIS COURSE. However, should students encounter an extenuating circumstance which might necessitate their dropping the course, they may be able to secure permission to drop but must first consult with the instructor; then, they must obtain the approval of the Director of Developmental Studies. A STUDENT NOT COMPLETING THE COURSE WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF F UNLESS OFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES ARE FOLLOWED. The last day to withdraw without a failing mark is _____________
STUDENT CONDUCT:
1. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student found guilty of either of these will receive a failing grade for the assigned work. If the student is found guilty a second time, he or she will receive a failing grade for the course.
2. Food, drink, chewing gum, and tobacco in any form are not allowed in the class.
3. Cell phone, pagers, and other personal electronic devices are to be turned off during class time.
4. Foul language or any other disruptive behavior, such as excessive talking during class, working on assignments for other courses during class time, surfing the Internet , or playing computer games will not be tolerated
GRADING:
The student must obtain a final grade of C or better before he or she will be recommended for Composition I.
90 -100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
0 - 69 = F
On rare occasions, a grade of PR (progress) will be assigned. This grade is awarded to students who make substantial progress in the course but who have not yet satisfactorily developed the required writing competencies. Students who receive a PR will have attended class regularly, completed all assignments and tests, made a sincere effort to improve their writing, and, in the instructor's opinion, possess the ability to progress to college-level writing courses following further practice with developmental writing skills. Those who receive a PR grade must re-enroll in Developmental Writing during the next term they attend Columbia State. No student may receive the W or PR grade more than once. Any student who fails to successfully complete the course the second time will receive an F.
Grades are not mailed to students. Students must access grades via Web for Students (www.columbiastate.edu) five (5) working days after grades are required in Admissions. Students needing official copies of grades must request it in writing from the Office of Admissions and Records. Call the transcript information line at 931-540-2550 for detailed instructions. Students may print a copy of their grades from Web for Students.
Assignments contributing to student grades will be weighed as follows:
Attendance 10%
4 Paragraphs and Business letter 25%
Expanded Paragraph Essay 10%
Expository Essay 10%
Peer Response Groups, grammar exercises, quizzes 10%
Essay on Literature 10%
Documented Essay 10%
Final Exam 15%
100%
Disability Services
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with the Counseling and Disability Services office for possible assistance with accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially provide appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of a disability. Students requesting special accommodation are encouraged to contact Counseling and Disability Services (931.540.2572) at the beginning of the semester.
Emergency Procedure:
In case of emergency, students should be familiar with the classroom escape plan. The plan for this classroom is located next to the door. Students should also be familiar with the Emergency Guidelines information in the green booklet located near the room exit. Should an emergency arise, students are to follow the directives of the professor.