English Composition Syllabus
I. Course Information: English Composition Fall (High School Credit)
II. Semester and Year: Fall 2022
III. Instructor Contact Information:
Gary Leiter
Email: cia.leiter@gmail.com or text me at: 805.801.8055
IV. Office Hours: email or text me with questions
VI. Course Description: Introduces composition of paragraphs and short essays that conform to Standard American English for college writing. Emphasizes basic reading skills to enhance students' writing. Reviews the basics of grammar, effective sentences, and sentence combining.
VII. Prerequisites: None
VIII. Instructional Goals:
Instruction will be in the areas of:
1.Prewriting
2.Thesis Statements/Essay Maps
3.Body Paragraphs
4.Beginning/Ending Paragraphs
5.Drafting and Revising
6.Expository Papers
7.The Directional Process
8.Comparison/Contrast Paper
And be provided by:
1.An explanation of concepts
2.Working examples in class
3.Fully discussing the processes using various methods and helps
4.Daily reinforcement through the practice of using newly learned concepts
5.Writing assignments showing skills and receiving feedback on papers
IX. Student Outcomes: Upon completion of Writing Strategies the student will have successfully demonstrated knowledge of:
1.Introductory and conclusion paragraphs
2.Use of transition sentences
3.Paragraph development
4.Creating thesis statements and essay maps
5.Comparison/contrast papers
6.The directional process of paper writing
7. Narrative papers
8. Argumentative papers
The student will have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in College Writing
X. Class Participation: Students are expected to ask relevant questions, read the material assigned, complete homework and write papers. The assignments must be turned in on time for full credit.
XI. Students Attendance: Class attendance is expected by regularly submitting homework and writing assignments via your CIA email account.
XII. Required Written Work: Reading and writing assignments can be found on the course website and students are expected to submit all assignments prior to, or on the day they are due.
Turning in Homework
Written coursework assignments can be found on the chronological outline below. Late work will result in a grade reduction of 10% per day late. After each assignment assigned on the website, is the due date. You must submit your assignments by 11:59 pm on the due date. WORK SUBMITTED MORE THAN ONE WEEK AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please don't ask.
**Important note: Life happens and situations arise which makes it difficult...or even impossible to get work in on time. If you let me know before or during the tough times, I am more than happy to help you in any way I can. If you wait until weeks after things are due and then let me know about some difficulty in your life, I will not be as agreeable to help you. Sound fair?
I do not accept work sent as an attachment (i.e. a Word, Google Doc, or pdf document). It must only be sent as an email with the subject line titled with the lesson number and your last name. For example, if I were turning in lesson 3.4, I would put "3.4, Leiter" (you would put YOUR last name...not mine) in the subject line. Anyone not doing their work in this way will have work returned to correct the problem.
XIII. Audit Policy: There are no requirements for auditing this class.
XIV. Plagiarism: Cheating and or plagiarism will result in a grade of “F” for the test and/or assignment.
XV. Grading Scale: (grading rubric below)
A 90-100%
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 0-59
XVI. Evaluation Tools:
Papers and Homework assignment points are listed next to the assignments on the website
XVII. Text: Steps to Writing Well . Wyrick, Thirteenth Edition
ISBN 978-1-305-39422-3
XVIII. Class Atmosphere and Safety: Students are expected to conduct themselves
in a manner conducive to learning. This means that each student is expected to maintain academic integrity and honesty. Working hard, putting forth the extra effort, and pushing yourself are all necessary to be a successful student and professional. Don’t shortchange yourself by doing only what is needed to pass the course.
XX. Chronological Outline of Course Schedule:
(Course Details May Be Found On The Course Website)
Unit #1 Assignments due—Aug 15-26
Unit #2 Assignments due –Aug 29-Sep 2
Unit #3 Assignments due—Sep 6-9
Unit #4 Assignments due—Sep 12-16
Unit #5 Assignments due—Sep 19-23
Unit #6 Assignments due—Sep 26-30
Unit #7 Assignments due—Oct 3-7
Unit #8 Assignments due—Oct 10-14
Unit #9 Assignments due—Oct 17-21
Unit #10 Assignments due—Oct 24-28
Unit #11 Assignments due—Oct 31-Nov 4
Unit #12 Assignments due—Nov 7-11
Unit #13 Assignments due—Nov 14-18
Thanksgiving Break—Nov 21-25
Unit #14 Assignments due—Nov 28-Dec 2
Unit #15 Assignments due—Dec 5-9
