Materials Required:

·         Kolin, Philip C., Successful Writing at Work, 8th Edition. Houghton Mifflin: Boston, 2007.   ISBN-13: 978-0-618-59370-5.

 Course Objectives:

Composition 3140 is a writing course designed to prepare you to function effectively in a world where readers generally expect you to control Edited Standard Written English.  Basic communication skills are not enough if you wish to secure, hold, and advance in a job.  This course does not assume you have a great deal of experience as a writer, but it does assume two other things:

1)   that you are willing to learn, and

2)   that you are interested enough in your career to realize the importance of strong oral and written communication skills. 

During this term you will accomplish the following objectives:

• ·         You will learn advanced methods of writing in a variety of formats.
• ·         You will learn that the process of writing, extensive editing, and careful rewriting enables the writer to gain a detailed knowledge of both subject and audience, and that this is the only way to produce professional texts.
• ·         You will review and strengthen your grasp of basic grammar concepts, understanding the critical role this can play in how other people view your professionalism and abilities.
• ·         You will produce professional documents that you will be proud to display in a portfolio as an example of your writing expertise.

 

Class Policies:

Note: I am willing to discuss these policies at any time, but if you feel you cannot meet them, you would probably be wise to find an alternative way to fulfill your senior writing requirement.

1)         Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory.  After three absences, you will lose two (2) points off your final grade for each additional absence.

2)         Failure to write any paper means failing the course.

3)         Late assignments will be docked 10% of their possible value per class day.  Think of yourself as a professional with your job on the line!

4)         Two points (or 20%) of every paper are editing points.  For this reason, you should proofread carefully before handing in any assignment.

5)         Papers may be rewritten to correct major errors; however, it is more difficult to gain points from a revision than to do it correctly the first time.  Always see me first before you attempt a revision so I can give you specific guidelines.

6)         Successful Writing at Work  textbook readings and accompanying exercises are due on the dates listed on the schedule.   Exercises cannot be redone for extra points.  Also, bring your text to each class session, as we will be doing group work based on exercises listed in the text.

7)         A missed quiz must be taken before the next class period unless you make special arrangements with me.  Failure to do so means losing those points.

8)         Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Assignment	Points	Your Point Total
1. Proposal: Problem and Solutions Text	15
2. Short Report: Recommendation Text Final Exam	10
3. Oral Presentation	10
4. Technical Object Description: in-class group project	10
5. Three Editing Quizzes (5 pts. each)	15
6. Resume and Cover Letter	5
7. Seven Exercises Based on Text Readings (5 pts. each)	35
TOTAL POINTS	100	100

 Procrastination leads not to inspiration, but desperation.

 Special Needs: If you have a disability that may affect your performance in this class, please inform me at the start of the semester.  Methods, materials, or testing will be adapted as required for equitable participation.          

 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

This schedule is designed to help you plan activities and assignments.  We will adhere to it as closely as possible, but it is likely there will be changes as the term progresses.  Any changes will be announced in class (another excellent reason not to be absent--if you are absent you are still responsible for any changes made to this schedule!).

WEEK		MAIN TOPIC/READING DUE	ASSIGNMENT DUE
1		Introduction to course: syllabus, exercise assignment sheet, and attendance The Writing Process presentation
		Diagnostic: grammar and punctuation
2		Chapter 1: Getting Started	Chapter 1 Exercises
		Sentence Construction lecture with worksheet; Active/Passive Voice worksheet
		Chapter 1 group work
3		Chapter 2: The Writing Process at Work Subject/verb agreement with worksheets	Chapter 2 Exercises
		Subject/verb agreement with worksheets
		Chapter 2 group work
4		Chapter 4: Writing Memos, Faxes, and Emails	Chapter 4 email Exercise Quiz #1
		Chapter 4 group work
		Chapter 14: Writing Winning Proposals Proposal assignment given in class
5		Library instruction: Library 116	Go to Library 116
		Pronoun antecedent instruction
		Pronoun antecedent instruction
6		Pronoun antecedent instruction
		Chapter 5: Writing Letters	Chapter 5 Exercises Quiz #2
		Chapter 8: Doing Research Paraphrase instruction and exercise
7		Chapter 9: Documenting Sources APA instruction and exercise
		Chapter 6: Types of Business Letters Letter assignment given out: group work
		Punctuation/apostrophes instruction with worksheets
8		Punctuation/apostrophes instruction with worksheets	Chapter 6 Letter due
			Quiz #3
		Chapter 11: Designing Clear Visuals Do #24 and #25 on page 501 as group work	Chapter 11 Exercises
		SPRING BREAK!!
9		Chapter 13: Writing Instructions Technical Object Description/group work Bring a laptop if you have one	You must be here all three days to get the points
		Technical Object Description
		Technical Object Description
10		Resume instruction
		Resume instruction
		Resume instruction
11		Chapter 12: Designing Successful Documents Do #5 on page 552-553: redo	Chapter 12 Exercises
		Oral Presentations assigned
		Proposal: problem/solution text peer review Bring two copies if you are working with a partner	Peer Review
12		E-Portfolio Presentation: location to be announced
		Chapter 15: Short Reports Final exam assignment: recommendation	Proposal due Bring multiple copies!
		Argumentation instruction with exercise
13			Resume/cover letter peer review
		Oral Presentations	Resume/cover letter
		Oral Presentations
14		Oral Presentations
		Oral Presentations
		Oral Presentations
15		Oral Presentations
		Oral Presentations
		Oral Presentations
16		Deposited at Hum 422	Take Home Final Exam

Your final grade will be turned in during finals week; you can check it on-line shortly thereafter.  Have a great break!!