EN120a Expository
Writing I / Spring 2008
Instructor: Jonathan Gourlay
Office Hours: MWF 9-10, 2-3
Phone: 320-2480, ext. 229
E-mail: jgourlay@comfsm.fm
Course Description:
Expos I is designed to help students develop skills in expository writing by
completing a minimum of five multi-draft essays of varying degrees of complexity.
In these essays students develop topics in at least four of these five rhetorical
patterns: example, comparison/contrast, classification, process analysis, and
cause/effect analysis. The students also write an argumentative essay that demonstrates
familiarization with methods of research documentation. During the course, students
will utilize the various stages of the writing process: prewriting, drafting,
and revising.
Prerequisite:
C or better in ESL099 Writing V, or departmental placement.
Course Objectives
General Objectives: Upon completing Expository Writing I, students will be able
to
1. utilize all stages of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising
when composing academic papers
2. construct a thesis.
3. develop the thesis using various expository modes to explain or analyze:
a. example.
b. comparison/contrast.
c. classification.
d. cause/effect analysis.
e. process analysis.
4. develop a thesis by applying elements of argumentation and persuasion.
5. illustrate an awareness of the concepts of audience, purpose and tone.
6. draft a composition that exhibits unity, coherence and logical organization of information.
7. utilize word processing software such as MS Word to format, draft, save,
revise, and print compositions. Also, monitor spelling, grammar, and mechanics
through the use of electronic technology.
Assignments:
Homework assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of class in the homework
basket. No late homework is accepted.
Essay assignments are generally due via e-mail to: jgourlay@comfsm.fm. If I receive the essay, I will reply with an e-mail receipt within a few hours. If you do not get a receipt from me, then you must come see me to be sure that I got the essay. If I do not get the essay, you will receive an “F” on the assignment.
Tests:
There is a 10% (one grade) penalty for not taking test on scheduled date. If you miss a test, make an appointment to make up the test before the next class meeting. An additional 10% deduction will be made for each class period the test is not made up.
Attendance:
This is a T/Th class. You may be absent four times. If you have more than four absences, you will fail or be withdrawn from the class. Three “lates” (more than 10 minutes late) equals one absence.
Plagiarism:
Anyone who willfully and knowingly uses another’s work as their own will fail this class and may face charges before the student conduct board. Depending on the nature of the plagiarism, the student may only fail the plagiarized assignment and not the class.
Classroom Rules:
Please don’t get up and walk out of the room in the middle of class (especially if someone is talking). It’s not a huge problem, but it disrupts the class.
No cell phones or texting during class. If you beep, the instructor reserves
the right to make fun of you.
Your teacher expects maturity and mutual respect. Your teacher reserves the
right to remove you from class if you are disruptive.