Course Information Sheet - English 85 – Basic Reading and Writing – #695 – Fall, 2013

CONTACT INFORMATION: Instructor: Lisa Yanover Class Days and Times: MTWTh 9:30-10:35 am / Location: Room 1738 Office Hours: M 1-2:30; T 11-12; W 11-12:30; Th 11-12, & by appointment Office: 1031N / Phone: 256-4523 / E-mail: Lyanover@napavalley.edu WebPage: http://www.napavalley.edu/people/LYanover

Note: This section of English 85 is linked with English 84 (the Writing Center) Section #60774 (times to be arranged by students with the Writing Center). It is also linked with Counseling 103 Section #60590 (Instructor: Marci Sanchez; Day & Time: M 11-11:50; Room TBA; Email: msanchezy@napavalley.edu; webpage: http://www.napavalley.edu/people/msanchez).

REQUIRED TEXTSBuy the following 2 books at the NVC bookstore. Real Writings will be needed right away.

1. Susan Anker, Real Writing 6th Edition (you need this edition)2. James McBride The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother

Additional materials will be provided as handouts and/or made available to print and view on the website.

Note: The books are also available on reserve at the library in case you cannot buy them immediately. You will need a library card to borrow them, and they may be used only in the library, so make photocopies of the assigned readings to bring with you to class. All students are expected to buy the books by the third week of classes. Success in the class is not possible without the books.

OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS a notebook with plenty of paper for class notes, in-class writing exercises and activities writing utensils (pencil, blue/black pens, highlighters) a folder or section of your binder for handouts and returned assignments access to a computer to type your essays & other writing assignments a library card for one of the Snap System libraries which includes Napa Valley College, Napa Public

Library, Solano College Library, etc.Bring all books, handouts, your notebook with plenty of paper, & writing utensils with you to every class.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONSDescription (from the NVC course outline):

English 85 introduces students to beginning academic reading and writing, stressing the relationship between reading, thinking, and writing. The course emphasizes the critical reading process, stressing reading comprehension, analysis, and evaluation. Writing is treated as a reflection of critical thinking; therefore, the course emphasizes the writing process, stressing paragraph and essay development, and using grammar as a tool to enhance coherence, clarity, and unity in the writing.

Student Learning Outcomes:Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Think, read, and write critically2. Write a unified, coherent, well supported, and grammatically correct document.

Course Objectives:To view the course objectives, go to http://www.curricunet.com/napa, and at the left under “Search” select “course.” Select “English” as the discipline, and type in 85 as the course number. To view the Course Outline of Record (COR), click on WR to the left of the entry. Course Objectives are located in section E.2.

Learning Communities

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English 85 is part of a Learning Community. Learning Communities allow students to attend classes together and increase their chances to:

Learn and succeed Focus on learning Get to know other students in classes Become familiar with the college and services available to students Discover academic goals and career interests Communicate with instructors on a regular basis Work with the staff of the Writing Center

Attendance:Please know that:

Success in this class depends upon regular, prompt, and full attendance. The policy of the college is that you may be dropped from a class if you miss more than the number of

classes that meet in one week. I will follow this policy. Thus in this class, you are allowed 4 absences for the semester, regardless of the reason. If you miss more than 4 classes, you may be dropped.

Students who are dropped from one of the linked classes for non-attendance will be dropped from all linked classes.

Do not schedule work, non-emergency medical appointments, or other activities during class time. Coming late to class disrupts the learning environment as it distracts me and prevents me from focusing

on the material we need to cover. If it’s a regular occurrence, it’s also a sign that this class doesn’t fit in the student’s schedule or lifestyle. I will be closing the door after 10 minutes to protect the learning environment. Students who come after the door has been closed may not be allowed into the class, and this will count as an absence. Even coming 5 minutes late on a regular basis is unacceptable and may result in a loss of points as all assignments are due at the beginning of class.

Inform me right away if you must miss class. If you do miss class, you are responsible for turning essays and other assignments in on time and for

getting assignments, handouts, and class notes from a classmate or from the website, so that you can come to the next class prepared.

Missed in-class work (including quizzes and peer review) cannot be made up if missed.

Classroom Conduct:Help keep the classroom environment friendly, respectful, and focused on learning by:

Silencing and putting away all cell phones and other electronic devices. Arriving on time and staying the full time. Trying to time bathroom breaks for before or after class. You do not need to ask for permission to go to

the bathroom, but please leave and return quietly. Not talking privately during lectures and class activities. Participating fully in class activities. Participating in group activities by listening and sharing your ideas and questions. Asking questions of me and, when it’s not disruptive, of classmates to help clarify lectures and

activities. Not eating during class. But do remember to eat before class. Food feeds the brain. Not sleeping during class. But do make sure you get enough sleep. Like food, sleep nourishes the brain

as well as reduces stress and helps maintain overall wellness. Doing homework for this class and other classes on your own time, outside of class.

Assignments & Point Values:4 Essays 450 points (50, 125, 125, 150)Final Exam (In-Class Essay) 100 points

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Writing Center 100 pointsGrammar & Reading Homework 150 pointsSummary 100 points32-Day Commitment Project Journal 25 pointsPresentation & Write-up 50 pointsInterview of a Family Member 25 points Total Points Possible: 1000 points

Note: In order to pass the class, students must earn at least 75% (at least 750 points), a C in the class, and receive an average of at least a C- (70%) on their collected formal writing assignments (summary, essays, and final exam). In addition, students are required to complete the minimum word requirement of 4,000 words. All essays, including the final exam, summary, and other writing assignments that contribute toward the word count must be turned in for a student to receive a passing grade in the course. Students must take the final exam on the scheduled day/time (unless entitled to accommodations as indicated by DSPS). Do not schedule trips or other activities that conflict with the course until after the semester has ended.

Essays #2, #3, & #4 are each done in 2 drafts. First drafts (along with Conferences & Peer Review) are worth 10% of the total points of the essay. First drafts cannot be turned in late, and Conferences and Peer Review cannot be made up if missed.

Grading Criteria:All essays and writing assignments are graded on the following criteria:

Critical Thinking Focus/Thesis/Topic Sentence Support/Development Organization/Paragraphing Grammar/Clarity Draft/Peer Review/Formatting/Timeliness

Summaries are graded on the following criteria: Comprehension/Identifying Main Ideas & Major Support Critical Thinking/Objectivity Organization/Attribution Accuracy/Paraphrasing/Vocabulary/Grammar/Clarity Formatting/Timeliness

Homework is graded on the following criteria: Completeness/Thoroughness Critical Thinking/Thoughtfulness Formatting/Timeliness

Late Assignments:All homework and writing assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day due. Essays, the summary, and other writing assignments must be typed, stapled, and ready to turn in (with

the required number of copies) at the beginning of class.

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Writing Assignments that come in after roll call (more than 5 minutes after the beginning of class) are considered late and will lose 5% of their point value. Final drafts may be turned in until 5pm on the day due without a late pass but will lose 5% of their point value. Turn these papers in to the division secretary in the 1000 building, and have her time and date stamp them and place them in my box.

During the semester, you may turn in up to 2 late writing assignments (the summary or essays, final drafts only) for full credit (except for deductions based on missed steps, such as drafts, peer review, or conferences, etc.). To turn in a late essay or summary for full credit, use one of the free passes found on page 7; turn the pass in with your paper.

Additional late papers will receive half credit. The late pass cannot be used on drafts or peer review, the Presentation, Essay #4, or the Final Exam. Late grammar and reading homework will not be accepted. The last day to turn in late essays & summaries for credit is Friday, December 14th by 5 pm. After this

date, missing work will not be accepted, and the result will be a grade of “NP” (not passing) in the class.

Conferences & Peer Review:Drafts of Essays #2, 3, & 4 will be revised with the support of your instructor and peers and the Writing Center instructors. On Essay #2, #3 & #4, I will be holding mandatory conferences with students about their drafts to offer feedback and suggestions. In addition, students will review each other’s drafts, providing and receiving feedback and suggestions for improvement. For some or all of the essays, a visit to the Writing Center to address grammar and other concerns may be mandatory and will need to be scheduled the week before the final draft is due. First drafts, conferences, & peer review are worth 10% of the total points of the assignment and cannot be made up if missed.

The writer earns these points by coming on time and prepared to his/her conference with his/her complete, typed, double-spaced draft and by submitting a draft that is complete, typed, printed at the beginning of class on the peer review date.

The reviewer earns these points by being present and doing the peer review in class, providing thorough, thoughtful, and relevant feedback in his/her review of a classmate’s paper, filling out the peer review sheet as directed.

Revision: Any student wishing to improve his or her grade on a writing assignment may revise. In Essay #2 & Essay #3 (which are done in multiple steps), only students who complete all steps—rough

and final drafts, conference with me, and peer review—may revise the essay for a new grade. Only assignments submitted on time may be revised. Note: Essay #4, the Presentation, and the Final Exam cannot be revised.

To revise, follow these steps in order: 1. First, make an appointment to meet with me to go over your paper and the assignment by the

deadline (to be determined for each assignment). Bring your graded paper to the conference. 2. Next, revise, addressing the comments I provided on the paper and in conference. 3. Then take your revised paper to the Writing Center, and get help on grammar issues. (You may

also get help from them as you work on the revision. However, remember that it is your responsibility to give the instructors an accurate understanding of the assignment.)

4. Finally turn the revision in. Be sure to turn in the first draft—the one I graded—along with the copy the Writing Center reviewed and the typed revision by the deadline. Note: Revision should not prevent you from keeping up with the other work due in the class.

Homework Assignments:The books for this class are an important resource. Your success in the class depends upon having and using them. So:

Buy them. Bring them to class with you.

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Write in them.o Real Writing is a workbook. Read and highlight/underline and annotate (take notes in the

margins of) textbook material. Do exercises in the book: circle, underline, fill in the blanks as instructed. Be prepared to turn in the assigned chapters to me. (Write your name on the first page and staple the pages together.) Note: Writing answers only on a separate piece of paper is useless for checking your work and understanding the concepts (and will not receive credit), and writing out whole sentences is a waste of time.

o With the book The Color of Water, read actively by underlining, highlighting, and annotating. In addition, you will be keeping a reading journal. Reading journals will be checked off as assigned, and the complete journal will be collected and graded as a whole.

There may be quizzes on the homework, typically, at the start of class, to test understanding of concepts and content. Quizzes may not be made up if missed due to absence. Students who come in late may not take the quiz.

Writing Center Assignments:The Writing Center is a vital resource. Your success in this class depends upon your taking full advantage of it. Here’s what you need to know:

You earn .5 unit for successfully completing English 84. To receive credit for English 84, you must complete 5 assignments and 27 hours during the course of the

semester. Plan on spending about 2 hours in the Writing Center each week. The last day the Writing Center is open is Friday, 12/13.

In addition, these 5 assignments are worth 100 points (10% of your grade) in this class (English 85). Each assignment is worth 20 points.

To receive the 20 points for an assignment, you must have completed the work, and a Writing Center instructor must have checked and signed off on it by the due date.

Assignments are due by the end of the day on the following Mondays:Assignment #1 (Subjects and Verbs) – September 9th Assignment #2 (Coordination) – September 30th Assignment #3 (Topic TBD) – October 21st

Assignment #4 (Topic TBD) – November 12th

Assignment #5 (Topic TBD) – December 2nd

Note: If you don’t complete an assignment on time, you lose those 20 points, but you still must complete it before doing the next assignment in order to receive the 20 points for the next assignment. So, for example, if you don’t complete Assignment #1 on time, you must then complete it and Assignment #2 by the deadline for Assignment #2 in order to receive the 20 points for Assignment #2, etc. Other benefits of the Writing Center:

The Instructors in the Writing Center work one-on-one with you at all stages of the writing process. They are experts in grammar and offer one-on one as well as occasional small group instruction on

specific relevant topics. They customize grammar and composition lessons to your particular needs based on their observations

as well as my suggestions and comments on your graded writing assignments.

Plagiarism:All papers for this course must be written by you specifically for this course.

Give credit to all outside sources even if you put their ideas into your own words. Taking someone’s ideas without acknowledging where you got them is considered plagiarism, a kind of stealing.

If an essay or paragraph is plagiarized or if it contains plagiarism, it will receive an “F.”

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Getting Help:For help on homework and especially writing assignments for this class, ask:

the students in this class the instructors in the Writing Lab and, of course, me. I am available regularly for conferences (preferably in person but also by phone)

during office hours and by appointment. You can also reach me by e-mail.Do NOT get help from people outside this class (for example, parents, siblings, friends, past English teachers). They do not know the assignments and may mislead you.

Accommodations:Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning disability should contact Learning Services in the Library and Learning Resource Center (LLRC), room 1766, phone (707) 256-7442. A Learning Disability Specialist will review your needs and determine appropriate accommodations. If you need accommodations for physical or other types of disabilities, schedule an appointment with DSPS Counselor, Sheryl Fernandez, in the Counseling Department located in the 1300 building, phone (707) 256-7220 for appointment. All information and documentation is confidential. Please feel encouraged to make an appointment with me privately to discuss your specific learning needs in my class.

Extra Credit/Goodwill:There may be some opportunities to earn extra credit points during the semester.

Extra credit points will be applied at the end of the semester. Only students who have turned in all regular assignments and whose overall average grade on writing assignments and in general is passing are eligible to receive extra credit.

Similarly, goodwill points may be added at the end to acknowledge and reward students who came to class consistently, on time, prepared with all materials and all work done on time, with a positive attitude, and who participated fully and positively.

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LATE ASSIGNMENT PASS #1: (To be used for a late summary or final draft of an essay, not valid on any work due on the last day of class.)

From Student :__________________________________________________________

Please accept my paper Assignment Name:____________________________which was due

on___________________ this one time for full credit though late.

Optional sob story here:__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

I understand that this free pass applies only to this assignment and that the responsibility for not falling further behind is mine. I further understand that because my assignment has come in late, it may not be returned to me with the others.

Sign here to indicate that you have read the above:_____________________________________.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

LATE ASSIGNMENT PASS #2: (To be used for a late summary or final draft of an essay, not valid on any work due the last day of class.)

From Student :__________________________________________________________

Please accept my paper Assignment Name:____________________________which was due

on___________________ this one time for full credit though late.

Optional sob story here:__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

I understand that this free pass applies only to this assignment and that the responsibility for not falling further behind is mine. I further understand that because my assignment has come in late, it may not be returned to me with the others.

Sign here to indicate that you have read the above:__________________________________

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Syllabus* for English 85 #695 – Basic Reading and Writing – Fall, 2013

WEEK 1 Introduction to the Class

Note: Do the Writing Center Orientation right away. It can be done online, but the last step is to go to the Writing Center, make a schedule, and start a folder.

8/19 FIRST DAY: Introduction to the SyllabusIn-Class: Syllabus worksheet & contract

8/20 Homework due at the beginning of class:Letter to SelfIn-Class: Class Norms/Expectations

8/21 Homework due at the beginning of class:Personal Reading HistoryIn-Class: Read “Bank Account of Life: A Simple Story about Happiness.” Read Kristen Ziman “Bad Attitudes and Glowworms” pp.259-60.

8/22 In-Class: Diagnostic Writing Topic: The effect of attitude. Instructions: Write about a time you faced a difficult situation. How did your attitude affect your response to the situation and your view of the situation and yourself?

Note: Complete the Writing Center Orientation by Friday, 8/23.

WEEK 2 Preparation for Essay #1 (Your Name)

8/26 Homework due at the beginning of class: 1. Email me and tell me about yourself.2. Read and take the Learning Styles (VARK) Questionnaire (handout)3. Read Chapter 1: “Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing” (Real Writing pp.3-21)

A. Do Practices 2, 3, 5, & Chapter Review. B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)In-Class: Essay #1 Prep (Read & discuss Sandra Cisneros’ story “My Name”)

8/27 Homework due at the beginning of class: Read Chapter 2 “Writing Basics” (Real Writing pp.27-41)

A. Do Practice 1, 6, & the Chapter ReviewB. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)In-Class: Essay #1 Prep (Prewriting: name questionnaire)

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8/28 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 10 “Description” (Real Writing pp.152-69)

A. Do Practices 1, 2, 3, & 4 & the Chapter Review questions 1-3 on p.169.B. Answer questions 1-4 about Alessandra Cepeda’s paragraph “Bird Rescue.”C. Answer questions 1-4 about Oscar Hijuelos’ essay of “Memories of New York City Snow.”D. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)In-Class: Essay #1 Prep (Prewriting: description)

8/29 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 4: “Writing Your Topic Sentence or Thesis Statement” (Real Writing pp.52-67)

A. Do Practices 1, 2, 5, & the Chapter Review.In-Class: Essay #1 Prep (Paragraph #1: the Introduction & Thesis)

Note: Friday, 8/30 is the last day to ADD a class.

WEEK 3 Preparation for Essay #1 (Your Name)

9/2 LABOR DAY – NO CLASS

9/3 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 5: “Supporting Your Point” (Real Writing pp.68-76)

A. Do the Chapter ReviewIn-Class: Essay #1 Prep (Paragraph #2: Body Paragraph)

9/4 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 6: “Drafting” (Real Writing pp.77-95)

A. Do Chapter Review questions 2-9B. Write a title for your essay based on what you read about titles on p.91

In-Class: Essay #1 Prep (Paragraph #3: the Conclusion), read the Sample Essay

9/5 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Writing Due: Essay #1 (50 points) 300 words/3 paragraphs, typed, double-spaced MLA-format)2. Read Sandra Cisneros’ “Only Daughter” (handout)3. Read Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” (handout)In-Class: Discuss Sandra Cisneros’ “Only Daughter” & Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” (prepare for Essay #2)

Note: Friday, 9/6 is the last day to drop without a “W.”

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WEEK 4 Preparation for Essay #2 (Your Academic Journey)

Note: Writing Center Assignment #1 is due Monday, 9/9. To receive the 20 points, students must have completed the chapter and had a Writing Center instructor sign off on it by closing time on the due date. The Writing Center will let me know who has completed the assignment on time.

Note: The final draft of the essay is worth 125 points. The paragraph drafts, complete rough draft, conference, and peer review are worth 25 of those points. Missing paragraphs, the conference, or peer review not only loses points but also the right to revise.

9/9 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Read Chapter 8: “Narration” (Real Writing pp.113-24)

A. Do Practice 5 & the Chapter Review questions 1-5 on p.131. B. Answer Questions 1-3 about the “Narration in the Real World” paragraph on p.124. C. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like

to learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)2. Read Malcolm X’s “Learning to Read” (handout)

A. Journal Response.3. Read Gloria Anzaldúa’s “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” (handout)

A. Journal Response.In-Class: Discuss the readings and prepare for Essay #2.

9/10 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 3: “Finding, Narrowing, and Exploring Your Topic” (Real Writing pp.42-51).

A. Do the Chapter Review. B. Try each of the following prewriting methods—freewriting, listing/brainstorming, and

clustering/mapping—about your educational experiences: elementary, middle school or junior high, and high school, and possibly college if you have prior experience.

In-Class: Essay #2 Prep (The Thesis Statement)

9/11 Homework due at the beginning of class: 1. Essay #2 Thesis Statement2. Read Chapter 19: “The Basic Sentence” (Real Writing pp.329-40)

A. Do Practices 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, & the Chapter Test.B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like

to learn more about? (If you have no questions, write: “I have no questions at this time.”) In-Class: Essay #2 Prep (Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph) & go over The basic Sentence

9/12 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #2 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Essay #2 Prep (Paragraph #3 Body Paragraph)

WEEK 5 Preparation for Essay #2 (Your Academic Journey)

9/16 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #3 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Essay #2 Prep (Paragraph #4 Body Paragraph)

9/17 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #4 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Essay #2 Prep (Paragraph #1: Introduction)

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9/18 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #1 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Essay #2 Prep (Paragraph #5: Conclusion) & Conference Sign-ups

9/19 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Paragraph #5 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)2. Read Chapter 20: “Fragments” (Real Writing pp.pp.341-58).

A. Do Practices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & the Chapter Test.B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like

to learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”) In-Class: Review Essay #2 & go over Fragments.

WEEK 6 Essay #2 (Your Academic Journey): Conferences and Peer Review

Note: Conferences will be held in my office: 1031N. Only students with complete, typed drafts who arrive on time will be seen.

9/23 Homework due at the beginning of class:

Draft of Essay #2 due for in-class Peer Review: 5 paragraphs, typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted. In-Class: Peer Review of Essay #2 (students who come without a typed draft or who come late will

not be admitted to class as they will be unable to participate.)

9/24 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 7: “Revising” (Real Writing pp.96-110)

A. Do Practice 1, 3, 4, 5, & Chapter Review.In-Class: Peer Review continued/Essay #2 review

9/25 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 31: “Word Choice” (Real Writing pp.535-44).

A. Do Practice 1, 2, 3, 4 & the Chapter Review.B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)

9/26 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 21: “Run-Ons” (Real Writing pp.359-76).

A. Do Practice 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & the Chapter Test.B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)

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WEEK 7 Preparation for the Summary of James Verini’s Essay “Supersize It”

Note: Writing Center Assignment #2 is due Monday 9/30. To receive the 20 points, students must have completed Assignment #1 AND Assignment #2 and had a Writing Center instructor sign off on it by closing on the due date. The Writing Center will let me know who has completed the assignment on time.

9/30 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 23: “Verb Tense” (Real Writing pp.397-421).

A. Do Practice 2, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, & the Chapter Test.B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”)In-Class: Review verb tense in your drafts of Essay #2 (bring your drafts to class).

10/1 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 17: “Writing Summaries” (Real Writing pp.291-5)

A. Do Practice 1, 2, & the Chapter Review question #1B. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”) In-Class: Identify the steps in summary and practice finding and paraphrasing main ideas with the essay “Blood Type and Personality” (handout). Read James Verini’s “Supersize It.”

10/2 Homework due at the beginning of class: Read James Verini’s essay “Supersize It” (handout)

A. Read the essay actively; underline the main ideas: 1) single underline the Thesis Statement (hint: it’s in the first paragraph) and 2) double underline the Topic Sentence of each paragraph. Note: In some cases, the Topic Sentence may be suggested rather than stated. In this case, write what you think the paragraph’s main idea is in the margin. (If you’re uncertain, use pencil.)

In-Class: Review main ideas and check the ones you found in Verini’s essay. Introduction to the Skeleton Outline.

10/3 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Writing due at the beginning of class: Essay #2: Your Academic Journey (125 points): 500 words

minimum, 5 paragraphs, typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted. Turn in the following in order, top to bottom: Final Draft, Rough Draft with my comments, Peer review sheet & draft, Paragraph drafts

2. Skeleton Outline of Verini’s Essay Part 1: Copy the Thesis & Topic Sentences of each paragraph, using Verini’s wording. If the main idea is implied (suggested) rather than stated directly, write what you think the main idea of the paragraph is.

In-Class: Paraphrasing

WEEK 8 Preparation for the Summary of James Verini’s Essay “Supersize It”

10/7 Homework due at the beginning of class:Skeleton Outline of Verini’s Essay Part 2: Paraphrase each of the main ideas (thesis, topic sentences, & major support), putting them in your own words, word order, and style. (Verini’s essay can be found in Real Writing pp.633-636.)In-Class: Attribute tags

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10/8 Homework due at the beginning of class:Skeleton Outline of Verini’s Essay Part 3: Add attributive tags to each of your paraphrased sentences.In-Class: In-text citation

10/9 Homework due at the beginning of class:Typed, double-spaced draft of the Summary of James Verini’s “Supersize It” with attributive tags and in-text citation added.In-Class: Review

10/10 Homework due at the beginning of class:Typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted draft of Summary of James Verini’s “Supersize It” for in-class peer review

WEEK 9 Preparation for Essay #3 (The 32-Day Commitment Project)

Note: The final draft of the essay is worth 125 points. The paragraph drafts, complete rough draft, conference, and peer review are worth 25 of those points. Missing paragraphs, the conference, or peer review not only loses points but also the right to revise.

10/14 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Writing due at the beginning of class: Summary of James Verini’s essay “Supersize It” (100

points): typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted. (Submit the final draft on top along with the skeleton outline, all rough drafts, and peer review draft and comments.)

2. Bring the 32-Day Commitment Project Journal to class3. Read Marina Karakovsky’s “The Secrets of Self-Improvement” (handout).

A. Journal Response.4. Read John Hare’s “Finally Tough Enough to Give Up Snuff” (handout)

A. Journal Response.In-Class: Discuss Marina Karakovsky’s & John Hare’s essays & prepare for Essay #3

10/15 Homework due at the beginning of class: 1. Paragraph #1 (typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted)2. Read Chapter 11: “Process Analysis” (Real Writing pp.170-87).

A. Do Practice 3 & the Chapter Review questions 1 & 2.B. Answer questions 1-5 on p.179 about the paragraph “Buying a Car at an Auction.”C. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like to

learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”) In-Class: Essay #3 Prep (Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph about the Process of a Typical Good Day & Paragraph #3 Body Paragraph about the Process of a Typical Bad Day)

10/16 Homework due at the beginning of class: 1. Paragraph #2 & Paragraph #3 (typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted).2. Read Chapter 9: “Illustration” (Real Writing pp.132-51).

A. Do Practice 4 & the Chapter Review questions 1 & 2.B. Answer questions 1-5 on p.143 the paragraph “Gifts from the Heart.”C. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like

to learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”) In-Class: Essay #3 Prep (Paragraph #4 Body Paragraph about the Outcome of the Project)

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10/17 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #4 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Essay #3 Prep (Paragraph #5: Conclusion) & Conference sign-ups

WEEK 10 Essay #3 (The 32-Day Commitment Project): Conferences and Peer Review

Note: Writing Center Assignment #3 is due Monday 10/21. To receive the 20 points, students must have completed 1) Assignment #1 & Assignment #2 AND 2) the Assignment #3 chapter and had a Writing Center instructor sign off on it by closing time on the due date. The Writing Center will let me know who has completed the assignment on time.

Note: Conferences will be held in my office: 1031N. Only students with complete, typed drafts who arrive on time will be seen.

10/21 Homework due at the beginning of class: Draft of Essay #3 due for in-class Peer Review: 5 paragraphs, typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted. In-Class: Peer Review of Essay #3 (students who come without a typed draft or who come late will

not be admitted to class as they will be unable to participate.)

10/22 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Read Chapter 32: “Commonly Confused Words” (Real Writing pp.545-56).

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct word. B. Do Practice 1, the Chapter Review, & the Chapter Test.C. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like

to learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”) 2. Read Chapter 33: “Spelling” (Real Writing pp.557-64).

A. Do the Chapter Review.B. List words you typically have difficulty spelling. C. Answer the question: What strategies will you use to master them?D. Answer the question: What questions do you have about the chapter or what would you like

to learn more about? (If you have no questions, write “I have no questions at this time.”) In-Class: Peer Review continued

10/23 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. Read “Dr. Maya Angelou: Interview by Terry Glover” (handout)

A. Journal Response2. Read “Oprah Talks to Sonia Sotomayor” (handout)

A. Journal Response3. Read “Son’s Tribute to a Father’s Self-Sacrifice—and Humor” (handout)

A. Journal Response.4. Read Abigail Pesta’s “Father, The Fraudster” (handout)

A. Journal Response.In-Class: Discuss the reading & prepare to select a person (family member or close friend) to interview.

10/24 Homework due at the beginning of class:Come in with a typed paragraph about a family member (or close friend who is like family) whom you would like to interview. How long have you known him/her? What is his/her relationship to you? What is s/he like? Describe him/her (his/her appearance as well as his/her personality). Why do you want to interview him/her?In-Class: Preparing to Interview a Family Member by selecting and/or writing questions.

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WEEK 11 Introduction to The Color of Water by James McBride

10/28 Homework due at the beginning of class:A typed list of 20-50 questions you’ve selected for your interview of a family member.

10/29 Writing due at the beginning of class:Essay #3: The 32-Day Commitment Project (125 points): 500 words minimum, 5 paragraphs, typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted. Turn in the following in order, top to bottom: : Final Draft, Rough Draft with my comments, Peer review sheet & draft, Paragraph drafts.In-Class: Introduction to The Color of Water

10/30 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 1 “Dead” & Chapter 2 “The Bicycle (The Color of Water—CW—pp.1-14)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 1 & 2

10/31 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 3 “Kosher” & Chapter 4 “Black Power” (CW pp.15-36)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 3 & 4

WEEK 12 Discussion of James McBride’s The Color of Water

11/4 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 5 “The Old Testament” & Chapter 6 “The New Testament” (CW pp.37-55).

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 5 & 6

11/5 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 7 “Sam” & Chapter 8 “Brothers and Sisters” (CW pp.57-78)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 7 & 8

11/6 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 9 “Shul” & Chapter 10 “School” (CW pp.79-105)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 9 & 10

11/7 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 11 “Boys” & Chapter 12 “Daddy” (CW pp.107-28

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 11 & 12

WEEK 13 Discussion of James McBride’s The Color of Water

Note: Writing Center Assignment #4 is due Tuesday, 11/12. To receive the 20 points, students must have completed Assignment #1, Assignment #2, Assignment #3 AND Assignment #4 chapter and had a Writing Center instructor sign off on them by closing on the due date. The Writing Center will let me know who has completed the assignment on time.

11/11 VETERANS’ DAY – NO CLASS

11/12 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 13 “New York,” Chapter 14 “Chicken Man,” Chapter 15 “Graduation,” & Chapter 16 “Driving” (CW pp.129-68)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 13, 14, 15, & 16

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11/13 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 17 “Lost in Harlem” & Chapter 18 “Lost in Delaware” (The Color of Water pp.169-91)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 17 & 18

11/14 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 19 “The Promise” & Chapter 20 “Old Man Shilsky” (CW pp.193-211)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 19 & 20

WEEK 14 Discussion of James McBride’s The Color of Water

11/18 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapter 21 “A Bird Who Flies,” Chapter 22 “A Jew Discovered,” Chapter 23 “Dennis,” & “Chapter 24 “New Brown” (CW pp.213-258)

A. Journal Responses for Chapters 21, 22, 23, & 24

11/19 Homework due at the beginning of class:Read Chapters “Finding Ruthie” & “Epilogue” (CW pp.259-85)

A. Journal Responses for Chapter 25 & “Epilogue”

11/20 Homework due at the beginning of class:1. 20+ Interview Questions & Answers, typed (Note: To earn the 25 points on the interview, the

questions as well as the report of the answers must be completed, typed, and submitted on time. A complete answer includes at least 3 sentences and is thorough, detailed, and specific.)

2. Bring to class a significant object (possibly one belonging to or associated with the person you interviewed)

In-Class: Prepare for presentations & paragraph about the significant object

11/21 Homework due at the beginning of class:Bring your significant object to class.In-Class: Presentations Day 1 (25 points)

WEEK 15 Presentations about a Significant Object Associated with the Person You Interviewed

11/25 Homework due at the beginning of class:Bring your significant object to class.In-Class: Presentations Day 2 (25 points)

11/26 Homework due at the beginning of class:Bring your significant object to class.In-Class: Presentations Day 3(25 points)

11/27 Writing due at the beginning of class:Paragraph description of the significant object (25 points) 100 words minimum, typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted)In-Class: Prepare for Essay #4 Uncovering Family History (Paragraph #1 Introduction & Thesis)

11/28 THANKSGIVING – NO CLASS

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WEEK 16 Preparation for Essay #4: Uncovering Family History

Note: Writing Center Assignment #5 is due Monday, 12/2. To receive the 20 points, students must have completed Assignment #1, Assignment #2, Assignment #3, Assignment #4 AND the Assignment #5 chapter and had a Writing Center instructor sign off on it by closing time on the due date. The Writing Center will let me know who has completed the assignment on time. For credit in English 84, one must complete all 5 assignments and 27 hours no later than Friday, 12/13.

Note: The final draft of the essay is worth 150 points. The paragraph drafts, complete rough draft, conference, and peer review are worth 25-50 of those points.

12/2 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #1 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Prepare for Essay #4 Uncovering Family History (Paragraphs #2, 3, & 4 Body Paragraphs)

12/3 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraphs #2, 3, & 4 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Prepare for Essay #4 Uncovering Family History (Paragraphs #5 & 6 Body Paragraphs)

12/4 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #5 & 6 (typed, double-spaced, MLA formatted)In-Class: Prepare for Essay #4 Uncovering Family History (Paragraph #7 Conclusion)

12/5 Homework due at the beginning of class: Paragraph #7 (typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted)In-Class: Conference sign-ups & review

WEEK 17 Essay #4 (Uncovering Family History): Conferences and Peer Review & Preparation for the Final Exam

Note: Conferences will be held in my office (1031N). Missed conferences cannot be made up. Only students with complete, typed, double-spaced drafts who arrive on time will be seen. Missed drafts/conferences will result in a loss of points on the final draft.

12/9 Homework due at the beginning of class:Draft of Essay #4 due for in-class Peer Review: 7 paragraphs, typed, double-spaced, MLA-formatted.

12/10 TBA12/11 TBA

12/12 Homework due at the beginning of class:1) Bring The Color of Water to class2) Bring 2 large sized blue books to class in preparation for the final exam. I will collect them and

return them to you at the time of the final.In-Class: Preparing for the Final Exam

Note: Thursday, 12/12 is the last day to turn in missing writing assignments (essays, summaries, and/or the presentation write-up). Failure to submit even one writing assignment will result in a failing grade in the course.

Note: Friday, 12/13 is the last day to complete Writing Center assignments and hours in order to receive credit for English 84.

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WEEK 18 The Final Exam

During Final’s Week, our class meets only for the final.

Day/Date/Time: Wednesday, 12/18, 8-10 am Subject: an in-class essay about The Color of Water (100 points, 5 paragraphs, about 500 words, written in large-sized blue books). The Final Exam cannot be made up if missed.

Writing due by 5pm on Wednesday, 12/18:Essay #4: Uncovering Family History (150 points): 7 paragraphs, 750 words minimum, typed, MLA-formatted. Turn in the following in order from top to bottom:

1) Final Draft2) Rough Draft with my comments 3) Peer Review Sheet & draft with peer’s comments & suggestions4) Writing Center reviewed copy5) Paragraph drafts6) Interview Questions & Answers

*Syllabus is subject to change.