Course
Syllabus: EBS 031-601
Directed
Studies in Writing: Writing a Research Paper
Bergen
Community College
Division
of Arts and Humanities, English Department
Fall
2009 (9/3/09-12/21/09): English Basic Skills
Instructor:
Jacqueline DiChiara
Email:
jdichiara@bergen.edu, Phone: 551-427-6250
Course
Website: http://edfolio.fdu.edu/DiChiaraJ/
Online
Grade Book: http://www.engrade.com/
A.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLIES:
1.
3-ring binder or spiral notebook/folders to store handouts; writing
utensils; electronic notebook (optional)
2.
sans disc/flash drive (optional)
3.
dictionary/thesaurus (optional)
4.
This course does not require a textbook. The primary instructional
material is contained in the various reading, writing, and language
computer skills programs which students will use in Directed Studies.
A standard English handbook is enthusiastically recommended (an
online version is fine) as a helpful writing reference. Optional
books and materials may be put on reserve at the library.
B.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome!
Directed Studies in Writing provides thorough instruction to support
and develop proper language skills necessary for college level
performance in writing. This course, which meets weekly as a
one-hour lab, focuses on the development of a solid, complete
research paper. As a supplement to English Composition I, this
course requires enrollment in Developmental Skills for those students
who score between 240 and 260 on Accuplacer (BCC's Basic Skills
Assessment Test). According to such scores, this course may also be
a required co-requisite of Composition I.
C.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Students
who successfully meet this course's requirements will be able to:
1.
Develop college level reading, writing, and language skills learned
in WRT-101.
2.
Use word processing systems to understand the writing process and to
facilitate revision and editing.
3.
Use a variety of grammar-related computer assisted instruction to
reinforce WRT-101's concepts.
4.
Use collaborative writing software to facilitate the writing process
and support WRT-101's concepts.
5.
Use the internet and library research engines to assist in the
research process.
6.
Write a multi-paragraph documented essay using outside sources.
7.
Find and edit errors in one's own writing.
8.
Use MLA style documentation for in-text citations and a Works Cited
page.
9.
Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for editing and
revision to their peers.
D.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Daily attendance (please see policy below); attending class on time;
permission needed to use personal electronic gadgets, hand-held
devices, or anything that beeps, during instruction time.
2.
Active class participation.
3.
All assignments must be completed according to their corresponding
holistic rubrics, and/or the instructor's specific directions, and
submitted on scheduled days. Plagiarized work receives grade of 0.
4.
Extensions may be granted only with instructor's permission.
Students will lose points for late work.
5.
Students should bring required texts and notebooks to class, unless
the instructor specifies otherwise.
E.
RESEARCH PAPER
This
course requires the successful completion of a 5-7 page, 5 -10
paragraph research paper. This paper should be double-spaced, use
standard margins, and typed in Times New Roman font, size 12. The
paper should have a title page with the student's name, date, class,
and paper title. The paper will have a Works Cited page with a
listing of at least 3 sources listed. All pages, except the title
page, should be numbered. The title page and Works Cited page are
not included in the 5-7 page requirement.
A
student's paper will be graded via the following:
1.
Organization: strong topic sentences, thesis statement demonstrating
point of view; 2 or more supporting ideas; conclusion
2.
Support: significant number of concrete details supports primary
viewpoint and convinces the reader of the thesis statement's validity
3.
Coherence: sequences ideas; transitional words/phrases; maintains
continuity in writing in relation to thesis and topic sentences
4.
Sentence Skills: sentence variety; basic grammar; basic punctuation
5.
Appropriateness: responds in a relevant, logical manner to the given
question/task; responds completely to all parts of the question/task
6.
Content: uses reason and logic regarding supporting ideas, details,
and examples to support thesis
F.
GRADING:
How
is all of the coursework weighted?
Class
participation...5%; Attendance...5%; Brainstorming List...5%; Thesis:
5%; Revised Thesis & 3 Topic Sentences: 10%; 10 Helpful Sources:
10%; Works Cited: 5%; Source Notes: 15%; Outline: 10%; Rough Draft:
10%; Final Research Paper: 20%
1.
Students will be evaluated based upon successful completion of all
activities and assignments.
2.
If a student's grade is "borderline," (ie 89.9/B+), the
instructor takes into consideration subjective elements when grading.
These elements may include: demonstrated enthusiasm for the subject
matter and material; exemplifying extra effort towards assignments;
positive interaction with peers, etc.
3.
Emailed work is always accepted. (jdichiara@bergen.edu).
4.
Lecture notes/outlines may be provided for students preceding a
lesson (or upon request).
5.
Letter grades are based on the following scale: 93+ = A, 90 √ 93 =
A-, 85 √ 89 = B+, 80 √ 84 = B, 75 √ 79 = C+, 70 √ 74 = C, 65
√ 69 = D, 0 √ 64 = F; INC = incomplete
6.
A student's final grade is determined by how successfully he or she
meets the course's requirements. Students receiving an E or F are
generally required to repeat EBS 031.
7.
The grade earned in this class does not influence the grade earned
in Composition I.
G.
WRITING RESOURCES:
Students
may utilize the following writing resources outside of class:
1.
BCC Writing Center: http://www.bergen.cc.nj.us/pages/1795.asp
(individualized tutorial instruction and personalized assistance
writing papers)
2.
BCC Online Writing Lab: http://www.bergen.edu/owl (email your paper;
professionals reply with feedback within 48 hours!)
3.
BCC English Language Resource Center:
http://www.bergen.cc.nj.us/pages/2184.asp (ESL help)
4.
BBC Online Tutoring: http://www.bergen.edu/pages/2195.asp (live
online writing tutorials)
5.
Smarthinking: http://www.smarthinking.com (register, submit your
paper, receive feedback)
6.
Students may also use a free-time computer lab outside of class to
work on assignments. Lab time hours and locations will be posted on
the course website ASAP.
H.
LATE AND ABSENT POLICIES:
1.
Absence due to medical, religious, or court reason is excused (if
possible, provide verification note).
2.
If a student contacts the instructor in advance by email
(jdichiara@bergen.edu), cell, or in person about being late or
absent, 1 absence (or 2 tardies) will be automatically excused.
3.
1 tardy or 1 early departure from class = 1/2 half absence.
4.
Attendance counts as 5% of your grade. Each unexcused absence and
tardy will lower your grade.
3.
5+ total absences may result in a failing grade, according to the
instructor's discretion.
4.
Students hold personal responsibility for material covered in class
when tardy or absent. Students will exchange contact information with
a Homework Buddy. When absent, a student's Homework Buddy provides
him or her with missed lecture notes, handouts, makeup work, new
assignments due, etc.
This
schedule is subject to change at the instructor's discretion.
Students will always be notified of such modifications and updates.
Lecture notes/outlines may be provided for
students preceding each lesson.
*
* * * * * * * * *
I
have thoroughly read and understood what the contents and
implications of this syllabus. I have talked about its contents with
my classmates and my professor; I believe it is fair and advantageous
towards my personal academic growth and development this semester. I
agree to abide by the syllabus guidelines and rules, in accordance
with both the instructor's and Bergen Community College's academic
guidelines.
Signed:
______________________________________________________________
Date:
________________________________________________________________
