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ENGLISH COMPOSITION I – ENGL 1113 Syllabus

1.1 Course description

ENGL 1113 focuses on the writing process and strategies for improving writing. The assignments reflect the fundamentals of expository writing with an emphasis on structure, organization, and style. The course offers a brief review of grammar and punctuation, a study of sentence structure, and practice writing paragraphs and compositions. Assignments require the use of microcomputers and word processing software.

1.2 Prerequisite

Students must have an acceptable score on language assessment tests or TOEFL scores or have permission of the instructor.

1.3 Course Competencies

1. Use standard grammar, punctuation, and spelling

2. Employ a variety of sentence types and structures to compose clear, concise, and forceful sentences

3. Write well-developed, unified, and logically organized paragraphs

4. Use pre-writing, outlining, and drafting strategies

5. Combine paragraphs into unified essays that include an introduction, a body, and conclusion and demonstrate knowledge of different patterns of evelopment

6. Use appropriate writing tone for varied audiences, purposes, and topics

1.4 Course activities

In this course students will:

 Participate in discussions of readings from the course text

 View videos that depict the various concepts employed by effective writers

 Review basic grammar and usage

 Engage in the purposes and processes of writing, including prewriting, drafting, proofreading, and manuscript preparation

 Participate in in-class activities in a writing laboratory setting

 Compose essays that include narration, description, illustration, and process-analysis

 Demonstrate a sense of community responsibility and a work ethic that is based on consistent class attendance and punctuality, peer evaluations, and group activities

 Take quizzes, as deemed necessary by the instructor

 Compile a portfolio of work produced throughout the course

1.5 Grading Procedures:

Assignments: ............................................................................................... 15%

Practices: ...................................................................................................... 20%

Midterm Examinations: .............................................................................. 25%

Class attendance/participation: ..................................................................... 5%

Final Examination: ...................................................................................... 35%

1.6 Required Text

1. Natural English Reading writing skills - Intermediate resource book- Maggie Baigent

2. Writing to Communicate – Paragraphs and Essays – Cynthia A. Boardman

1.7 Lectures contents:

Unit 1: Travelling around

1.1 A family holiday

1.2 Reading: Unclaimed baggage

1.3 Writing: Formal letter - requesting information

Unit 2: Readers and writers

2.1 Reading for pleasure

2.2 Reading: Mother and son

2.3 Writing: Creative writing - describing a scene

Unit 3: The world of work

3.1 The job of chocolate

3.2 Reading: Tips for starting a business

3.3 Writing: Form – applying for a course

Unit 4: House and home

4.1 English around the home

4.2 Reading: The furnishings chain ikea

4.3 Writing: Essay – writing about problems and solutions

Unit 5: On the road

5.1 A new car that counteracts road rage

5.2 Reading: Route 66

5.3 Writing: Report – describing trends

Unit 6: Money talks

6.1 The history of money

6.2 Reading: Donating to charities

6.3 Writing: Informal letter – Saying thank you

1.8 Instructor’s policy on attendance

Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Class attendance is an important element in the learning experience provided at UIT and is vital to the student’s success. Class attendance is the responsibility of the student. Students receiving support from government agencies and other sponsorships must adhere to policies stipulated by the specific sponsor. Students who fail to attend classes regularly or otherwise demonstrate lack of appropriate concern for satisfactory progress toward program objectives may be withdrawn from the college.

The instructor will take roll at the beginning of every class. Daily work missed because of an absence cannot be made up. Quizzes and/or class participation grades are given almost daily.

1.9 Instructor’s late work policy

Though late work is highly discouraged, note that you may submit an assignment up to ONE WEEK late; however, any late assignment’s grade will include a minus of ten points. Reading quizzes will not be accepted late. Essays and other materials assigned are due at the beginning of the class period. Students are expected to notify the instructor if a problem arises. Documentation is needed to verify excusable absences.

 

Instructor’s Signature

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Vinh