Sample Syllabus Community Learning Center Bridge Writing Syllabus Spring 2009 Instructor: Mina Reddy 617-349-6358 mreddy@cambridgema.

gov Class time: Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 COURSE DESCRIPTION The purpose of this course is to help students understand and prepare for the writing demands of college. Students will work on crafting paragraphs, essays, and a short research project. The class will include whole group, small group, pair, and individual work. The second part of most classes will be conducted in the computer room. Computers will be used to type paragraphs and essays, conduct research, and do grammar exercises. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this course, students will be able to: Describe and practice the steps in the writing process Identify and correct sentence errors Write a well-organized paragraph Write a one-paragraph summary of a text Write a well-organized essay Write a business letter Write an outline Show evidence of critical thinking through questions and analysis Complete a research project using and citing multiple references Identify an area of weakness in grammar or mechanics and show improvement Organize their time so that they can complete assignments when they are due TEXTBOOK Introduction to Academic Writing, Third Edition, by Oshima and Hogue MATERIALS Bring the following materials to every class: 3-ring binder with section dividers 8.5 x 11 lined writing paper pencils and pens the textbook (provided by the school) journal blue books (provided by the school COURSE ASSIGNMENTS Products Weekly journal entry Short paragraphs and essays Scholarship application essay Research project Business letter Reflections on class work

Journal Journal entries are informal reflective writing pieces. One paragraph is sufficient, although longer pieces are acceptable. The writing is generally personal, describing experiences, concerns, plans, etc. It can be handwritten or typed. If you write it by hand, use the blue journal notebooks. Write the date at the top of each entry. If you type it, make sure to include your name and date. I will respond briefly to the content of what you write. I may ask a question that you can respond to in your next entry. I will only correct the grammar and punctuation if you request it. Why do we do journal writing? One reason is the importance of regular practice for developing confidence and skill in writing. Another reason is the opportunity to think about yourself and your environment. Writing helps the thinking process. We will also do reflective activities at the end of class so you can think about what you learned and what you need to learn. Short Writing Assignments All assignments other than journal entries should include a heading with name, course, title, and date at the top. They should be double-spaced. Typed versions are preferred. If you do not have a computer at home, check the availability of computers at the public library. You may also be able to use computers at the CLC by appointment. Research Paper The research paper will be completed in stages: Topic and questions Notes on initial readings Outline First draft: at least 1 page double-spaced with outline and bibliography Second draft: at least 2 pages double-spaced with outline and bibliography Final paper: at least 3 pages double-spaced with bibliography Oral presentation Portfolio The following items will be part of your portfolio: One expository or persuasive essay (optional if you have completed Place Where I Study) Scholarship application essay Business letter Research paper Weekly homework expectations There will be two written homework assignments each Tuesday, due the following Tuesday. One will be a journal entry. The other will be a paragraph, essay, or a draft of the research project. In addition, you will need to turn in revisions of any assignment that had more than a few minor corrections. Homework should be turned in at the next class or emailed before the class session. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what the assignments are. You can do that by emailing or calling a classmate. You are expected to turn in the assignment at the next class even if you were absent the week before.

CLASS SESSIONS February 3 Overview of syllabus and class expectations Review of paragraph format Correction symbols Sentence combining Identify topics of interest February 10 Writing process Topic sentences Process paragraph Essay structure February 24 Quiz on paragraph format Business letter Writing a thesis statement Grammar review March 3 Informational essay Outlining: purpose, format Writing introductions Grammar review Due: business letter for portfolio March 10 Audiences for writing Opinion essay Transitional words Writing conclusions March 17 Comparison-contrast essay Research project topic and questions Finding information on the Internet APA reference style March 24 Scholarship application essay Summarizing Grammar review Due: research project topic and questions March 31 Avoiding plagiarism Practice finding and summarizing information Due: final essay for portfolio April 7

Evaluating information Practice finding and summarizing information Due: research project outline Due: scholarship application essay for portfolio April 14 In-class work on research project; individual and peer conferences Due: first draft of research project April 28 Editing guidelines Practice editing Oral presentation guidelines Small group grammar review Due: 2nd draft of research project May 5 Individual work on research projects May 12 Research project presentations Grammar, sentence structure review Due: final research project May 19 Research project presentations Grammar, sentence structure review May 26 Review Test-taking skills Course evaluation This syllabus is subject to change. Some classes may be pre-empted by college tours and other field trips.