Junior Composition & Conversation Fall 2010
Instructor: Adeline Teo Office: SF829 e-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (12:10 – 12:50); Thursday (13:40-14:30) Phone: (O) 2905-3809
Days & Time: Tuesday & Friday 1:40pm – 3:00pm Composition Credit: 2 credits
Conversation Credit: 1 credit
*This is a tentative course syllabus.
Course Goals
The course in this semester enables you to:
1. Discuss various readings and student papers (in areas of structure and syntax, etc.) 2. Write and analyze various types of essays.
3. Start the process of writing a research paper.
4. Share your papers with professors and peers.
5. Learn to conduct academic research and present it to peers.
Required Textbook/Reading
1. Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed.
New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 2009.
2. “Strategies in Essay Writing” (SIEW) handbook 3. Handouts Packets
Grading Policy Composition
1. Attendance (see explanation in the section “Attendance and Punctuality”
below)
2. Papers & Revisions
Mode 1: Song Analysis Paper……… 10%
Mode 2: Timed Writing Paper (revised draft)……… 10%
Mode 3: Argumentation Paper……… 10%
Mode 4: Research Paper Proposal (1st draft)……….. 10%
3. Journal………. 25%
4. Midterm (Research Paper Introductory Paragraph)……… 15%
5. Final Exam (Research Paper Proposal revised Draft)………… 20%
Conversation 1. Attendance (see explanation in the section “Attendance and Punctuality” below) 2. IELTS Graph Writing Presentation………. 10%
3. Research Paper Proposal Presentation………. 30%
4. Social Observation Analysis & Project (SOAP)……… 30%
5. Midterm (Song Analysis Presentation)……….. 15%
6. Final Exams (Argumentation Paper Presentation)………. 15%
Grading Scale
A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D and
failing 91 &
above
87-90 83-86 79-82 75-78 70-74 67-69 64-66 60-63 59 and below Important Note:
Composition is 2 credits and Conversation is 1 credit. If a student fails in either composition or conversation, he or she will have to retake the Junior CC course.
Attendance and Punctuality
Please try your best not to miss any classes and be on time. Each unexcused absence will result a 3% deduction from the final grade. If you are or will be absent for medical or personal reasons, please inform me in advance and show permission slips or proofs (e.g.
medical excuse from your doctor). According to the university regulation, more than two unexcused absences or six excused absences will result in your failing in this course. I will provide a sign-in sheet for you to sign your name. Please do not sign for other people.
Assignments Punctuality
Two or more late assignment submissions will result in failing in this course.
All assignments submitted must be typed.
Preparation
Please be prepared to write and participate in class. In order to achieve optimal learning, you are expected to go through the writing process and share with your peers the drafts you have written.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is forbidden. You must obey the principles of academic integrity. If you quote or refer to another person’s work, please remember to give credit to the author(s).
A plagiarized product will result in a 0% of your assignment.
Assignments: The following descriptions will provide you with details about your assignments for Composition and Conversation accordingly.
A. Composition
Mode 1: Songs analysis
- Music is a universal language, according to some people. In this course, I will give you some songs and you will choose ONE of them to analyze in depth. You are expected to analyze the lyrics critically, and explain the social implication in that song (if you find any). You may also try to find universal human traits or themes, such as friendship, familial/romantic
love, and human conflicts the song may portray. You may do some research ahead of time about the background of the song, such as when it was composed and the historical context behind it, before you write your analysis, but please use YOUR OWN WORDS and IDEAS, as well as critical thinking skills when you analyze the song. Independent thinking is extremely important at this stage of your life. Be brave to express your own unique views! Plagiarism is absolutely NOT ACCEPTED, and it will result in failing in this course.
- Handout for your essay: 1.5 space, font 12, 1.5 to 2 pages - Due date: September 24, 2010 (Friday)
- Handouts will be passed out in class to guide you through the writing process. We will also do some song analysis activities in class to get you warmed up for your individual writing assignment.
Mode 2: Timed Writing – We will practice writing in class using the prompts from TOEFL and IELTS previous exam samples.
(a) TOEFL essay
- You will be given 40 minutes in class to write on a TOEFL-simulated topic assigned by instructor. You are required to write a TWO-page essay within the time given.
- Afterwards, the instructor will hold a one-on-one conference with you to go over your writing.
- Then, you are required to submit a typed TWO-page revised draft based on the instructor’s feedback. (Handout: 1.5 space, font 12)
- In-class Timed Writing date: October 5, 2010 (Tuesday) - Timed Writing Revised Draft due: October 15, 2010 (Friday) (b) IELTS graph writing task
- You and your partner will learn how to write reports on graph writing in class.
- You will be given 20 minutes to work on this task with your partner.
Then, you will be given time to edit and proof-read before you present your writing in class.
- In-class IELTS graph writing task date: December 24, 2010 (Friday)
Mode 3: Argumentation
- Handout: 1.5 space, font 12, 2 pages
- A topic for your written assignment will be given to you in advance - Due date: October 29, 2010 (Friday)
- Handouts will be passed out in class to guide you through the writing process.
Mode 4: Research Paper (RP)
- RP is primarily a pair joint project. Two people will work together to brainstorm ideas, come up with an outline, find related articles, write first draft, and do presentation.
- References: You should have at least SIX references, following MLA style. Not more than TWO Internet sources can be used.
RP Article References due date: November 16, 2010 (Tuesday) - There are 2 RP related assignments that involve individual work.
a. Midterm written test – RP introductory paragraph.
Due date: 11/12/2010 (Friday)
b. Final written test – Submission of RP Proposal Revised Draft Due date: 1/11/2010 (Tuesday)
(For a & b, please see “Midterm Exam” and “Final Exam” below for details)
- Please use the following resources to help you through the process of writing your research paper:
Research paper (RP) topic
http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/con&com_databank/writing/research_paper.html http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/con&com_databank/writing/research.html
http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/con&com_databank/final_paper.html
Journal: Informal entries
- The nature of journal writing: I would like you to treat journal writing as an informal way of communicating with yourself. I called it “informal”
because when you write your journal, I don’t want you to feel
overwhelmed with grammatical rules or sentence structures. You should focus on letting you thoughts flow freely on paper, and jot your ideas down on anything you want to write about. You may choose to self- reflect on certain aspects of your life, write about certain things that touch your heart or teach you a life lesson, or any encounter that means
something special to you. Another aspect you can write about in your journal is anything you want to add to this class’ assignments, such as issues in your SOAP, argumentation, song analysis, or research paper topics.
- Handout requirement: Use double-spaced, A4 paper, and font 12, ONE page for each assigned session. (24 pages a semester in total).
- Make sure your name, and student ID number is on the journal paper.
- I picked 24 sessions this semester for you to turn in your journal. You need to turn in 1 page of journal on each designated date (see the tentative schedule). NO LATE JOURNAL SUBMISSION IS ACCEPTED. If you don’t submit your journal for any particular session, you don’t get points for your journal for that session.
- Your journal is graded based on if you fulfill the handout requirement mentioned above. I won’t correct your grammar, spelling, or syntax, and
the focus in on the content you write. I will also comment in your writing if necessary.
- Journals are due on the following dates: (Submit 1 page of journal per session, and the total is 24 pages)
9/17, 9/21, 10/5, 10/8, 10/12, 10/15, 10/19, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/9, 11/19, 11/23, 11/26, 11/30, 12/3, 12/14, 12/17, 12/21, 12/24, 12/28, 12/31,1/4, 1/7
Midterm Exam:
- Everyone should submit his/her individual Research Paper (RP) Introductory paragraph.
- The RP Introductory paragraph should include ALL the components you learned in class. (See handout “RP Introductory Paragraph”)
- Handout used: 1.5 space, font 12, 1 paragraph - Due date: 11/12/2010 (Friday)
Final Exam:
- Research Paper (RP) Proposal Revised Draft – It should include ALL the components for a RP proposal that are taught in class.
- Everyone should submit his/her individual revised RP proposal. It is not a joint assignment.
- Handout used: 1.5 space, font 12, 2 -3 pages - Due date: 1/11/2010 (Tuesday)
B. Conversation
SOAP (Social Observation & Analysis Presentation)
- A separate handout will be given in class for more details - SOAP topic due date: October 1, 2010 (Friday)
- SOAP proposal due date: October 22, 2010 (Friday) - SOAP Rehearsal 1 date: November 23, 2010 (Tuesday) - SOAP Rehearsal 2 date: November 26, 2010 (Friday)
- SOAP Cross-section Presentation 1 date: November 30, 2010 (Tuesday) - SOAP Cross-section Presentation 2 date: December 3, 2010 (Friday) - Some past years’ samples can be found at:
http://www.eng.fju.edu.tw/iacd_2009F/junior_cc/soap/index.htm
Research Paper Proposal presentation: 8 minutes per pair Presentation date: December 10, 2010 (Friday)
IELTS graph writing presentation (2 people per group, 7 minutes per group presentation + 2 minutes for questions)
Presentation date: December 24, 2010 (Friday)
Midterm: Present in class your Mode 1 Song Analysis paper.
- Each person needs to present 4 to 5 minutes. Please control your time well. Points will be taken off if your presentation does not meet the time range.
- Presentation Date: November 9, 2010 (Tuesday)
- In your presentation, please explain some of the words or sentence structures to your audience if you believe that they might be difficult or confusing for the audience to understand.
- PowerPoint slides are required to be used for your presentation.
- Please do not read from your song analysis paper or slides, but present it professionally. (If you spend most of the time reading through the slides, you will receive a “failing” in your presentation.)
Final Exam: Present in class your Mode 2 argumentation paper
- Each person needs to present 4 to 5 minutes. Please control your time well. Points will be taken off if your presentation does not meet the time range.
- Your focus in this presentation should be on what your position is on a certain issue. Explain in depth to support your position. Remember to add counter-argument in your presentation. One very important
requirement in creating an effective argumentation presentation is that you have to make sure that your supporting details are well-organized, logical, and convincing.
- Presentation date: January 14, 2011 (Friday)
- In your presentation, please explain some of the words or sentence structures to your audience if you believe that they might be difficult or confusing for the audience to understand.
- PowerPoint slides are required to be used for your presentation.
- Please do not read from your argumentation paper or slides, but present it professionally. (If you spend most of the time reading through the slides, you will receive a “failing” in your presentation.)
C. Writing Conferences
Throughout the semester, you and your group will have to sign up for writing
conferences with the instructor. The purpose for the writing conferences is to help you go over your writing strengths and weaknesses so that you can improve on your first draft. During class time, the instructor will give everyone a chance to sign up for a time slot for each conference. Please show up at your signed-up time on time so that we can all stay on schedule. The conferences dates are listed below:
(1) Individual Conference for Timed Writing 1st draft: October 8, 2010 (Friday) 9 minutes/person
(2) Individual Conference for Timed Writing 1st draft: October 12, 2010 (Tuesday) 9 minutes/person
(3) Group SOAP Conference: November 2, 2010 (Tuesday) 20 minutes/group
(4) Research Paper (RP) Proposal Conference: December 21, 2010 (Tuesday) 9 minutes/pair
Updated Tentative Schedule
Week Date Activities Readings/Assignments
1 9/14 T Choose class representative;
introduction of course and each assignment; class expectation;
song discussion/brainstorming
1. Read handout “Strategies in Essay Writing” (SIEW) before next class: 4-7 to 4- 8; 4-17 to 4-27
2. Read handout “Song Analysis Guidelines” (p.1- 2) before class.
9/17 F 1. Go over handouts “SIEW”
& “Song Analysis Guidelines”.
2. Mode 1: Song Analysis (Brainstorming &
Discussion)
3. Pass out Song Analysis Assignments
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read SIEW before next
class. Read: 4-32 to 4-35
2 9/21 T 1. Go over “SIEW” (4-32 to 4-38)
2. Mode 1: More Song Analysis (Brainstorming &
Discussion)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read handout “SOAP
Handout” (p. 2 – 7) 3. Read handout “Research
Paper Proposal Handout”
(p. 2-4) before next class 9/24 F 1. Go over handout “SOAP
Handout” (p.2-7)
2. Go over handout “Research Paper Proposal Handout”
(p. 2-4)
3. Divide class in groups for SOAP (2 groups of 5; 2 groups of 4)
1. Mode 1: Song Analysis due (2 pages)
2. Read SIEW 3-30 to 3-33;
4-59 to 4-62 before next class
3. Read SIEW 4-75 to 4-76 (TOEFL iBT Writing Rubric)
4. Each group gets together and finds a topic for SOAP 3 9/28 T No class – Teacher’s Day
10/01 F 1. SOAP topics due (Instructor will forward them to Dr. Shih) 2. Go over “TOEFL iBT
Writing Rubric”
3. Argumentation & Timed- Writing: Analyze Essay Samples #23, #28
1. SOAP topic due (NO late submission is allowed) 2. Read handout “SOAP
handout” (p. 8 to p. 10, focusing on “survey”
section) before next class 3. Read handout: “Research
Paper Proposal Handout”
(p. 13- p.16) before next
class 4 10/05 T 1. In-class Timed Writing test
(40 minutes)
2. Sign up for Timed Writing Conference
3. Introduce Survey method for SOAP (SOAP handout p. 8-10; Research Paper Proposal Handout” (p. 13- p.16)
1. Journal (1 page) due
10/08 F Individual conference with instructor for Timed Writing 1st draft (9 mins/person). Please be on time so that we can all stay on schedule.
1. Journal (1 page) due
5 10/12 T Individual conference with instructor for Timed Writing 1st draft (9 mins/person). Please be on time so that we can all stay on schedule.
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read “SOAP Handout”
(p.11-20) before next class
10/15 F Go over “SOAP Handout” (p.11-
20) 1. Journal (1 page) due
2. Timed Writing revised draft due (2 pages) 3. Read “Research Paper
Proposal Handout” (p. 2-8) before next class
6 10/19 T 1. Go over “Research Paper Proposal Handout” (p. 2-8)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Find a partner for your
Research Paper (RP) project
3. Read handout SIEW 4-36 to 4-38 before next class 10/22 F 1. SOAP proposal due to
Instructor
2. Go over handout “RP Introductory Paragraph” (p.
1-3)
3. Assign “Argumentation Paper” topic
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. SOAP proposal due 3. Read “RP Introductory
Paragraph” (p. 4 – 6) before next class
4. Read SIEW 4-46to 4-49 before class
7 10/26 T 1. Continue handout “RP Introductory Paragraph” (p.
4 –6)
2. Review what is expected in Argumentation Paper (review SIEW 3-30 to 3-
1. Discuss with your partner and come up with your Research Paper topic before next class
2. Read SIEW 4-49 to 4-52 before class
33)
10/29 F 1. SOAP proposal responses to students
2. Inform instructor who your RP partner is, & your RP topic
3. In class, students discuss with their partner and come up with their research paper topic
4. Sign up time for SOAP conferencing with instructor
5. Go over “RP Introductory Paragraph” (p. 7 – 9)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Research Paper topic due 3. As a group, come up with
questions to ask for your SOAP presentation. Bring the questions with you to your conference with the instructor next class.
4. Argumentation paper due (2 pages)
8 11/02 T 1. Group SOAP conferencing with instructor (20
mins/group)
1. Read SIEW 4-53 to 4-58 before next class
11/05 F 1. Go over handout “RP Introductory Paragraph” (p.
1-9)
2. Students in group practice writing “RP Introductory paragraphs”
1. Journal (1 page) due
9 11/09 T Midterm (Conversation: Song analysis presentation)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Midterm exam: Song analysis presentation due 11/12 F Midterm (Composition: RP
Introductory Paragraph)
1. Read “Research Paper Proposal Handout” (p.10 -p. 12: Primary sources vs Secondary Sources,
Evaluating Sources) before next class
2. Read MLA book p. 33-38 (Evaluating Sources) before next class 3. Read “Research Paper
Proposal Handout” (p.19 -p. 22)
4. Midterm paper due (RP Introductory paragraph) 10 11/16 T 1. Go over “RP Proposal
Handout” (p. 10-12) 2. Go over “RP Proposal
Handout” (p. 19-22) 3. Each pair works on RP
1. Each pair works on RP outline and present it in class next class.
2. RP articles references due (6 sources minimum,
outline in class follow MLA style) 11/19 F 1. Students present articles
references
2. Instructor & Peers comment on articles references presentation
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read handout “SOAP
Handout” (p. 16-20) before next class
3. Read “Research Paper Proposal Handout” (p.24- 26) before next class 11 11/23 T 1. SOAP Rehearsal (40
mins/group)
2. Instructor & peers’
feedback (5 mins/group)
1. Journal (1 page) due
11/26 F 1. SOAP Rehearsal (40 mins/group)
2. Instructor & peers’
feedback (5 mins/group)
1. Journal (1 page) due
12 11/30 T Cross-section SOAP I (each group presents 40 minutes + 10 minutes discussion)
1. Journal (1 page) due
12/03 F Cross-section SOAP II (each group presents 40 minutes + 10 minutes discussion)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read “Research Paper
Proposal Handout” (p. 17- 18; 23, 24-26) before next class
13 12/07 T 1. Go over “Research Paper Proposal Handout” (p. 17- 18; 23, 24-26)
1. Work with your partner on your RP Proposal for presentation next class 2. Bring 3 copies in “RP
Proposal Handout” (p. 24- 26) to next class.
12/10 F 1. Students present their 1st draft of RP Proposal to class (8 mins/pair) 2. Instructor & peers gives
feedbacks on RP Proposal
1. Review the entire handout of “RP Proposal Handout”
before next class 14 12/14 T 1. Sign up for pair
conferencing for RP Proposal
2. Go over main points in the entire handout “RP
Proposal Handout”
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. RP proposal 1st draft due (2
pages)
3. Read SIEW 4-55 to 4-58 (concluding paragraph) before next class
12/17 F 1. How to write an effective concluding paragraph
1. Journal (1 page) due
15 12/21 T RP proposal conferencing (9 minutes/pair)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read SIEW 4-63 to 4-68
(IELTS graph writing) before next class 12/24 F 1. Go over SIEW 4-63 to
4-68 (IELTS graph writing) 2. IELTS graph writing in-
class practice (20 minutes pair project)
3. Pair edits and proof-reads graph writing
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Get together with your
partner to prepare for IELTS graph writing presentation before next class
16 12/28 T 1. IELTS graph writing presentation (2 people per group, 7 minutes per group + 2 minutes for questions)
1. Journal (1 page) due 2. Read SIEW 4-69 to 4-74
(IELTS graph writing) 12/31 F 1. Continue “SIEW” 4-69 to
4-74 (IELTS graph writing)
1. Journal (1 page) due 1. Review entire handout
“Research Paper Proposal Handout” & “RP
Introductory Paragraph”
17 01/04 T 1. Overall review of “RP Introductory Paragraph”
and “RP Proposal Handout”
1. Journal (1 page) due
01/07 F 1. Research Paper Proposal Presentation (Revised draft): 8 mins/pair 2. Instructor & Peers’
feedback
Journal (1 page) due
18 01/11 T Final (Composition: Research
Paper Proposal Revised Draft) Research Paper Proposal Revised Draft (2-3 pages – individual work) due
01/14 F Final (Conversation:
Argumentation Paper Presentation)
Present your argumentation paper
