Description:

At the completion of this course, the student should be able to recognize and write complete sentences. The student will write a variety of sentences using strategies for building sentences with phrases and clauses as well as editing sentences through coordination and subordination. The student will then practice developing paragraphs in various organizational modes. Along with writing the student will read selected prose and write responses to these readings. The course is designed specifically to aid non-native speaking students in acquiring writing skills through individualized instruction. The aim of this course is to enhance/supplement the English as a Second Language program already offered at JCCC. Also, because hearing-impaired students have similar difficulties with the English language as ESL students, this course addresses the challenges often faced by this student population. This course meets by arrangement in the Writing Center. This course does not fulfill degree requirements. After registering for this course, the student should contact the Writing Center.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): TBA

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

WRITING CENTER HOURS:   Spring and Fall Semesters:
               Mon.-Thurs: 8:00-8:00
               Fri.: 8:00-2:00
               Sat.: 9:00-3:00
               Sun.: Noon-4:00

               Summer Semester:
               Mon.- Thurs: 8:00-8:00

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify and write the basic sentence types.
2. Expand sentences through subordination, coordination, and modification.
3. Reduce or simplify sentences.
4. Organize and develop short pieces of writing: narration, description, process analysis, and evaluation.
5. Read, speak, and write a response to the reading to demonstrate an improved pronunciation and comprehension of the English language.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Demonstrate the Basic Components of an English Sentence
   A. Recognize and mark subjects and verbs in a piece of writing.
   B. Write sentences to show the different basic sentence patterns.

II. Identify the Types of Phrases Used in Sentences
   A. Recognize, identify, and write prepositions, prepositional phrases,
and their various idiomatic used in sentences.
   B. Recognize, identify, and write verbals and verbal phrases in
sentences.

III. Recognize Some of the Unique Problems in the English Language
Challenging English as a Second Language Students
   A. Identify count/non-count nouns in sentences.
      1. Recognize, identify and write count/noncount nouns and their
appropriate articles.
      2. Recognize, identify and write appropriate singular and plural
forms of nouns.
   B. Apply appropriate verb form to a variety of sentences.
      1. Recognize, identify and write appropriate verb forms to signify
tense.
      2. Recognize, identify and write appropriate verb forms to signify
number.

IV. Expand Basic Sentences
   A. Write a variety of sentences to show coordination, subordination,
and modification.
   B. Practice sentence combining strategies.

V. Reduce or Simplify Sentences
   A. Rewrite convoluted or rambling sentence into concise, direct
structure.
   B. Take sentences from readings and edit for simplification and model
for personal writing.

VI. Write in a Variety of Practical Modes
   A. Write a narrative paragraph.
   B. Write a descriptive paragraph.
   C. Write a process analysis paragraph.
   D. Write an evaluative paragraph.

VII. Read two short stories and one essay (choice of student; approved by
instructor)
   A. Choose selections of prose to read and demonstrate comprehension by
summarizing main ideas.
   B. Choose selections of prose to identify sentence structure and word
choice.
   C. Practice enunciation by reading aloud short passages from readings
above.
   D. Explain or paraphrase short passages from readings above.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Grading Rationale: The student's grade will be determined by the
student's measurable, observable competency in achieving the objectives of
the course.

1. 70% or better on tests given:
   Basic sentence patterns
   Sentence expansion
   Sentence simplification
   Rules for verbs and plurals
"C" or better on writing assignments (At least two out of these four
assignments must be completed and graded)
   Description
   Narration
   Process analysis
   Evaluation
2. Approximately 20 hours in the Writing Center to show intent and
motivation.
3. At least 3/4 of material completed.

Attendance: Obviously, attendance is important since all work is done in
the Writing Center.  The availability of tutors to assist students needing
help is one of the many benefits of the Writing Center. The student is
responsible for making sure the secretary clocks his/her time spent in the
Writing Center.

Instruction: Instructors and tutors are available to answer questions and
give explanations.  You will be assigned to one specific instructor who
will document your progress and evaluate your work. However, you will also
be expected to work independently. Remember that many students use the
various services of the Writing Center so your instructor will be working
with them, also.

GRADING METHOD:   
 A = 90 - 100%     
 B = 80 -  89%    
 C = 70 -  79%
 D = 60 -  69%
 F =  0 -  59%

Folders: Students are to keep all papers (written assignments/paragraphs
and essays) along with the time sheet and graded tests and paragraphs in
the provided folder. Students may collect their written assignments, not
tests, the following semester. Folders are kept in the Writing Center at
all times and distributed to students at the time of their arrival to the
Center and returned at the end of their stay in the Center. Folders may be
accessed by any Writing Center staff member, but otherwise are kept
private.

Pass/Fail: Students will be notified by mail at the midterm if they have
fallen behind in their hours or work completed in the Writing Center. If
these students do not respond, they are responsible for either dropping
the course or applying for an incomplete so they may finish the course the
following semester. A failure to take no course of action will constitute a
fail grade (F) for these students.

Students should follow the course assignment sheet and ask for assistance
when necessary.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.