Description:

At the completion of this course, the student should be able to identify the parts of speech, elements of a sentence and basic sentence patterns. Emphasis is on sentence combining and sentence composing. Students are told that grammar in isolation will not improve writing skills, and they are encouraged to practice writing. 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:

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

1. Recognize and define the terminology of the parts of speech.
2. Write the basic sentence patterns and expand or simplify the pattern appropriate to the context of the writing.
3. Punctuate sentences according to context.
4. Write sentences using a variety of strategies.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Review Parts of Speech (words, phrases, and clauses) and their
Functions in Sentences
   A. Understand and recognize the parts of speech by identifying and
labeling words in sentences.
   B. Recognize the functions and position of each part of speech in the
sentence by identifying and labeling words in sentences.
   C. Understand and recognize phrases as parts of speech by labeling
phrases in sentences.
   D. Recognize, mark and define the functions and positions of each
phrase in assigned sentences.
   E. Recognize, identify, and write independent and dependent clauses.
   F. Identify and label the function and position of dependent clauses in
a variety of sentences.

II. Review the Basic Sentence Patterns
   A. Identify and label sentences according to the six patterns.
   B. Write sentences which model the basic patterns.

III. Demonstrate a variety of strategies to enhance the basic sentence
pattern
   A. Write sentences using the traditional strategies of coordination,
subordination and modification
   B. Write sentences using Christensen rhetorical strategies of quality,
detail, and comparison
   C. Write sentences using sentence combining strategies

IV. Classify Sentences According to Their Context
   A. Identify and label sentences declarative, interrogative,
imperative.
   B. Write a variety of sentences to demonstrate classification.

V. Write Sentences With No Major Sentence Level Errors and Recognize and
Correct Poorly Constructed Sentences
   A. Recognize and label the major sentence level errors (fragments,
run-ons, and comma splices).
   B. Correct the major sentence level errors.
   C. Write a variety of sentences demonstrating various structures and
context.
   D. Write a short essay which includes a variety of sentence structures
and is sentence level error-free.

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

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

   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 2 out of these 4 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 75% of the material completed

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.

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

FINAL  - Tutor/instructor will give you a topic to develop for a short
writing assignment.  You are to concentrate on sentence correctness,
sentence variety, sentence length, and sentence sense.

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.
At least 10 hours must be completed before an incomplete can be granted
(approved). Failure to do so will constitute an F in the course. During
the time that the student is in the Writing Center, he/she must make good
use of that time by completing at least 3/4 of the booklet or suggested
software and showing an understanding of the skills taught. Tests will be
taken by the student to prove his/her comprehension of the material. A 70%
or better indicates that the student may proceed to the next lesson. When
the student has completed 20 hours in the Writing Center and passed with
70% comprehension 3/4 of the booklet, he/she must take a final exam which
will be a comprehensive review of the lessons/skills learned. Throughout
the course short writing assignments will help students to connect
knowledge of sentence analysis and sentence correctness.

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.

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.

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.