Description:

After completing Composing Skills, students will be able to choose a topic, narrow the topic, and organize and develop with supporting evidence a variety of paragraph modes. The student will be able to achieve paragraph unity, coherence and emphasis. Also, the student will learn revision and editing strategies. 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. Practice several invention or prewriting techniques appropriate to the writing task. Choose the aim or purpose for a writing assignment.
2. Write topic sentences which limit and focus a topic.
3. Develop an outline to support the topic sentence.
4. Apply strategies for limiting the subject. Writing Assignment - Develop the topic sentence into a short paragraph.
5. Demonstrate competency by writing a variety of modes for organizing a paragraph; description, narration, evaluation, classification.
6. Identify paragraph unity, coherence, and emphasis in assigned exercises and in own writing by using a variety of transitional devices.
7. Choose the mode for organization and write the following assignments: a) Description - Write a descriptive paragraph applying the steps of the writing process; b) Narration - Write a narrative paragraph applying the steps of the writing process; c) Evaluation - Write an evaluative paragraph applying the steps of the writing process; d) Classification - Write a classification paragraph applying the steps of the writing process.
8. Develop paragraphs using several of the following methods of paragraph development: a) Character sketch; b) Example/illustration; c) Process analysis; d) cause/effect; e) Comparison/contrast; f) Analogy; g) Definition
9. Practice revising the paragraph by revising and expanding one of the previously written paragraphs.
10. Practice proofreading strategies by applying skills to numerous paragraphs written. All papers must be corrected and resubmitted to the instructor.
11. Keep track of common errors made in the writing assignments on the major error grid provided, and if any error is committed more than two times, complete lessons and show competency on 75% or higher on apropriate test.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Use Writing Process to Compose a Variety of Paragraphs
   A. Demonstrate an ability to use various prewriting strategies to
decide on a topic by clustering, freewriting, listing, brainstorming. 
   B. Demonstrate an ability to focus an idea and write a controlling idea
sentence.  Write a topic sentence and a thesis statement.
   C. Define and write a topic sentence paragraph.
   D. Create and write an outline to support the topic sentence.
   E. Organize and develop paragraphs that are unified and coherent.

II. Recognize and Use Various Expository Modes
   A. Write using a variety of modes for organizing a paragraph:
description, narration, evaluation, classification.
   B. Write using a variety of methods to develop a paragraph:
example/illustration, process analysis, cause/effect, comparison/contrast,
analogy, definition.

III. Rewrite Drafts Using Specific Revising, Editing, and Proofing
Strategies
   A. Improve the content of a discovery draft by identifying
opportunities to add, cut, change, or move ideas and support and by
implementing those revision strategies.
   B. Demonstrate the ability to edit word choices and sentence structure
to improve logic and flow, rhythm and punch, transition and coherence - in
general, to improve the writing style.
   C. Apply active proofreading strategies to identify and eliminate
convention errors, as listed in the English Program Objectives.

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

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

In this course students are required to follow the outline of the
course booklet and complete the assignments therein.  At least 6
paragraphs and 1 essay must be written using the suggested process and
revised.  The instructor will review the assignment draft and make
suggestions.  The student will then make the prescribed changes and write
a final draft which will be marked by the instructor, corrected by the
student and kept in the W.C. folder.  At the completion of the text and
approximately 20 hours, the student will be required to write a final
essay which will include all prewriting, an outline, a rough draft
(reviewed by the instructor) and a final draft.  The instructor will
assign a topic.  Failure to complete the assigned work will constitute a
fail grade for the student.  Grades are based on average of graded writing
assignments and final.

GRADING RATIONALE:

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

50% = 70% or better on tests and activities given: "C" or better on
writing assignments and others as assigned.
  Description 
  Narration 
  Classification 
  Evaluation 
and three of the following:
  Character Sketch  
  Example/Illustration
  Process Analysis
  Cause/Effect
  Comparison/Contrast
  Analogy
  Definition or Summary
  
  Paragraphs - 5 points each
  Essay - (final)- 15 points
  Total = 50 points

25% =  Approximately 20 hours in the Writing Center to show intent and
motivation. (The online course does not require W.C. attendance)

25%=  At least 75% of the material completed which includes the assigned
exercises.
         
GRADING METHOD:
   
      A = 90-100%
      B = 80-89%
      C = 70-79%
      D = 60-69%
      F = 0-59%

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 students are in the Writing Center, they 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. 
Writing assignments will be evaluated by the assigned instructor, but any
Writing Center staff member may provide feedback, suggestions or advice. 
Revision of drafts will be continued until the instructor and the student
are satisfied with the paper. Then the student may proceed to the next
lesson. 

INSTRUCTION:

Instructors and tutors are available to answer questions and give
explanations.  Students will be assigned to one specific instructor who
will document their progress and evaluate their work.  However, students
will also be expected to work independently. 

FOLDERS:

Students are to keep all papers (written assignments/paragraphs and
essays) along with the time sheet  in the provided folder. Students may
collect their written assignments 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.