COM 155 Syllabus

Course Syllabus
College of Humanities
COM/155 Version 4
University Composition and Communication
Copyrig!t " #$11% #$1$% #$$& by University of '!oeni() *ll rig!ts reserved)

Course Description

This course addresses the key elements necessary for effective academic writing in college. The course
begins with focus on prewriting strategies and builds to drafting and revising essays. In addition, the
course includes skill development at the sentence and paragraph level.

Policies

Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies
contained within the following two documents:

University policies: ou must be logged into the student website to view this document.
Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are sub!ect to change. "e sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class.
#olicies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have
recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.

Course Materials

Mc+ean% S) ,#$11-) Writing for Success ,1st .d)-) rvington% /01 2lat 3orld 4no5ledge% nc)

$ll electronic materials are available on the student website.

Supplemental Material

Associate Level Writing Style Handbook

My3riting+ab

Week One: Writing Basics
Details Due Points
Objectives 1.1 %etermine appropriate purpose, audience, tone, and content for
various types of writing.
1.2 Identify components of good paragraph writing.
1.3 Use complete sentences in written work.

Reading Read $ppendi& $, located on the student website.
Reading Read 'h. ( of Writing for Success:

)ection *.*: 'omponents of a )entence
)ection *.(: )entence )tructure, Including Fragments and

+un,ons
Reading Read 'h. - of Writing for Success:

)ection *.*: 'ommon $cademic #urposes: )ummary,
$nalysis, )ynthesis, and .valuation #aragraphs
)ection *.(: Identifying the $udience
)ection *./: )electing an $ppropriate Tone
)ection *.0 'hoosing $ppropriate, Interesting 'ontent
)ection (.*: %eveloping a Topic )entence
)ection (.(: %eveloping #aragraphs that Use Topic
)entences, )upporting Ideas, and Transitions .ffectively
)ection (./: $pply 1nowledge of Topic )entences and #arts
of a %eveloped #aragraph in an $ssignment

Reading Read this week2s .lectronic +eserve +eadings.
Participation Participate in class discussion. 11/#6/11 #
Discussion
Questions
1. Review the information provided in Ch. 6 of
Writing for Success. Do you think that payin
attention to your audience! purpose! and
content improves the influence of your writin"
#hy or why not"
(. 'onsider the audience in the following scenarios:
$ news story that discusses the advantages and
disadvantages of home schooling in a local newspaper.
$ letter from a school administrator to the parents of
school,aged children that discusses the advantages and
disadvantages of home schooling
3ow do these messages differ4 5hy would it be
important to consider your audience in each situation4
3ow does this apply to your academic writing4
0. $ good paragraph has three key parts, one of which is
a topic sentence. 5hat do you think would be the reaction
of a reader if the topic sentences in an essay did not align
with the supporting points4 5hy4
11/#6/11 1
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
Sentence
2ragments and
7un8On
Sentences
Resource$ 'enter for 5riting .&cellence, located under the 6ibrary
tab of the student website

'lick %i&rary.
7o to the Center for #ritin '(cellence.
'lick )utorials * +uides.
'lick the +rammar and #ritin +uides under 7rammar

Tutorials.
'lick on +rammar Mechanics.
'lick on ,raments.
'lick on Run-on .entences.

Review the information provided.
Post your assignment for faculty review.
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9opic Sentences

'lick %i&rary.
Tutorials.
'lick on #ritin .tyle.
'lick )opic .entence.


Post your assignment for faculty review.

Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
Ho5 to 3rite a
'aragrap!
Resource$ $ppendi& "

,ollow the directions in $ppendi& " to complete the following
e&ercises on 8y5riting6ab
/
:

#aragraphs: 9verview, %eveloping, and 5riting #aragraphs

Individual
'aragrap!
3riting
#rite a *:;, to (;;,word paragraph to e&plain how purpose,
audience, tone, and content impact academic writing. "e sure to use
the three components of a good paragraph covered in this week2s
readings.

0nderline the topic sentence and bold the concluding sentence in
the paragraph.

0se complete sentences in written work.

Post you assignment as a 8icrosoft
<
5ord attachment.
11/#6/11 5

Week Two: The Writing Process
Details Due Points
Objectives 2.1 Identify the steps in the writing process.
2.2 Use correct sub!ect=verb agreement and consistent verb tense in
written work.

Reading Read 'h. ( of Writing for Success:

)ection (.*: $greement
)ection (.(: .rrors in )ub!ect=>erb $greement
)ection /.*: +egular >erbs
)ection /.(: Irregular >erbs
)ection /./: 8aintaining 'onsistent >erb Tense

Reading Read 'h. ? of Writing for Success.
Participation Participate in class discussion. 1#/$4/11 #
Discussion
Questions
1. Is your past writing different from what you anticipate
you will be doing in this course4 In what ways4 %o you
think your writing will improve as a result of this course4
5hy or why not4
(. +eview the steps in the prewriting phase of essay
writing. 3ow important do you think prewriting is to the
success of an essay4 'an you skip the prewriting phase4
5hy or why not4
/. 5hich step in the writing process do you think will be
easiest for you to complete4 5hich step may be the most
difficult4 5hy4
1#/$4/11 1
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9ool5ire
:

+earnscape1
Overvie5 of t!e
C3.
1ccess the Toolwire
<
6earnscape: 9verview of the '5. through the
link located on the student website.

Complete the 6earnscape $ctivities.

Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
Sub;ect<Verb
*greement

/
:
)entence to #aragraph: 'omplete )entences and )ub!ects
and >erbs

Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9!e 3riting
'rocess
#atch the video @The 5riting #rocessA located on the student
website.

Read t!e Associate Level Writing Style Handbook 5!ic! can be found on your
student 5ebsite)

Individual
9!e 3riting
'rocess
Choose one of the following scenarios:

Imagine that you are teaching .nglish in a local high school.
Imagine that you are the parent or friend of a student having
to write a series of essays for a high school .nglish class.
Imagine that you are a teaching assistant for a high school
.nglish class, and you want to help fellow students succeed.

Create an instructional manual, a brochure, or a 8icrosoft
<

#ower#oint
<
presentation on the writing process for future '98/*::
students or ine&perienced academic writers. Include the following in
your !ob aid:

)teps in the writing process

Use correct sub;ect<verb agreement and consistent verb tense in 5ritten
5or=)

Post your assignment as an attachment.
1#/$4/11 5

Week Three: Rhetorical Modes
Details Due Points
Objectives 3.1 .&plain the value of rhetorical modes in writing.
3.2 Identify point of view.
3.3 Use commonly confused words correctly.

Reading Read 'h. 0 of Writing for Success:

)ection *.*: 'ommonly 'onfused 5ords
)ection (.*: 'ommon )pelling +ules
)ection /.*: Using a %ictionary and Thesaurus
)ection /.(: Using #roper 'onnotations
)ection /./: $voiding )lang

Reading Read 'h. *; of Writing for Success.
Participation Participate in class discussion. 1#/11/11 #
Discussion
Questions
1. In what situations are compare,and,contrast essays
effective4 5hen would that style be ineffective4 5hat is
the difference4 .&plain
(. There are two basic organiBational methods for a
compare,and,contrast essay. %o you think one is a
stronger method, or are they situational4 5hy4
:. 8any spelling errors may be eliminated by using spell
check, but spell check will not catch a correctly spelled
1#/11/11 1
wrong word, such as to, too, and two, or there, there, and
theyre. %o you have any strategies to ensure you will not
make these kinds of mistakes4 If you do, what are they,
and how well do you think they will work4 If you do not
have a strategy, why not4
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
3ord C!oice
#atch the video @5ord 'hoiceA located on the student website.
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
Commonly
Confused 3ords

'lick %i&rary.
Tutorials.
'lick Commonly Confused #ords.


Individual
7!etorical Modes
Matri(
Resource$ $ppendi& '

Complete $ppendi& ' to identify the purpose and structure of the
various rhetorical modes used in academic writing. #rovide at least
two tips for writing each type of rhetorical mode.

0se commonly confused words correctly.
1#/11/11 5

Week Four: Planning Strategies
Details Due Points
Objectives 2.1 %escribe strategies for choosing and narrowing an academic
essay topic.
2.2 Identify strategies for choosing topics and subtopics to support
the main idea for an academic essay.
2.3 %emonstrate appropriate use of commas and apostrophes.

Reading Read C!) > of Writing for Success1

)ection *.*: 'ommas
)ection :.*: $postrophes

Reading Read 'h. ? of Writing for Success:

)ection *.*: #rewriting
)ection *.(: 8ore #rewriting TechniCues
Participation Participate in class discussion. 1#/1?/11 #
Discussion
Questions
1. 5hat are some of the prewriting techniCues you have
used4 3ow and why did they work4 If they did not work,
what do you think you will do differently this time4 5hy4
/. 5hat Cuestions might you ask yourself about your
chosen topic during your brainstorming process to make it
better4 3ow do these Cuestions help4
0. 'ommas and apostrophes are particularly challenging
for new writers to use correctly. 5hat strategies do you
apply to minimiBe errors when using commas and
apostrophes in your writing4
1#/1?/11 1
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
Commas and
*postrop!es
Resources$ $ppendi& "

e&ercise on 8y5riting6ab
/
.
8echanics: 'ommas and 8echanics: $postrophes

Individual
Strategies for
Selecting a 9opic
Resources$ $ppendi& $, $ppendi& %, and "rainstorming 5orksheet

Review the topic suggestions in $ppendi& $: Final $ssignment and
Timeline for your final compare,and,contrast essay. Use the
prewriting strategies in 'h. ? to help you select and narrow a topic
that is appropriate for a compare,and,contrast essay.

Complete and post $ppendi& %: )electing a Topic and "rainstorming
5orksheet as an attachment.

0se commas and apostrophes correctly in your written work.
1#/1?/11 5

Week Five: Developing a Thesis Statement
Details Due Points
Objectives 3.1 'reate a thesis statement for an academic essay.
3.2 Use pronouns correctly.

Reading Read $ppendi& F, located on the student website.
Reading Read C!) # of Writing for Success1

)ection :.*: #ronoun $greement
)ection :.(: )ub!ect and 9b!ect #ronouns
)ection :./: 5ho vs. 5hom


)ection (.(: 5riting a Thesis )tatement

Reading Read 'h. D of Writing for Success:

)ection *.*: .lements of a Thesis )tatement
)ection *.(: .&amples of $ppropriate Thesis )tatements
)ection *./: +evising our Thesis )tatement

Participation Participate in class discussion. $1/$?/1# #
Discussion
Questions
1. 5hat components are needed to develop a clear and
concise thesis statement4
/. 'hapter D, )ection *, of Writing for Success e&plains
how to write an effective thesis statement. 5hat two key
ideas have you learned in the reading this week that will
help you write an effective thesis statement4
$1/$?/1# 1
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9ool5ire
:

+earnscape1
3or=ing 3it! t!e
C3.
1ccess the Toolwire
<
6earnscape: 5orking 5ith the '5. through
the link located on the student website.


Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9!esis
@evelopment

,ollow the directions in $ppendi& ": 3ow to 'omplete .&ercises
From 8y5riting6ab
/
to complete the following e&ercises on
8y5riting6ab
/
:

Thesis %evelopment: Thesis )tatement

Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
'ronouns
tab of the student website.

'lick %i&rary.

Tutorials.
'lick Pronouns.

Individual
9!esis Statement
Resource$ $ppendi& ., located on the student website

#rite a single declarative thesis sentence in no more than (: words
that summariBes the main idea and intent of your essay.

0se pronouns correctly.

Post your thesis statement for your instructor2s approval and
feedback.
$1/$?/1# 5

Week Si: Organi!ing the "ssa#
Details Due Points
Objectives 6.1 'onstruct a topic outline for an academic essay.
6.2 Identify organiBational techniCues that help writers and readers
stay focused
6.3 Use ad!ectives and adverbs correctly.

Reading Read C!) # of Writing for Success1

)ection -.*: Identify $d!ectives and $dverbs
)ection -.(: 'omparative vs. )uperlative
)ection -./: Irregular 5ords: 7ood, 5ell, "ad, and "adly


)ection (.*: 5ays of 9rganiBing Ideas
)ection (.(: 5riting a Thesis )tatement
)ection (./: 5riting an 9utline


)ection /.*: 'hronological 9rder
)ection /.(: 9rder of Importance
)ection /./: )patial 9rder

Participation Participate in class discussion. $1/15/1# #
Discussion
Questions
1. $re there any instances in your personal or professional
life when you create or use an outline4 3ow is this useful4
/. 5riters need to organiBe their ideas in a way that
makes sense. 'hapter D, )ection (, of Writing for
$1/15/1# 1
Success discusses ways to organiBe ideas. 5hat are
three ways to organiBe ideas in writing4 3ow will you
organiBe your ideas in your essay4 5hy4
:. Is there one single most effective way to organiBe the
supporting points in your essay4 If so, what is it, and
why4 If not, how will you decide how to organiBe your
essay, and why4
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
*d;ectives and
*dverbs

/
:
'hoosing the +ight 5ords: $d!ectives
'hoosing the +ight 5ords: $dverbs
Post your assignments for faculty review.

Individual
Outline
Resource$ $ppendi& F

Complete a topic outline for your academic essay. The outline should
be based on the topic chosen in 5eek Four and will help you
complete the final paper in 5eek Eine.

Include at least three main points FI, II, IIIG related to your
chosen topic from $ppendi& %. Include at least two subpoints F$,
"G under each main point.

ou may include sub,subpoints F*, (G beneath your sub
points.

Include your thesis statement at the top of your document,
above your outline.

0se ad!ectives and adverbs correctly in written work.

Post your outline as an attachment.
$1/15/1# ?

Week Seven: Dra$ting the "ssa#
Details Due Points
Objectives 4.1 'reate appropriate introductions and conclusions for academic
essays.
4.2 #repare a first draft of an essay using appropriate strategies.
4.3 Identify appropriate types of supporting paragraphs for a topic.
4.2 Formulate effective paragraphs using topic sentences.

Reading Read $ppendi& 7.

)ection /.*: 7etting )tarted: )trategies for %rafting
)ection /.(: )etting 7oals for our First %raft
)ection /./: )tarting our First %raft
)ection /.0: 5riting our 9wn First %raft


)ection (.*: )elect #rimary )upport +elated to our Thesis
)ection (.(: )upporting Topic )entences
)ection 0.*: 8ethods of $ttracting Interest in our
Introductory #aragraph
)ection 0.(: 5riting a 'onclusion

Participation Participate in class discussion. $1/##/1# #
Discussion
Questions
1. Identify an introductory techniCue that could be used to
grab the reader2s attention and showcase the main idea.
5hy did you select this techniCue4 5here would it be
useful4 5here might it not work4
(. There are several common ways to start an
introductory paragraph. Identify one you think would fit
your topic the most effectively. 5hy did you select this
approach4 'an you think of a situation in which this
approach would not work4
:. 7iven the basic guidelines for creating an effective
conclusion, what method do you think will fit your topic the
most effectively4 5hy did you select this method4
-. +eview the essay checklist on 7uidelines for 5riting
$cademic #apers. 5hat elements in the checklist will you
focus on the most while completing your draft4 5hy4
$1/##/1# 1
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9opic Sentences
tab of the student website.

'lick %i&rary.

Tutorials.
'lick on #ritin .tyle.
'lick )opic .entence.

Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
ntroduction and
Conclusion

/
:

Introductions and 'onclusions

Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
@evelopment of
Aody 'aragrap!s

/
:

#aragraphs: %evelopment of "ody #aragraphs

Individual
7oug! @raft
Resource$ $ppendi& .

#rite a draft of at least D;;, words that includes your introduction,
body, and conclusion. Use the following to write your draft:

%evelop an introductory paragraph for your essay. Include
your thesis statement in this paragraph.

Use your topic outline in $ppendi& . from 5eek Four as a
guide to develop topic sentences and appropriate types of
supporting paragraphs for the body of your essay.

%evelop a concluding paragraph to sum up the main ideas in
your entire paper. $void adding any new information into the
concluding paragraph.

Include appropriate transitions within and between
paragraphs.

Post your draft essay as an attachment.
$1/##/1# 1$

Week "ight: Revising and "diting the "ssa#
Details Due Points
Objectives 5.1 Implement writing tools to revise and edit an essay.
5.2 Use sentence transitions and sentence variety correctly.


)ection 0.*: Understanding the Importance of +evising and
.diting
)ection 0.(: 8a!or Issues in +evising: Unity and 'oherence
)ection 0./: 8a!or Issues in +evising: "eing 'lear and
'oncise

Participation Participate in class discussion. $1/#&/1# #
Discussion
Questions
1. $s you revise your essay, what important components
should you look for4
(. 5hat is the difference between revising and editing4
5hich do you struggle with the most4 5hy is it difficult to
do both at once4 5hich should be done first and why4
/. Is it important to be ob!ective when receiving feedback4
'an your ob!ectivityHor lack of itHaffect your use of
feedback when revising your rough draft4 3ow, and why4
0. There is no science to how long paragraphs should be.
5hat techniCues do you use, or will you use, to ensure
that your paragraphs are an appropriate length4
$1/#&/1# 1
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
Sentence Variety


/
:
#aragraph to .ssay: )entence Improvement, >arying
)entence )tructure

Post your e&ercises for faculty review.

Individual
7evision 'ractice
Resources$ 5rite#oint
)8
and the #lagiarism 'hecker in the 'enter
for 5riting .&cellence, located under the 6ibrary tab of the student
$1/#&/1# 5
website

.u&mit your draft essay to 5rite#oint
)8
and the #lagiarism 'hecker.

1naly6e the feedback provided by the 5rite#oint
)8
and #lagiarism
'hecker reports.

#rite a paragraph of *:;, to /;;, words that summariBes the
revision changes recommended. "e sure to e&amine the following
Cuestions and provide e&amples to support each response:

%oes each topic sentence directly address the thesis as well
as state the topic4
%oes each paragraph have an effective closing that
reinforces the main point4
Is the essay coherent4 %oes it flow from beginning to end4
Is the order of the support logical and effective4
%oes the essay provide strong evidence to support any
opinions4
%oes the essay reflect on the evidence and e&plain its
importance4
%oes the essay use strong transitions between sentences
and between paragraphs4

#rite a paragraph of *:;, to /;;, words that summariBes the ne&t
steps to be taken in the revision process.

Post the paragraphs, the 5rite#oint
)8
review, and the #lagiarism
'hecker report as attachments.

Week %ine: &ompleting the "ssa#
Details Due Points
Objectives 7.1 Integrate feedback into the revision process of an essay.
7.2 $pply the steps in the writing process to complete an essay.

Reading Read 'h. ? of Writing for Success.
Reading Read 'h. D of Writing for Success.
Participation Participate in class discussion. $#/$5/1# #
Discussion
Questions
1. #hat types or sources of feed&ack do you find most
effective as you work toward completin your final paper"
#hy"
(. #hich university resources have you &een usin to
help you &e a more effective student" 8ow miht
those resources help you &e more effective in your
ne(t course"
$#/$5/1# 1
/. #hat steps will you take to ensure that your writin
continues to improve throuhout your collee e(perience"
0. Which part of the writing process was easiest for you?
Why? Which part was the most difficult? Why?
Nongraded
Activities and
Preparation
9ool5ire
:

3riting
Mentoring
9!roug! t!e C3.
1ccess the Toolwire
<
6earnscape: 5riting 8entoring Through the
'5. through the link located on the student website.


Individual
Compare8and8
Contrast .ssay
Resource$ $ppendi& $

#rite a *,;:;, to *,0;;,word final draft of your compare,and,contrast
essay. Include the following elements in your essay:

$n introduction paragraph that includes your thesis statement
$t least three body paragraphs
$ppropriate transitions within and between paragraphs
$ conclusion paragraph

Post your paper as a 8icrosoft
<
5ord attachment.
$#/$5/1# #5

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