Eng: 111-OL1: Expository Writing

(3 -0-3)
Date Syllabus Revised: 12-31-2009

Phone: 704-484-4048
E-mail: templesc@clevelandcommunitycollege.edu
Day/Time Class Meets: Monday and Wednesday @ 11:30 AM
Office Location: 2155
Office Hours: M from 7:00 am to 11:30 am and TH 7:00 am to 11:30 am and from 5:00 to
6:00 PM. Appointments at other times may be scheduled as needed.

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the required first course in a series of two designed to develop the ability to
produce clear expository prose. Emphasis is placed on the writing process including
audience analysis, topic selection, thesis support and development, editing, and revision.
Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed
essays using standard written English. Prerequisites: ENG 090 and RED 090. This
course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general
education core requirement in English composition.

II. TEXTBOOK
Aaron, Jane E. The Little, Brown Compact Handbook. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2004.
Ballenger, Bruce. The Curious Writer. New York: Longman, 2005.
A dictionary (I recommend Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

Other Materials:
A flash drive
Headphone set if you plan on using the library computer for course work.

III. COURSE GOALS

The student will demonstrate the ability to organize, plan, and execute the college level
expository essay. The following are specific outcomes for ENG 111.
1. To utilize the steps of the Writing Process
Planning
Shaping (Outlining - - formal and informal)
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Proofreading
2. To develop a clear thesis statement, which forecasts the assertion, structure, and
content of the paper.
3. To use a variety of expository patterns of development such as the following:
Narration
Description
Process
Cause/Effect
Classification/Division
Comparison/Contrast
 Definition
4. To avoid (or edit out) commission of such grammatical and mechanical errors as the
following:
Fragments, fused sentences
Comma splices
Pronoun misuse
Subject-Verb disagreement
Misuse of capitals, italics, underline, etc.
5. Apply expository methods to other academic subjects

IV. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

A. Lectures
B. Blackboard
C. Discussion
D. Conferences
E. Small group activities
F. Peer Editing
G. Video/DVD

V. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
A. Write, read, compare, and contrast essays on personal responses to cultural diversity.
B. Analyze various forms of prose as examples for writing.
C. Participate in the entire prose writing process from prewriting to final draft.

VI. CRITICAL/ANALYTICAL THINKING ACTIVITIES

A. Analyze selected short prose, including that of other student writers, on a variety of
issues.
B. Compare and contrast essays that discuss various responses to cultural diversity in a
global society.
C. Apply the non fiction writing process to individual writing assignments.
D. Use journaling to identify individual strengths and weaknesses and to improve writing
style.

VII. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion, the student will demonstrate the ability to organize, plan, and execute
the college level expository essay listed in the Course Goals section above.

VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. The Library has many helpful sources (including all the Audio-Visual resources listed
below).
B. Companion web site: www.mycomplab.com from Longman Publishing (access for
grammar and composition assistance as well as opportunities for peer and instructor
review of essays).
C. Tutorial assistance from www.smarthinking.com (instructor will supply current
passwords).
D. Plagiarism review from www.turnitin.com for all graded paper submissions.

IX. AUDIOVISUAL RESOURCES

A. “Revising and Proofreading the Composition,” (CCC Library, PE 1404. R48, 1986,
Videotape)
B. “Developing the Composition,” (CCC Library, PN 1403. D48, 1986, Videotape 30 mins).
C. “Write It Right: It All Starts With Paragraphs,” (CCC Library, PE 1439. W956, 1983,
Videotape, 60 mins.)
D. “How to Write an Expository Theme,” (CCC Library PE 1429. H847, 1992, Videotape,
24 mins.)
E. “Writing as Process: A Step-by-Step Guide,” (CCC Library, PE 1404 W9562, 1987,
Videotape, 41 mins.)
F. “Writing About Literature: Interpreting and Explaining,” (CCC Library, LB 1047.3.W74,
1991, Videotape)
G. “Editing the Paper – Looking for Grammatical and Mechanical Errors,” (CCC Library,
PE 1408. E35, 1991, Videotape)
H. “Writing the Argumentative Essay,” (CCC Library, PE 1431. U75, 1991, Videotape)
I. “Peter Elbow on Writing,” (CCC Library, PE 1409. PE 1409. P47, 1995, Videotape)
J. “The Writing Course,” (CCC Library, PE 1404. W698, 1-30, 1984, Videotape – each
lesson 30 mins.)
K. “Grammar: I Found a Dollar Walking Home: Solving Common Sentence Problems,”
Parts 1, 2 (CCC Library, 1112. G72, 1979, Videotape)

X. EVALUATION
Students will be evaluated through tests, writing assignments, essays, and peer review

XI. GRADING/ Percentages

Essays – 50%
Tests – 30%
Assignments – 20%

XII. GRADING SCALE

A=93-100
B=85-92
C=77-84
Students must pass with a C or better.

I. ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Instructor Policy:
Student cannot miss more than 3 classroom absences. After 3 Absences, the instructor will drop
the student from class.

II. MAKEUP POLICY:

Specific Rules for Late Assignments

Late assignments must be e-mailed to me with a coversheet explaining why your
assignment is late. You will only able to receive up to 75% (C) for the project if the project
is perfect (fewer points if there are mistakes). When you email me your late assignment,
make sure your subject line reads “Late Homework”. If your e-mail does not contain “Late
Homework” in the subject line, I will not grade your assignment. Assignments more than a
week late will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with all due
dates.

III. Academic Honesty Policy:

Instructor Policy: Students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals in the classroom
and on campus. Students are expected to respect the opinions and suggestions of fellow
classmates and respond to disputes and concerns in a constructive manner. Failure to act in a
professional manner may result in a lower grade for class participation.

IV.
Plagiarism Policy: Students are expected to submit original work crafted by the student.
Deliberately copied text or undocumented quotes, paraphrases, or summarizes from
another author will result in an F on the assignment.