Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

University of Puerto Rico

Mayagüez Campus
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of English

Professor/Instructor: Carlos D. Acosta

Office: CH-408
Office Hours: (MWF 11:30AM-1:00PM)
E-Mail: carlos.acosta1@upr.edu

This document may be amended over the course of the semester in order to meet course objectives and
correct unintended errors.

General Information:
Alpha-numeric codification: INGL 3103
Course Title: English Intermediate Writing I
Course Schedule: MWF, 10:30-11:20, CH-319
Number of credits: 3
Contact Period: 3 hours of lecture per week
Non-Contact Period: 2 hours of outside assignments for each contact hour (6 hours in total)

Course Description (according to the 2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalogue of the University of Puerto Rico,
Mayagüez Campus):
English: Analysis of selected readings, such as essays, fiction, poetry or drama, and practice in writing
compositions with attention given as needed to grammar and idiomatic expressions.

Pre/Co-requisites and other requirements:

Intermediate English I (INGL 3103) is the first course of a sequence designed for entering students at the
Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico who have scored 570 or above on the College Board
Entrance Examination, but who have not qualified for advanced placement in the Honors Program of the
English Department by obtaining a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Test. Those students who
receive 3 on this test are enrolled in English 3103. Students who successfully pass INGL 3103 must pass INGL
3104 and six additional credit hours in the English department courses to satisfy University requirements.
Students who were enrolled in Basic English (INGL 3101 or 3102) in previous semesters, CANNOT take this
course. Please see me if you have any doubts about your placement in this course.

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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

Course Objectives:
After completing INGL 3103, students should be capable of demonstrating the following skills and abilities in
the area of writing:
 Recognizing in the texts they read several of the traditional modes of essay development such as
narrative, argument, evaluation, causal analysis, and rhetorical analysis
 Effectively developing and organizing the content of their own essays based on one or more of
these modes
 Application of the various stages of the writing process to his or her written work, including
drafting, peer editing, and publishing
 Utilization of one or more prewriting techniques
 Narrowing a topic
 Stating an author’s purpose and intended audience
 Writing an effective thesis statement and recognize such statements when they are present in the
texts they encounter
 Providing relevant supporting details and evidence/justification for relevant statements in their
essays
 Recognizing the organizational structure of essays assigned for reading
 Writing successful introductory, transitional and concluding paragraphs for their own essays
 Carrying out an elementary research project using the campus library and/or internet including the
proper use of outside sources and the basic forms of documentation
 Demonstrating correct usage of MLA documentation with general formatting, in-text citations, and
the Works Cited page

Instructional Strategies:
The following instructional strategies will be incorporated in the class in order to assure proper grasping and
application of the rhetorical, linguistic, and content-based knowledge/strategies needed to interpret,
evaluate, analyze, and critique literary texts via writing:

 Lectures and Conference

 In-Class and Online Discussions
 Reading and Writing Workshops
 Independent and Guided Research
 Debates and Presentations
 Group Work and Analysis

Minimum or Required Resources Available:

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REQUIRED COURSE TEXTS

Course Text:
The INGL 3103 course has an assigned textbook, however the instructor has decided to use a variety of free-
source texts available through the Internet. The articles will sent via email to your UPRM accounts. Students
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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

must bring hard copies of the assigned texts to class. The use of laptops will not be permitted during class.
WARNING: Students have the responsibility to download all assigned electronic texts, print them out, read
them and bring them to the class on the day they will be discussed ready to engage in a discussion of the
assigned text. Failure to do so will have negative repercussions in class attendance and participation.

Recommended Material

 Student should purchase a good English/Spanish dictionary to use for any and all writing assignments.
 The student is expected to have easy access to a computer and printer since the course requires
Internet research, data analysis, written assignments using word processor (Microsoft Word), and
communication with your professor via e-mail. Keep in mind that some materials are only available via
Internet and must be printed out before coming to class.
 For this class it is not required to buy a copy of an MLA manual but it is imperative that the student
reviews this free online source to learn how to cite properly: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/. The
material will be used for an MLA accuracy quiz. Therefore, students are expected to be familiar with
the format.

Course Time Frame and Thematic Outline:

Outline Contact Hours

I. Introduction to the course 3
II. Introduction to the essay, MLA, Secondary sources 8
III. Reading and discussion of assigned texts 12
IV. Writing workshops, presentations and activities 12
V. Reading comprehension and essay exams 6
VI. Preparation for Final Exam 4
Total hours: 45 contact hours
Three (3) semester credits

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance of the course is compulsory and will be verified at the beginning of each class. Students are
expected to come to class all the time and to always be on time. The student is responsible for all material
covered on the day he/she is absent. You must provide the appropriate documentation for an absence to be
considered excused and the professor will reserve the right to accept an excuse or not. Excused absences and
tardiness count as ½ of an unexcused absence so make a point of being in class and on time. Warning: After 6
unexcused absences the professor reserves the right to automatically fail the student in the course.

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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

Grading System:
 Quantifiable (letters)
100%-90% = A
89%-80% = B
79%-70% = C
69%-65% = D
64% - 0% = F

Evaluation Strategies : While a final, graded exam is compulsory for all students registered in INGL 3103, this
course is based primarily on writing assignments (e.g. essays, online discussions, etc.). However, pop quizzes
may be given if it is determined that students are unprepared for the class discussion; such quizzes will be
taken into consideration for your final grade. Below is a chart that lists the distinct tasks required in this course
and the total of points that these tasks represent:

Evaluation Strategy Quantity Percent

Final Exam 1 10%
Formal Essays 3 20%
Research Paper 1 15%
Oral Reports 2 20%
Journals 10 10%
Quizzes AS NEEDED 10%
Homework 8-10 5%
Class Participation N/A 5%
Attendance N/A 5%
TOTAL: 100%

Disclaimer: Students should keep in mind that an A (100 – 90%) is a grade assigned for exceptional, insightful,
and virtually flawless work only. If your work and classroom performance do not reflect these qualities, do not
expect an A in this course. In addition, students should also be aware that they are fully responsible for
submitting assignments when they are due. Points will be deducted for submitting any assignment after the
due date. If any student in is need of an extension he/she should see me before the due date.

Students Responsibilities : Students should be fully aware that they are fully responsible for submitting
assignments when they are due. Any student who submits an assignment the day after the due date will risk
losing a substantial amount of points. If any student in is need of an extension he/she should see me or
contact me well before the due date.

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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

Bibliography/Required Course Texts:

Ruszciewicz, J. (2010). How to Write Anything with Readings. Boston: Bedford/St. Marten’s

Additional Recommended Resources (These books may be accessed in The Writing Center)

Axelrod, R., and Cooper, C. (2009). Axelrod and Cooper’s Concise Guide to Writing. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.
Marten’s.

Hacker, D. (2007). A Writer’s Reference with Extra Help for ESL Writers. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Marten’s.

Lunsford, A. (2009). The Everyday Writer. 4th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Marten’s.

McWhorter, K. (2009). Successful College Writing. 4th ed. Bedford/St. Marten’s.

Raimes, Ann. Keys for Writers. 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.1
Rosen, L. (2009). The Academic Writer’s Handbook. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Longman.

Wysocki, A., and Lynch, D. (2009). The DK Writer’s Handbook. Boston: Pearson Longman.

Online Resources:

Companion Website for Current Issues and Enduring Questions

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/barnetbedau8e/
This website offers students an extensive set of annotated links on argument and on the controversial topics
in the book. It also includes a collection of resources on writing, grammar and research. To use this site you
will need to register as a student. Registration is free and only takes a few moments.

Companion Website for How to Write Anything

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/howtowrite1e
This website offers students a guide and reference for materials and topics addressed in the book. To use this
site you will need to register as a student. Registration is free and only takes a few moments.

How to Recognize Plagiarism Tutorial

http://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
This website provides a one to two hour tutorial created by the School of Education at the Indiana University
Bloomington to “help you to understand and recognize plagiarism”. It also allows you to print a certificate
upon passing a related test. Your professor may require you to turn in your signed certificate “as evidence that
you have confirmed your understanding of plagiarism and how to recognize it”.

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This text is available in the General Library rather than in The Writing Center.
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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

The Internet Detective

http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/
“a free online tutorial that will help you develop Internet research skills for your university and college work.
The tutorial looks at the critical thinking required when using the Internet for research and offers practical
advice on evaluating the quality of web sites.”

The Longman Guide to Contemporary English Online

http://wwsw.ldoceonline.com/index.html
Search any word in an online version of the CD-ROM of the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
(updated edition). Includes “selected headwords pronounced in British and American English” as well as
“selected example sentences pronounced, to help you improve your intonation.”

The Owl at Purdue

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
“The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University…houses writing resources and instructional
materials….Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist them
with many writing projects, during any stage of the writing process.”
Thesaurus.com
http://thesaurus.reference.com/
Roget’s New Millennium Thesaurus “includes a brief definition, synonyms, and antonyms (where
appropriate)” for each entry. “Arranged in easy-to-use dictionary-style format, with more than 18,000
entries.”

Tomísimo
http://www.tomisimo.org/dictionary/
“TomísimoTM is an English-Spanish, Spanish-English Dictionary that makes finding words easy by automatically
searching in both languages. Tomísimo… aims to provide an unabridged, bilingual dictionary for the English
and Spanish languages.”

Bylaw 06-33 (Institutional Policy on Partial Exams Offered Outside of Regular Class Hours):
According to article 6 of bylaw 06-33 (Institutional Policy on Partial Exams Offered Outside of Regular Class
Hours), “Partial exams offered outside of the established course period should not conflict with other classes,
laboratories, or departmental exams in the program of studies of the students registered for a course. If it is
not possible to accommodate students at the same time, or if a valid excuse is submitted by one or several
students in a timely manner prior to the exam, the principle of equity demands that these students be tested
at another time, in conditions equivalent to those of other students in the section”. Article 7 indicates that
“scheduling conflicts that cannot be resolved between the student and the professor can be directed to the
attention of the director or the directors of the corresponding departments, programs, or offices”. Contrary to
what some professors have indicated to students, there is no reason why they should miss classes when they
confront situations like this. As such, an absence from a class due to an exam in another course will not be
excused.

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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

According to Law 51:

All reasonable accommodations according to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) will be coordinated with
the Dean of Students (Prof. Teresita Cruz) and in accordance with the particular needs of the student. Any
student needing such accommodations should contact the Office of the Dean of Students in the Decanato de
Estudiantes building, Office DE-6 (in front of the José de Diego). For more information, please call (787) 265-
3862 or (787) 832-4040, exts. 3258 or 3274. You may also email tcruz@uprm.edu or m_rosado@uprm.edu.
Consult the Servicios a Estudiantes con Impedimentos website (http://www.uprm.edu/sei/index2.htm) for
more details.

NB: The Dean of Students notifies the professor of accommodations that must be made for a student via a
formal letter, however students’ disabilities are NOT disclosed to the professor.

Departamento de Orientación:
On the first floor of the Decanato de Estudiantes (across from the José de Diego building), you can access
counselors who can advise you on managing your stress, your time, and the various pressures that you might
be confronted with in your first year (or future years) at the Colegio. Don't be timid about seeking help when
you need it. Recognizing your need for help and actively seeking resources to support you is a sign of maturity.
For further information, link to http://www.uprm.edu/orientacion/index.html or to schedule an appointment,
call (787) 832-4040, extensions 2040, 3372, or 3864. This department is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.

The Writing Center:

Students should take responsibility for obtaining help as needed. In addition to the instructor’s office hours,
the Arts and Sciences Writing Center. The Writing Center supports all reading and writing needs including the
reading of texts, vocabulary development, pre-writing, drafting, content development, organization, and the
preparation of final drafts.

Academic Honesty:
As per Cert. 45, 2005-06, it is the institutional policy of the Mayagüez Campus to observe the highest
standards of intellectual and scientific integrity and to pursue the prosecution of all violations. Violations
include plagiarism (using the work, processes, ideas, and results of others without proper credit). Moreover,
Article 14(A)(2) of the UPR General Regulations for Students identifies cheating as a punishable conduct.

As such, a professor may present a formal complaint to the Campus Disciplinary Board if she or he believes a
student has committed plagiarism. If the professor pursues this line of action, Article 15 of the UPR General
Regulations for Students stipulates that the repercussions may be the following:
 A written warning which will be included in the student’s official record
 Probation for a determined period of time
 Suspension for a determined period of time
 Administrative permanent withdrawal from the UPR system
 Other sanctions provided by special regulation

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 Course Syllabus INGL 3103 (Section 041) Intermediate Writing I, Fall Semester 2011

As your course instructor I withhold the right to call you into my office ask you to
write any assignment I may find suspicious in regards to the institution’s
Academic Honesty Policy.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 If the instructor is absent for professional reasons, a substitute will teach the class in her place or a
make-up class will be scheduled. Attendance will be taken and factored into the final grade on such an
occasion.

 Students who send me an email must include the following on the subject line if they want to guarantee
that I read their E-mail:
Course and section number
First and last name

 Turn off your cell phone before the start of class. Cell phone calls and conversations are not permitted
inside or outside of the classroom during the scheduled course hours. If a cell phone rings in the
classroom or a student exits the room to answer a cell phone call, s/he will be asked to leave the room
for the remainder of the class period and his/her absence will be factored into the final grade for the
course.