English 21: English Fundamentals
Los
Angeles Mission College
Phone
Messages: 818/364-7680
Web page http://www.vcsun.org/~smaselli
Email sharonmaselli@msn.com
English 21 is a course in reading
and writing designed to strengthen the student’s basic communication skills
including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence construction. Emphasis is also placed on the writing of
competent paragraphs and short essays.
As a result of completing English 21, students will
improve their ability to…
· Recognize and write sentences that are complete, correct, clear, and direct.
· Demonstrate mastery of basic English grammar, mechanics, spelling (with emphasis on “sound alike- spelled unlike” words)
· Read at a reasonable pace with good comprehension of basic texts
· Annotate, summarize, analyze, and evaluate basic texts
· Understand paragraph structure and support
· Write paragraphs that are effectively organized and developed
· Participate confidently in class discussions
· Use a computer for typing papers & for posting paragraphs on HyperNews
Texts &
Materials
Sentence Skills with Readings
by John Langan
Night by Elie Wiesel
College dictionary (hard
cover preferred, paperback OK)
8-11
Notebook Paper, stapler, pens, highlighter
Computer
diskette
Course Requirements
Note Well: You must fulfill ALL the following requirements in order to receive CREDIT for English 21!
·
Be
There
Attendance
is required. Any student who misses more than the equivalent a four-hour class period will be dropped from the
course: the only exceptions are extreme, unexpected, and unplanned
emergencies which must be confirmed in print from a verifiable, acceptable source
such as a physician, newspaper article, judge. Missing more than the
allowable four-hours will result in either failing the course or being dropped
from the class. If you do miss class,
you must make arrangements to get your homework or papers turned in. You are responsible for anything covered in
class that day. I recommend that you
get a fellow student’s phone number or email address. Email me (sharonmaselli@msn.com) following any absence beyond one class
session.
·
Be
On Time, Every Time
It
is necessary for each student to arrive at class promptly. Tardiness is disruptive to the entire class,
including the instructor. Moreover, the
tardy student misses class work and participation. Leaving early or taking
breaks – we will have scheduled breaks --during class time is counted in the
same way as tardiness So, a student who
is repeatedly late will not receive credit for English 21.
·
Come Prepared
In order to receive a CREDIT for English 21, you
must complete all homework assignments – both reading and writing – by the beginning
of the class session for which they’re
due. Any assignments I give for
completion during the class session is due, without exception, at the end of
the session.
·
Pay Attention
A portion of your grade in English 21 depends on
your diligence, concentration, and contribution to our “real” classroom time. A
student whose attention wanders or who does not positively contribute to class
activities will not learn and may not pass.
·
Use It or Lose It
Exercises from Langan will be discussed and checked on
the day they appear on the syllabus.
However, we will not have time in class to go over answers to every
homework exercise; you can check your answers against the answer key at the
back of the book. During the six-week
session, I will give short, unannounced quizzes on the grammar exercises, and 50% of the final examination will
cover the grammar exercises.
·
Just Write
You will be required to write summaries, paragraphs,
and essays for English 21. We will spend a portion of every Wednesday in a
computer laboratory so you can work on your writing. Requirements for these assignments are as follows:
1.
These
must be type in MLA style
2.
No
more than one late paper will be accepted – and that paper may be only one
class period late.
3.
Topic
sentence (thesis sentence for essay) and primary support sentences must be
highlighted.
4.
Hand
in rough or handwritten drafts stapled to final version.
·
Finally….
You must demonstrate competency in writing and
“grammar” in order to pass English 21.
Therefore, 50% of the final examination will be a paragraph and 50% will
be grammar and sentence exercises. The
final examination counts for approximately 30% of your total grade. The
final examination is held on the last day of class
A serious note on plagiarism and cheating: This is the use of another
person’s words as if they were your own.
Plagiarism results in a failing paper and possibly failing the class.
Obviously, cheating on quizzes is not OK – so don’t. A student caught cheating will receive a zero.
·
Your Final Grade
The final grade in English 21 is either CREDIT or NO
CREDIT. If you decide to drop this
class, you must complete the proper paperwork.
Otherwise, your name will remains on the roster and you will receive no
credit for the class on your transcript.
Remember: Last day to drop without a “W” is June 2
Last day to drop with a “W” is June 19