Laura C. Casal
Office Hours:  (703) 257-662; e-mail lcasal@nvcc.edu ; lc645@yahoo.com
  M/W  7:30-8, 10:00-11:00, 12:15-12:30, 1:45-2:00;  W  3:15-4:15, 6:00-7:00

Course Texts
Dietsch, Betty, M.  Reasoning & Writing Well: A Rhetoric, Reader, and Handbook. California: Mayfield, 1999.
A College-Level Dictionary

Course Description
English 111 is designed as an introduction to the writing process. Emphasis is on rhetorical options available to the writer.  Focus is on writing as a process, style, language, library resources, and critical reading and thinking.

Course Objectives
o  To establish writing as a process which involves brainstorming, drafting, revision, and editing;
o  To engage the students in the use of the various rhetorical options available to them as writers;
o  To improve students' library skills;
o  To develop students' critical thinking and reading skills; and
o  To develop in students a critical eye for evaluating their own and others' writings.

Grading                                                     Grading Scale
Narrative Essay   15 pts.                             100-93  A    
Comparison/Contrast Essay  15 pts               92-83  B
Argumentative Essay  25 pts.                         82-74  C
Movie Review   15 pts.                                  73-65  D
Testimonial Article   15 pts.                            64-0  F
Group Project   15 pts.  
   
This grading rationale is based on a point system – very easy to calculate for both the teacher and the student.  Your final grade will be determined by points accumulated by semester’s end. 

Please note the following:
1. Inappropriate classroom behavior will not be tolerated.  Politeness and respect are required.  Refer to the student handbook for  further information.
2. You are responsible for securing your enrollment in this class.  Please be sure you are properly enrolled and tuition is paid.
3.  If you have special needs or considerations, please see me or a counselor.
4. Please turn off all cell phones, beepers, and other electronic noise items while in class.  Thank you.
5. You are required to attend at least 80% of the classes to pass.  Persistent tardiness and early exits will   count against your attendance record.
6. Late papers will be grade penalized unless the student has contacted me and received an extension.  Papers more than a week late will not be accepted.
7. Failure to attend the last class will result in an automatic incomplete in the course.
8. You may revise one paper during the semester.
 

Have a successful semester!  And remember, I am here to assist you in the successful completion of the course.
 
 

English 111 Syllabus

1/14  Introduction to the course; Student data

1/16  Pretest – Essay  (Part One)

1/21  No Class

1/23  Pretest Revision – Essay  (Part Two)
  
1/28  Review of Impromptu/Introduction to the essay; Writer’s inventory 
  DUE: Chapters 1-3

1/30  Introduction to the narrative essay
  DUE:  Chapters 6 ,10, & 11; Geier, 549; McCullers, 561
  
2/4  Narrative essay group review
  DUE: Narrative Essay

2/6  Narrative Presentation  
   
2/11  Introduction to the Comparison/Contrast
  Revision: What exactly is it?
  DUE: Chapter 4 & 15; Wilkerson, p.574; Lopate, p.570
               
2/13  Comparison/Contrast
  Due: Thesis & Outline for Comparison/Contrast

2/18  Comparison/Contrast essay group review
  DUE: Comparison/Contrast Essay

2/20  Student Conferences________________________
  
2/25  Student Conferences________________________

2/27  Group Project Meeting:  Students will meet with their group to begin the project planning.

3/4  Introduction to the testimonial

3/6  Testimonial group review
  DUE:  Testimonial

3/11,13  Spring Break:  No classes

3/18  Introduction to the review

3/20  Movie (In-Class)

3/25  Movie (In-Class) 

3/27  Review: Peer Review
  DUE:  Movie Review

4/1  Library Seminar
 
4/3  Introduction to Argumentation; Group work on the Argumentative essay
  DUE:  Chapter 18;  Movie Review

4/8  Models of Argumentation
  DUE:  Chapter 21;  Rivers, 679;  Restak, 688; Russo, 693
     
4/10  Argumentation
  DUE: Argumentative Topics & Outlines

4/15  Group Work:  Argumentative Essay
  DUE:  Argumentative Essay

4/17  Student Conferences________________________  
                 
4/22  Student Conferences________________________ 
  
4/24  No Formal Class – Project Meeting
  DUE: Argumentative paper

4/29  No Formal Class – Project Meeting  

Monday, May 6  Project Presentations
8-10:30
  
  NOTE:  Failure to attend the final class (5/6) will result in an incomplete grade in the 
               course.