COM 101 Syllabus.docx

Course Description

COM 101 Syllabus

COURSE NUMBER and NAME UNITS

LENGTH OF CLASS

COURSE DESCRIPTION REQUIRED TEXT

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD

INTEGRATIVE STUDIES SYLLABUS STATEMENT

COM 101 Composition 1
3
8 Weeks
This course introduces students to the principles of standard written English, the basics of academic essay writing, the importance of tone, purpose, context, and audience, the differences in rhetorical styles, and the basics of academic research and APA style.
Weaver, R., Bost, L., Kassorla, M., McKinney-Holley, K., Crowther, K., Cutright, L., Gilbert, N., Hall, B., Ravita, T., & Swenson, K. Successful college composition (3rd ed.). Galileo. https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article= 1007&context=english-textbooks
Online / On-Campus In alignment with Westcliff University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Integrative Studies courses present subject matter that may cause some people to feel uncomfortable. This content is presented as a means of promoting transparency, dialogue, and solutions to individual, community, and societal challenges. Students and faculty are encouraged to engage in respectful and open dialogue regarding course material within the safe space of the classroom. Should students find the material offensive or wish to discuss it privately during office hours, they should speak with their professor to schedule a time.

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Summary of Graded Work and Assessments

COM 101 Syllabus

Graded work and assessments offer students the opportunity to show the degree of mastery for each CLO. The following table shows how assessments and CLOs align (link).

Assignments	Totals	Weight	CLOs
Engagement and Professionalism (Rubric)	160	16%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 1 Post Narrative	18.75	1.875%	2
Week 1 Writing Goals Paragraph	25	2.5%	1, 2
Week 1 Narrative Writing	25	2.5%	1, 2, 4
Week 2 Create a Slideshow of Process Essay	18.75	1.875%	1, 2, 4
Week 2 Process Essay	40	4%	1, 2, 4
Week 3 Graphic Organizer Week 3 Compare/Contrast Essay Week 4 Annotated Article	18.75 50 18.75	1.875% 5% 1.875%	4 1, 2, 4 1, 5
Week 4 Analysis Essay Week 5 VoiceThread Week 5 Annotated Bibliography of 5 Sources for Persuasive Essay Week 5 Outline of Persuasive Essay	50 18.75 25 50	5% 1.875% 2.5% 5%	1, 2, 4, 5 4 4, 5 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 6 Rough Draft Feedback	18.75	1.875%	1, 2, 5
Week 6 Rough Draft of Persuasive Essay	125	12.5%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 7 Final Draft of Persuasive Essay	300	30%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Week 8 Video Reflection	37.5	3.75%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Total Points/Percentage	1000 Points	100%

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Course Policies

For Westcliff’s course policies, please see the Course Policies document. Writing Center

COM 101 Syllabus

The Westcliff University Writing Center is dedicated to providing quality support to students and faculty. From assignment reviews to in-class workshops, dissertation support, and publication help, the Writing Center is committed to empowering individuals to use the written language to articulate and disseminate knowledge.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Learning outcomes are statements that describe significant and essential scholarship that students have achieved and can reliably demonstrate at the end of the course. Learning outcomes identify what the learner will know and be able to do by the end of a course – the essential and enduring knowledge, abilities (skills), and attitudes (values, dispositions) that constitute the integrated learning needed for successful completion of this course. The learning outcomes for this course summarize what students can expect to learn and how this course is tied directly to the educational outcomes of the degree.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)	PLOs
1. Demonstrate the principles of standard written English and the writing process, as well as the collaborative nature of the writing process.	1
2. Demonstrate competence with the thesis statement format and purpose, the paragraph format, and the essay format.	1
3. Recognize the importance of tone, purpose, context, and audience.	1, 4
4. Demonstrate understanding of a variety of essay genres and rhetorical trends.	1, 4, 5

5. Exemplify the basics of research techniques, critically evaluating

_{sources, and APA style.} 1, 6 3

Detailed Course Outline

COM 101 Syllabus

The following outline provides important assignment details for this course, unit by unit. Students are responsible for all of the assignments given. Please refer to the Detailed Description of Each Grading Criteria in the syllabus for specific information about each assignment.

Week 1:

1. Writing Principles: Punctuation (Capitalization, End Punctuation, Commas, & Apostrophes)

2. Writing Elements: Thesis Statement (Different Types) & Tone

3. Writing Genre: Narrative

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Punctuation

■ Capitalization (see p. 255 in the textbook)

■ End Punctuation:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/multilingual/multilingual_students/punctuation /index.html

■ Commas (see p. 244-247 in the textbook)

■ Apostrophes (see p. 253 in the textbook)

○ Thesis Statement (see p. 20-23 in the textbook)

○ Tone:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/multilingual/multilingual_students/audience_consider ations_for_esl_writers/index.html

○ Narrative (see p. 89-93 in the textbook)

● Videos:

o Meet the Comma: https://youtu.be/Wk0k2FLjM1c

o Introduction to the Apostrophe: https://youtu.be/o6zzLAhEyqo

o Introduction to Contractions: https://youtu.be/q5sG_CkkAs8

o IWE: Punctuation: https://youtu.be/qnzyWdNWCSY

o Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements: https://youtu.be/LKXkemYldmw

o Writing is a Conversation: https://youtu.be/GZYuNgEUjZ0

o Writing a Narrative Essay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4yDQTc6I5Q Week 1 Post Narrative (Rubric)

1. Include a short video introducing your main passion in life.

2. Respond to one peer in at least 150 words and identify the main idea of both their narrative and video.

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Writing Goals Paragraph (Rubric)

COM 101 Syllabus

1. Write a five- to seven-sentence paragraph identifying your writing goals for the class. 2. Ensure your thesis statement identifies your main goals for the class and is the first sentence in your paragraph.

3. In 3 to 5 body sentences, expand upon each of your writing goals in the order you present them in your thesis statement.

4. End your paragraph with a concluding sentence, restating your thesis but not word for word.

5. Make sure you are following the punctuation rules reviewed in class.

Narrative Writing (Rubric)

1. Write a one-page (250 words) narrative on an experience of your choice. (Example) 2. Make sure your thesis statement reflects the narrative thesis examples gone over in class. 3. Include at least 4 paragraphs:

1. Introduction

2. Body paragraph

3. Body paragraph

4. Conclusion (Think of the paragraph you wrote for your first assignment and the structure.)

4. Include imagery (language focusing on the senses) since you want your reader to experience what you experienced.

Rubrics display the grading for each assignment they are attached. It is recommended that students review each rubric before completing an assignment. This practice will assist in successfully completing the assignment and guide students on how instructors will grade. Additionally, every assignment will not have the same rubric.

**When using Google documents for a course, students can add the document to their school Google Drive for easier access. Click the icon next to the document’s title, if present, to add a shortcut to that document in your Google Drive.

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Week 2:

COM 101 Syllabus

1. Writing Principles: Verb Tense (Simple Tense, Subject-Verb Agreement, & Irregular Verbs)

2. Writing Elements: The Writing Process (Prewriting, Outlining, Drafting, Reviewing, & Revising) & Purpose

3. Writing Genre: Process

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Verb Tense (see p. 213-234 in the textbook)

○ The Writing Process (see p. 44-87 in the textbook)

○ Purpose (see p. 10-11 in the textbook)

○ Process Essay (see p. 100-104 in the textbook)

● Videos:

○ Introduction to Verbs: https://youtu.be/31PqwdpdrP0

○ Introduction to Agreement: https://youtu.be/KEdI0-xIUFc

○ Introduction to Verb Tense: https://youtu.be/faUvT7zfsyk

○ Purdue OWL Vidcast: Drafting and Revising: https://youtu.be/ZEqkkhP0k0A ○ Process Essay – Instructional: https://youtu.be/wZ3q7Bn8i2M

Week 2 Create a Slideshow of Process Essay (Rubric)

1. Post a link, giving viewer access only, to your slideshow (use PowerPoint or Slides; if you use PowerPoint, upload to your Google Drive first, then share the link) in the discussion forum.

2. Review two of your peers’ slideshows in at least 100 words each.

3. Offer feedback on communication in the slideshow that you find to be unclear and offer suggestions on how to improve upon the clarity.

Week 2 Process Essay (Rubric)

1. Write a one-page (250 words) process essay explaining the steps in your process in a logical order.

2. Use the second person (you).

3. Make sure your thesis statement focuses on the process you are explaining. 4. Include at least 4 paragraphs: 1) introduction, 2) body paragraph, 3) body paragraph, & 4) conclusion.

5. Use basic transitions to move through the steps in your process. (Examples: first, second, third, next, finally, etc.)

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Week 3:

1. Writing Principles: Pronouns

2. Writing Elements: Paragraph Structure & APA Format 3. Writing Genre: Compare/Contrast

COM 101 Syllabus

Assignments to complete this week: This week, you will need to choose two films that you enjoy and are very knowledgeable of for comparing and contrasting. They can be from the same or different genres.

● Reading:

○ Pronouns (see p. 438-243 in the textbook)

○ Paragraph Structure (see p. 27-43 in the textbook)

○ APA Format

■ General Format (Purdue OWL Link):

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/general_format.html

○ Compare/Contrast (see p. 111-118 in the textbook)

● Videos:

○ What is a Pronoun?: https://youtu.be/nkjKPhleQ5E

○ Why Gender Pronouns Matter: https://youtu.be/9iKHjl5xAaA

○ IWE: Paragraph Organization and Flow: https://youtu.be/7MTAdhoqcOk ○ APA Demystified in 5 Minutes: https://youtu.be/B7zEf5A3BCQ

○ Comparing and Contrasting – UNC Writing Center:

(In-Class Activity)

Week 3 Entry-Level Essay Activity Pre-Assessment (Graded for Participation Points) By overcoming challenges, you demonstrate courage, grit, and perseverance. Have you experienced a time when you stood up to others or when your beliefs were challenged? The obstacle that you faced may be large or small, but how has your perspective changed as a result? Be specific, summarize the experience, and reflect on your personal growth.

You will be given 30 minutes in class to write a response to the prompt below and upload it to GAP.

Week 3 Graphic Organizer (Rubric)

1. Create a Graphic Organizer comparing and contrasting the two films you plan to write about in the Compare/Contrast Essay. (additional graphic organizer resources) 2. Submit to your instructor for feedback.

Week 3 Compare/Contrast Essay (Rubric)

1. Write a one-page (250 words) compare/contrast essay comparing and contrasting the two films that you enjoy.

2. Use the third person (proper nouns, pronouns, etc.).

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COM 101 Syllabus

3. Ensure your thesis statement focuses on the films you are comparing/contrasting. 4. Include at least 4 paragraphs: 1) introduction, 2) body paragraph, 3) body paragraph, & 4) conclusion.

5. Use 7th edition APA formatting and citation (in-text and bibliographic).

Week 4:

1. Writing Principles: Prepositions

2. Writing Elements: Essay Structure, Audience, & Use of Sources (Annotation) 3. Writing Genre: Analysis

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Prepositions

■ Prepositions for Time, Place, and Introducing Objects:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/prepositions/index.ht ml

■ To, On (to), In (to):

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/prepositions/to_on_i n.html

■ Prepositions of Location: In, At, On:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/prepositions/preposit ions_of_location_at_in_on.html

■ Spatial Relationships:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/prepositions/spatial_ relationships.html

○ Essay Structure:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/inde x.html

○ Audience (see p. 12-14 in the textbook)

○ Use of Sources:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphr asing_and_summarizing/index.html

■ Signal & Lead-In Phrases:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_ paraphrasing_and_summarizing/signal_and_lead_in_phrases.html

■ Analysis:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/co nducting_primary_research/analysis.html

■ Evaluating & Processing Your Sources (see p. 159-165 in the textbook) ● Videos:

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○ Meet the Preposition: https://youtu.be/D3wQ5dgFPms

COM 101 Syllabus

○ How to Incorporate Audience into Your Writing: https://youtu.be/vfY_rcAKIAw ○ Keyword vs. Subject Searching: https://youtu.be/8ReOTKZezZg ○ Evaluating Sources: https://youtu.be/EyMT08mD7Ds

○ Annotating Text: https://youtu.be/JZXgr7_3Kw4

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Week 4 Annotated Article (Rubric)

1. Article Selection:

a. Locate a recent scholarly article on a topic that interests you.

COM 101 Syllabus

b. The article should be published within the last five years to ensure current information.

2. Annotation:

a. Can be done digitally or physically (see submission instructions for accepted formats)

b. Summarize key points in your own words for each section of the article c. Circle key concepts and phrases.

d. Write brief comments and questions in the margins.

e. Use abbreviations and symbols.

f. Highlight/underline important items.

g. Use clear and concise language in your annotations.

3. Submission and Deadline:

a. Use clear and concise language in your annotations. Submit your annotated article assignment (word, google doc, .pdf format, or photos or scanned images of your work) for instructor feedback.

b. Ensure the assignment submission is on or before the specified deadline. Week 4 Analysis Essay (Rubric)

1. Write a one-page (250 words) analysis essay of an article of your choice. 2. Use the third person (proper nouns, pronouns, etc.)

3. Make sure your thesis statement focuses on your analysis of the article’s main argument, support, and source use.

4. Include at least 4 paragraphs: 1) introduction, 2) body paragraph, 3) body paragraph, & 4) conclusion.

5. Use APA formatting and citation (in-text and bibliographic).

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Week 5:

1. Writing Principles: Modifiers

COM 101 Syllabus

2. Writing Elements: Research Queries, Annotation, APA In-Text Citation, & APA References Page

3. Writing Genre: Annotated Bibliography

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Modifiers

■ Dangling Modifiers & How to Correct Them:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/dangling_modifiers _and_how_to_correct_them.html

○ Research Queries (see p. 144-158 in the textbook)

○ Annotation:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/evaluating _sources_of_information/general_guidelines.html

○ APA In-Text Citation

■ Basics:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html

■ Author(s):

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_author_authors.html

○ APA References Page:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_ style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.html

■ Author(s):

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/reference_list_author_authors.html

■ Articles in Periodicals:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/reference_list_articles_in_periodicals.html

■ Books:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/reference_list_books.html

■ Electronic Sources:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formattin g_and_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html

○ Annotated Bibliography

■ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments /annotated_bibliographies/index.html

■ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments /annotated_bibliographies/annotated_bibliography_example.html

■ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments /annotated_bibliographies/annotated_bibliography_samples.html

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● Videos:

○ Intro to Adjectives: https://youtu.be/pt-cjNaErxI ○ Intro to Articles: https://youtu.be/4EsDY2VbIXs ○ Intro to Adverbs: https://youtu.be/b3RaBB7IDZc ○ APA 7th Edition: https://vimeo.com/462610513

Week 5 VoiceThread (Rubric)

COM 101 Syllabus

1. Record a VoiceThread talking through the outline of your Persuasive Essay. (Instructions for how to register for a free account)

2. Submit (via a link) to your instructor for feedback. (Instructions on how to share your VoiceThread)

Week 5 Annotated Bibliography of 5 Sources for Persuasive Essay (Rubric)

1. Choose a community problem that you want to solve.

2. Find five peer-reviewed articles related to the community problem that you want to solve. 3. Annotate a total of five peer-reviewed articles from Westcliff University Library & Digital Resources Center that are relevant to your paper topic.

4. Write 150 words for each annotation.

5. Include a summary and an evaluation of the source in each annotation. 6. Use APA formatting and citation (in-text and bibliographic).

Week 5 Outline of Persuasive Essay (Rubric)

1. Write a detailed outline of your persuasive essay focused on the community problem that you want to solve.

2. Include notes for at least 7 paragraphs: introduction, 5 body paragraphs, and conclusion. 3. Use APA formatting and citation (in-text and bibliographic).

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Week 6:

1. Writing Principles: Parallel Structure

2. Writing Elements: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, & Conclusion 3. Writing Genre: Persuasive

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Parallel Structure (see p. 214 in the textbook)

○ Introduction (see p. 68 in the textbook)

○ Body Paragraphs (see p. 63-67 in the textbook)

○ Conclusion (see p. 68 in the textbook)

○ Persuasive (see p. 122-133 in the textbook)

● Videos:

○ Grammar: Parallel Structure: https://youtu.be/3ns8XqibMZI ○ How to Write a Good Conclusion: https://youtu.be/nrFnprsZynE

Week 6 Rough Draft of Persuasive Essay (Rubric)

COM 101 Syllabus

1. Write a 3-to-5 page (750 to 1250 word) persuasive essay on the community problem that you want to solve.

2. Use the Annotated Bibliography and Outline you created for Week 6. 3. Use the third person (proper nouns, pronouns, etc.)

4. Make sure your thesis statement focuses on the argument you are making. 5. Include at least 7 paragraphs: introduction, 5 body paragraphs, and conclusion. 6. Be sure to include a counter-argument.

7. Avoid directly quoting in APA; use paraphrases and summaries instead. 8. Use APA formatting and citation (in-text and bibliographic).

9. Submit your Rough Draft to the Writing Center for feedback.

Week 6 Writing Center Rough Draft Feedback Analysis (Rubric)

1. Create a short summary (200 words or less) explaining how you will use the feedback in your Final Draft.

2. Upload/submit your rough draft with the Writing Center’s feedback and the document with your explanation.

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Week 7:

1. Writing Principles: Sentence Types

2. Writing Elements: Rhetorical Appeals & Peer Review 3. Writing Genre: Persuasive

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Sentence Types (see p. 195-213 in the textbook) ○ Rhetorical Appeals:

COM 101 Syllabus

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/establishing_argum ents/rhetorical_strategies.html

○ Peer Review:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/teacher_and_tutor_resources/teaching_resources/peer_ review_presentation.html

○ Persuasive (see p. 122-133 in the textbook)

● Videos:

○ What is a Sentence?: https://youtu.be/TeiuG81mbII

○ Three Types of Sentence: https://youtu.be/ld8r6NGXRts

Week 7 Final Draft of Persuasive Essay (Rubric)

1. Write a 3-to-5 page (750 to 1250 word) persuasive essay on the community problem that you want to solve.

2. Use the Annotated Bibliography and Outline you created for Week 6.

3. Use the third person (proper nouns, pronouns, etc.)

4. Make sure your thesis statement focuses on the argument you are making. 5. Include at least 7 paragraphs: introduction, 5 body paragraphs, and conclusion. 6. Be sure to include a counter argument.

7. Avoid directly quoting in APA; use paraphrases and summaries instead. 8. Use APA formatting and citation (in-text and bibliographic).

9. Use the feedback from your peers, your instructor, and the Writing Center to make changes.

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Week 8:

1. Writing Principles: Easily Confused Words

2. Writing Elements: Rhetorical Types

3. Writing Genre: Reflection

Assignments to complete this week:

● Reading:

○ Easily Confused Words (see p. 260-263)

○ Rhetorical Types

■ Rhetorical Situations:

COM 101 Syllabus

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/index.html

■ Elements of Rhetorical Situations:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/elements_of_rhetorical_situations.html

■ Aristotle’s Rhetorical Situation:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/aristotles_rhetorical_situation.html

■ Text:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/text.html

■ Setting:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/setting.html

■ Example 1:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/example1.html

■ Example 2:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/example2.html

■ Example 3:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/rhetorical_s ituation/example3.html

● Videos:

○ Affect and Effect: https://youtu.be/5pfZ3dyG1cg

○ There, Their, and They’re: https://youtu.be/0D54pfccNUQ

Week 8 Video Reflection (Rubric)

1. Record a video reflection on the writing progress you have made in class and your writing goals for Composition. Please review the grading rubric for more reflection criteria.

2. Upload to class.

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