English 22

Introduction to Expository Writing

Chris McKinney
845-9258
7-514
cdmckinn@hawaii.edu
 

Course Description: Intensive study of structure, usage, and vocabulary of English as a necessary prelude to effective writing. Emphasis is placed on the development of paragraphs to communicate ideas in short papers. Students are encouraged to exercise critical thinking and clear, correct language in their written communications. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: ENG 20B & C & D & E OR "C" or higher in ESL 11 & 12 & 13 & 17 OR placement in ENG 22

Texts: Writing First: Practice in Context, With Readings; any English dictionary

Relationship to A.A. and A.S., A.A.S., and A.T.S. Degrees: Completion of English 22 with a minimum grade of C satisfies the prerequisite for enrollment in English 100. English 100 is the minimum communications requirement for the Associate in Arts degree. English 22 satisfies the communications requirement for the A.S., A.A.S., and A.T.S. degrees.

Course Objectives and Outcomes:

  1. To develop the ability to read and think analytically, use appropriate diction, and write logical, well-organized, fully developed, grammatically correct paragraphs and essays.

  2. To develop a confident and effective writing voice through practice exercises, pre-writing, paragraph writing, collaborative learning, compare and contrast, cause and effect, argumentative writing, and critical reading.


Course Content and Grading:

Book Exercises (two points each), 24% (60 points)
Paragraphs (10 points each), 24% (60 points)
Midterm 08%, (20 points)
Essay 1 (compare and contrast essay), 08% (20 points)
Essay 2 (cause and effect essay), 08% (20 points)
Essay 3 (argumentative essay), 08% (20 points)
Final Exam, 08% (20 points)
Attendance, participation, and preparation, 12% (30 points)

Grades for each of these six categories will be given on a point system. For example, the most points you can receive on Essay 1 is 20. At the end of the semester, all points will be added, and this will be your grade for the semester. 250-225 points = A. 224-200 points = B. 199-175 points = C. 174-150 points = D. Fewer than 150 points = F.

Assignments:

Assignments for this course will be comprised of thirty exercises from the textbook, six paragraph assignments, and three essays. The textbook assignments are worth two points each. They will be corrected in class, then I will collect them. The six paragraph assignments (six separate paragraphs) will be worth ten points each. The three essay assignments are worth twenty points each. The textbook assignments and paragraph assignments may be handwritten in ink. The two drafts of all three essay assignments must be done on a computer, saved on a disk, and printed out. Handwritten drafts or drafts done on a typewriter will not be accepted.

Late Assignments:

Assignments turned in late will not be accepted without a doctor’s note or unless circumstances are EXTREME (medical or family emergencies qualify). When you miss something, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed through me or a classmate. If I do accept a late assignment because of extreme circumstances, then you have one week from the original due date to turn it in. Nothing will be accepted after this week is over.

Exams:

There will be two exams, the midterm and the final. The midterm will involve taking the six paragraph assignments (see above), and piecing them together as an essay. This will be done in class over the course of two days. The entire project is worth twenty points. The final exam, administered during finals week, will require you to choose a topic (I will provide you with a list of choices) and write two drafts of an essay, a first draft and a revised draft. The final exam is also worth twenty points; however, its importance goes beyond its point value. The final exam will play a huge role in determining whether or not you are ready for English 100. I will not pass a student in the course who does not pass the final exam.

Attendance:

As mentioned above, I rarely accept late work, so make sure that you come to class. Also notice that attendance, participation, and preparation constitutes fifteen percent of your grade. Your presence is demanded. Any in-class work missed cannot be made up. Also, please make it to class on time. I take attendance every day in the beginning of class, and if you are not present, I will not mark you down. It is your responsibility to make sure that I have you down if you get to class. If tardiness becomes a problem, points from the attendance, participation, and preparation grade will be deducted. If it helps, think of school like work. If you don’t show up, you don’t get paid. If you are habitually late, you’re probably going to get fired.

Plagiarism:

Submitting a paper you did not write, recycling a paper you wrote in another class, or quoting others without citing them constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism will result in an F for the course.

Materials:

One computer disk
Highlighter
Smooth edged loose leaf paper (8 1/2 x 11)

Things You Need To Remember:

    1. Essays must be done on the computer. If you do not own a computer, you can go to the Computer Lab (Building 2, Room 405). Make sure that you have a student I.D. (to obtain an I.D. card, take your pink slip to Building 2, 2nd floor). There are also other computer facilities on campus in Building 2 on both the 5th and 6th floors, and in the Learning Center (Building 7, Room 313).

    2. Other assignments may be neatly handwritten in ink (every other line), typed, or computer printed.

    3. Late assignments will not be accepted unless situations are extreme.

    4. Attendance is very important.

    5. Participation and preparation is a must. Quizzes will be administered if these requirements are not being met.

    6. All students are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Code.

    7. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Sources must be documented. Plagiarism will result in an F for the course and possible expulsion from HCC.

    8. The midterm and final exam will be in-class writing assignments.

    9. Help with grammar can be found at the Learning Center (Building 7, Room 313). 

    10. Be aware of the final day of withdrawals.

    11. Always remember that writing is re-writing. Constantly edit your work.

    12. Do not give up. Writing is often difficult for even the greatest writers. Stay in the game.

    13. My door is always open. I encourage all students to see me if any problems arise.