SYLLABUS ENG: 103 REPORT WRITING--Electronic Classroom

General Course Information	Scoring Rubric for Essays
Objectives of Course	Course Assignments Outline
Report Writing Materials	Reports

INSTRUCTOR:

Mrs. Nancy Adams Office FV, Communications South—C164 Phone 513-4748

Walk-in office hours: TBA

(Email) nadams@stlcc.edu

(Homepage) http://users.stlcc.edu/nadams

TEXTBOOKS & SUPPLIES:

REQUIRED: Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work (8th edition), D.C. Heath Co., At least three paper portfolios; and USB media with which to save files

RECOMMENDED: A college-level dictionary

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course offers instruction in the kinds of writing required in fields such as business, technology, and health science. Students plan, write, and revise letters, memos, reports, abstracts, and other forms of practical writing. Emphasis is given to writing for particular audiences to solve "real world" writing problems. This course will be offered in a networked electronic classroom and, therefore, will also include techniques of writing, editing, researching, and designing pages with a computer.

THEMES:

You will have seven in- and out-of-class reports (including a longer, documented research report), some computer lab exercises and various other shorter writings that include collaboration. A diagnostic theme is required the first week of class. Themes must be turned in on day due, or they will not be accepted, unless you have received prior permission from your instructor. Reports must be typed or word-processed on 8 1/2" X 11" paper (approximately 16 pages of typed work in all). Put name, class section number, and instructor's name on back, top, right-hand corner of last page.

COMPUTERS/FACILITIES:

The Communications Building Computer Lab (C134) is open to students with valid Florissant Valley Student I.D.s several hours each day so that you can work on assignments. You must have a 3 1/2" DD or HD diskette (available in bookstore or other outlets) in order to save your work. There are also some PCs in the CAVE section of the library and the Business/Engineering buildings available for student use. Most student computers on campus are equipped with internet and email access.

WRITING CENTER:

Tutors in the Writing Center, C136, are available without charge to assist students in planning and revising essays and to help them with editing or other related topics. There are some computers available for student using the writing center.

EVALUATION:

Grades will be assigned according to a portfolio/point system. You will submit your portfolio (collection of graded work) at mid term and final week for evaluation. At the end of the semester, of a possible total of 1000 points, you will need 880 for an A; 770 for a B; 650 for a C; 550 for a D. Major Reports = 75%; Other Assignments = 25%. Plagiarism in any form will be dealt with decidedly depending upon the severity of the offense, from an F on individual papers to an F in the class and/or further repercussions. Consequently, you must use your own words, your own work, in every assignment and must consider seriously the task of learning how to correctly document paraphrase, summary and direct quotation.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

You will have to regulate your extra-curricular/working hours to give yourself sufficient time to prepare assignments, about two hours for each class hour. You are responsible for all assignments, papers, class notes, and material covered in class and for the safekeeping of all returned papers that will go into your portfolio for grading at the end of the semester. Absence from class is no excuse. Call if there is a problem or if there happens to be some exceptional circumstance in this regard, and I will decide whether or not to compromise. If any student in this class has a need for special testing arrangements, notetaking assistance or other unusual accommodations because of a documented disability, please feel free to discuss this with me privately.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance in this class is mandatory. Tardiness will be noted, and three tardies may quickly equal an absence. Absence from class is the number-one reason for lack of success. NOTE CAREFULLY: You will have points deducted from your semester total for each absence after the first two. (3rd absence=-10; 4th=-20; 5th=-30). However, you can also earn 10 pts. each quarter for perfect attendance. JCD Board Policy indicates that a student who misses more than twice the number of hours the class meets per week should fail the course. After 7 MWF or 5 TTH absences, you will no longer get papers graded or be able to take tests and should immediately withdraw from the class or take an "F." All withdrawals from class must be initiated by student. The withdrawal deadline dates vary each semester and are available from the office of Admissions and Registration.

CONFERENCES:

Each student is required to confer with the instructor twice during semester. Additional conferences are optional. See walk-in hours or phone number above for conferences at other times.

OBJECTIVES OF ENGLISH 103 (REPORT WRITING):

• Refine writing and editing skills learned in previous composition courses.
• Recognize the responsibility as technical and professional writers to communicate clearly, truthfully, and concisely.
• Understand the value of professional and technical writing for readers in the world of work and, therefore, the writer's responsibility to produce quality writing.
• Recognize the responsibility to try to satisfy the audience's need for information, not one's own need for self-expression.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

Analyze the need for a document in terms of the problem to be addressed, the context of the writing project, the purpose of the document, and the audience's needs.

Select an appropriate document format, language, and writing style for a given writing situation

Work collaboratively to plan, write, and edit materials.

Select and design simple graphics, including tables, figures, and visuals, and integrate them logically into written text.

Revise and edit for clarity and correctness; and produce a professional-looking final document.

Distinguish between objective and subjective language

Conduct library, electronic, and field research effectively.

Document sources appropriately within reports.

Write clear, concise prose in Edited American English.

Use computer resources effectively in researching, preparing/laying out reports, graphics, and other related materials.

STATEMENT OF EXPECTED STUDENT CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

Instructors at Florissant Valley strive to make the classroom a place that is academically rewarding for both the student and the instructor. To encourage an atmosphere that is conductive to learning, the following expectations for student behavior in the classroom have been established. None of them will be new to you. None of them are very different from other expectations you have experienced in previous classrooms. The main differences at the collegiate level is that students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and academic success. The faculty are expected to teach and support learning, not monitor all your efforts or behaviors. Thus, it is expected that you will:

1. Be aware of academic policies and requirements.
   1. Read and reread the syllabus and tentative schedule.
   2. Follow minimum guide lines for written and oral assignments.
   3. Ask about any requirements or policies that you do not understand.
   4. Keep all handouts, returned work, etc. until you have received your final grade from the registrar.
2. Be prepared.
   1. Take careful notes.
   2. Keep up with all assignments and class activities. Get information from another class member if you are absent.
   3. Revise class notes periodically.
   4. Take notes on all assigned readings.
   5. Spend at least two hours on outside work for very one hour classroom work.
   6. Be prepared to discuss readings in class.
3. Be attentive.
   1. Listen carefully to instructors' comments, noting information that is stressed.
   2. Pay careful attention to films, video, student reports, guest speakers.
   3. Avoid distracting behavior such as sleeping or wearing headphones.
4. Be punctual.
   1. Attend class on time.
   2. Attend all conference appointments on time.
   3. Get required work in on time or see instructors if that is impossible.
   4. Be on time for all examinations.
5. Be respectful.
   1. Tell instructor if you leave early or arrive late.
   2. If you arrive late, enter quietly and sit in the available seat closest to the door.
   3. Be polite and respect each other and the instructor.
   4. Comments, criticism or, just need to talk, see the instructor during office hours.
6. Be serious.
   1. Work hard.
   2. Ask and respond to questions in a serious manner.
   3. Take responsibility for your attendance, participation and learning in the course.
   4. Make sure that your other responsibilities do not conflict with the class schedule.
   5. Abide by the honor system during exams, quizzes, and in class writing assignments; do not cheat or assist cheating.
7. Be aware of Student Rights and Responsibilities as listed in the Fact Finder.

SCORING RUBRIC FOR COMPOSITION 103 REPORTS