Objectives:

This course introduces you to the fundamentals of English grammar and composition.  We begin the term with an introduction to the eight parts of speech, progressing to exercises in sentence structure and advancing to the development of full paragraphs and short essays.  We will also read one novel and several non-fiction essays to enhance reading comprehension, analytical skills, and vocabulary.

Grading System:

Grading System:
At the end of the semester each student will receive a final letter grade corresponding to the amount of points earned during the semester.  Point values are listed below:

Assignments:   Sentence skills homework should be photocopied or removed from the textbook and submitted for review.  Handwritten work is accepted ONLY when in-class paragraph writing is assigned.  All formal essays should be typed and double spaced.  NO LATE PAPERS will be accepted.  The Writing Center in C-100 offers assistance in essay preparation and homework completion.

Attendance:  Roll is taken at the beginning of each class period.  Each student is allowed three absences during the semester.  After three absences 5 points will be deducted from the participation grade for each additional absence.  Doctor’s notes, court documents, family deaths, etc. will not alter the attendance policy.  Excessive absenteeism will result in exclusion from the course.
 

Course Schedule

Week One
2/7       Course intro; in-class writing
2/9       Parts of Speech (Ch. 21 & 23)

Week Two
2/14     Parts of Speech con’t; discuss Like Water for Chocolate (5-41)
2/16     Ch. 9 “Identifying Subj./Verbs”; Ch. 19 “Verbs: Past Tense”

Week Three
2/21     Like Water for Chocolate (47-81); Ch. 16 “Subject/Verb Agreement”
2/23     Ch. 2 “Reading for Success”; in-class essay

Week Four
2/28     Ch. 24 “Grammar issues for ESL Writers” pt. I; comp./contrast writing 
3/2       Like Water for Chocolate (88-118); read “Friends” (480)

Week Five
3/7       rough draft due for group discussion
3/9       Essay #1 due; Exam Review

Week Six
3/14     Exam I
3/16     Ch. 15 “Fragments”; Like Water for Chocolate (165-203)

Week Seven
3/21     Ch. 15 con’t; Ch. 14 “Run-Ons”
3/23     Ch. 14 con’t

Week Eight
3/28     Ch. 26 “Apostrophes”; complete Like Water for Chocolate; quiz
3/30     in-class reading “Before Air-Conditioning” (493)

Week Nine
4/4       Exam Review
4/6       Midterm Exam

Week Ten
4/11     No Class-Spring Break
4/13     No Class-Spring Break

Week Eleven
4/18     Ch. 8 “Essay Structure”; pre-writing strategies (Ch. 5)
4/20     “Drafting your Essay”; Read “The Colors” (511)

Week Twelve
4/25     rough draft workshop
4/27     Essay #2 due (share aloud)

Week Thirteen
5/2       Ch. 29 “Commonly Confused Words”
5/4       read “What I did for Love” (489)

Week Fourteen
5/9       Ch. 24 “Grammar Issues for ESL Writers pt. II

5/11     Quiz

Week Fifteen
5/16     prep for common final
5/18     Common Final

Week Sixteen
5/23     in-class reading
5/25     extra credit; last class

 *Please silence all electronic devices during class.  Your compliance is appreciated.
**Students with disabilities who need any assistance or accommodations should contact the instructor

 Send mail to amsill@yahoo.com   (Angel Macias) with questions or comments

about Ms. Shakir's web site.