last updated: 01/05/08

ESL 21B, Intermediate Composition

Santa Monica College, Winter 2008

MTWH | 12:30-2:35 pm

Room: ESL 125

 

Section #:          1335

Instructor:         John Evenhuis

E-Mail:              evenhuis_john@smc.edu

Website:            www.johnevenhuis.com

 

Course Description:  Completion of ESL 21A with a C grade or credit equivalency.  ESL 21B is a 3-unit, six-week intermediate composition course designed to instruct students in the organization, construction, and editing of academic essays.  In many cases, this course is a critical bridge to English 1; therefore, the curriculum will emphasize a careful reading of texts and a more self-demanding approach to the content of essays and journal writing.  Students will also be expected to use various sources to support personal ideas, opinions, and generalizations. 

 

Texts/Supplies:

Requirements:

Protocol:

Pagers, cell phones and other electronic devices should be shut off during class.

Come to class and come on time:

Regular attendance is crucial. Students who miss more than 6 hours of class can be dropped. If you know in advance that you will be absent, please contact me by email . In addition, please arrange for a classmate to pick up any material handed out during the session.  Also, you should check the course website for more information.  If you need to drop the course for some reason, you can do this yourself through the SMC Student Self-Service System

Please be courteous to your fellow students and instructor. Students who arrive late for class or leave early consistently disrupt the class and may be dropped. Arriving late 2 times is equivalent to one absence.

Writing:

There will be three (3) graded essays in this class: two in-class essays based on assigned readings and the final essay.  You must write each essay in a separate blue book.  There will be no make-up essays.  All in-class essays will be revised.   Rewrites must be typed.   Late papers without a valid excuse for lateness will not be accepted for grading and may be graded down one full grade.

 

Quizzes:

 There will be quizzes on vocabulary, reading comprehension, editing and grammar given throughout the semester.  Some quizzes will be announced and some won’t (i.e., “pop quizzes”).   Quizzes may not be made up.

Group Work:

Students will be expected to participate in study groups both in and out of class.

Honor Policy:

Students must adhere to the SMC Code of Academic Conduct regarding plagiarism and cheating.

Communication:

The best way to communicate with me is via email. I will generally reply within 24 hours. 

Please get the phone number or email of at least two classmates to ask about course assignments when you miss class.  I will not respond to emails from absent students asking what we did in a particular class.

 

Some Advice:

1.      In addition to your textbook, the Internet will provide many excellent resources for you to improve your command of written English and to ensure your success in this class.  It is therefore imperative that you schedule access to a computer with a (preferably high-speed) internet connection and a printer.

2.      American university education generally requires and assumes that you participate orally during class time.  Consider raising your hand to express an opinion or to ask a question.  You will also have opportunities to speak in small groups; plan to be an active participant in your group by coming prepared to class with ideas to share.

 

Method of Evaluation/Grading Criteria: NEW!

                Essay #1                                              20%

                Essay #2                                              20%

                Final Essay                                         10%

                Final Exam                                         10%

Quizzes                                                 20%

Journals/In-class writings          10%

Attendance & Participation        10%

 

Grading

Your grades for quizzes, exams, and final grade will be based on the following percentages:

90-100%                A (English 1 Recommended)

80-89%                  B (English 1 Recommended)

70-79%                  C (English 22 Recommended)

60-69%                  D (Repeat of ESL 21B Recommended)

59% and below      F  (Repeat of ESL 21B Recommended)

 

Tutoring & Support Services

1.      The ESL Department offers free tutoring to students.  Students should work with ESL tutors to review errors on returned essays.  Please sign up on-line at:  www.smc.edu/esl/tutoringcalendar

2.      Students may use computers in the Cayton Center, the Library, the Science Building, Drescher Hall 203 & 204.

3.      Academic counselors can be reached in the ISC (434-4217) and in Counseling (434-4210 or 434-4589).

4.      Psychological counselors can be reached at 434-4262 or through Student Health.

5.      If you have any special needs or concerns, please contact your instructor.  If you have any disabilities, you may receive support services through the Center for Students with Disabilities:     PE 160, 434-4265.