ESL141 FA08-Syllabus - ESL 141 Grammar and Writing IV Dr J...

ESL 141 Grammar and Writing IV Dr. J. Forrest Fordyce, Instructor
Fall 2008, Ticket #2848 E-mail: [email protected]
Tues. & Thurs. 2:30PM – 5:13PM Office: San Gabriel Bldg., Room 218
Phone: [phone], x 5501 Office Hours: MW 4:00-5:00 PM;
Website:
http://www.glendale.edu/staff/staff/homes/ffordyce/index.htm
TTh 5:30-7:00 PM
COURSE OVERVIEW
Required Texts : 1. Grammar in Use, Intermediate (with answer key); R. Murphy.
(Used book with NO writing inside OK.)
2. Weaving It Together, Book 4 , Broukal, M.
Required Supplies : 1. Five large “blue books” for writing essays and other in-class
compositions.
2. An erasable blue or black pen is useful as essays must be written in
pen.
3. A notebook for homework and note taking.
Recommended : A paperback English dictionary and a paperback bilingual dictionary.
NOTE! Electronic dictionaries must be set to SILENT mode during in-class
essay writing! In addition, dictionaries may not be shared during in-class
essay exams: Please bring your own dictionary!
Course Description : English as a Second Language 141 is designed for students at the
advanced level of grammar and writing. Critical analysis of academic reading materials
encourages independent thinking and the expression of informed opinion. Compositions
are written in response to readings and discussions and become the vehicle for showing
the ability to use advanced grammatical structures of English.
Student Learning Outcomes: (1) Students should be able to understand and use high-
intermediate grammar and punctuation with 70% accuracy. (2) Students should be able to
write thesis-based multi-paragraph essays in both expository and persuasive modes. (3)
Students should be able to revise essays for coherence and edit for level-appropriate
grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Prerequisite and Recommended Preparation : Placement is based on a composite of test
scores and academic and background or previous successful completion of ESL 133.
Concurrent enrollment in an appropriate ESL listening and speaking course and a reading
course is recommended. Students who are repeating ESL 141 (taking the class a
second or third time) must see Dr. Fordyce at the end of the first class session to
make an appointment to discuss your plans for the semester, and repeating students are
required to purchase a new (never used) grammar book. Repeating students who do not
meet these requirements will be dropped at the end of the second week of classes.
Testing and Grading : Your final course grade will be based upon a distribution of our class work
as follows:
Glendale Community College, English as a Second Language 141, Fall 2008, Dr. Fordyce, Instructor

400 points : A minimum of four graded in-class compositions (four to five-paragraph
essays)*
300 points : Grammar and mechanics tests
200 points : Final ESL Division Essay
100 points : Final ESL Division Grammar Mastery Test
*THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS OR ESSAYS. If you miss one exam or essay, you
will receive a score for that exam or essay based upon the average of all other exams or
essays you take during the semester—excluding the final essay and final grammar exam.