Syllabus


Course Title: Principles of Academic Writing
Term: Spring 2013

Class: ESL 115
Instructor: Lisa Ortiz
Time: MWF 1:00-1:50 PM
Website: esl115sp13ortiz.blogspot.com
Office: FLB 2112
Office Hours: Mon. & Wed. 2:00-3:00 PM

Course Objectives:

  • To develop research and writing skills for various types of academic assignments expected of undergraduate students at the University of Illinois
  • To develop critical reading skills that will facilitate the processing of academic texts
  • To practice listening and speaking in the classroom context

Although this is a four-skills course (reading, writing, listening and speaking), the emphasis will be on academic writing. You will read and discuss materials on various topics and learn how to write academic essays, summaries, critical reviews and research papers that are informed, persuasive, and that conform to academic expectations. Because this course is designed to improve your academic writing skills, you will become progressively more responsible for evaluating your own work and that of your classmates.

Reflective Assignments:

You will write 2 reflective assignments which serve two purposes. First, it is a means of personal communication between you and me, student and teacher. Second, it will help you to understand yourself as a writer, your progress and your needs.

Grading:

Your grade will be made up of the following components:


Diagnostic Essay Analysis (2-3 pages)
10%
Pre-research Portfolio
5%
Annotated Bibliography - Guided Research Paper (3 sources)
10%
Annotated Bibliography - Individual Research Paper (5 sources)
15%
Guided Research Paper (3-5 pages)
15%
Individual Research Paper (5-7 pages)
20%
2 Reflective Assignments
5%
Participation & Homework
10%
Attendance
10%


More Course Notes:
                                     
There will be no final exam for this course. Your written assignments will be graded on organization, content, conventions and vocabulary/style.

All writing assignments are due at the assigned time, and late papers will be penalized and/or not accepted. We will employ a process method for completing papers, and you can expect to revise your drafts one or more times before it is considered “done” and ready to be graded. Once the final draft has been turned in, however, no further revisions may be made.

All essays must be typed and double-spaced using standard 12 point font. They must be written according to the APA style, which will be discussed this semester in class.

All essays will be sent electronically on the due date by 11:59 p.m. through Dropbox. The files will be named your NETID_name of assignment and a number indicating the draft. For example, ortizgu2_diagnostic1, ortizgu2_diagnostic2, etc.

Homework and reading assignments may be given daily. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss homework and readings. Participation in class discussions and activities is expected and will heavily contribute to the final grade—this includes encouraging the participation of others. A grade of zero will be given to all work missed due to an unexcused absence. Late homework may not be accepted or will be marked down.

Attendance Policy for the ESL Writing Service Courses:

Students are required to attend all classes. If, for some reason, you must be absent, please contact the instructor before class. IF YOU ARE ABSENT, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL NOTES AND ASSIGNMENTS. Two tardies (times late) count as one absence, no matter if it's 1 minute or 10. If you are tardy more than 20 minutes, it counts as an absence. After three absences, you will receive a verbal warning from the instructor. After four absences, the ESL Coordinator will be notified and you will receive a formal probation warning. After 5 absences, you may fail the course. Remember, students who are chronically absent or late are in danger of failing the course at the coordinator’s discretion.

Grade Policy for the ESL Writing Service Courses:

Undergrads must receive a D- or above in order to receive proficiency required for graduation. If you do not get above those marks, you have to retake ESL.

Plagiarism Policy for the ESL Writing Service Courses:

Another one of our objectives in this course is to teach you how to avoid plagiarism. As you know, the consequences of plagiarism are serious. The University of Illinois’ handbook, Code on Campus Affairs and Regulations Applying to All Students, defines plagiarism as “intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.” Plagiarism is one type of academic dishonesty which may result in a student’s suspension or dismissal from the University. At the very least, it will result in a failing grade in the course at the coordinator’s discretion. Therefore, the work you turn in for this class MUST BE YOUR OWN. Do not plagiarize or you will receive an F on the assignment and in the course!

Finally,

Communication and understanding are important elements of this class. If at any time you have questions about the course content or about your papers, please ask in class, communicate with me by email, or make an appointment to see me. I will do my best to be available and responsive.

To obtain disability-related academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the course instructor and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) as soon as possible. To contact DRES you may visit 1207 S. Oak St., Champaign, call 333-4603 (V/TDD), or e-mail a message to disability@uiuc.edu.

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