Fall Quarter 2008
Course Number: ENG 101A
Information Literacy and College Research
The Salvation Army College for Officer Training at Crestmont
Instructor: Misty Jesse
Number of Units: 2
Graded

COURSE SYLLABUS

CADET’S RULE:  Cadets are expected to conduct themselves, at all times, as Christians and Officers-in-Training.

Course Description
This course will be taught in seminar, discussion and individualized formats and aimed at improving the writing and research for writing skills of each entering student. Students will engage in a variety of writing formats and assessments to improve their overall communication and illustration skills for the classroom and beyond. The major objective of the course is to broaden all students’ abilities to communicate in a variety of writing styles.

Course Objectives
The student will be able to write in a fluent and consistent manner. Written thoughts will be well organized and supported. Grammar and vocabulary skills will be reviewed. Bibliographic citations in the correct MLA approved format will be applied throughout the course work. Various forms of writing, such as report writing, essays, and creative writing will be practiced. Students will become able to:
        - Identify important thoughts and themes in written materials.
        - Compose essays that are well organized and factually supported.
        - Write grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs.
        - Write an effective business letter and properly use and understand official correspondence protocol.
        - Correctly use the MLA citation format.
        - Improve and expand vocabulary use.
        - Outline and write a research paper, including properly documented reference sources.

SLO Assessment

Multicultural Perspective
Students will read, analyze, compare and contrast writings by authors from different cultures. They will develop awareness of different cultural perspectives as evidenced in these writing styles.

Method of Instruction
Course material will be delivered by the instructor in a combination of various methods. The instructor will lecture on various topics pertaining to the mastery of writing skills; encourage discussions, group work, out of class assignments and oral presentations of completed assignments and projects.

Required Texts:
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. New York, NY:
  The Modern Language Association of America, 2003.

Lamb, Sandra E. How to write it: a complete guide to everything you’ll ever write.
  New York, NY: Ten Speed, 2006.

Elliott, Rebecca. Painless grammar. New York, NY: Barron Press, 2006.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Roget’s Thesaurus

Additional References: (aides to learning)
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington D.C.:
  American Psychological Association, 2001. (REF 808 Am35p)

Sorenson, Sharon. Webster’s New World student writing handbook. Foster City:
  IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., 2000. (808.042 So68w)

Turabian, Kate L. A manual for writers. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.
  (808.02 T841m)

The Chicago Manual of Style. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1993.
  (808.027 C432)

Course Requirements
The successful student will master each of the course objectives to some degree. No items will be completely omitted. The student will interact with the teacher and peers in a positive learning environment. This is a hands-on learning class. The majority of coursework will be performed within the class. Students will be given opportunities to work on outside research projects related to writing, i.e. research papers, term papers, etc. Peer reviews will be used for assessment and improvement in writing skills. It is very important to NOT miss any classes since it will directly affect your grade.

Assignments
The following assignments are required and graded:
  1.  MLA Citation Lists- 7 total subject projects.
  2.  English Vocabulary Lists- 7 total projects.
  3.  Writing Projects: 5 total
           a.  Reflective Essay
           b.  Response to Literature Essay
           c.  Persuasive Essay
           d.  Expository Writing Essay
           e.  Historical Investigation Paper

Grades:
Attendance 10%
Assignments 50%
Midterm 20%
Final 20%
Total: 100%

A= 90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=59% and lower

Course Writing Standard
MLA format will be strictly followed. Times New Roman, 12 point font, double-spaced with 1 inch margins are mandatory for all written work in this course. Works Cited page and in-text citations required as noted on assignments. Any variation to this standard will result in a drastic reduction of your grade.

Policy on Late Work
If any assignment is late, 5% will be deducted for each day it is late to the maximum allowed in the Crestmont College catalog.  Any time after that is considered one day late – up to a maximum of 4 late penalty days allowed.

Policy on Academic Dishonesty
It is expected that all work submitted in this class will be the student’s original work. Plagiarism or academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated and if detected, will result in a “0” for the assignment/test/project grade, a report to the Director of Curriculum and further disciplinary action may be taken.  If academic dishonesty is found to be a repeated offense, a “0” will be given for the final course grade.

Policy on Absences
Cadets are expected to attend all class sessions. Maximum allowable absences are two classes.  After the maximum number of absences, cadets may be required to do additional work to pass the course.

Instructor Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:15a.m.- 4:15p.m. and by appointment
Office Phone number: 310-544-6475
Cellular Phone number: 310-384-6248
Home Phone number: 310-541-6675
Email address: misty.jesse@usw.salvationarmy.org
Office Location: Building B, Library

Cadets are encouraged to contact me for individual instruction and assistance of any kind.

Application to Field Work
Cadets must develop a strong ability to communicate- write and read in the English language. The ability to communicate well is an on-going process and will relate directly to the Cadet’s ability to perform effectively in the Corps in many areas such as: gospel preaching, bible classes, fund raising, and out reach programs. The ability to communicate with others in the Corps, in the neighborhood, and with The Salvation Army leadership is vital for any future Officer to succeed and thrive within The Salvation Army and within the ministry of service to God and to others.

CFOT Grading Standard
The grading standard will be as follows:

CAVEAT
The preceding procedures and class schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances with the approval of the Director of Curriculum.

CLASS CALENDAR (24 hours of Instruction)

Total Hours of Instruction: 24

Midterm:   Grammar essentials (exam time 1 hour)
Final:        Grammar essentials (exam time 1 hour)

ENGLISH 101A
Fall 2008

CLASS ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES