English 052 (Essential Written Communication)
I. How to contact the instructor:

Instructor: David Truscello
Phone/voice mail: 443-840-3901
E-mail:dtruscello@ccbcmd.edu
Office: College Community Center Building (K211)

II. Course Description:

English 052 is a course designed to develop your writing and grammar skills. You will learn to develop paragraphs into unified essays as you encounter readings that model commonly used writing styles in American English.

III. Why this course is important:

Language is a powerful instrument. If one's communication skills are not well developed, one cannot easily compete in a job market with those whose skills are developed; employers are currently placing increasing value on the ability to communicate clearly in both written and spoken English. Also, new writers need a course in which they encounter information about paragraph writing, advanced grammar and the mechanics of our language. This course helps to demystify (to solve the mystery of) one's own language so that one gains the confidence needed to utilize writing as a skill for self-discovery and expression, as well as for achieving academic and occupational goals.

IV. Evaluation Procedures:

Your final grade will be based on:

1. Attendance and participation in class discussion and learning activities (25% of the grade)
2. Composition of approximately 5 acceptable paragraphs and two acceptable essays written at home and in class (75% of the final grade)

V. Course Goals:

At the end of the course you should:

1. -understand the idea of "discourse" and "register" in American English
2. -understand more of the relationship between language and thinking in American English
3. -understand more of the differences between thinking, speaking, reading and writing in American English
4. -recognize logical/organizational relationships occurring in texts
5. -know parts of speech and the functions of words so you can compose sentences that are grammatically correct and easy to understand.
6. -recognize and compose using a variety of complex sentences
7. -recognize and overcome basic sentence errors, such as fragments, run-ons, subject verb agreement
8. -be willing and able to write unified paragraphs and simple essays
9. -know how to write with appropriate style and vocabulary for different audiences and situations in our culture
10. -be able to comprehend, summarize and paraphrase the writing and speech of others, particularly in regards to understanding college course materials (e.g.lectures, texts, syllabi)

VI. Specific Course Objectives:

In order to successfully complete this course, you will have to:

• recognize and consciously use correct grammar and usage in your compositions, particularly the grammar addressed in class work and in my editing of your writing
• recognize and consciously use a variety of complex sentences into your compositions
• write at home and in class several paragraphs and essays using the following organizational forms: narrative, persuasion, cause and effect, and summary response to readings
• write paragraphs that have topic sentences and 7-8 support sentences that illuminate the central message of the paragraph as stated in the topic sentence
• write essays that have thesis statements and 3-4 supporting paragraphs that illuminate the central message of the essay as stated in the thesis statement

VII. Instructional Modes:    One-on-one conferencing; instructor presentations; class discussion; teamwork

VIII. Text:    Readings will be provided

IX. Attendance:    You are expected to attend all classes (more than three would be excessive).
If you should have to miss class, it is your responsibility to find out about assignments missed and to complete them on time.

X. SPECIAL NOTE: Late Assignments

You are expected to turn in all assignments on time so that the instructor is able to guide you by his written comments. If for any reason you have more than one late assignment at the date of November 1 (and because you will not have received 50% of the written guidance that you need) you will be advised to withdraw from the course by the final date for withdrawal with a "W", which is November 5.