Developmental Writing Syllabus
DSPW 0800
A. Lewald, Foster Hall 412
Tel. (931) 372-3702
e-mail: alewald@tntech.edu
office hours: tba
Objectives: Students will need the following preparation in English
*To recognize that writing is a step-by-step process that improves with practice
*To demonstrate the ability to write for varied tasks and audiences
*To obtain skill and assurance in using the conventions of standard and written English
*To write as a way of discovering and clarifying ideas
*To demonstrate the ability to perform tasks that involve scholarly research and formal documentation
*To work and write collaboratively and within time constraints
*To engage in critical thinking with skill in reading of literature
Texts and Materials:
Whiteaker, Lewald, DEVELOPING COLLEGE WRITING SKILLS: With Stylebook and Learning Strategies, REVISED 4th edition [required]
theme folder (lightweight paper folder with pockets)
lined paper
information storage device [jump drive, flash drive]
pens with blue or black ink
an approved College Dictionary
Easy Writer 3rd edition (required)
Writer's Workout computer access code (required)
All page numbers refer to Developing College Writing Skills; for * or tba--see class notes.
NOTE: This syllabus is tentative and may be subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
Week 1: Challenge test; Introduction to Course: Syllabus, Policies
Week 2: The Paragraph--DCWS 89-91;
Audience, 41; Spelling, 45-48;
Writing Activity: Writing Assignment 1: Paragraph Assignment
Week 3: Sentence Structure, 86-88; Folder Keeping, 133-135;
Description, 11-13. WA 2: Paragraph 2 Description: *Revised paper tba
Week 4: Verb/Subject Agreement, 92-93; Business Writing, 33-37;
WA 3: Business Letter Assignment due-
Assignment due; *Dictionary Assignment, 371: tba
Week 5: Process Analysis, 13-15; Thesis Statement, 109; Outlining, 103-108
Parallelism, 99; Standard English, 39; Transitions, 97; Academic Writing, 70;
Cover Letter, 37; Outline Critiques,
WA 4 Process Analysis due-
Week 6: Introduction to Library Project, 385-391; Library Catalogue online
MLA Bibliographical Form, 125-128; Library Assignment due date tba;
Week 7: Pronouns, 81-83; Narrative, 08-11; Avoiding the passive voice;
WA 5: Narrative
Week 8: Comparison/Contrast, 15-18; Dangling Modifiers, 85;
WA 6: Comparison/Contrast paper
Week 9: Persuasion and Argument, 23-25; Commas, 91; Word Choice, 57, 58
WA 7 Persuasion
Week 10: Optional Interview paper; Planning the Interview; Creating Questions
Week 11: Introduction to Poetry, 301-312;
Shakespearean Sonnet, 318;
WA 8: Paraphrase
Week 12: Ballad, 342; 349-355 Bonny Barbara Allan; Quotations, 142;
Essay Questions; WA 9: Essay Test
Week 13: Dramatic Monologue, 333; "Ulysses," 338
WA 10
Week 14: Proofreading exercises
Week 15: Preparation for Final Exam
FINAL EXAM: day:_________ time:____________ location:______________
Graded Writing 60%
Library Project 10%
Spelling/Class Work/Attendance 10%
Final Exam 20%
Please Note: Students with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112; phone 372-6119.
Course Requirements:
*ATTENDANCE
*ALL students are required to complete ALL in-class and out-of-class WRITING ASSIGNMENTS.
*Active PARTICIPATION in discussions and in group activities
*All writings listed on the syllabus
*WRITING FOLDER must be submitted at Final Exam time;
this is a course requirement. Folder will include a table of contents, all graded writing assignments,
folder evaluation sheets (138) for each paper, and signed policy statement
*ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM.
***Failure to take OR pass the final exam may result in a re-evaluation of the semester’s work and could result in failure of the course. Students must make an average of C or better in order to advance to the next level. Only those students whose writing skills are at the passing level should be allowed to pass.