Mt. San Antonio College

May 22, 2013

Effective Term:   201110 - Summer 2011

Course ID:

LERN   81

Title:

Improving Writing

Division:

Library and Learning Resources Division

Department:

Learning Assistance Department

Discipline:

Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement

Short Title:

Improving Writing

Course Status:

Approved

Maximum Class Size:

  20

Method of Instruction:

 Lecture

 Work Experience, Occupational

 Laboratory

 Work Experience, General

 Lecture and Laboratory

 Open Entry/Exit

 Independent Studies

 Apprentice

 Distance Learning (Distance Education Delayed) for online courses

 Distance (Hybrid Online) for online supported courses

** MAXIMUM CONTACT HOURS **

** CREDIT UNITS **

  Lecture Hours:

  54.00

  3.00   

  Lab Hours:

  Activity Hours:

  Clinical Hours:

  Total Hours:

  54

Taxonomy of Programs (TOPS) Information:

TOPS Code and Course Program Title:

150100 - English writing

SAM Priority Code: 

Discipline Placement:

State Transfer Code:

Grading Method:

Frequency Offered:

 Fall

 Winter

 Spring

 Summer

 On Demand

Earn Credit:

Transfer Status

Baccalaureate Status is granted by the Educational Design General Education and Baccalaureate Level Subcommittee.

 CSU Transferable         CSU Approval Date:                      (mm/dd/yyyy)                  

 UC Transferable             UC Approval Date:                      (mm/dd/yyyy)                 

Course Requisites

Prerequisite:

Co requisite:

Advisory:

Course Special Designators

Course Description:

Assist students who wish to improve prewriting, writing, editing, and revising skills. Provide instruction in content and structure of sentences, paragraphs, and essays; emphasize development in writing through the integration of grammar and critical thinking.

Course Outline:

- Writing prompts
- Technology in writing: Inspiration software—brainstorming and organizing ideas
- Audience and purpose: who is the writer writing to, and what is the reason for the assignment
- Organizational methods: chronological, order of importance, process, description, point by point
- Sentence structures
- Basic grammar rules for sentences
- Group dynamics in the writing process
- Drafting, revising, and editing processes
- Questioning to enhance writing
- Basic research process
- Responding to readings through writing
- Affective aspects of writing
- Models for collaboration
- Final exam

Lab Outline:

Course Measurable Objectives:

1. Use writing process to write sentences and paragraphs.
2. Select and use writing resources.
3. Analyze simple text to identify structure.
4. Organize the structure of a paragraph using Inspiration software.
5. Examine and rewrite a sentence using basic grammar rules.

Course Methods of Evaluation:

Category 1. Substantial written assignments for this course include:

-Minimum three paragraphs, five sentences or more in length

If the course is degree applicable, substantial written assignments in this course are inappropriate because:

Category 2. Computational or non-computational problem solving demonstrations:

-Graphic representation of brainstorming

Category 3. Skills Demonstrations:

-Group discussions of writing processes
-Identification of subjects and verbs in sentences
-One five- to ten-minute oral presentation on paragraph structure

Category 4. Objective Examinations:

Sample Assignments:

1. Use Inspiration software to brainstorm and organize ideas about your topic. Use the Inspiration map to draft a paragraph at least five sentences in length.
2. Work with a group of classmates to brainstorm about your topic. Using the brainstorm, write a paragraph, five sentences or more in length, including a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a conclusion sentence.
3. Research the Japanese concept of Chindogu. View several examples of previous student-created Chindogu. Create a Chindogu with a group of classmates. In a paragraph of five sentences or more in length, describe your team’s Chindogu, describe your intended audience, and create an advertisement for your Chindogu.