ENGL 0900-30 Communication Skills
This course reviews basic communication skills, specifically targeting academic writing through composing, revising, and editing essays. It fuses writing and reading skills through vocabulary acquisition and reading short works. Particular attention is placed on applying grammar, punctuation, and mechanics to writing.
- Advisory: Qualification by assessment process or successful completion of English 800 with a grade of “C” or better or requalification by assessment process after completion of English 800.
Course Details
- Instructor: Jessica Grimes
- E-Mail: jgrimes@taftcollege.edu
- Telephone: 661.763.7721
- Office Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
- Office Location: G-2A
- Available Student Contact Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 3:00-5:00 p.m.
- Units: 4
- Class Meets: August 24 - December 17, 2009
- Textbook & Estimated Costs:
- The Least You Should Know about English, 9th ed. $67.25, The Longman Dictionary, 4th ed. $32.00, and The House on Mango Street $7.75.
- Estimated Time Per Week: Eight to ten hours will be spent reading, writing, and completing homework assignments.
- Assignments & Tests: Each student will receive a packet of work that will include lecture notes and a syllabus, which should be used to understand and review lessons. Since work will be turned in weekly, assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit. Homework will be graded to assess a student’s understanding of the material. If a student wants to turn in a homework assignment that’s been graded for a better score, s/he should turn it in the following week for a better score. Turning in an assignment late will result in a 50% grade reduction; therefore, it’s advisable to turn in assignments when on the due date.
- Proctored Exams: Throughout the semester, you will take two exams: a midterm and a final exam. Each time an exam is scheduled, it must be proctored. You can complete it on campus at the library under a proctor if you are within driving distance. If you do not live within driving distance, then it is your responsibility to set up a proctor. See the Proctor Identification Procedures for directions on how to set up a proctor for approval.
- Additional Comments: Since this is a distance, learning course, attendance is determined by completing assignments on time. Assignments and due dates are explicitly stated on the syllabus, which should be turned in weekly. If a student doesn’t turn in assignments after the first two weeks, s/he will be dropped from the course unless s/he contacts me beforehand. After the first two weeks, then students are responsible for dropping themselves from the class.
- Course Syllabus (PDF format, opens in a new window)
- Assignments (PDF format, opens in a new window)
Disclaimer: The book prices are an approximation only and are subject to change.