Course Title: Essay Writing
Course Number: ENG 100
Instructor: [Instructor Name]
Contact Information: [Email] | [Phone Number]
Office Hours: [Days] [Time] or by appointment
Course Description
This course introduces students to different types of essays and helps develop their essay writing skills. Students will learn essay organization, best practices for generating and developing ideas, integrating research, and proper formatting. Through frequent writing exercises and assignments, students will gain experience drafting, revising, and polishing essays. The goal of this course is to prepare students with a solid foundation for academic writing across disciplines.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
Identify the defining characteristics and conventions of different essay types including argumentative, compare/contrast, narrative, analytical, and reflective essays
Effectively plan, outline, and organize ideas for different types of essays
Conduct research using library databases and integrate credible sources to support ideas
Apply proper writing mechanics including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and style
Revise and edit written work based on instructor and peer feedback
Produce polished multi-paragraph essays exhibiting college-level writing skills
Required Materials
They Say, I Say by Graff and Birkenstein (any edition)
Reliable internet access and a word processing program
Access to online library databases and resources
Course Requirements and Grading
Assignments are designed to give students frequent practice drafting and polishing essays. All work should be submitted on time through the Learning Management System (LMS). Late work will receive point deductions unless prior arrangements have been made.
Essay Drafts and Workshops (30%): Students will complete drafts of assigned essays that will be workshopped in class for peer feedback. Incorporating revisions enhances the final graded essay.
Essay #1: Narrative (10%)
Essay #2: Compare/Contrast (15%)
Essay #3: Argumentative (15%)
Reading Quizzes (10%): Unannounced reading quizzes will assess comprehension of assigned chapters/articles.
Annotated Bibliography (10%): Students will compile a list of 5 credible sources for their final research paper and provide annotations summarizing each source.
Final Research Paper (15%): This 6-8 page paper on an approved topic requires integrating at least 5 scholarly sources using MLA or APA style.
Participation (15%): Being prepared for and actively engaging in class discussions and workshops through constructive feedback.
Discussion Board Posts (10%): Thoughtful responses to posed writing prompts demonstrating critical thinking.
Reflective Essay (10%): A self-assessment of progress and areas needing improvement as a writer.
Grading Scale:
A = 94-100% B- = 80-82%
A- = 90-93% C+ = 77-79%
B+ = 87-89% C = 73-76%
B = 83-86% C- = 70-72%
D = 60-69% F = 0-59%
Course Policies
Assignments are due by 11:59pm on the listed due date unless otherwise noted.
Late assignments will receive point deductions: 1 day late = 10% off, 2 days late = 20% off, 3+ days late = 30% off or not accepted.
Students are expected to attend each weekly synchronous class meeting and participate actively. Two unexcused absences are allowed; additional absences result in lowering the final grade.
Academic dishonesty (plagiarism, collusion) will result in zero points and possible disciplinary action. Reference all sources properly to avoid plagiarism. Ask instructor if you have questions!
Students are responsible for checking the LMS weekly for announcements, assignment details and due dates.
Instructor contact hours are available for support, guidance on assignments, and topic brainstorming. Take advantage of this resource!
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations: Notify instructor within first two weeks if you require accommodations.
Course Calendar and Assignments
Week 1: Introduction to Essay Formats
Read: Chapter 1 in They Say, I Say
Due: Personal writing sample analysis
Week 2: Developing Ideas and Outlining
Read: Chapter 2 in They Say, I Say
Due: Essay #1 draft for workshop
Week 3: Argumentative Essay Structures
Read: Chapter 3 in They Say, I Say
Due: Essay #1 revision, reading quiz #1
Week 4: Integrating Sources and Academic Writing
Read: Chapter 4 in They Say, I Say
Due: Annotated bibliography draft
Week 5:Compare/Contrast Essay Techniques
Read: Sample compare/contrast essays
Due: Essay #2 draft for workshop
Week 6: Revising and Editing Strategies
Read: Chapter 5 in They Say, I Say
Due: Essay #2 revision, reading quiz #2
Week 7: Narrative Essay Conventions
Read: Sample narrative essays
Due: Essay #3 draft for workshop
Week 8: Conducting Research
Due: Annotated bibliography revision
Week 9: Argumentative Essay Mechanics
Due: Essay #3 revision, reading quiz #3
Week 10: Preparing Final Drafts
Due: Final Research Paper draft
Week 11: Works Cited and Citations
Due: Research Paper revision
Week 12: Peer Review and Feedback
Due: Reflective Essay draft
Week 13: Conclusion and Next Steps
Due: Reflective Essay revision
Week 14: End of Semester Wrap Up
Due: Final Research Paper
Week 15: Finals Week
No final exam, but revision opportunities provided upon request.