INSTRUCTOR: Cristina Iacobone
EMAIL: cristina.iacobone@johncabot.edu
HOURS: MW 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Placement via JCU English Composition Placement Exam
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course concentrates on the development of effective paragraph writing in essays while introducing students to the various rhetorical modes. Elements covered include outlining, the introduction-body-conclusion structure, thesis statements, topic sentences, supporting arguments, and transition signals. Students will also become familiar with the fundamentals of MLA style, research and sourcing, as well as information literacy. To develop these skills, students will write in- and out-of-class essays. Critical reading is also integral to the course, and students will analyze peer writing as well as good expository models. Students must receive a grade of C or above in this course to be eligible to take EN 110. Individual students in EN 105 may be required to complete additional hours in the English Writing Center as part of their course requirements.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The emphasis of this course is more on critical thinking and logical analysis employed in reading texts, and planning and writing your own. It will involve reading a variety of essays and articles in order to deconstruct the elements and stimulate your own writing skills. There will be a prevalence of writing activities, peer reviews and workshops aimed at skills development.


AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term exam: In-class essay

Week 6		Having read a selection of extracts of books and articles on a set topic, you will be given an essay question to answer in class. You should bring only your hand-written notes and an annotated copy of the set texts to the exam.30
Out-of-class essay and Research Log

Week 12		The essay question will be relevant to your discipline or will follow from the in-class essay topic.40
Q&A on the content of the final essay

Week 15		This assessment has 2 main aims: a. confirming the authorship of your essay. b. showing your knowledge of the essay writing process.30


You are expected to do your own work. Cheating, plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty (such as submitting AI-generated content) will not be tolerated.

All students are expected to come to class prepared and on time, and remain for the full class period.

Laptops and Cellphones are not permitted in class if not required for specific class meetings, as stated by the Professor.

Disruptive behavior will result in dismissal from the class and will be counted as one absence. This includes repeatedly entering and leaving the class once the lesson has begun, doing work for other classes during this class, inappropriate use of the computers (checking on your e-mail while in class, surfing the ‘net, etc), talking to others while someone else is talking, repeatedly arriving late to class, sleeping, using profanity, personal or physical threats or insults, damaging property.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.