Sample Course Outline

Faculty teaching English 125 have some flexibility in developing their particular sections. Still, English 125 is largely about close reading, the integration of multiple sources into several papers, and the development of a position or argument that engages with sources.

What follows are some suggestions about how you might organize your course.

Unit 1. Close reading and summary

Week 1

Course introduction, diagnostic summary/essay, initial grammar review.

Weeks 2-4

Close reading and summary techniques, accompanied by short written assignments.

Theme A 1-3 readings.
Paper #1 Written under revision conditions. A summary-and-response essay based on one of the readings studied. Emphasis on format, the establishing sentence (with graceful and accurate integration of author, title, purpose of the reading), a single-item "Work Cited" list.
Written language focus: continuing grammar/punctuation review as necessary, with emphasis on verbs (both one-word and phrasal forms; most academic writing is in the present tense). Using a handbook to assist in editing for correctness.

Unit 2 Integrating source material; introduction to Library/Internet resources

Weeks 5-7.

Integrating source material: Use of quotation and citation, with short written assignments. Avoiding plagiarism. Introduction to Library/Internet resources, with short written assignments.

Theme A continued or Theme B: 2-3 readings.
Paper #2 (written under revision conditions): A short report on a topic related to the theme being investigated, based on research in the Library and on the Internet. Continuing emphasis on format, an establishing sentence, Works Cited list.
Written language focus: conventions of quotation, pronoun reference (drawing on the handbook), introduction of MLA style.

Unit 3 Integrating multiple sources

Weeks 8-10

Integrating multiple sources, with short written assignments. Avoiding plagiarism, continued. Continued exploration of Library/Internet resources.

Theme B continued or Theme C: 2-3 readings.
Paper #3 (written under revision conditions): Comparison and contrast of two readings or the two or three-source essay. In-text citation, continuing emphasis on format, establishing sentence(s), Works Cited list.
Written language focus: accurate citation and documentation, the Works Cited listing.

Unit 4 Informed argument

Weeks 11-13

Integrating multiple sources. Taking a position in writing; using source material fairly and effectively.

Theme C continued or Theme D: 2-3 readings on a current topic, selected according to class interest, to be augmented by additional readings that students discover by use of Library and Internet resources
Paper #4 (written under revision conditions): The writing of an informed argument on the topic explored by the class.

Week 14

Wrap-up, reading of final essays, preparation of reflective letter for the portfolio, etc

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