Course Syllabus

The syllabuses on both this page and the NTU online course information are synchronized.

Course Information

Item Content
Course title English Composition (Ⅰ)(1)
Semester 110-1
Designated for DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES
Instructor MANUEL HERRERO-PUERTAS
Curriculum No. FL 1019
Curriculum Id No. 102 49111
Class 09
Credit 2
Full/Half Yr. Full
Required/Elective Required
Time Tuesday 8,9,10(15:30~18:20)
Place 博雅310
Remarks Not open in course pre-registration period。 The course is conducted in English。

 

Course Syllabus

Item Content
Course Description Writing is difficult. Some people believe that good writers are born that way, that they have a natural gift. My goal in this course is to fight this notion. Instead, I will argue that effective written communication can be mastered once we break it down into specific skills and tasks. In other words, writing is difficult precisely because it is a process involving several steps, from planning and organizing a text’s content (catchy introductions, clear outline, original thinking) to crafting its form (word choices, sentence structures, paragraph transitions). In this course, I will familiarize you with these and related techniques. We will discuss a wide range of textual and audiovisual materials. I have selected these as models that will inspire and help you get started as a writer. You will learn by reading and watching these materials, but, first and foremost, you will learn by practicing writing. In addition to impromptu exercises, you will produce six formal writing assignments. These, together with in-class quizzes and overall participation will be the foundation of your final grade. COVID-19 Notice This course has been moved to an online format for the first three weeks of the semester. During this time, we will meet via videoconference. I will post all relevant materials to NTU Cool, including the links to our online meetings as well as handouts, ppts, assignments, etc. Just check the module for each week. Since we may have to switch to an online format indefinitely, it is vital that you check NTU Cool regularly for updates. In addition, do not hesitate to contact me with any question and/or concern. By all means, let’s keep our communication lines open while erring on the side of safety.
Course Objective Understand writing as a process, becoming proficient in its early stages: pre-writing, outlining, summarizing, annotating, underlining, etc. Develop information-literacy and critical-reading skills: learn how to extract and evaluate information from a text, lecture, film, etc. Learning the basic structures of English sentences and paragraphs Familiarize with the main genres of non-fiction and exploratory writing: review, report, exposé, personal narrative, etc. Improve English vocabulary Review and edit one’s own and others' work for both content and language Develop teamwork and oral-presentation skills
Course Requirement Class attendance and at least one individual conference with the instructor (more than 4 absences will result in an F grade) Class participation: punctuality, involvement, and teamwork Low-stakes writing assignments (in-class) Six high-stakes, formal assignments Weekly short reading assignments, always to be completed before class In-class vocabulary and grammar quizzes
References Brandon, Lee, and Kelly Brandon, At a Glance: Writing Sentences and Beyond. 6th edition. Cengage Learning, 2015. Ray McCuen-Metherell, Jo, and Anthony C. Winkler, eds. Readings for Writers. 15th edition. Cengage Learning, 2015. Ruetten, Mary K. Developing Composition Skills: Academic Writing and Grammar. Heine, 2012. Williams, Joseph M. Style. Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Longman, 2003. I am always willing to suggest additional sources and bibliographical recommendations!
Designated Reading Our textbook is Lee Brandon and Kelly Brandon, At a Glance: Writing Paragraphs and Beyond with Integrated Readings. 6th edition. Cengage Learning, 2015. You can purchase this at Bookman Bookstore (Phone: 23658617). Bring your copy to class every week. In addition, always bring: •One notebook •Pen or pencil •English dictionary (electronic or physical). I suggest you download the apps of authoritative English dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster •Copies of the reading assignment for that day (printed or digital, but only in your tablet or laptop—no cellphones!) In order to complete the writing assignments for this class, you need access to a computer and Microsoft Word processor software (which you can download for free as a NTU student). If you do not own a computer, borrow and/or use one at the library.

 

Progress

Week Date Topic
Week 2 9/28 [online] Introduction to the course Icebreakers What is good writing?
Week 3 10/05 [online] Reading strategies Underlining
Week 4 10/12 [online] Annotating Sentence structures (I)
Week 5 10/19 Outlining Sentence structures (II) Assignment 1 due
Week 6 10/26 Cohesion and coherence Sentence structures (III)
Week 7 11/02 Summarizing
Week 8 11/09 Pre-writing strategies Paragraph structures (I) A2 due
Week 9 11/16 Description Showing and telling
Week 10 11/23 Narration (I) Paragraph structures (II) A3 due
Week 11 11/30 Narration (II) Paragraph structures (III)
Week 12 12/07 Exemplification A4 due
Week 13 12/14 In-class film screening (TBA) and discussion
Week 14 12/21 Reacting Agreeing / Disagreeing A5 due (first draft)
Week 15 12/28 Outing: class trip (TBA) A5 due (final draft)
Week 16 1/04 Individual conferences (no class meeting) A6 due (first draft)
Week 17 1/11 No class meeting A6 (final draft) due on 1/9 via NTU Cool
Week 18 1/18

 

Grading

NO Item Pc Explanations for the conditions
1 Class participation 10% Attendance, punctuality, engagement.
2 Vocabulary and grammar quizzes 10%
3 Assignments 80% A1 Underlining 5% A2 Summary 10% A3 Description 15% A4 Narration 15% A5 Film review 15% A6 Event report 20%

 

Office Hour

NO Day Start time End time
1 1 13:00 15:00
Remarks None