English 100 with Maggie Griffin: Spring 2003
UNM Valencia Campus
Mona says: "Keeping up with your work will keep you smiling.
  • The syllabus is a basic list of assignments, but attending class is the only way to assure that you fully understand how to do the assignments. I will try to keep the class on track with the assignments listed below; however, assignments may vary depending on class needs. In class, we may have the opportunity to talk about material that is not listed here. Because grammar assignments will arise according to class needs, you may have additional assignments from the book, hand outs, and short writing assignments that are not listed below.
  • The syllabus is a wonderful guide, but it does not replace attending class.
  • I will do my best to update the syllabus on-line if I anticipate grammar exercises that our class needs. I do not anticipate changing any of the essay assignments, due dates, and reading assignments listed below.
  • You will be assigned chapters that deal with basic grammar skills. I recommend that you do the exercises, but you will not have to turn in the book exercises unless otherwise stated in the syllabus. Your labs will provide additional practice with grammar skills.
  • You can expect to have quizzes over the material in the chapters on grammar.
  • You can also expect to have short quizzes over reading materials even though the quizzes are not always listed in the syllabus. Often I will tell you in class to anticipate a quiz. The quizzes count toward your attendance/participation grade. The quizzes cannot be made up.
  • If you miss class or need clarification, please contact a member of class, visit me in my office, or e-mail me at mgriffin@unm.edu.
  • Remember that you are responsible for attending class and doing your assignments, even if you miss class.
    Week 1: Introductions in TLC
    Week 2: January 27/ 29: Orientation and Syllabus
    Week 3: February 3/5: Diagnostic Exams, Thesis Statements, and Essay Structure
    Week 4:
    Feb. 10: Essay Structure
    Assignment: Write an Essay for class that uses the 3 paragraph structure
    Feb. 12: Class focus = Peer editing, Structure/Thesis/Topic Sentence Exercise, sample essays
    Assignment: Rewrite essay if you wish,
  • read section on illustrative essays on pp. 161-169
  • read "I Just Want to be Average" by Mike Rose on pp.419-423in Mosaics
    Week 5
    Feb. 17: Essay rewrites due for those who chose to revise
    Class focus = Fragments and Editing Exercises; how to write an illustrative essay, discussion of "Murphey's Law" Assignment:
  • Reread "I Just Want to be Average" p. 419,
  • Review Chapter 35 (begins on p. 538)
  • write a paragraph about your favorite season but do not include punctuation. (The paragraph will read like one BIG sentence. Paragraph is worth 15 points
  • Read Ch. 36 (Run On Sentences) pp 552-559.

    Feb 19: Assignment Due: Paragraphs without punctuation
    Class focus:
  • Punctuating for fragments and comma splices
  • Discuss Rose's essay in depth
  • Brain storming
  • Using brain storming to shape an essay
    Assignment: Write an illustrative essay for next class
    Week 6
    Feb. 24: Assignment Due: Illustrative Essay
    Class focus:
  • Comma Splices
  • Editing exercises
  • Introductions and Conclusions
    Assignment for next class:
  • Revise illustration essay.
  • pp. 590-605 (Subject/Verb Agreement.)

    Feb. 26: Assignment due: Revised Illustration essay
    Class focus:
  • descriptive paragraphs--in class activity
  • effective word choices
  • subject verb agreement
    Assignment for next class:
  • Pronouns Ch. 41 pp. 613-625
  • Read pp. 112-119 on description,
  • "El Hoyo" on pp 398-401