Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017

University of Puerto Rico-Mayagez Campus

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of English
Instructor: Fernando E. E. Correa Gonzlez
Office: CH010
Office Hours: in office: LW 9:30-11:00 am
on-line: N/A

Phone:
Mailbox: English Department
E-Mail: fernando.correa1@upr.edu

This document may be amended over the course of the semester in order to meet course objectives and correct
unintended errors.
General Information:
Alpha-numeric codification: INGL 3103
Course Title: Intermediate English I
Section: 024
Course Schedule (Days, Time, and Room #): LWV, 8:30-9:20AM, CH124
Number of credits: 3
Contact Period: 3 hours per week
Non-Contact Period: 2 hours of outside assignments for each contact hour (6 hours in total)
Course Description (according to the 2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalogue of the University of Puerto Rico,
Mayagez Campus):
English: Analysis of selected readings, such as essays, fiction, poetry or drama, and practice in writing compositions with
attention given as needed to grammar and idiomatic expressions.
Pre/Co-requisites and other requirements:
Intermediate English I (INGL 3103) is the first course of a sequence designed for entering students at the Mayagez
Campus of the University of Puerto Rico who have scored 570 or above on the College Board Entrance Examination, but
who have not qualified for advanced placement in the Honors Program of the English Department by obtaining a score
of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Test. Those students who receive 3 on this test are enrolled in English 3103.
Students who successfully pass INGL 3103 must pass INGL 3104 and six additional credit hours in the English
department courses to satisfy University requirements. Students who were enrolled in Basic English (INGL 3101 or 3102)
in previous semesters CANNOT take this course. Please see me if you have any doubts about your placement in this
course.
Course Objectives:
After completing INGL 3103, students should be able to demonstrate the following skills and abilities in the areas of
reading and writing:

Focus on a purpose
Respond to different audiences and different kinds of rhetorical situations
Adopt an appropriate voice
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Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017

Use conventions of format, structure and documentation in writing essays and other texts
Write in several genres such as reflective, analytic, evaluative, informative and argumentative
Use reading and writing for inquiry, learning, thinking, and communicating
Integrate their ideas with those of others using appropriate documentation (MLA and/or APA)
Break down writing assignments into a series of tasks
Understand that it takes multiple drafts to write a successful text
Develop flexible writing strategies for generating ideas, revising, editing and proofreading
Learn to critique their work and the work of others
Use a variety of technologies to address a range of audiences
Locate, evaluate, organize, and use research material from electronic sources correctly
Avoid plagiarism

Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
conference X discussion X computation X seminar with formal presentation
X workshop X research other please specify:
Minimum or Required Resources Available:
The required text for the course is:
Palmquist, Mike, and Wallraff, Barbara. Joining the Conversation: A Guide for Writers. Second edition. Bedford/St.
Martins. 2014.
Course Time Frame and Thematic Outline:
Outline
I. Introduction to the writing process: writing as a social act, collaboration, how
to peer review, writing multiple drafts, different genres for different audiences,
how to revise, how to edit, how to use technology in writing. Developing voice
in writing.
II. Working with sources:
How to use the library databases, how to locate sources, how to avoid
plagiarism, how to integrate sources into a text, how to document sources using
MLA
III. Crafting a written text: how to organize, revise, edit and present writing
using 3 or more different genres- reflective, informative, analytical, evaluative,
persuasive. (about 6 hours for each of three genres and 6 hours for introducing
smaller writings on one or more other genres)
Total hours:

Contact Hours
9

12

24

45

Grading System:
90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, 59 and below F
Quantifiable (letters)
Not Quantifiable

Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017

EVALUATION STRATEGIES
While a final, graded exam is compulsory for all students registered in INGL 3103, this course is based primarily on
writing essays, not on exams or quizzes. The below chart lists the distinct tasks required by your instructor, the quantity of
each, and the percent or number of points of the total grade these represent.
Task or product

Quantity

Percent/
points

Three (3) essays written and revised using genres of

reflection, evaluation, persuasion
Movie scene project

3@15%

Commercial project

Quizzes

Blog reactions with a minimum of 10 pieces

10

Final exam

45%
150pts
15%
50 pts
15%
50 pts
5%
50pts
10%
50pts
10%
50pts

400 pts
100%

TOTAL:

Reflection essay: The reflective essay will consist of students sharing their thoughts and ideas regarding a topic being
discussed in class. Reflective essays will be started in class. This essay must follow MLA guidelines.
Commercial project: This is a group project in which students will create an original advertisement targeted at

selling an original product. It will be a group effort which culminates in an audio-visual commercialof no less
than 1 minute and no more than 3 minutesthat incorporates three key elements of rhetorical situations: Ethos,
Pathos & Logos. It is a group project therefore everyone MUST HAVE SCREEN TIME and AUDIBLE LINES.
This commercial must be recorded and edited to then be uploaded to Youtube.com. Also, students must provide
the professor with a physical copy of the commercial on a CD or DVD and a copy of the script for the project
with an explanation of how they apply Ethos, Pathos & Logos. HELP: If students do not feel comfortable posting a
video publicly in Youtube do not hesitate to ask me for inquiries on how to upload it privately.
Evaluation essay & Movie scene:
1. Movie scene: This will be a group project. Students will choose a scene from five possible films provided by the
professor. As a group, students will need to reimagine the scene thereby shooting and editing a short video that
will last no longer than 5 minutes. As it is a group project EVERYONE MUST APPEAR ON SCREEN and have
AUDIBLE-LINES. Once the project is done the video will posted in Youtube.com and a physical copy will be
provided to the professor on CD or DVD. HELP: If students do not feel comfortable posting a video publicly in
Youtube do not hesitate to ask me for inquiries on how to upload it privately.
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Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017
2. Evaluation essay: Having presented the movie scene, students must pick one and write an EVALUATIVE
ESSAY individually where they must point out the highlights and flaws of the movie scene as well as provide
information on how effective it may be on the public. Students will be evaluated on their ability to present
understanding of evaluation and the thoroughness of their argument. Evaluative essays MIGHT BE started in
class but they will be worked at home and a physical (PRINTED) final draft will be given on an established date.
This essay must follow MLA guidelines.
Persuasive essay: In this essay students are required to persuade and convince the reader on a given subject. EXAMPLE:
If the student believes Star Wars is the best movie ever, he or she must explain why with a thorough thesis statement and
detailed points. Persuasive essays will be started in class but they will be worked at home and a physical (PRINTED) final
draft will be given on an established date. This essay must follow MLA guidelines.
Quizzes: Throughout the semester a total of 5 quizzes will be given. Whether these will be announced or not will depend
solely on the participation of students in class. Remember the more participation the better, that way we all learn!
Blog reactions with a minimum of 10 pieces: At the end of each week a post in the class Wordpress blog shall be made.
Students are required to react to these. The reactions are to be no less than 150 words long. A minimum of 10 reactions is
required, but if students wish to do more reactions they are very welcomed AND will receive EXTRA CREDIT for each
reaction (5 points per extra reaction). HOWEVER, if the said minimum of 10 is not accomplished the students grade will
be affected.
Final exam: Students will have two hours to develop a concise and precise discussion on an essay topic that will be given
on the final week of classes. Attendance to the final exam is compulsory and there are no negotiations that can be made to
substitute or eliminate this exam. Final Paper instructions will be given later in the semester.

Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017

COURSE POLICIES
Attendance: All students are required to attend class. You are allowed 3 unexcused absences; after that your final
grade will be lowered by 3% for each additional absence.
Tardiness: Be on time for class, more knowledge and education will help you personally and professionally.
However, if you enter class 5 minutes late it will be declared tardiness. You are allowed 3 tardiness; after that it will
be recorded as an official absence.
Participation: Students are required to participate in class as failure or refusal to do so in class activities such as
writing workshops, informal presentations of essays and papers, and debates will result in the application of a half
() absence penalty.
Cheating: NO CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM will be permitted in class. It is expected that all students comply
with the institutional policies present within the University of Puerto Rico. Part of this policy is the persecution of
students who violate the intellectual and academic integrity of this institution. Plagiarism, or the intentional or
unintentional use of another persons work without giving appropriate credit, is a serious academic offense that
will not be taken lightly in this course. In addition, keep in mind that there are other forms of academic dishonesty
that will not be tolerated either, such as:
a) Cheating on a quiz, test, or exam.
b) Writing an essay in Spanish and translating it using programs such as Google Translate, among others.
c) Downloading an essay from the internet.
d) Paying/soliciting another person to write your paper.
e) Turning in an assignment that was used for credit in another course.
If it is determined that a student committed any of the academic offenses mentioned above, he or she will receive a
grade of zero (0%) on that particular work. If the act of academic dishonesty is serious, or if multiple acts are done
consecutively, the student might face the possibility of being reported to the appropriate academic authorities,
where he or she might face consequences such as suspension or possible expulsion from the UPR system.
Bullying: All students should treat each other with respect and kindness. None of us are perfect, if you see someone
is struggling with an assignment, help each other our. Remember dont hate, cooperate! However, if any form of
bullying is seen the student responsible for such acts will be asked to leave the classroom and will result in an
absence.
Respect, Tolerance, and Open-Mindedness: Controversial and charged topics may be discussed during the course
of the semester. It is expected that students approach every topic discussed in class and with the amplified level of
maturity, sensibility, rationality, and open-mindedness that is expected from a college-level student. Personal
attitudes and judgments towards sensitive topics such as religion, sexual orientation, and politics should be kept
aside from this class; these topics will solely be discussed within the contexts of the assigned course texts. If you are
unable to approach controversial/charged topics, discussions, and language usage in a sensible and open-minded
fashion, then you are advised to enroll in a section of INGL 3103 offered by another instructor.
Late assignments: If you do not turn in assignments on the due date, each assignment will have 10% deducted for
each day that it is late.
Telephones and iPads are allowed in class but are used only for class related work. If it is found that these are being
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Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017
used inappropriately, these will be taken from students hands and given back at the end of class. If said student
refuses to give up said item, he or she will be asked to leave the classroom resulting in an official absence.
Readings, Assignments and Extra Work: The e-mail provided to you by the University will serve as a portal where
works such as readings, assignments and others related to class will be sent through. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR EMAIL.
Pokmon GO: Any student caught playing the latest app sensation must shut their cellphone, hand it to the
professor who will give it back at the end of class OR sing the theme song of the original anime.
Additional Recommended Resources (These books may be accessed in The Writing Center or in the library)
Graff, Gerald, and Birkenstein. They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic
Writing. Third edition. Bedford/St. Martins. 2014. Print.
Hacker, Diane. A Writers Reference with Extra Help for ESL Writers. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.
Martins. 2007. Print.
Lunsford, Ann. The Everyday Writer. 4th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martens. 2008. Print.
Raimes, Ann. Keys for Writers. 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008. Print.
Online Resources:
Blog for They Say/ I Say www.theysayiblog.com
Companion Website Joining the Conversation. When you purchase the book you will receive an access code in the back
cover which allows you to go to the website.
How to Recognize Plagiarism Tutorial
http://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
This website provides a one to two hour tutorial created by the School of Education at the Indiana University
Bloomington to help you to understand and recognize plagiarism. It also allows you to print a certificate upon passing a
related test. Your professor may require you to turn in your signed certificate as evidence that you have confirmed your
understanding of plagiarism and how to recognize it.
The Internet Detective
http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/
a free online tutorial that will help you develop Internet research skills for your university and college work. The tutorial
looks at the critical thinking required when using the Internet for research and offers practical advice on evaluating the
quality of web sites.
The Owl at Purdue
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue Universityhouses writing resources and instructional materials.Students,
members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist them with many writing projects, during
any stage of the writing process.
Thesaurus.com
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Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017
http://thesaurus.reference.com/
Rogets New Millennium Thesaurus includes a brief definition, synonyms, and antonyms (where
appropriate) for each entry. Arranged in easy-to-use dictionary-style format, with more than 18,000 entries.
Tomsimo
http://www.tomisimo.org/dictionary/
TomsimoTM is an English-Spanish, Spanish-English Dictionary that makes finding words easy by automatically
searching in both languages. Tomsimo aims to provide an unabridged, bilingual dictionary for the English and Spanish
languages.
Line of Credit to buy books in the libreria for Pell Grant Recipients:

If you receive the Pell Grant and it has not yet arrived, the book store offers a line of credit that allows you to
purchase your books until your grant funding arrives. To take advantage of this possibility, you must bring your
ID and the bill for your registration costs. When you receive the grant check, you will repay your debt to the
bookstore. You need to be informed by the bookstore on their repayment policy on time and the consequences
of not doing so. If the student does not pay pack in time they will be a deudor in the system and will not be
able to enroll in classes for next semester.
Bylaw 06-33 (Institutional Policy on Partial Exams Offered Outside of Regular Class Hours):
According to article 6 of bylaw 06-33 (Institutional Policy on Partial Exams Offered Outside of Regular Class Hours),
Partial exams offered outside of the established course period should not conflict with other classes, laboratories, or
departmental exams in the program of studies of the students registered for a course. If it is not possible to accommodate
students at the same time, or if a valid excuse is submitted by one or several students in a timely manner prior to the exam,
the principle of equity demands that these students be tested at another time, in conditions equivalent to those of other
students in the section. Article 7 indicates that scheduling conflicts that cannot be resolved between the student and the
professor can be directed to the attention of the director or the directors of the corresponding departments, programs, or
offices. Contrary to what some professors have indicated to students, there is no reason why they should miss classes
when they confront situations like this. As such, an absence from a class due to an exam in another course will not be
excused.
According to Law 51:
All reasonable accommodations according to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) will be coordinated with the Dean
of Students and in accordance with the particular needs of the student. Any student needing such accommodations should
contact the Office of the Dean of Students in the Decanato de Estudiantes building, Office DE-6 (in front of the Jos de
Diego). For more information, please call (787) 265-3862 or (787) 832-4040, exts. 3258 or 3274. You may also email
tcruz@uprm.edu or m_rosado@uprm.edu. Consult the Servicios a Estudiantes con Impedimentos website
(http://www.uprm.edu/sei/index2.htm) for more details.
NB: The Dean of Students notifies the professor of accommodations that must be made for a student via a formal letter,
however students disabilities are NOT disclosed to the professor.
Departamento de Orientacin:
On the first floor of the Decanato de Estudiantes (across from the Jos de Diego building), you can access counselors who
can advise you on managing your stress, your time, and the various pressures that you might be confronted with in your
first year (or future years) at the Colegio. Don't be timid about seeking help when you need it. Recognizing your need for
help and actively seeking resources to support you is a sign of maturity. For further information, link to
http://www.uprm.edu/orientacion/index.html or to schedule
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Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017
an appointment, call (787) 832-4040, extensions 2040, 3372, or 3864. This department is open Monday-Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The English Writing Center (EWC):
Students should take responsibility for obtaining help as needed. In addition to the instructors office hours, the English
Writing Center, located at the Library in Room B-107. The Writing Center supports all reading and writing needs
including the reading of texts, vocabulary development, pre-writing, drafting, content development, organization, and the
preparation of final drafts. It is open to all students.
Academic Honesty:
As per Cert. 45, 2005-06, it is the institutional policy of the Mayagez Campus to observe the highest standards of
intellectual and scientific integrity and to pursue the prosecution of all violations. Violations include plagiarism (using the
work, processes, ideas, and results of others without proper credit). Moreover, Article 14(A)(2) of the UPR General
Regulations for Students identifies cheating as a punishable conduct.
As such, a professor may present a formal complaint to the Campus Disciplinary Board if she or he believes a student has
committed plagiarism. If the professor pursues this line of action, Article 15 of the UPR General Regulations for Students
stipulates that the repercussions may be the following:
A written warning which will be included in the students official record
Probation for a determined period of time
Suspension for a determined period of time
Administrative permanent withdrawal from the UPR system
Other sanctions provided by special regulation

Course Syllabus INGL 3103 Intermediate English Composition I,

Semester 1, 2016-2017

By signing the following document, I affirm that I have thoroughly read the course syllabus designed by Inst.
Fernando E. E. Correa Gonzlez for INGL 3103 (Sec. 062). In addition, I affirm that I fully understand the
evaluation methods that will be implemented in this course as well as the penalties that will be applied for
absences, tardiness, plagiarism, and any other unacceptable practices identified in the syllabus. Lastly, by
signing this document, I pledge to follow the guidelines, rules, and stipulations detailed in this course syllabus.

_____________________
FULL NAME

____________________
SIGNATURE

________
SECTION

This document was made with the help of Prof. Ellen Pratt and Prof. Luis Perez-Cortes.

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________
DATE