Welcome to Introduction to College Writing and the Sharing Cultures experience. As we focus on developing and enhancing your writing and critical reading skills, we will also engage in a cultural sharing experience with students and teachers at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University of Port Elizabeth in South Africa. As part of the Sharing Cultures experience, you will share reading and writing assignments with your peers in South Africa and strengthen important reading, writing, and technological skills while growing personally.
All students in this course will be required to register for additional assistance in the Writing Center. You should plan to make an appointment for at least one hour per week, and your writing consultant will assist you in planning your writing assignments for this and other courses, as well as guide you in eliminating any weaknesses in your writing skills.
All writing that you turn in must be typed or computer-generated, double spaced, using standard one-inch margins and 12-point fonts. Essays will be evaluated based on overall organization, clarity of thought and presentation, development of ideas, correct use of grammar and punctuation, spelling, etc. All assignments are due on time. However, you may revise any essay for a better grade, and revised essays are due one week after you receive them. Revisions should be substantial, not merely corrected spelling, grammar, etc.
The final project essay will be an 8-10 page essay, and there is a timetable for completion of the essay, including a proposal, outline, rough and final drafts. A detailed handout on this assignment will be distributed later.
Designed for students in need of basic writing practice, Introduction to College Writing teaches brainstorming techniques and provides grammar review while giving students practice at writing college-level essays. Course serves students who would benefit from additional preparation in writing prior to enrolling in Composition I. Class includes individualized instruction, small group work, and Writing Center consultation. Additionally, Sharing Cultures is linked to Basic Writing classes at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A primary course objective is to provide a shared learning environment wherein students in Chicago and in South Africa will learn about each other's cultures.
