Jennifer C. La Porte

Adjunct Instructor

FIU Department of English, DM 453 

Office Hours: To Be Announced in Class

E-mail: jlapo001@fiu.edu 

Catalog Description: 

Students will be introduced to the principles and process of expository, persuasive, and reflective writing.  This is the first of a two-semester freshman composition sequence.  Written work meets state composition requirement of 6,000 written words. 

Course Objectives: 

  1. Students will come to see this classroom as a place to try out their voice and to attend to the aesthetic.
  2. Students will learn to view writing as a social event rather than a task done in intellectual isolation.
  3. Students will learn to workshop—this means that they will use positive reinforcement and constructive criticism to help each other convey a message in the most effective manner.
  4. Students will learn to use drafts; this takes the pressure off them in the early stages and allows for evolution of thought.

Attendance: 

Attendance is mandatory.  After three absences, the student must meet with me to determine whether or not continued enrollment in the course is warranted. 

Plagiarism: 

All work must be the sole product of the student and may not in any way be borrowed or plagiarized.  Although ENC 1101 does not require research, all research materials and outside sources consulted must be fully documented.  I am always more than happy to assist any student who has a question about proper documentation. 

Text:  

Hacker, Diana. The Bedford Handbook. 6th edition. New York: Bedford St.-Martin’s, 2002. 

Course materials on reserve via the library website. 

Requirements / Grades: 

Each student will turn in five (5) portfolios during the semester.  A list detailing the required contents of each portfolio will be distributed in class.  Each portfolio will be worth 200 points, for a grand total of 1000. 

University Learning Center—Writing Lab: 

When you visit the University Learning Center in PC 247, which you will be required to do at least once during the semester in order to familiarize yourself with the procedure, please remember to sign in as you enter.  To make an appointment at the Learning Center, call (305) 348-2180. 

Professionalism: 

Late papers or papers submitted via e-mail will not be accepted. 

Cell phones, pagers, etc. must be turned off during class time.