Notes from Brad Johnson’s English 81 class, 1st class
Course: English 81
Instructor: Brad Johnson
Time: Daily
Handouts: Course Syllabus
Memorandum of Understanding: Student Responsibilities
Quote: “Get involved. The world is run by those who show up.”
To be successful in this class: Come in to see instructor to break the ice (get acquainted)
Encouraged strongly to ask questions
Instructor has open-door, open-heart attitude and will work
on a one-to-one basis
Communication is essential: inform the instructor of absences
Attendance is very important: students have responsibility to themselves and other classmates: interaction, feedback is needed to help others
improve writing skills
Instructor will work with students when attendance is a problem
Always come to class even if drafts are not complete
Workshops are a huge, philosophical part of this course: only 3 or 4 students are part of the workshops making it easier for students to give and
receive feedback
Students will write a peer-response letter
Rewrites are then completed. Teacher responds to the rewrites with comments and R/R: revise/resubmit
Stay organized and focused. 5 papers are due: 1st paper: in the first three
weeks/ 2nd paper in weeks 4,5,6/ 3rd paper in weeks 7,8/ 4th paper in
week 9/ 5th paper in week 10
In this course, the instructor will move the students from paragraph writing to essay writing. It is necessary to get the paragraph right to get the essay right.
Future courses could include: English 100: strictly essay/ pass or fail
English 110: first transfer level class
English 111: drama, short stories writing
English 112: social sciences writing
English 113: sciences and business writing
Needs: Found in the college bookstore:
2 pocket folder (peachies) used for handing in written work
Book: “Evergreen”
“Writer’s Packet” $5.00
Hardbound dictionary
Thesaurus: book of synonyms for certain words/ used for increasing vocabulary
Two thumb-drives to plug into the USB ports on your computer. These are used for back-up in case
the disc containing your work is lost or broken. These thumb-drives can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Office Depot, or other stores selling office or computer equipment.
Grading System: found on p. 2 of the syllabus
Tutors are available on campus and can be found in the RLC building, Room 113. Take advantage of this for help with homework and revisions.
Missing more than 3 workshops gives an automatic failure for this course, p. 3 of syllabus.
Advise: come to the workshop for other people even if your draft is not complete.
Homework will be given week by week
Other advise from instruction: Our civic responsibility is to be involved and informed. It is far too easy to sit on the sidelines. The world does not just revolve around us. We need to be open. Writing is a wonderful form of communication to express ourselves allowing us to become positive change agents. We can accomplish this through written communication. English 81 is a small part in the big picture but influences all other subjects. When you write well, your grade improves. Learn to write well now.
There are many people with many abilities in this class. You need to be patient and understanding to all. It is your responsibility to help others through your written comments, not just two lines, but l ½ pages of comments. In this class, you get what you give. This class helps you to do well in other classes. Do this class well.