J101 Syllabus

General Information

Class Schedule: 11:00-11:50 a.m., MWF. Rm 180 PLC

Instructor: Kellee Weinhold
Office: 311B Allen Hall
Phone: 346-3515 and/or weinhold@uiuc.edu
Office hours: MW 1:30-2:30 p.m. or by appointment

Course Description

Grammar may be defined as a set of rules for understanding how language works. By using language correctly, writers are able to make the correct decisions to communicate clearly, concisely and coherently with their audiences. In a profession where words are often our primary means of communicating our messages, it is critical that we know how to choose the proper tool for the job at hand. Good writing begins with good grammar.

This is one of the "skills building" courses in the School of Journalism and Communication. In Grammar for Journalists we will cover parts of speech, word use, sentence construction, spelling, punctuation and principles of effective writing. Not only will your work in this class affect your performance in future journalism courses, but the class will also prepare you for the Language Skills Diagnostic Test (LSDT), the required journalism exam.

Grading

Grades will be based on the following:
Quizzes..........................................20%
Writing exercises...................................20%
Homework...................................20%
Exam #1.................................20%
Exam #2.................................20%

Reading, Quizzes, Homework Exercises, Exams and LSDT

You are expected to read and study the information provided on-line just as if it were a traditional textbook. Reading the information, doing the practice worksheets and quizzes and seeking clarification during class sessions should provide more than adequate opportunity for you to succeed in this class. Make no mistake, your performance in this class will reflect what you put into it.

Unless otherwise announced, homework exercises will be collected at the beginning of class on Fridays. Quizzes and exams will be given on Fridays at the end of class. If you are late to class, you will not be given additional time to complete the quiz or exam. Two exams will be given during the academic quarter. The tentative schedule is for the first exam to be given on Friday of week five; the second exam is scheduled for Friday of week 10. There will be no comprehensive final exam. The Language Skills Diagnostic Test, which does not affect your grade for the course, is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2002 at 10:15 a.m. If you are enrolled in J101, you are automatically registered to take the LSDT.

House Rules

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. On Friday, at the beginning of class, students are expected to submit their completed homework exercises for grading. On Fridays, after writing exercises are completed, students will take their quizzes and exams, unless other dates and times are announced. Please bring at least two #2 pencils with you to class.
Makeups: Makeup quizzes and exams will only be given to those students with written documents explaining their circumstances for missing class. Only hardships such as family emergencies, hospitalization/medical treatment of students or other extreme circumstances will be considered. If you do not have a legitimate explanation, you will receive a "0" for the quiz, exam or writing exercises being graded. All arrangements for makeup quizzes, exams and/or submission of workbook exercises must be arranged with the instructor prior to the time the work is due or the quiz takes place. All makeups of homework, quizzes and exams must be completed within one school day of the missed work.