SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY FALL 2020

AEP 0400.01: Writing &

Grammar Level 4

Student Drop-
In Hours
Click here to use
the Calendly app
to select a time
to meet with me
on Zoom.

Course Description
This high intermediate-level course emphasizes writing as a multi-
step process leading to the completion of thesis-driven academic
essays of 1000 words. Paragraphs, summaries, and essays are
written in response to readings and discussions. Students select Phone/Text
and write in a genre that is appropriate to the task and incorporate If you need to
evidence from sources to support their arguments. This course aims reach me quickly
I am providing
to improve students’ level of grammar from the intermediate-high
my phone
to the advanced-low level of targeted grammar points. Students number:
review high-frequency forms and develop strategies for learning 314-532-7511.
lower-frequency items. Students practice self-editing techniques,
developing an awareness of their own grammar errors. 

Email Me
CLASS MEETINGS
Randy.Rebman@
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday slu.edu
12:30 pm - 2:20 p.m

INSTRUCTOR Beracha Hall 128/Zoom

RANDY REBMAN Zoom Meeting Room: https://

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slu.zoom.us/j/4785515649
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY FALL 2020

Student Learning
Outcomes
After successful completion of this course, you
will be able to:

1. Select and incorporate evidence from

course readings and outside sources to
support a claim in academic writing
assignments.

2. Apply common organizational structures of

academic paragraphs and essays to a variety of rhetorical modes.

3. Follow academic MLA formatting guidelines for in-text citations and quotations using an
instructor-provided model 

4. Identify and construct different rhetorical modes and organization structures in academic
essays 

5. Use targeted level appropriate academic vocabulary, grammatical structures and discourse
markers in their own writing. 

6. Construct a variety of sentence types

7. Edit common grammar errors according to instructor feedback in own writing tasks 

8.  Implement revision and editing strategies in order to identify and self-correct errors in
language use, punctuation and mechanics.

9. Use academic vocabulary strategies in academic research writing

TEXTBOOK/LEARNING RESOURCES
• You will need the textbook Final Draft 3 for this class

• Print: Final Draft Level 3 Student's Book with Online Writing Pack by
Andrew Aquino-Cutcher, Wendy Asplin, David Bohlke, Jeanne
Lambert; ISBN: 9781107495500

• Digital Learning Resources provided to you in this class include

Podcasts, Cambridge Writing Skills Interactive, Videos, Screencasts,
Mini-lectures, and Digital Texts.

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W hat is expected of me in this course?

COURSE POLICIES

Course Assignments & Grading/Evaluation

Writing Process:Writing process assignments
keep you on track for completing the formal
writing assignments. Writing process assignments
Assignment Percentage of Grade
include prewriting activities such as brainstorming
Active Learning Checks 25% and outlining and drafting activities such as
& Tasks revising, editing, and proofreading. Writing
process assignments are graded according
Writing Process 25%
to degree of completion and level of effort. A
Formal Writing Assignments rubric will be provided on Blackboard. 

Summary Writings 5%
Grade Percentage Points
Cause/Effect Writing 10%
A 94-100 4.0
Compare/Contrast 10%
Writing A- 90-93 3.7
Argumentative Writing 20%
B+ 87-89 3.3
Midterm & Final 5%
B 83-86 3.0
Reflective Writing
B- 80-82 2.7
Formal Writings:  You will submit four formal
C+ 77-79 2.3
writing assignments during the term: a two-
paragraph summary writing (250-500 words), C 73-76 2.0
a four-paragraph cause-effect writing (500-750
words), a four-paragraph compare-contrast writing C- 70-72 1.7
(500-750 words), and a fi ve-
D 60-69 1.0
paragraph argumentative writing (1000-1250
words). Rubrics will be provided on Blackboard.  F 0-59 0.0

Active Learning Tasks & Checks: Weekly active

learning checks & tasks will be assigned during In-class Attendance and
Zoom/Nearpod sessions, in live face-to-face Participation 
classes, and through Blackboard to assess
comprehension and understanding. SLOs: 1-9

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SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY FALL 2020

Communication & Class Participation

Guidelines

The health and well-being of SLU’s

students, staff, and faculty are critical
concerns.  Accordingly, the following
University policy statements on in-
person class attendance are
designed to preserve and advance
the collective health and well-being
of our institutional constituencies.

1. Students who exhibit any potential COVID

symptoms (those that cannot be attributed to
some other medical condition the students are
known to have, such as allergies, asthma, etc.)
but who feel well enough to a) attend the
course synchronously in an online class
session or b) participate in asynchronous
online class activities, are expected to do each instructor as soon after the absence as
so.  Those who do not feel well enough to do possible.  
so should absent themselves accordingly. 
4. As a temporary amendment to the
2. Students (whether exhibiting any of potential current University Attendance Policy, all
COVID symptoms or not, and regardless of absences due to illness or an isolation/
how they feel) who are under either an quarantine directive issued by a qualified
isolation or quarantine directive issued by a health official shall be considered “Authorized”
qualified health official must absent absences (effective August 2020 through May
themselves from all in-person course activity 2021).  
per the stipulations of the isolation or
quarantine directive.  They are expected to
participate in synchronous or asynchronous
online class activities as they feel able to do so,
or absent themselves accordingly. 

3. Students are responsible for notifying each

instructor of an absence as far in advance as
possible; when advance notification is not
possible, students are responsible for notifying

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SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
Zoom Video
If it is possible, enable your video in
Zoom. If you have a problem with your
webcam or technology, let your professor
know that video is not possible. The
professor and your classmates need to
see your facial expressions in order to
communicate more successfully.
Zoom Audio
Mute your microphone during a
presentation by your professor or a
classmate. Zoom allows you to “raise your
hand” to get the host’s attention if you
have something to say. Be ready to click
“unmute” when it is your turn to speak.
Zoom Chat
Use the Zoom chat box as needed. It can
be a helpful tool to communicate with the
group or a specific person without
interrupting who is speaking. Be aware
that the chat, including “private”
messages, may be recorded and visible to
the host.
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FALL 2020
Communication Best Practices
When using the “Chat” or “Discussion
Board” (or similar) features of your course
management system, remember that your
course-related communications to the
instructor or other students should be
considered “professional” (they are not like
texts to your friends). Remember that course
context and all related written work –
including chat and discussion board
transcripts – can be recorded and retrieved.
Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm;
without the context of facial expressions or
other body language, your tone or intent
could be missed or misunderstood by others.
Respect and be attentive to the diversity of
your classmates and instructor. Before
communicating, consider your message in the
context of the class’ diversity in race, ethnicity,
religion, disabilities, gender, sexual
orientation, age, social class, marital status,
geography, etc. Consider the diversity you
can see or know – as well as that you cannot.
Respect others’ time and life circumstances,
which often don’t allow for an immediate
response to a question or comment.
 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
English Language Center(ELC) Statement
The English Language Center will provide
online help for writing assignments. ELC
consultants can help you with your writing
assignments by providing feedback on your
draft based on the assignment requirements
and your individual concerns. In fall 2020, the
ELC will offer live writing consultations
through Zoom.
After you make an appointment for the ELC,
you will be provided instructions on how to
complete your appointment. To make an
appointment, log on to http://myslu.slu.edu,
click the “Tools” tab, and select “EAB
Navigate” icon. Click on “Schedule an
Appointment”. In the drop-down menu,
choose “INTO”, in the next drop-down menu,
choose, “English Language Center”, in the last
drop-down menu, choose, “Live Online
Writing Consultation through Zoom”. Then
follow the directions to make an appointment.
For Live Online Writing Consultations through
Zoom, you will receive a confirmation email
with the time of your appointment and a
Zoom link to meet your consultant online. We
encourage you to take advantage of the
writing services available to you in the English
Language Center where consultants are
trained to help writers with second-language
concerns.
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FALL 2020
FACE MASKS
The University’s Interim Policy on Face Masks
governs all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors
in all University-owned, leased, or operated facilities.
All persons physically present in any such University
facility associated with this course shall comply fully
with this policy at all times. Masks must be worn
before entry to all such University facilities (as well as
outdoors on all University property when six feet of
distance is unpredictable or cannot be maintained).
Saint Louis University is committed to maintaining an
inclusive and accessible environment. Individuals who
are unable to wear a face mask due to medical reasons
should contact the Office of Disability Services or
Human Resources to initiate the accommodation
process identified in the University’s ADA Policy.
Inquires or concerns may also be directed to the
Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
Notification to instructors of SLU-approved ADA
accommodations should be made in writing prior to
the first class session in any term (or as soon
thereafter as possible). As the instructor of this
course, I shall comply fully with SLU’s policy and all
related ADA regulations.  
Students who attempt to enter a classroom without
wearing masks will be asked by the instructor to wear
masks prior to entry. Students who remove their
masks at any time during a class session will be asked
by the instructor to resume wearing their masks.
Note: Accordingly, no consumption of any food
will be allowed in class. Students who do not
 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY FALL 2020

FACE MASKS
(CONTINUED)
comply with a request by a SLU instructor to wear a
mask in accordance with the University’s Interim
Policy on Face Masks may be subject to disciplinary
actions per the rules, regulations, and policies of Saint
Louis University, including but not limited to the Academic Policies
Student Handbook.  

Non-compliance with this policy may result in
disciplinary action, up to and including any of the
following:
• dismissal from the course(s)
• removal from campus housing (if applicable)
• dismissal from the University
To immediately protect the health and well-being of
all students, instructors, and staff, instructors reserve
the right to cancel or terminate any class session at
which any student fails to comply with faculty or staff
request to wear a mask in accordance with University
policy. Students are strongly encouraged to identify to
their instructor any student or instructor not in
compliance. Non-compliance may be anonymously
reported via the SLU Integrity Hotline at
1-877-525-5669 (or confidentially via the Integrity
Hotline's website at http://www.lighthouse-
services.com/slu.
Academic Integrity
Academic Policies Academic Integrity Saint
Louis University is a community of learning. Our
community depends on students, faculty, and
staff members who are trustworthy and honest.
Academic integrity builds this trust in our
community. Your instructors will teach you
about academic integrity in your classes and
strategies for being honest in your work.
Examples of academic dishonesty include:
copying from another student, cheating during
an exam, taking credit for work someone else
has done, failing to cite sources of information,
taking a test or doing work for another student,
finding or sharing a test without your instructor’s
permission, or working with other students
without permission. Possible consequences of
academic dishonesty include failing grades,
probation, suspension, and dismissal from Saint
Louis University. Saint Louis University has
specific rules about academic integrity.
You can read about those rules here: https://
www.slu.edu/provost/policies/academic-and-
course/policy_academic-
integrity_6-26-2015.pdf

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SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY FALL 2020

Disability Services
Academic Accommodations
Students with a documented disability who
wish to request academic accommodations
are encouraged to contact Disability
Services to discuss accommodation
requests and eligibility requirements.
Please contact Disability Services, located
within the Student Success Center, at
disability_services@slu.edu or
314.977.3484 to schedule an appointment.
Confidentiality will be observed in all
inquiries. Once approved, information
about academic accommodations will be
shared with course instructors via email
from Disability Services and viewed within
Banner via the instructor's course roster.

Note: Students who do not have a

documented disability but who think they
may have one are encouraged to contact
Disability Services. Link: https://
www.slu.edu/life-at-slu/student-success-
center/disability- services/index.php
Course Content Disclaimer
In this course, students may be required to
read text or view materials that they may
consider offensive. The ideas expressed in
any given text do not necessarily reflect the
views of the instructor, the English as a
Second Language Program, or Saint Louis
University. Course materials are selected for
their historical and/or cultural relevance, or
as an example of stylistic and/or rhetorical
strategies and techniques. They are meant
to be examined in the context of intellectual
inquiry of the sort encountered at the
university level.
Student Work
Student work in the course may be used in
course and/or program assessment.
Title IX Statement
Saint Louis University and its faculty are committed
to supporting our students and seeking an
environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and
harassment. If you have encountered any form of
sexual misconduct (e.g., sexual assault, sexual
harassment, stalking, domestic or dating violence), we
encourage you to report this to the University. If you
speak with a faculty member about an incident that
involves a Title IX matter, that faculty member must
notify SLU’s Title IX coordinator (or that person’s
equivalent on your campus) and share the basic facts
of your experience. This is true even if you ask the
faculty member not to disclose the incident. The Title
IX contact will then be available to assist you in
understanding all of your options and in connecting
you with all possible resources on and off campus. For
most students on the St. Louis campus, the
appropriate contact is Anna R. Kratky (DuBourg Hall,
room 36; anna.kratky@slu.edu; 314-977-3886). If you
wish to speak with a confidential source, you may
contact the counselors at the University Counseling
Center at 314-977-TALK. To view SLU’s sexual
misconduct policy, and for resources, please visit the
following web addresses: https:// www.slu.edu/
here4you and https://www.slu.edu/general-counsel.

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 SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY FALL 2020

Tentative Schedule of Learning Activities &

Major Assessments
Academic Calendar
https://www.slu.edu/registrar/calendars/index.php

Fall 2020 Course Calendar For LV 4 Writing & Grammar

Unit Focus Week Learning Activities/Assessments

• Course, Students, & Student Week 1: Aug 17-21 Syllabus & Textbook Scavenger
Support Resources Hunt on Bb
Introductions Fun Facts About Me Sharing on
• Classroom Community Bb Discussion Forum
• Diagnostic Assessment Writing Diagnostic on Bb/
OneDrive

Final Draft Unit 1  Week 2: Aug 24-28 Learning Tasks & Checks

• Introduction to an Academic Activities on BB/OneDrive
Essay   Summary Writing Exploration
• Avoiding
Plagiarism (recognizing) 
Week 3: Aug 31-Sep 4 Learning Checks Activities on Bb
Final Draft Unit 5 
Summary Writing 1 Due by 5
• Summary writing 
p.m.
• Reporting verbs and attributive
phrases 

Final Draft Unit 4  Week 4: Sep 7-11 Learning Tasks & Checks

• Cause-Effect writing  Activities on BB/OneDrive
• Avoiding Plagiarism (in-text Writing Process Assignments on
citations and Works Cited BB/OneDrive
pages) 
Week 5: Sep 14-18 Writing Conferences
• Parallel Structure 
Cause/Effect Writing Due

Final Draft Unit 2  Week 6: Sep 21-25 Learning Tasks & Checks

• Compare-Contrast writing  Activities on BB/OneDrive
• Avoiding Plagiarism
(paraphrasing) 
Week 7: Sep 28-Oct2 Learning Tasks & Checks
• Contrastive Subordinators 
Activities on BB/OneDrive
• Fall Break ( Tuesday Oct 20)
Writing Process Assignments on
BB/OneDrive
Cause-Effect writing Due by 5
p.m. on Saturday Oct 24th

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 Unit Focus Week Learning Activities/Assessments

• Midterm Preparation: Review Week 8: Oct 5-9 Midterm Review & Preparation
• Revisions/Writing Conferences

Midterms Week Week 9: Oct 12-16 Midterm: Reflection Writing

Final Draft Unit 7   Week 10: Oct 19-23 Learning Tasks & Checks
• Supporting an Argument  Activities on BB/OneDrive
• Avoiding Plagiarism (time-
management) 
Week 11: Oct 26-30 Writing Process Assignments on
• Recognizing Sentence
BB/OneDrive
Boundaries 
Compare-Contrast Writing Due
• In-text citations review
by 5 p.m. Saturday

Final Draft Unit 8  Week 12: Nov 2-6 Writing Process Assignments on

• Counterarguments and BB/OneDrive
Refutations  Argument Graphic Organizer
• Generalizing and Hedging  Due

Week 13: Nov 9-13 Writing Process Assignments on

BB/OneDrive
Peer Review

• Flex Week Week 14: Nov 16-20 LDP: Ending Reflection

• Writing Conferences & Make up/revision
Revision Writing Conferences

• Fall Classes End (Nov 24) Week 15: Nov 23-24 Study Days & Thanksgiving,
• Final Exam Preparation Optional Writing Conferences

Final Exams Week Week 16: Nov. 30-Dec. 4 Final Draft of Argumentative
FINAL 12/3 Essay due 12/3
Final Reflection Essay Due 12/3

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