Intermediate Writing Syllabus Fall
I 2026
Teacher: Greer Mansfield
Contact email: gmansfi1@kennesaw.edu
Room: UH 224
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm, Mondays & Wednesdays
Textbook: Final Draft 3, Ed. Jeanne Lambert
Digital Workbook Key: BC8X-HQrH
Course Description:
This is a high intermediate class in academic writing that follows a process approach, which
includes pre-writing, writing, and revision tasks to strengthen final drafts. The emphasis is
focused on creating a five-paragraph essay with a strong thesis and coherent paragraphs to
support the thesis.
Course Goals:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
● Write an academic paragraph.
● Write introductory paragraphs containing hook, background information, and a thesis
statement.
● Write concluding paragraphs containing a restatement of the thesis, review of main
points, and a strong final comment.
● Write a comparison and contrast essay using the writing process to generate ideas, create
an academic outline, and revise a first draft to produce a stronger second draft.
● Write a cause-and-effect essay using the writing process to generate ideas, create an
academic outline, and revise a first draft to produce a stronger second draft.
● Identify and correct sentence-level errors such as comma splices, run-on sentences, and
sentence fragments.
● Utilize correct punctuation including commas, colons, and semicolons.
Academic Integrity
In university culture, working honestly and independently is of great value. When a person
writes or creates something, that thing is considered to be his/her intellectual property. Therefore,
copying the work of another person, whether a classmate or a professional, is considered stealing
another person’s property. As with other types of theft, stealing a person’s academic or
professional work can lead to negative consequences such as being expelled from college or
being fired from your job.
At our IEP program, we, too, value academic integrity. Furthermore, our job is to help you learn
to produce work that meets academic and professional standards. Therefore, if you do not do
your work honestly and independently, consequences will follow.
Intermediate Writing Syllabus Fall
I 2026
The following are examples of what is considered prohibited in our program: - - - - - - - -
Requesting or giving answers to classmates during a quiz or exam.
Using electronics, notes, or books without permission during a quiz or exam.
Receiving unauthorized help on projects or other work done outside of class. The only
authorized help is from the KSU ESL Center, the KSU Writing Center, or your classroom
teacher for that subject.
Submitting the same assignment in multiple classes.
Failure to cite a source you have either paraphrased or directly quoted in your work.
Failure to use quotation marks for ideas taken word-for-word from another source.
Cutting and pasting information from the Internet and pretending it is your own.
Using ChatGPT or other AI services to do your classwork.
Possible consequences for academic dishonesty include the following:
o 1st offense: 0 on the assignment with opportunity to re-do the assignment; note in
record
o 2nd offense: 0 on the assignment; note in record
o Further offenses: Students will be referred to the honor and ethics committee who
will determine the consequences, which may include dropping a letter grade in the
course, having to repeat a level, suspension or expulsion from the program.
If a student is reported to the office multiple times ACROSS classes and levels, they will be
required to attend a meeting with the honor and ethics committee at which time consequences
will be decided. In the High Intermediate level, 5 notifications on file across classes and
levels will result in a referral to the honor and ethics committee.
Makeup Work Policy - - -
Speak to the instructor about planned absences.
Speak with classmates for help with unplanned absences. Ask your classmates about
work that was covered in the missed classes.
Missing a class is not an excuse for not doing the work. Work is due by the due date
unless otherwise authorized by the instructor.
Grading Policy:
You will receive a letter grade for this course. Your grade will be based on the following:
Comparison and contrast Essay:
Cause and effect Essay:
30%
30%
Timed Writings:
40%
A= 90-100
B=80-89
C=75-79
D= 70-74
F= 69 and below
At the end of the 8-week session you will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F. This will help you
understand how you performed in this class during this session. A grade of A, B, or C shows that
you have completed the work and met the course goals and objectives. A grade of D or F shows
that you have not met the course goals and objectives in this class. Advancement to the next level
requires passing grades in classes as well as appropriate scores on the end of session tests (EPT
and Writing).
Intermediate Writing Syllabus Fall
I 2026
Assessments:
• Comparison and Contrast Essay
Students will use the writing process to brainstorm, outline, compose, and revise an essay
on an assigned topic following the organization and structure in the comparison and
contrast genre. The essay will include academic paragraphs with a topic sentence with
controlling ideas, 5-7 supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. A formal,
academic tone is required.
• Cause and Effect Essay
Students will use the writing process to brainstorm, outline, compose, and revise a
research paper on a topic of their choice following the organization and structure in the
cause-and-effect genre. The essay will include academic paragraphs with a topic sentence
with controlling ideas, 5-7 supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. Quotes will
need to include the author’s name, date of publication, and page or paragraph numbers of
the required source. A formal, academic tone is required.
• Timed Writing Quizzes
Students will write a 4-5 paragraph essays by hand with a time limit of 45 minutes twice
this session. A selection of prompts will be provided, as will paper for
brainstorming/outlining and writing. No technology support will be allowed.
• Digital Workbook
Students will be assigned optional digital workbook activities to supplement the lesson in
class. While this homework is ungraded, and optional, it is highly recommended to
complete to ensure you are grasping the concepts covered in class.
Formatting and Submission of Work:
Graded process writing assignments will be submitted electronically via the class Moodle page.
All graded essays should be typed in 12 point font and include the student’s name, date,
assignment name, and draft number. Example:
Other Course Policies
1. Always show RESPECT to your classmates and instructor.
2. Arrive to class ON TIME, and ready to learn.
3. Please put your phone and laptop away, unless we are doing a technology-based activity.
4. If you are unsure, please speak up! Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Intermediate Writing Fall I 2026.pdf