RD 101 - Reading for Non-Native Speakers I
Sample syllabus submitted by Dr. Zou, Spring 2005

Textbooks:

1.   Wegmann, Brenda; Knezevic, Miki Prijic: Mosaic I Reading 4^th Edition

McGrqw-Hill/Contemporary, 2002

2    Fry, Edward B: Vocabulary Drills, Introductory Level, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Course Materials:

1.          Longman Advanced American Dictionary. Pearson Education Limited, 2000

2.          Binder with lined loose leaf paper for notes and handouts

3.          Highlighter, pens, pencils with erasers

4.          Class folder containing work samples to turn in at end of semester

Course Objectives: (Refer to Department Syllabus)

To improve the skills of reading at the college level, while focusing on vocabulary development, paragraph and essay comprehension and critical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to improve their skills provided they attend class, share opinions and thoughts while participating in class discussions and complete designated class assignments.

Grading: In order to pass this course, students must pass the Final Exam, and receive a grade of 60% or higher for the course. Your grade will be calculated using the following formula:

                        Homework:            10%                       A:         90-100                                                 Lab Work:           10%                B:         80-89                                                   Participation:          10%                        C:         70-79                                           Quizzes & Tests:   20%                        D:         60-69                          

Midterm Exam:     25 %                                    F:   below    60

Final Exam:          25 %

Homework:

As a college student, you must expect to spend several hours a week doing course work outside of the class. In this class you will be assigned homework which must be written neatly on one page only and handed in on time. Late work will be accepted but will not receive full credit. If absent, it is the student's responsibility to call me or another student to find out the homework due for the next class.

 

Lab Work:

We will be visiting both the Reading and Writing and Computer Labs where you will become familiar with the different programs and reading materials you will be using this semester. 15 hours in Lab. work is required for the semester. Credit will be given for the completion of work, not on accuracy of the work.

 

Participation:

Attendance is necessary to participate in class. Attendance will be taken every class session. Students are expected to be on time for all classes. After four absences, you may be dropped from the class or you may receive an F for failure to meet the attendance requirements. Therefore, if you know you cannot attend class regularly, you should drop the course to prevent receiving an F grade. In addition, you are not to get up and walk out of the class. If you walk out, you will be marked absent. Students are expected to actively participate in all learning activities. Your class participation grade will be based on attitude, work with partner or group, behavior and your preparedness to answer questions.

 

Quizzes & Tests:

I will give frequent quizzes and tests in class so that each student will know if they have mastered the reading skills covered each week. My quizzes and tests will reflect the format of the final exam so that each student should feel comfortable with the format of the mandatory final exam by the time it takes place. 

Final Exam:

The exit or final exam will contain questions that assess your mastery of the skills learned

in this course. It will be worth 30 % of your final grade. 

Requirements to pass the course: In order to pass the course regardless of your grade average, you must meet these requirements: attend class; meet attendance requirements: take quizzes and tests; turn in homework; do Lab work; and pass the final exam.

Make-up Policy: Make-up tests are not given automatically. If you are absent on a test date, explain your absence to your teacher. If your absence is excusable, a make-up test may be scheduled at a time set by your teacher. There is generally a penalty of-5 points taken from the score of a make-up test.

 

Audit policy: If a student chooses to audit the class, he/she is still responsible for completing all assignments and participating in class. 

Classroom Behavior: In class you are often working with a partner or in a group. Appropriate behavior is expected. Cell phones and beepers are to be turned off in class. Any behavior in classroom that interferes with the right of fellow classmates/instructor to learn/teach is not permitted. Students are also expected to conduct themselves in ways, which create a safe learning, and teaching environment that is free from such things as violence, intimidation, and harassment. 

Policy on Academic Integrity   (Refer to Student Handbook) Cheating, plagiarism and/or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Violation of this policy will result in the following: an F for the course and possible suspension and/or removal from the course. 

Support Service A student who may need an accommodation due to disability should visit the Disability Support Service Office and obtain assistance and advice. Please make an appointment to see me and bring me a letter from DSS office authorizing your accommodation. 

Bad Weather: In the event of bad weather, the college may be closed. Watch the major TV channels (4,5,7,9) for closing information.