MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

Department of English, Reading, Foreign Languages, Philosophy

and the American English Language Program

Takoma Park Campus

Syllabus for RD 103: Fall 2003

I. Course and Instructor Information

RD 103, Reading for Non-Native Speakers III

CRN 20787 Mon, Wed, Fri 9:35-11:00 am Location: CA 102

CRN 20799 Tuesday, Thursday 7:15-9:20 pm Location: SP 103

Professor : Sharyn Neuwirth

Office: RC 203B Phone: 240/ 567-1686

E-mail: Sharyn.Neuwirth@montgomerycollege.edu

Office Hours

I welcome discussion and questions. I invite you to come talk with me in my office whenever you have a concern, suggestion, question, etc. I am available during my drop-in office hours, or at other times by appointment.

· Drop-in office hours: Mondays 11:30-1:00

· Tuesday / Thursday evening, by appointment

II. General Course Information

The third required course in the reading sequence for AELP students continues the teaching of academic reading of American English presented in the preceding two courses. Emphasis on the advanced college skills required for success in content courses, including advanced paragraph and essay comprehension, critical reading, textbook and media analysis, and rhetorical patterns. PREREQUISITE: RD 102 with a grade of C or better or placement by testing required by the College of non-native speakers of English. For computation of tuition this course is equivalent to five semester hours. Five hours each week. Additional laboratory required. 3 semester hours THREE CREDITS. NOT APPLICABLE TO A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE. MAY NOT BE USED TO SATISFY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS.

III. Specific Outcomes

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By the end of this course, students should be able to:

· Demonstrate vocabulary development, using methods for increasing word power, context, word parts and structure, and dictionary skills.

· Demonstrate the ability to locate information, recognize paragraph patterns, identify main ideas and supporting details, and find an author’s thesis.

· Use skimming and scanning skills

· Demonstrate higher level comprehension and critical thinking skills, such as the ability to draw inferences and conclusions.

· Express reading comprehension by writing well constructed sentences and paragraphs.

· Demonstrate effective study techniques, including notetaking, summarizing, and outlining.

· Understand, analyze, and interpret college level graphic materials such as graphs, diagrams, and selected nonprint media common to American culture.

IV. Texts and Supplies

Textbooks:

· Reading for Results, 8^th Edition. Laraine Flemming

· A paperback dictionary that you bring to every class. You should also have both a desk dictionary at home. The College recommends the American Heritage Dictionary

Supplies:

· a three ring binder

· white college ruled notebook paper

· blue or black ink pen,

· computer disk

· colored highlighter

· an MC folder

· package of 3”x5” or 4”x6” index cards

· stapler. All papers must be stapled together. Paper clips and folded corners are not accepted.

You are expected to bring the textbook and these supplies to every class. They are available at the Campus Book Store

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V. Grading[j3]

A. Course Grade

The following shows the relative weight of each component of this course.

25% of final grade Lab assignments (total)

25% of final grade Graded homework, vocabulary, tests and pop quizzes

25% of final grade Midterm exam

25% of final grade Final exam

B. Standards

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A =90% and above

B =80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

E =59% or less

Students who receive a D or E as a final grade do not pass to the next level course.

C. Computer and Computer Skills Requirements

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This course requires completion of lab assignments, which require use of a PC or MAC computer, the Internet, and a printer. The course assumes that you have basic typing and computer skills for sending and receiving emails, using MyMC, and typing papers. There are workstations on campus that you can use for these assignments. The ones with asterisks (*) have email and Internet:

· Resource Center library*

· lnformation Science Pavilion, Room 101, 240/567-1457*

· Student Technical Center at 8561 Fenton Street, Suite 210. 240/567-1657*

· Student Commons, Room 250*

· Resource Center Learning Lab

D. Homework and Assignments

All assigned work should be done before class and formatted according to specifications. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what the homework is for the next class. Exchange phone numbers with at least three other students in the class. If you miss a class, call them to learn what you missed. Also check MyMC regularly to see if your professor has posted any special information about class or an assignment.

Name:___________________________ Phone: ____________________

A note about homework: You will be busy and work hard in this class—you will have a minimum of 10 hours of homework plus 5 class hours—for a total of a 15 hours per week. Keep that in mind when you take on additional responsibilities such as other classes and jobs. If you are not interested in working hard, you will not be satisfied with how you do in this class. Remember it is your responsibility to get the work done and to learn. Ask questions when you have questions. Please make an appointment to meet with me if you are having any problems or difficulties--don't just let them go or hope they will go away. Don’t be shy! I am here to help you as much as possible, but the work is your responsibility.

Homework is an important component of this class. If you are not prepared (have not done your homework), it is a disservice not only to yourself but also to your classmates. It slows the entire class down which makes is difficult for everyone to achieve the goals and objectives of this course. Be aware that if you come to class unprepared, you may be asked to leave, which will count as a class absence. If you are absent from class for some reason, you are still responsible for the homework.

End of semsester requirement: Please keep all graded work. These are helpful study guides and a record of the work you have produced. You will be required to turn in all graded tests and assignments at the end of the semester.

E. Late Work

An assignment is late when it is not handed in during the class when it is due. An assignment turned in by the start of the next class may be accepted, but will have 25 points subtracted from the score. No assignment will be accepted after that point.

F. Attendance

You’ve paid for this class time, teacher attention, and the college resources. Don’t waste this opportunity! The class moves quickly, and whenever you are absent or late, you miss the opportunity to gain important skills and information.

For this reason, poor attendance will negatively affect your grade.

NOTE: If you have more than 3 unexcused absences, you may be dropped from the class.

G. Test Make-up Policy

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There are no make up tests. In the event of an emergency or prior notice that you will be absent, an alternative assignment may be arranged. This is at the professor’s discretion.

H. Audit Policy

You may choose to audit a class at the time of your initial registration, or you may change to audit at any point prior to completion of 20% of the class. Faculty permission is not required to register for audit. However, permission is required to change to audit after classes begin.

VI. Classroom Policies [j7]

A. Behavior

Every student is unique and an important part of the community of learners in this class. Active participation is an effective, proven way to learn. Active participation involves asking questions, answering questions, and doing your share in paired work and team tasks. It also involves trying new things, making guesses, and taking risks. It also involves working well with others and respecting other students’ rights.

To be sure that this class is a welcoming and comfortable place for every student:

· Raise your hand during class discussions, and wait to be called on before speaking out. This gives everyone a more equal chance to participate.

· Respect everyone’s right to learn. A disruptive student will be asked to leave the class. That student will be required to meet with me before the next class.

· Come to class on time. Coming in late is disruptive to the class activity.

· To avoid distracting yourself and others, turn off your cell phone before class.

· Do not eat or drink in the classroom.

B. Academic Honesty

Common examples of academic dishonesty and misconduct can be found in the Student Code of Conduct, Section IV. The complete code can be found on the MyMC website, http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/verified/pnp/pnp.html#chap4.

One form of academic dishonesty, called plagiarism, happens when a student copies work that was written or created by someone else and then pretends that the work is his/her own. Montgomery College considers this a serious offense. As professor, I will be strict in following the procedures for Academic dishonesty as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Both the person who copies and the person who lets his/her work be copied will be held responsible.

V. Collegewide Information

A. Support Services

The Reading/Writing/Language Center in the Resource Center provides print materials and one-on-one tutoring for Montgomery College students on a walk-in basis to support reading, writing and language learning. You can sign in at the front desk for tutoring. For information on hours of operation contact the Takoma Park Learning Lab Supervisor (301) 650-1554.

A student who may need an accommodation due to a disability should make an appointment to see the professor. A letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) authorizing your accommodations will be needed. The Disability Support Services Office is located in the Counseling Department / Student Services Building.

B. Cancellation of Classes

Occasionally schools are closed because of bad weather or other emergencies. Check these TV and radio stations for announcements. NOTE: Announcements about Montgomery County Public Schools do not apply to Montgomery College!

· •For a recorded announcement, call 301/ 217-8800 or 240/567-5310

· Check the college website: http:/www.clark.net.pub/mc50

· •Radio WAMU (88.5 FM), WWDC (101.1 FM), WASH (97.1 FM), WGAY (103.5 FM)

· •TV Channels: 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 51.

C. Important Dates for Fall 2003

· Sept 8 Deadline for dropping the class with tuition refund

· Sept 9 A $10 change of schedule fee begins

· Sept 22 Last day to drop a class without a grade, or change from credit to audit or change from audit to credit.

· Oct 14-20 Mid-term Week

· Nov 17 Last day to drop classes with a grade of W. (Reminder: If you just stop coming to class, you receive an F as a final grade. It is your responsibility to complete and take the Change of Schedule Form to the Admissions Office.)

· Nov 26-11/30 COLLEGE IS CLOSED for Thanksgiving.

· Dec 15 -21 Final Exam Week (Students only attend class on the scheduled exam day)