Course Syllabus

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Fresno City College, English 262: Section # 23021, 4 Units

College Reading Improvement Course Syllabus

Spring Semester 2017:  Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.  9:50 p.m.                

Semester: 1/9/17 to 5/19/17

FCC, Old Administration Building (OAB) 173

Census 1/30/17, Drop Date 3/10/17

 

Instructor: Carla Jean Neal           Phone:  (559) 514-1601                

Email: carla.neal@fresnocitycollege.edu

Office Hours:  Before Class or make arrangements for an appointment

 

Course Required Books

  • Course Required Text: The Effective Reader by J. Henry , 4th edition , My Reading Lab
  • Literature Book: I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai ,(nonfiction)
  • The American Heritage Dictionary

*Recommended:  Free College level English Dictionary   http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

& Thesaurus book & on-line resources   http://www.thesaurus.com/

 

Course Required Materials

  1. Red/or Green Ink Pen for Grading
  2. Two Large 8 1/2” X 11” size Bluebook for writing- Campus Bookstore
  3. Binder Paper for notes, quizzes, written responses
  4. # 2 Pencils and pens for writing
  5. Access to SCCCD email and Canvas, My Reading Lab
  6. Campus and/or Home Computer/Internet/Printer
  7. 4 Scranton 882E for tests and quizzes – Campus Bookstore

 

Course Description

 This course is designed to assist students in advancing vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.  Students will learn to use reading process techniques and strategies designed to improve comprehension and retention.  The purpose of the course is to significantly improve your reading skills through the practice of reading, vocabulary enrichment, reading comprehension exercises and steps through active reading, written responses, oral discussion, and reflection through interactive lectures, assignments and projects.   The course objective is for students to be prepared for achievement of critical reading and thinking in college courses and as a life skill.

 

Learning Outcomes

Once you have completed this course you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

 1) Identify the topic and purpose of a reading sample

 2) Distinguish between main ideas and supporting details

 3) Locate specific information

 4) Distinguish between stated and implied ideas; make inferences

 5) Draw conclusions and predict outcomes

 6) Recognize the structure and organization of paragraphs

 7) Use strategies to think critically about reading

 8) Use various reading aids such as the dictionary

 9) Use appropriate technology to enhance reading comprehension, reading speed, and vocabulary development

 10) Demonstrate techniques for improving vocabulary such as using contextual clues, word parts, and other reading devices  

 

Course Objectives

  1. Comprehend and discuss both literal and implied meanings.
  2. Analyze various writing techniques and their effect on the reading process.
  3. Evaluate the credibility of authors’ treatments.
  4. Vary reading strategies and rate according to the level of difficulty of the writing.
  5. Analyze organization and relationships in selections.
  6. Distinguish between fact and opinion.
  7. Understand and use new vocabulary.
  8. Keep a reading/response Bluebook Journal for literature reading.
  9. Complete at least two, full-length, self-selected books over the semester.
  10. Write in response to assigned reading selections.

 

Assessment

  1. Participation (10%)

The success of this course relies on your participation.  Please sign-in daily and check off you are present.  Whether you are working in group activities, individual workshops, or class discussions, you must be present and active.  For every absence, you will lose 10 points, and for every late (or majority missed class, you will lose 5-10 points.   One of the most important elements of college success is consistent regular attendance and participation in ALL of your classes.  If you are not in class, you will greatly diminish your opportunities to learn and grow.  It is always your responsibility to discipline yourself.    It is your responsibility to communicate any future absences and to complete any and all work assigned if you cannot be present.  However, you cannot turn in any work that was graded and discussed in class.  For other assignments, you have one day to make up the work and must be turned in the following day even if you are not in class.  You may email the work to me.  Please remember that it is your responsibility to submit work assignments.   Everyone will have a file folder and assignment check-off list. 

 If you are sick, email or call/text me or another student for the assignment.  I will respond to your email and calls but not always within 24 hours.  It is still your responsibility to turn work in on time which means the day it is due.  There are no make-up exams for tests.  Because this is a once a week evening class, much of the work will be graded in class the day it is assigned or the next class.  *Again, if work has been graded in class, it will not be accepted the following day.  College students should aim to not miss more than 2 classes per semester/course in a full semester.   Two consecutive class sessions absent is like two or three weeks of class missed.  It will be harder for you to catch up if you are absent too much.  There are no excused absences.

 

  1. Homework (80%)

Homework will consist of reading, book work, various other types of independent assignments, and group assignments. You will be responsible for getting and completing all homework assignments. Due dates for each assignment is typically the next day and will be determined during the course. Late work will receive point penalties and might not be accepted.

 

  1. Effective Reader-by J. Henry –Homework will consist of completion of all Practices from each assigned chapters, Mastery Tests assigned (completed in class only) and, Chapter Review Summary. Chapters covered include:  Ch. 1 Becoming an Effective Readers, Ch. 2 Vocabulary and Dictionary Skills, Ch.3 Stated Main Ideas, Ch. 4 Implied Main Ideas, Ch. 5 Supporting Details, Ch.7 Transitions and Thought Patterns, Ch. 9 Fact and Opinion, Ch. 10 Tone and Purpose, Ch. 11 Inferences, Ch. 12 The Basics of Argument, and Ch. 13 Advanced Argument: Persuasive Techniques. 
  2. I Am Malala- by Malala Yousafazai 24 Bluebook Chapter Summaries / Analysis  and Quizzes/Tests -Write a response in a bluebook on one page for each chapter with a point-by-point summary of the chapter by using careful, accurate paraphrasing (in your own words) of every chapter, touching upon all the key points.
  3. Selected Readings & Writings News, Journal Articles, Poems or excerpts of a reading will be assigned periodically. Students are to read and annotate the reading and write a summary, opinion or short paper analyzing the material covered.

 

  • Midterm and Final Exam (10%)

The midterm (100%) and final exam (100%) will cover vocabulary and reading comprehension skills we have covered in class.

 

We will have to work as a class, in small groups, and individually. In order to foster a safe community of learning and sharing, we need to establish guidelines that enforce respect. Listed below are some rules I find necessary to begin such an environment. As a class, we may want to set up further guidelines for discussions, workshops, or assignments. 1) Turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering class. 2) If you are late, please enter quietly without disturbing the activity in progress. 3) You are responsible for all information you might have missed due to any absences or tardiness. 4) Show respect for others while they are speaking, working, or listening. 5) Plagiarism may result in failure of the course.

 

 

 

 

 

Grades

 This course is a credit and graded course.   A - F grades will be recorded and will become part of a student’s record.  Students must earn at least a 70% overall (C grade) to receive a passing grade and progress to the next level. 

The following grading system will be used:

Reading Novel Activities (I am Malala)                                       30%

Reading Text Exercises (The Effective Reader)                           40%

Tests & Quizzes on Textbooks     (weekly)                                     10%

 Daily Literacy and Participation                                                  10%

 Final Exam /Midterm                                                                10%

                                      Total                                                100%

                Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:

A 90-100% B 80-89 % C 70-79 % D 60-69 % F 0-59% or less

 

For College Success….* READ! READ! READ every day!  Read your assigned readings, read your novel, read magazines, articles and anything and everything that interests you and is assigned in college! Try your best and sometimes failure leads to success because at least you tried and may have learned a lesson.  Remember, practice is important to develop the discipline of good reading habits in college.  It takes time, effort, a flexible plan and practice to develop successful college and/or life reading habits. *Please plan to read and complete assignments approximately 2-5 hours outside of class each week.

 

Instructor’s Personal Goals for A Good Course in Reading

  • Aim to Challenge students to higher level learning.
  • Use active forms of learning.
  • Give frequent and immediate feedback to students on the quality of their learning.
  • Uses a structured sequence of different learning activities.
  • Has a fair system for assessing and grading students.

 

Student with Disabilities

Note: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented physical, sensory, systemic, cognitive, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (i.e. Braille, large print, or electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  If you have a disability that may require classroom or test accommodations, please contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) for verification. Then inform me of your approved accommodations. The DSP&S Program is located in the Student Services building. Their phone number is (559) 442-4600 x8237. You will need to provide written documentation of your disability. If you think you have a learning disability but are not sure, DSP&S may also be able to assist you. All information will be kept confidential. Let me know as soon as possible so that we can make any arrangements needed for this class.  

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR THRIVING, NOT MERELY SURVIVING:  Frequent the PASS Writing and Reading Center for free assistance with reading and writing assignments. I strongly recommend weekly attendance at the Center!  Form study groups with your classmates.  Share e-mail addresses and/or telephone numbers with classmates (particularly in difficult classes) to help and support each other.    Set aside regular study time in a quiet location for uninterrupted study.  Come to class after an absence to get already caught up!  Call or e-mail a classmate when you need assignments you have missed.   Please see me for additional help or email me. Confirm work missed with instructor and make any arrangements as soon as possible for make-up work.  Continue to complete work on chapters each week even when absent and see Weekly Plan on Blackboard and/or the syllabus and any announcements online.  Stay caught up as much as possible and plan/work ahead as needed. 

*Please communicate with me in person, by phone, text or email if you have any questions and I will respond to you as soon as possible.  I am here to help you reach your goals and to be successful in this class, college and in life.  Please communicate as needed.  What can I do to help you?  

Please refer to the Course Catalog or FCC website to find the Fresno City College Student Conduct Code for University policies and general information.

 

Tentative COURSE SCHEDULE FOR ENGLISH 262

 

Week 1 ( Jan 10)  : 1.) Introduction to course Ch.1: A Reading System for Effective Readers,  Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class). 2.)  Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 1 and 2 and complete a 1 page summary and/ or reflection in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read. 3.)  Complete a Reading Inventory Survey and interview a classmate to begin future assignments together. 

 

Week 2 (Jan 17) 1.) Begin--Ch.2: Vocabulary and Dictionary Skills, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 3 and 4 and complete a 1 page summary and/or reflection in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.  3.) Find and Read a News Story to Share with the class (cut out or print a copy, annotate/read the news story and then be prepared to tell the class what it is about briefly on week 3.)  4.  Read about Malcomb X and how he learned to read and participate in our class discussion.

 

Week 3 (Jan 24):  1.) Ch. 3: Stated Main Idea, s Please completes all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 5 and 6 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.  3. Bring a News Story on the Middle Eastern Cultures and Share the Main Idea/s with the class (1 minute).

 

Week 4 (Jan 31) 1.) Ch. 4: Implied Main Ideas and Implied Central Ideas , Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class). 2.)  Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 7 and 8 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.

 

Week 5 (Feb 7) 1.) Ch. 11: Inferences, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 9 and 10 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read. 3.)  Begin Reading and Writing Research on Middle Eastern Topic for the Oral Group Presentation Due Week 11.  Library Visit 6:30-7:30

 

 Week 6 (Feb 14) HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!  : 1.) Ch.5: Supporting Details, Please complete all practices and the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).

 2.)  Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 11 and 12 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.   Midterm is Week 9 in the second half of class.  Start preparing and make sure all work is caught up to date.  Library Visit 6:30-7:30 PM 3.) (Topics Due for Group Presentations (1 thesis statement) Tonight!  

 

Week 7 (Feb 21) 1.) Ch.7: Transitions and Thought Patterns, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 13 and 14 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.    3.) Prepare for Midterm.  Library Visit 6:30-7:30 PM

  • Refugees of War in the Middle east talk and Discussion

 

 Week 8 (Feb 28): 1.) Ch.9: Fact and Opinion, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class). 2.)  Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 15 and 16 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.   3.) Special Lecture on Climate Reality and Extremes in the Middle East today.  (Please take notes and turn in at the end)

 Library Visit 6:30-7:30 PM (Outlines for Group Presentations Due tonight)   

 

Week 9 (Mar 7) 1.)  1.) Ch.10: Tone and Purpose, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 17 and 18 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.   Library Visit 6:30-7:30 PM 

(Works Cited Due tonight for Group Presentations-ABC Order)

 

 

Week 10 (Mar 14) 1.) Ch. 6 Outlines and Concept Maps,  Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 19 and 20 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read. 

******* Group Presentations and Slideshow or Videos Presented Tonight (20 minutes each)

 

 Week 11 (Mar 20) 1.) Ch12: Argument, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 21 and 22 and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.   Start Class Debate and Choose a Topic and Begin Researching information to prepare for a whole class debate Week 16 on April 25th, 2017.

 

 Week 12 (Mar 27) 1.) Ch. 13: The Advanced Argument: Persuasive Techniques, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class).  2.) Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 23 and 24, and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.  

 

Week 13 (Apr 4) 1.) Ch. 13: The Advanced Argument: Persuasive Techniques, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class). 2.)  Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 25 and 26, and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.  

 

Week 14 (April 11) Spring Break- Enjoy your Holiday    J

 

Week 15 (Apr 18) 1.) Ch. 8: More Thought Patterns, Please complete all practices for both chapters, the Chapter Review (last page of each chapter), and assigned Mastery Tests (taken in class). 2.)  Read the book, I Am Malala, Chapters 27 and 28, and complete a 1 page summary in a bluebook in response to each chapter you have read.   He called me Malala--- the Movie (popcorn & soda night)

 

Last Few Weeks of Class:   Week 16 (Apr 25) Class Debate-- and Week 17 (May 2)   Prepare for a few weeks and take the Final Exam-- bring two Scantrons 882E and a #2 pencil.   I Am Malala - Bluebooks due Tuesday May 9th, 2017.  Class Party is May 9th, 2017 (Sign up to bring a dish or drinks, games)    Final Exam is May 16 at 6PM Must be present! 

                                                            Class Schedule

  1. 6:00 p.m. Class Begins (Be there or Be square)
  2. 6:00 p.m.-6:30 I Am Malala Book Club Circles (Groups) Discussion on two chapters each week
  3. 6:35 p.m. -7:35 p.m. Reading –Sustained Silent Reading in Class (1 hour) Quiet time please!
  4. 7:40-7:50 p.m. Snack Social and Stretch -Bring a Snack to share ( Healthy food and Drinks please, (Fruit, granola bars, veggies, finger foods….)  Restroom Break 7:50-8:00  
  5. 8:05 p.m. - 9:05 p.m. Lecture and class work time on Effective Reader Chapters- Review of previous week s Effective Reader and start of the week’s assignments.
  6. 9:10 p.m.-9:45 p.m. Independent work time (tutoring available) this is time to complete practices, Chapter reviews and Mastery Tests and the work for the next week in both books.
  7. 9:50 p.m. Class Dismissed
  8. Homework includes: completing reading chapters and any chapter practices or other assignments not completed in class. Assignments are due the next class day, unless otherwise stated.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due