English 438

These are some helpful links that can help you become a successful student:	Gavilan College, Spring 2006 English 438 (Section# 4372) Basic Literacy Instructor: Iva Tracey Classroom: HU 102- M, W LI 120- F E-mail: itracey@gavilan.edu Office Hour: M 11.00am Loc. SS 119 Advisory: Assessment recommendation. Course Description: This is an individualized remediation course designed to help students improve their literacy skills. Students will learn to write clear, grammatically correct and well-developed paragraphs using a variety of sentence patterns and vocabulary appropriate to the assignment. Writing emphasis will be in the areas of spelling, grammar and punctuation. This course will also help students build vocabulary, develop reading strategies for better comprehension, and improve study skills. This a credit/no credit course. Course Learning Outcomes 1. Students will feel comfortable writing about different topics connected to their life and assigned readings. 2. Students will be able to reflect on their own writing and learning strategies. 3. Students will be able to write clear, grammatically correct and well-developed paragraphs using a variety of sentence patterns and vocabulary appropriate to the assignment. 4. Students will be able to recall specific vocabulary from previously read texts. 5. Students will be able to use context clues to decipher meaning. 6. Students will demonstrate the ability to summarize readings. Texts and Materials: Required: - English Skills by Langan J. 8th Ed.; McGraw-Hill, 2006 one notebook for vocabulary and reading journal a three-ring binder for readings and writing assignments Recommended: a college-level dictionary Course Requirements: 1. Attendance and Participation: Come to the English 438 class each week at the scheduled time and to the Writing Center for the two additional hours per week for which you are committed. It is in your best interest to attend every class because in-class activities cannot be made up. If you miss more than 4 classes, without making prior arrangements, you may be dropped from the course. Your contribution to class discussions and being prepared are crucial elements in reaching the course objectives. 2. Reading and Vocabulary Journal: Journal: You will keep a journal in which you will write responses to a variety of texts. We will read essays, short stories, poetry and other literary genres depending upon your choice and preferences. All entries must be numbered and dated. Journal Presentation: Each student is required to present one journal entry to the class. You will read your journal entry aloud and submit a copy to classmates. Each journal presentation will initiate a class discussion. Weekly Vocabulary: Every week, you will write a list of 6 words found in the text. These might be words that you have just learned, or learned more about their meaning in context. Use a dictionary or your own words to explain the meaning of each word; then create a sentence with it. Try to use these words in your next journal entry. Highlight or underline them in your journal entry. 3. Projects and Presentations: This class requires one final project and its presentation. Details about the project and the presentation will be given in class. 4. Writing Assignments: You are expected to complete weekly reading and writing assignments, including your journal and vocabulary list. Grading Criteria: This a credit/no credit course. If you fulfill all the above mentioned requirements, you will get a credit. Important Dates: February 24, 2006 Last day to drop with no record shown (NRS) April 21, 2006 Last day to drop with a “W” (withdrawn) Advisory: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, advisor, or the Disabled Students Services Office. Occupational/Vocational Students: Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to admittance to and participation in vocational education programs. Learning occurs most productively in a safe, respectful environment. Differences of viewpoints, orientation, and experience are expected and welcomed in class. If you don’t feel safe or respected, please talk to me or to Dean Fran Lozano at (408) 848-4702. Academic Honesty Statement: Gavilan College has an Academic Honesty Policy that this course will follow. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action, which may include recommendation for dismissal.
STUDY SKILLS -Learning to Learn -Scheduling and Setting Goals -Motivating Yourself WRITING -Prewriting -Revising -Proofreading READING -Prereading -Notetaking -Reading Essays -Reading Speed and Comprehension ONLINE DICTIONARIES -Cambridge Dictionary -Merriam-Webster Dictionary -Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (click on Online icon)

Gavilan College, Spring 2006

English 438 (Section# 4372)

Basic Literacy

Instructor: Iva Tracey Classroom: HU 102- M, W

LI 120- F

E-mail: itracey@gavilan.edu

Office Hour: M 11.00am Loc. SS 119

Advisory: Assessment recommendation.

Course Description: This is an individualized remediation course designed to help students improve their literacy skills. Students will learn to write clear, grammatically correct and well-developed paragraphs using a variety of sentence patterns and vocabulary appropriate to the assignment. Writing emphasis will be in the areas of spelling, grammar and punctuation. This course will also help students build vocabulary, develop reading strategies for better comprehension, and improve study skills. This a credit/no credit course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will feel comfortable writing about different topics connected to their life and assigned readings.

2. Students will be able to reflect on their own writing and learning strategies.

3. Students will be able to write clear, grammatically correct and well-developed paragraphs using a variety of sentence patterns and vocabulary appropriate to the assignment.

4. Students will be able to recall specific vocabulary from previously read texts.

5. Students will be able to use context clues to decipher meaning.

6. Students will demonstrate the ability to summarize readings.

Texts and Materials:

Required: - English Skills by Langan J. 8th Ed.; McGraw-Hill, 2006

one notebook for vocabulary and reading journal
a three-ring binder for readings and writing assignments

Recommended: a college-level dictionary

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance and Participation: Come to the English 438 class each week at the scheduled time and to the Writing Center for the two additional hours per week for which you are committed. It is in your best interest to attend every class because in-class activities cannot be made up. If you miss more than 4 classes, without making prior arrangements, you may be dropped from the course. Your contribution to class discussions and being prepared are crucial elements in reaching the course objectives.

2. Reading and Vocabulary Journal:

Journal: You will keep a journal in which you will write responses to a variety of texts. We will read essays, short stories, poetry and other literary genres depending upon your choice and preferences. All entries must be numbered and dated.

Journal Presentation: Each student is required to present one journal entry to the class. You will read your journal entry aloud and submit a copy to classmates. Each journal presentation will initiate a class discussion.

Weekly Vocabulary: Every week, you will write a list of 6 words found in the text. These might be words that you have just learned, or learned more about their meaning in context. Use a dictionary or your own words to explain the meaning of each word; then create a sentence with it. Try to use these words in your next journal entry. Highlight or underline them in your journal entry.

3. Projects and Presentations: This class requires one final project and its presentation. Details about the project and the presentation will be given in class.

4. Writing Assignments: You are expected to complete weekly reading and writing assignments, including your journal and vocabulary list.

Grading Criteria: This a credit/no credit course. If you fulfill all the above mentioned requirements, you will get a credit.

Important Dates:

February 24, 2006 Last day to drop with no record shown (NRS)

April 21, 2006 Last day to drop with a “W” (withdrawn)

Advisory: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, advisor, or the Disabled Students Services Office. Occupational/Vocational Students: Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to admittance to and participation in vocational education programs. Learning occurs most productively in a safe, respectful environment. Differences of viewpoints, orientation, and experience are expected and welcomed in class. If you don’t feel safe or respected, please talk to me or to Dean Fran Lozano at (408) 848-4702.

Academic Honesty Statement: Gavilan College has an Academic Honesty Policy that this course will follow. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action, which may include recommendation for dismissal.