Developmental Communications 36B: Reading II

Comprehension and Related Skills

Course Syllabus

Course Info: Section #3418Thursday 6:45-9:55, LARC 224

Instructor:Dr. April Taylor

Phone:818-677-7211

Email:

Office Hours:after class and by appointment

TEXTS:

Reader's Edge Book Two, Cunningham, McGraw Hill, 2011

ISBN0-07-340725-9

Improving Vocabulary Skills Short Version, 4th ed., Nist, Townsend Press, 2010

ISBN1-59194-191-1

In addition, supplemental reading assignments may be distributed periodically and/or posted online.

Readings and assignments will be announced in class on a weekly basis.

You are required to either print assignments on a weekly basis or (in lieu of printing) bring it on a tablet computer to class. Any inexpensive tablet should suffice. A phone is not an acceptable alternative and will not count towards classparticipation.

Homework assignments must be turned in in hard-copy.

DESCRIPTION:

This is an intermediate reading class designed to improve word attack skills, increase sight, speaking, and writing vocabularies, and identify main and supporting ideas in reading. Students are required to do the class exercises; there will be a number of short homework assignments.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will:

  • Expand vocabulary and improve reading comprehension.
  • Develop awareness and demonstrate implementation of specific study techniques
  • Use various strategies to generate, evaluate, and synthesize ideas from reading materials

My Teaching Philosophy includes providing an environment that is comfortable for you to interact, ask questions (please!), have fun, and engage in the process rather than simply observe. In addition, I know from experience thatyour success is dependent on how strongly you attend to your academic responsibilities. When you engage in the class, prioritize time to actively study, and commit to preparing for exams your chances for success are optimized. I act professionally in my commitment to your success, I expect my students to respond in kind.

REQUIREMENTS:

We will be reading and discussing in class most days. It is important to keep up with the reading and to see me if you have difficulty with the text or any other aspect of course content. Participation matters! Everyone participates when they are in class, but if you are not here to participate then your grade will be affected. This class is for your benefit. The more time and energy you put in, the greater the gain. I will make every attempt to make classes enjoyable but it is up to you to provide the effort. This includes attending class every day so that you can fully participate.

A great deal of the course objectives are fulfilled during class time. If you are not here, you will not be able to complete the objectives. An appointment is not a valid reason to miss class. When you make an appointment, work around your school hours. Make learning a priority and work your appointments in at other times. Copying notes and doing make-up assignments does NOT count for participation.

You may be excluded if you miss 4 hours of class. Coming to class late or leaving early will be marked as the equivalent of 1/2 of an absence. If you neglect to drop classes that you no longer attend, you may receive a failing grade.

Online Learning and Participation: Like nearly all university classes, this class has an electronic component. In order to maximize learning, you will need to periodically log on to HaikuLearning.com, an online classroom.

It is not difficult to get started in Haiku! Don’t be intimidated. You can chat with others, participate in discussions, ask questions, and help others. You can also upload some assignments on Haiku.

Note: Anyone not officially enrolled will not be eligible to take exams or turn in work for credit. Up until the fourth week it is your responsibility to confirm enrollment in person when attendance is called as well as through the online student information system.If you are not officially enrolled in the class before census, you will not be able to continue attending or be eligible to add. In addition, especially after the third week, instructors will not necessarily know to drop you when you fail to attend. If you neglect to drop classes that you no longer attend, you are likely to receive a failing grade.

Reading and Participation: We will be reading in class most days, the specifics of which I will explain. It is important to keep up with the reading and to see me if you have difficulty with the text or any other aspect of course content. Everyone participates when they are in class, but if you are not here to participate then your grade will be affected. You are responsible for keeping up with the reading and completing assignments on time. Make-ups are not accepted.

Discussion: Class participation is necessary in order to fulfill the objectives of this course. This includes discussions as well as reading. Every effort will be made to create an environment where students feel comfortable. You are encouraged to ask questions, make comments, join in discussions, laugh at bad jokes, and have fun. If you do not participate in class discussions, it will be difficult to earn an “A.” On the other hand, it will not be very difficult to participate. Your comments and opinions are welcomed. In this regard, I don’t care what your opinion is, I care more that you have one.

Homework: Readings and other assignments will be announced on a weekly basis. You will receive short homework assignments, usually related to the readings or vocabulary (below). There may also be some short (1 page) writing assignments. Grading will emphasize content and ideas over grammar. If formulating ideas and writing is not one of your strengths, you will need to visit the Writing Center periodically during the semester. If the homework is difficult for you, then it is important that you do it to increase your skills; if the homework is easy, then it will not take you very long.

Presentations: Each student will make two presentations (one group and one individual). The details of the presentation will be discussed in class.

Vocabulary: Vocabulary will be drawn from the reading and exercises in the vocabulary text (at least 10 words each week). We will go over the words in class, but it is your responsibility to know them for the weekly quizzes. You will not be allowed to take any make ups of a single quiz, but you will have opportunities to take a cumulative make-up vocabulary quiz. There will also be review tests and a comprehensive vocabulary final.

Note Cards: You will need at least two packages of 3 X 5 index cards or a flash app in order to review vocabulary words.

Other Quizzes: Periodically we will have short “pop quizzes” on the readings or other material covered in class.

Other stuff:

Please do not text during class, as it can be distracting for those around you. Leave your phone off and make learning a priority.

It is always your responsibility to keep up with material and class announcements you may have missed. Online notes or announcements are likely to be incomplete. Therefore, if you miss class, make sure to message your peers for clarification after checking for updates online.

If you are a student with a disability requiring classroom accommodations and have not contacted SSD, do so in a timely manner. SSD is located in the Student Services Annex, Room 175 or call SSD at (818) 947-2681 or TTD (818) 947-2680 to meet with a SSD counselor. If SSD has already sent the memo to me confirming accommodations, please meet with me to discuss arrangements.

EVALUATION:

Grades will be based on reading and participation, vocabulary tests, and quality of completed assignments. In order to get an “A,” you will need to attend class on time, as above, turn in all assignments on time, master the assigned vocabulary, and participate in class discussions, not just the reading. A “B” will be earned when you turn in your assignments, attend class, learn the assigned vocabulary, but do not participate in class discussions. There is no reason why every student cannot earn an “A” for this course. I know that all of you may not, but know that it is easily possible with a moderate amount of effort.

Grading breaks down as follows:

Reading and Discussion: 40% (includes being prepared for class and participating)

Presentations: 10%

Homework: 20% (includes vocabulary homework and online discussions)

Vocabulary Quizzes: 20%

Other Quizzes (e.g., reading, name): 10%

Your final grade will be calculated according to the following scheme:

  • You will be guaranteed and A if you earn 90%
  • You will be guaranteed a B if you earn 80%
  • You will be guaranteed a C if you earn 70%
  • You will be guaranteed a D if you earn 60%
  • Less than 60% is a Fail

PARTICIPATION RUBRIC

Excellent participation

  • Active, enthusiastic involvement in class discussions and activities
  • Using understanding of course materials to explain or support comments
  • Asking thoughtful questions relevant to course materials
  • Promoting discussion through engaged listening and encouraging responses from classmates without dominating the conversation
  • Valuably contributing to small group discussions and keeping group on task
  • Mindful completion of in-class tasks

Acceptable participation

  • Actively listening during any class discussions
  • Demonstrating some understanding of course materials
  • Actively participating in small group activities
  • Demonstrating understanding of topics in responses

Unacceptable participation

  • Attending class, but not being physically or cognitively engaged (e.g. not listening nor attempting to participate in class discussions or small group activities, texting, working on other work, etc.)
  • Making non-constructive or disrespectful comments during class discussions
  • Attempting to distract others or redirect class discussion off topic
  • Little or no completion of in-class tasks

gENERAL Course Policies

ACCESS AND ACCOMODATIONS

If you are a student with a disability and require classroom accommodations, please meet with me to discuss arrangements. If you have not yet contacted DSPS, do so in a timely manner. DSPS is located in room CC100 or call DSPS at (818) 947-2681 or TTD (818) 947-2680, to meet with a DSPS counselor.

PLAGIARISM AND STUDENT CONDUCT

Plagiarism is the use of others’ words and/or ideas without clearly acknowledging their source. When you incorporate those words and ideas into your own work, you must give credit where credit is due. Plagiarism, intentional or unintentional, is considered academic dishonesty and is not tolerated. Anyone found to be plagiarizing or cheating on assignments (e.g., copying or giving answers, using ‘crib’ sheets, etc.) will (1) receive a zero (fail) on the assignment, and (2) be referred to the Vice President of Student Services for further disciplinary action, following due process. For further information on plagiarism go to the Writing Center website and the college website:

LATE WORK AND ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES

Assignments are due at the start of class. Late assignments are never accepted. If you have a printer problem or other unforeseen delay, you may email me a PDF of your assignment before the due date at or upload it to our course website. If you choose to email the assignment that is fine, but you will receive a grade without any feedback whatsoever, (since it takes me much longer to annotate electronically). For students who want feedback, I accept identical same-day hard copies of on-time electronic versions.

It is also your responsibility to back-up your assignments. LACCD and other webhosts offer free cloud backup services. You should be knowledgeable about how to use these services and be able to retrieve any of your assignments from any device. If you need assistance with cloud backup, see me well in advance of due dates. Instead of a possible panic email from a sick bed, I am happy to walk you through this process early in the semester during my office hours.

PERSONAL CELLULAR DEVICES, PAGERS, IPODs, MP3 PLAYERS, and so on…

Even though this class likely constitutes only one small facet of our complex lives, it is unacceptable to interrupt class discussions and activities with personal cellular devices(phones and pagers). As a courtesy, please mute cell phones and pagers for the duration of the class and never send text messages during class. Should a student anticipate an emergency call during class time, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of the class and to make arrangements accordingly. Cell phones, pagers, IPODs, and MP3 players must be put away for the entire duration of the class ESPECIALLY during quizzes and exams.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVATIONS

I will make every effort to reasonably and fairly accommodate all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams or required attendance. Although Christian religious holidays are reflected to some extent in the academic calendar, holidays of other religious groups often are not. In this class, in order for me to be able to respond sensitively to this matter and refrain from scheduling examinations on days that would affect many students' religious observances, students are required to request accommodation for religious observance, in writing, by the second class meeting. In no case will I consider granting such requests for accommodations after the holiday has occurred for that given year.

Some Student Resources

Writing Center:

Library Academic Resource Center 229

ScottWeigand, Director

(818)947-2810

The Writing Center offers all students at LAVC free, individualized help with any kind of writing, reading, or critical thinking assignment in a comfortable setting. Students can receive assistance through one-to-one and group tutoring sessions, writing workshops, and instructive handouts. These different resources allow students to practice writing as a process, which is a guiding principle of the staff. We believe that writing has definite stages including prewriting, thesis statement development, drafting, revising, and editing. To develop and hone their own writing process, we encourage students to seek help from the beginning to the end of their assignments.

To work on their assignments independently, students are encouraged to use our computer lab where an assistant is always on duty to answer questions about word processing, MLA format, printing, and Internet research. If students have an Internet connection at home, then they can take advantage of the Writing Center’s comprehensive website, where we offer online tutoring, instructive handouts, self-guided tutorials, assistance for non-native speakers and students writing across the disciplines, and various links for research. Visit

Counseling Department:

The Counseling Department at Los Angeles Valley College, located in the Student Services Annex, provides students with assistance in creating Student Educational Plans (SEP) and selecting appropriate classes,exploring educational and career options, and identifying the skills and resources critical to student success. A professional staff of counselors are available to assist students in the following areas:

  • Student Educational Planning (SEP)
  • Career assessment and exploration
  • Assistance with academic or personal problems
  • Foreign Students Admission Counseling
  • Puente Program
  • Service Learning
  • TAP - Transfer Alliance/Honors Program
  • Veterans Counseling
  • Career Technical Education (CTE) Counseling

Computer Commons:

The Computer Commons is an open computer lab available to currently enrolled Valley College students for word processing, instructional software use, and Internet research. The lab has 95 Windows computers and 5 iMac stations. The Commons is located in the Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC), Room 234, on the second floor above the library.

Currently, students can print in black and white for 10 cents a page.

Identification Cards:

A student identification card is required to use many of the resources available on campus. Get your Monarch Card (student ID) at the Admissions & Records Office. PLEASE NOTE:New Students must be enrolled in classes for the current semester before obtaining a Monarch Card.

The first request is free of charge. If you lose your card you will be charged a $10 replacement fee.

Fall 2016 Semester Schedule

Every effort will be made to follow this schedule but modifications of assignments or changes in dates may be necessary occasionally.

Wk / Date / Topics/Activities / Reader’s Edge Chapter Due / Assignments Due
1 / Sept. 1 / Introduction, Course Overview, Syllabus, Text Review
2 / Sept. 8 / Vocab 1 Quiz
3 / Sept. 15 / Topics
Vocab 2 Quiz / Ch. 1
4 / Sept. 22 /

Audience

Vocab 3 Quiz / Ch. 2
5 / Sept. 29 / Tone
Vocab 4 Quiz / Ch. 3
6 / Oct. 6 / Title and Cues
Vocab 5 Quiz
Optional Big Quiz 1 / Ch. 4
7 / Oct. 13 / Questions
Vocab 6 Quiz / Ch. 5
8 / Oct. 20 / Main Ideas
Vocab 7 Quiz / Ch. 6
9 / Oct. 27 / Patterns
Vocab 8 Quiz / Ch. 7
10 / Nov. 3 / Mapping
Vocab 9 Quiz / Ch. 8
11 / Nov. 10 / Inferences
Vocab 10Quiz
Optional Big Quiz 2 / Ch. 9
12 / Nov. 17 / Metaphors
Vocab 11 Quiz / Ch. 10
13 / Nov. 25 / Thanksgiving NO CLASS
14 / Dec. 1 / Perspective and Style
Vocab 12 Quiz
Vocab 13 Quiz / Ch. 11
15 / Dec. 8 / Analyzing Information
Vocab 14 Quiz / Ch. 13
16 / Dec. 16 / Make an Evaluation
Vocab 15 Quiz
Optional Big Quiz 3 / Ch. 14