|
|
|
This information is organized into these categories: (1) Course Description, (2) Departmental Course Description and Prerequisite, (3) Required Texts and Materials, (4) Grading Policy, (5) Attendance.
You may be thinking, "I already know how to read." You're right; everyday we absorb words and symbols, however subconsciously or superficially. But the purpose of this class isn't to make you a reader, per se. Rather, it's to make you a more effective and purposeful reader.
By the end of the semester, you should be able to read more efficiently, distinguish main ideas from supporting details, apply writing strategies to increase retention of main ideas, and draw from a larger vocabulary. Moreover, you'll have refined your critical thinking abilities, learning how to evaluate the validity of a writer's argument or reasoning, make reasonable inferences, and distinguish fact from opinion. So that this class will be relevant to all of your coursework, you will read a variety of selections, from newspaper articles to argumentative essays to textbook chapters.
To get the most out of the class, continually practice and apply the strategies that I teach you. But to further insure your success, come to class every class meeting, come prepared, and come see me as soon as you have a question or problem. Take the initiative!
Departmental Course Description and Prerequisite:
Reading 836 (formerly Reading 802) gives you three units of credit, but it is not applicable toward attaining an associate degree. Prior to enrolling in this course, you should have passed READ 826 (formerly Reading 801) with a C or better, or tested into this course via your score on the reading placement test or any other appropriate tests. This course may be repeated once for credit.
- Reader, Part One
- Reader, Part Two (available the second week of class)
- Selections from the Black
- A book to be selected by the class from among a list that I will provide
- American Heritage Dictionary (paperback)
Materials:
- One-inch flexible three-ringed binder for the numerous handouts & additional reading
- Daily Planner Calendar (With your student ID, you can get one free from the ASSC.)
- Computer User Card ($5 from the bookstore)
- 3.5" PC diskette
Marva Collins, like Aristotle, once philosophized that "Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do best." Because I subscribe to this principle as an educator, I provide numerous opportunities for you to practice the strategies that I teach, and to continually reflect on your own learning process. That practice comes in two forms: homework for which you will need to allot time outside of class and the exercises which I will ask you to complete during class. Keeping up with the homework will inevitably benefit you, but in those times when you struggle with it, schedule an appointment with me to receive assistance.
Whenever you want to receive an estimate of your status in the class, schedule an appointment with me. Your final grade will be based on the following:
|
The Task |
Percentage of Grade |
|
Graded Homework & Quizzes |
60% |
|
Checked Homework & In-Class Exercises & Quizzes |
20% |
|
Presentations |
10% |
|
Final Exam (Friday, Dec. 13, 8:10-10:40 am) |
10% |
Homework is due on the assigned due date. I will not accept late homework unless you have made arrangements with me, even if that means contacting me the day you are absent. In regards to quizzes, in-class exercises, and the final exam, rarely do I permit "make-ups" without official documentation (i.e., doctor's note vouching for your illness), so not being absent is in your best interest.
Your attendance is crucial to realize the objectives of this course. Thus a maximum of six absences is permitted; each absence after the sixth will significantly lower your grade. Even if absent, you are responsible for all work assigned or due that day, so for any changes in the homework, be sure to call a classmate or me, or consult the web site.
This page last updated on 8/12/02. Please direct any inquiries to Karen Wong at wongk@smccd.net