Valencia Community College s5

Valencia College EAP 1620 – Advanced Reading for Non-Native Speakers of English (3 Credits) * Fall Semester 2016

Special Note Each week you will have a variety of online assignments to complete and also face- to-face activities in our assigned classroom. Check online in Blackboard in the assignments folders for your weekly online assignments.

CRN Course Classroom/Lab Day Time 12687 EAP1620 5-228/5-155 Tues. & Thurs. 8:30am – 9:45 am 32758 EAP 1620 2-119 TR 9:45 – 11:20am

Instructor Email Address Telephone: Karen Cowden [email protected] 407-582-1960

Campus/Office On Campus Office Hours Online Office Hours West Campus Monday-Thursday Friday Building 5 Room 143 10 –11:15 a.m. 10 –12:00 p.m.

Required Texts

Title ISBN Publisher 1. Reading Explorer 5 978-13052-54510 Heinle Cengage|NG Learning Student Book with Online Workbook 2. Oxford Bookworms Stage 6: Oliver Twist 9780194792660 Oxford University Press 3. Three-ring binder with 5-tab divers You will be given a free online access to Blackboard to complete work through the college lab(s), wi-fi or library(ies).

Important Dates Labor Day– college Mon, Sep 5 closed......

Drop/Refund Tue, Sep 8, at 11:59 P.M. Deadline......

College Nights, West Campus- no Thu, Oct 6 classes......

Midterm Thu, Oct 20 exams......

Withdrawal Deadline for ‘W’ Fri, Nov 11, at 11:59 P.M. grade......

Thanksgiving holiday – college Wed, Nov 23-Sun, Nov 27 closed......

Final Examination Thurs, Dec 8 (re-test, if needed, December 1 period...... 15, 2016 7:00 – 9:30 a.m.) Course Description Description: ADVANCED READING FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH Prerequisite: Demonstration of required level English proficiency or minimum grade of C in EAP 1520C or EAP 1586C. Students develop ability to comprehend and interpret authentic college-level texts in content areas by applying appropriate reading strategies. Competencies: 1) improving English vocabulary, 2) locating key concepts, 3) reading critically, 4) reading for study and enjoyment, and 5) reading a variety of materials, such as texts, periodicals, journals, and electronic materials. Required lab work is a homework component of this course. In order to pass this course, students must earn a grade of C or better and a passing score on the Comprehensive Departmental Final Exam. (Special Fee: $29.00)

Major Learning Outcomes with Evidence, Core Competencies and Indicators

1. Demonstrate comprehension of college reading materials Corresponding Evidence of Learning  Student will be able to employ academic vocabulary to identify and discuss comprehension of main idea  Student will be able to employ academic vocabulary to identify and discuss comprehension of supporting details  Student will be able to employ academic vocabulary to identify and discuss inferences and conclusions 2. Demonstrate receptive and productive knowledge of academic vocabulary Corresponding Evidence of Learning  Student will be able to use context clues to clarify meaning and improve comprehension  Student will be able to use word structure to clarify meaning and improve comprehension  Student will be able to use collocation, connotation, and other vocabulary concepts to clarify meaning and improve comprehension 3. Apply thinking and problem solving/critical thinking strategies to college level reading materials Corresponding Evidence of Learning  Student will be able to use active reading/thinking strategies  Student will be able to recognize patterns of organization  Student will be able to identify facts & opinions  Student will be able to determine purpose, tone, & bias  Student will be able to apply advanced argument College Competencies:

Valencia Student Core Competencies: Think, Value, Act, & Communicate - Think: Think clearly, critically, and creatively by being able to analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in many domains of human inquiry

Value: Make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments with empathy and fair- mindedness. 2 Act: In personal, professional, and community settings, act purposefully, effectively, and responsibly with courage and perseverance. Communicate: Effectively communicate verbally, non-verbally, and visually with honesty and civility in different disciplines and settings with different audiences using varied means. Assessment of Major Learning Outcomes During the course of the semester students will be assessed, both formatively and summatively, on their ability to apply thinking and problem solving/critical thinking strategies to college level reading materials and demonstrate comprehension of college reading materials. LETTER FROM THE DEAN Expectations of a Valencia College Communications Student

Welcome to the Communications Division of Valencia College’s West Campus; we are enthused to have this opportunity to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Higher education is a privilege and an opportunity; it is your responsibility to realize that you are in control of those behaviors and actions that can enable success in this course.

From your professors, you can expect the following: 1. They will be prompt, courteous and respectful.

2. They will provide a professional learning environment throughout the entire scheduled instructional period.

3. They will provide an up-to-date syllabus; when changes need to be made, they will announce changes in a manner that is conveyed to all students in their class.

4. They will provide you with a course that is of necessary rigor to prepare you for the career you have chosen; because the class you are taking transfers to a four year college or university, it will be taught with the same academic expectations. The bonus of starting your education at Valencia, when compared to attending a four year college, is you will be able to get more personal attention with small class sizes and you will be able to save money; the classes are not easier.

5. They will offer time outside of class to discuss your questions.

6. They will be available to discuss your class concerns in private, outside of class time; you should try to resolve your class concerns with your professor before you try to voice your concerns with administrators.

7. They will respond to emails within 2 business days.

8. They will expect from you what they have expected from the many students who passed their classes in the past.

In return, this is what your professor will expect from you: 1. You will be prompt, courteous and respectful.

Prompt means you come to class on time, ready to work, with all assignments completed before you enter class or lab. It means that you have 3 studied, that all conversations, texting and diversions come to a stop and that you are ready to contribute to a positive learning environment from the beginning of the class. Courtesy means you are polite in your attitude and behavior towards your professor and classmates. Respectfulness means that you regard everyone’s classroom experience as valuable to them, that you accept your professor’s expertise and experience to create relevant course objectives and that you treat college and personal property with care. 2. You will read your syllabus; your syllabus is a contract between your professor and you. Be aware of deadlines to complete assignments on time and know your professor’s attendance policy. You will need to attend class for the full length of time allotted to your class.

3. You will be aware of Valencia College policies and procedures found in the college catalog; ignorance of policies and procedures doesn’t mean they don’t apply.

4. You will be serious about learning; it is your responsibility to be an active participant in your own learning. You will need to devote sufficient time to learn the material presented by your professor; for most students, this means you will need to spend at least two hours studying for every hour of instruction. Learn is an action verb; you will need to do more than sit through class and reread your notes to be successful. To succeed in higher level classes, you must retain the information, concepts and skills you will learn; this can only happen if you work at learning to make the course content a part of your long term memory. Do not cram!!

5. You will be encouraged to produce your own study guides. Most college professors do not provide study guides, but they can give you tips that will help you produce your own study guides to gain a better understanding of the course content.

6. You will be expected to participate fully in classroom activities. The work you produce must be your own; cheating in any form is not tolerated and your professors will have specific consequences, in their syllabus, which will be enforced should cheating occur.

7. You will be expected to contribute to a positive learning environment. Avoid classmates who speak negatively, or who have a negative outlook, about your class or your professor. Instead, get to know your professor during office hours; you will learn much more with a positive attitude.

8. You will be held to a high standard of maturity and responsibility. Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated in the classroom or lab. First time disruptions will be handled by your professor and may include a request that you leave the class or lab. Very serious or repeated disruptions will be reported to the Dean of Communications and the Dean of Students with specific consequences that can include your permanent removal from the class. Disruptions include:

- Being noisy when arriving late to class or leaving early.

4 - Carrying on private conversations while the professor is talking.

- Disrespectful language, tone and mannerisms.

- Sleeping or attempting to sleep in class.

- Repeatedly asking unnecessary or irrelevant questions.

My wish is that you get the best learning value from the science classes that you are taking. With everyone abiding by the expectations in this letter, your communications classes at Valencia should be the next step in achieving your academic dreams.

Dr. Elizabeth Renn Dean of Communications, West Campus Valencia College

Professor Cowden’s Classroom Policies

Attendance/Participation/Technology/Devices Attendance is required, but preparedness and participation are equally important. All students are expected to be in class on time with all required materials and ready to participate, which may include a cell phone, laptop or tablet fully charged and ready to use for lessons and learning. Simple presence in the classroom DOES NOT constitute attendance nor does being on a cell phone, laptop, or tablet for other purposes than learning, sharing, collaborating on our subject matter. Presence in combination with preparedness and participation does. Thoughtful completion of activities will count as attendance for any class meetings. Failure to complete assigned work by the appropriate due dates will be considered the same as absence. Late work may be accepted, at the discretion of the instructor, but will be given only half credit. After 3 absences (arrival past 10 minutes) or 3 redirections to use technology as a tool for learning a student WILL be withdrawn and be financially responsible for any consequences to financial aid, VISA status, or other implications/personal penalties. Important Note for International Students (F-1 or J-1 Visa): Withdrawal from this course may negatively impact your visa status. Consult the International Student Services office for more information on full-time enrollment requirements. Weather Emergencies In the case of weather emergencies, you can find out about school closings by signing up to update your information for Valencia Alerts.

Security Statement We want to reassure you that our security officers are here around the clock to ensure the safety and security of the campus community. It’s important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings, especially during the early morning or evening hours. Remember that you can always call security for an escort if you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus. White security phones can also be found in many of our buildings; simply pick up the phone and security will answer. Finally, report any suspicious persons to West Campus Security at 407-582-1000, 407- 582-1030 (after-hours number) or by using the yellow emergency call boxes located on light poles in the parking lots and along walkways. Students on Financial Aid  Bright Futures withdrawal information: If you withdraw or are withdrawn by the professor from any course(s) that were paid for by a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, you are responsible for repaying the cost of tuition and fees for those course(s).

5  Students on financial aid should consult an advisor or counselor before withdrawing from a course; there may be financial implications to the student which he or she must know about to make an informed decision before withdrawing from a course. Students with some scholarships who withdraw or are withdrawn from a class must pay the college for the cost of the class. Other scholarship sponsors may also require repayment. Withdrawal from the Class

Withdrawal from a college course impacts not only your overall G.P.A., but also your financial aid and possible ability to continue with your chosen course sequence. It is best to have a conversation WITH YOUR PROFESSOR for guidance on possible withdrawal PRIOR to making such a CRITICAL DECISION.

A student who withdraws from class before the withdrawal deadline noted on the first page of this syllabus under “Important Dates” will receive a grade of “W.” A faculty member is permitted to withdraw a student from the faculty member's class up to the beginning of the final exam period, for violation of the faculty member's attendance policy, as published in the faculty member's syllabus. A student is not permitted to withdraw from this class after the withdrawal deadline; if you remain in the class after the withdrawal deadline, you can only receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I. An I grade will only be assigned under extraordinary circumstances that occur near the end of the semester. If you receive an I, the work missed must be made up during the following semester, at which time you will get an A, B,C,D or F. Failure to make up the work during the following semester will result in you getting a grade of F in the course. Any student who withdraws from this class during a third or subsequent attempt in this course will be assigned a grade of “F.” International students on an F1 Visa may lose their F1 Visa due to an attendance withdrawal.

Students who do not attend class during the first week of class or online students who do not complete assignments during the first week of class will be listed as No Shows. Student on financial aid will be asked to re-pay the amount of the class.

NOTE: The professor will not withdraw any student for any reason; it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw themselves before the withdrawal deadline and to be aware of the date of the withdrawal deadline.

If you do not intend to complete the course, you must withdraw yourself prior to the withdrawal date. Review the complete policy at http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm? RecordID=75.

In order to academically maintain financial aid, students must meet all of the following requirements:  Complete 67% of all classes attempted, and

 Maintain a Valencia GPA of 2.0 or higher, and

 Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and

 Complete degree within the 150% timeframe

Detailed information about maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) can be found at: http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/satisfactory_progress.cfm

Baycare Behavioral Health’s Student Assistance Program Valencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. Students have 24 hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.

6 Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD): Valencia College values all learning styles and learners. As such, I take time to know each student’s strengths will: - Read and review all concepts in my syllabus with the class. - Demonstrate to students that Valencia is sensitive to and concerned about meeting the needs of all students. - Encourage students to make their accommodation needs known to me early in the semester.

Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.

West Campus SSB, Rm. 102 Phone: 407-582-1523 Fax: 407-582-1326

Links to the College Catalog, Policy Manual, and the Student Handbook:

 College Catalog -  http://www.valenciacollege.edu/catalog/ (includes a description of policies)  Policy Manual - http://www.valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/  Student Handbook - http://valenciacollege.edu/studentdev/CampusInformationServices.cfm

Academic Honesty/Dishonesty All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia Community College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. Any student determined by the professor to have been guilty of engaging in an act of academic dishonesty shall be subject to a range of academic penalties as determined by the professor. Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression unless the assignment specifically states ‘group project. The penalties may include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

 Loss of credit for an assignment, examination, or project  Reduction in the course grade  A grade of “F” in the course

For further detail, refer to the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.

Required Lab: Students in EAP courses are required to complete a minimum of two hours’ worth of lab assignments each week. Lab work in this course is comprised of activities that students will do within the blackboard/online program(s) components of the course.

Atlas & Black Board: Your Atlas account and the class Black Board page are essential tools for your success in the course. Class notifications, progress notices, special readings, and attendance warnings are sent through Blackboard (check your Atlas e-mail and Black Board prior to each course meeting). If you need help, technical support and computer labs are available.

Final Exam Information

7 Your final exam will be a paper/pencil test in our classroom. Missing the final exam will result in a grade of F until the student takes a make-up final, at which time an overall course grade of A, B, C, D or F will be given. Students must complete all coursework or they will be assigned a grade of 0 for anything missing, unless it is an optional assignment.

Make-up Policies and Procedures Students may make-up ONE assignment, test or lab. A written request, via e-mail, is required within 24 hours of missing the due date.

Extra Credit Policy There will be NO CURVE for any test (lecture or practical). The only extra point opportunities are solely based on attendance and a 5-paragraph e-mailed summary of the information learned at student-selected “Skillshops” during the semester, each approved summary worth 5 extra points. Valencia College offers a variety of SkillShops: short seminars covering a variety of topics which deal with student success, goals and purpose. To check out Valencia’s Skillshop offerings, go to: http://valenciacollege.edu/studentservices/skillshops.cfm

8 COLLEGE COMMUNICATION AND BEHAVIOR INFORMATION

Faculty/Student Communication – How to e-mail me Students are expected to e-mail their professor during non-classroom hours (see office hours on the first page of the syllabus). Students are further expected to state the course day/time in their subject line of the e-mail. Additionally, students may call or come by during on-campus office hours. Do  DO type EAP 420 and your CRN (Course Number that is 6 digits long as listed on your schedule from Atlas) in the subject line  DO use the professor’s professional name: Prof. Cowden  DO sign your first and last name.  DO proofread for tone and content (no slang) as well as spell check. This is NOT a text message. Don't  DON’T send me an email in all capital letters. You’re yelling!  DON’T email assignments without prior consent of the instructor as they will be deleted.  DON’T email excuses or ask for assignments after missing class. This is your responsibility, so get contact information from several classmates. All students must set up an Atlas account in order to ensure that you have a means of communication with the college. IMPORTANT:E-mail Etiquette and Issues:  Emails are formal documents (which means that a Dean or others can request to read notes if needed) that show the professional relationship between student and their professors. As such, you do have rules to e-mailing that require demonstration of academic skills.

 You can expect to wait less than 2 business days until you receive a response. o For students whose interaction in your course is through on-line methods, we recommend that they document technical issues (copy emails, save screen shots, etc.). o Check their emails every other day, at least.

- Valencia College is committed to providing each student a quality educational experience. Faculty members have set high standards of instruction for themselves and for you. If you have a problem in a class, or your instructor has a problem with you, the first step is to have a private talk to your instructor in their office during office hours. If you or the professor are still dissatisfied, either party may talk with the academic dean of the division for your class. We will work together to resolve any issues that arise.

Classroom Rules of Student Behavior – Code of Conduct/Interruptions The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with your professor, and you will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook: http://valenciacollege.edu/studentdev/CampusInformationServices.cfm Disciplinary action could include withdrawing a student from class or initiating a disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.

The consequences for interruption during a lecture/lesson will be redirection to the topic. After the second instance the student will be invited to leave the class and have a private meeting with me in my office prior to returning to the class session(s). The only issue that will be forwarded to the Dean would be those of personally attacking the professor or insubordination. I will direct any student who engages in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in the disruption of a class to

9 leave the class. Violations of any classroom or Valencia rules may lead to disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from Valencia.

No Food or Drink in the Lecture or Lab Rooms Covered drinks are only allowed in the classroom. Drinks or food of any sort are not allowed in the classroom, nor lab. Exceptions are during a scheduled class party.

Other Policies Specific to Technology in Class Electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, or tablets will be allowed for academic engagement. The consequences that will occur if such a device is used for non-academic purposes is that the said student will need to provide snacks for the entire class on the next meeting.

Academic/Assignment “Emergencies “ Many times academic/assignment “emergencies” can be avoided if you practice the “5PRule”: Prior planning prevents a poor performance.

Have a “Back-Up” Plan - Back-up can mean several things. First, it’s important that you complete all your assignments at least 2 days in advance of the listed due date/deadline in case something “happens” or you are ill. You need to turn in all your work on time or early. Make sure you have way to get work to me before the due date. Then, arrange or plan in advance of a problem for turning in your work be it by a relative or friend, a classmate at school, one of the Valencia tutors in the lab, or a neighbor. Computer problems, doctor’s notes, funerals, sick children, or missing transportation will not be accepted as an excuse for failure to complete assignments on time.

Support Services  Tutoring services are available in bldg. 7-240 (Phone: 407-582-1633)  Writing Center/ EAP Lab is located in Building 5 – Room 155 (Phone: 407-582-1812) The West Campus Writing Center is an appointment-based resource located in building 5, room 155 (Phone: 407-582-5454). At the Writing Center, consultants help students at any point of the writing/learning process. The qualified staff will go over English language assignments with students from all disciplines and courses, college wide, helping with grammar assignments; pronunciation; understanding main ideas and other reading skills; organizing and developing a speech; constructing paragraphs, essays, or research papers; and scholarship essays, letters, and resumes. The Writing Center consultant will not edit or proofread the paper. The student should make attempts at revising and editing on his or her own before coming to the Writing Center. The fall semester hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-2pm. For more information, please visit http://valenciacollege.edu/learning- support/communications/writing.cfm

Instructors in the Communications Center 5-155 open lab floor (with EAP student experience):

Denise McKnight- Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Karen Rivera- tech person (PowerPoint, Amy Downs Prezi, Microsoft programs, etc.) Ellen Hart Awet, current UCF student and former Josh Fullwood Bridges student Sabrina Raymos-Cotto

Smarthinking (smarthinking.com) is an online on-demand student support site free through “Atlas” Go to the “Students” tab and look on the right-hand side of the screen for 10 “Smarthinking”. Smarthinking offers tutoring in a variety of subjects: math, nursing, allied health, writing, reading, science, Spanish, business, computers and technology. Students have several options: Drop-In Tutoring, Scheduled Appointments, Offline Questions, and Paper Submissions to the Writing Center. Math tutors are available 24/7, here is the schedule for all other subjects. Just added this summer are apps for both iOS and Android devices.

Students can access Smarthinking through the Courses tab in Atlas. Please note students have an eight hour limit of usage per semester, an increase from the previous five hour limit. Smarthinking is best used as a back up to on-campus services and support, not a replacement. Directly above the Smarthinking link in Atlas is a link to Learning Support’s website, a great place to check for campus-based information (http://valenciacollege.edu/learning-support/).

Rest assured, Smarthinking tutors are:

…seasoned educators - 90% have an advanced degree in their fields and they average over 9 years of teaching or tutoring experience. Drawn from college faculty, graduate students, high school teachers and retired educators, all tutors must complete Smarthinking’s online training program and are regularly evaluated for quality and consistency.

Study tips

LEARNING IS AN ACTION VERB! Most students need to do more than just sit through lectures and reread their notes. Spend 1-2 hour blocks of time EVERY DAY actively writing or discussing concepts to make them a part of your memory. Use the words you learn often, they will sink in better. Here are some study and classroom management tips that have assisted former students: - Attend class daily and don’t be tardy. The introduction to each lecture explains the purpose of the entire lecture. Students who follow this rule won’t miss important information. - REWRITE YOUR NOTES soon after the lecture; if the instructor permits, tape record lectures and replay to refresh your memory when you rewrite your notes. - Create flash cards with questions you make up from the lecture and lab with answers on the back. - Use mnemonic devises and other games to remember concepts; go to Google images, YouTube and Khan Academy for additional pictures and videos to clarify concepts. - Make lists of confusing topics from your studying and ask questions. - Take advantage of the professor’s office hours. - JOIN A STUDY GROUP and predict what questions the professor could ask on the test. - Get the telephone number of one or more buddies in case you are absent from a class.

Determination of Course Grade 1. Mid Term Exam (1 paper/pencil exam) 15% 2. Final Exam (1 paper/pencil exam) 25% a. Final Exam is a Pass/Fail for the course meaning if you do not pass the final exam you will not pass the class. 11 3. Participation-start class at 100 pts /lose 5 per tardy/off task action 10% 4. Assignments-due weekly by/before 11:59 p.m. Sunday evenings 25% a. My ELT a.i. Reading Comprehension a.ii. Reading Skill a.iii. Vocabulary 1 a.iv. Vocabulary 2 b. Townsend Press b.i. Vocabulary Placement Test (70% or higher on 1 of the items available) b.i.1. Vocabulary Chapters c. Oliver Twist c.i. Comprehension Questions (70% or higher on 1 of the items available) c.ii. Discussion Questions 1-4 (70% or higher on 1 of the items available) d. Journal - 10 pts/ea

d.i. 1 journal per chapter 5. Unit Tests 25% a. 6 tests/25 questions ea/100 pts TOTAL 100%

Syllabus Changes/Disclaimer The course outline and syllabus are subject to change as needed; changes will be announced in class (or state how you will contact students with this information, such as by using ATLAS email, BlackBoard, etc.) in a timely manner, when necessary. Your continued participation in this course after the drop-add deadline period constitutes an agreement with and an acceptance of this syllabus.