COURSE SYLLABUS
Advanced College Reading & Study Skills – DVR 0071 August 2010 Course Title and Number Date Revised
Mirian Torain Dr. Beverly Reed Department Chair Dean Developmental English/Reading Learning Foundations M-2145 (301) 583-5259 M-2118 (301) 322-0495
COURSE DESCRIPTION: 0 credit (4 EHs) This fast-paced, accelerated course is designed to emphasize mastery of comprehension, vocabulary, and study skills. These skills are essential for efficiently reading college textbooks and materials. Topics in this course include critical reading, critical thinking, summarizing, and paraphrasing. After successfully completing DVR 0071 with a grade of A, B, or C, students will be eligible to enroll in credit courses with the reading prerequisite. This course is reserved for students who have scored at least 70-78 on the Accuplacer exam.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO: 1. apply the Guided Reading Strategy to preview and organize before, during, and after reading.
2 use SQ3R as a study and review technique.
3. use contextual clues to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words.
4. use a variety of strategies to learn new words. 5. identify and write the topic, main idea, and supporting details of materials read. 6. make an inference or conclusion from reading.
7 paraphrase and summarize materials read.
8. apply elements of critical reading (distinguishing fact/opinion, evaluate ideas, recognize the author’s purpose, recognize valid/invalid reasoning, bias and prejudice, and stereotypical language etc.).
TEXTBOOKS: 1) Departmental packet to be distributed.
RANGE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MODES & STRATEGIES:
1. Individual Conferences: Each instructor will hold individual conferences with his/her students to determine their needs and to evaluate progress as needed.
2. Small Group Instruction: Small group instruction will be geared to the specific needs of a group.
3. Large Group Instruction: The instructor will work with the entire class on vocabulary development, comprehension, and study skills.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Minimum and, where applicable, maximum departmental criteria. 1. Class attendance is required; erratic attendance will almost certainly lead to failure.
2. Students will be evaluated on their ability to function within the “expected course outcomes” (see first page) with a minimum grade of “C”.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (B-124) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructor at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/ Faculty Accommodation Form.
2 EXPLANATION OF FINAL GRADES: At the end of the course, a student will earn a grade of A, B, or C. A A student who receives an "A" grade has successfully met all criteria at the 90% level. B A student who receives a "B" grade has successfully met all criteria at the 80% level. C A student who receives a "C" grade has satisfactorily met all criteria at the 70% level. F A student who receives the grade "F" has not completed the course at a satisfactory (70%) level and/or has not attended class regularly. The student must repeat the course.
Each instructor will provide the class with specific requirements for his/her class, a schedule of office hours, and other pertinent information.
CODE OF CONDUCT: The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college’s function as an educational institution. Refer to the Student Handbook for a complete explanation of the code of conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Attendance for each session is mandatory. Arrive on time for class. The instructor cannot begin the planned lesson anew for each late arrival. If you are late, quietly enter the class and take your seat. Arriving late frequently can affect your successful completion of the course.
2. If the instructor is late, the class will be notified. If 20 minutes have gone by and the instructor has not arrived, you may consider the class dismissed.
3. Do not bring visitors to class (relatives, children, and friends)
4. Cellular phones must be turned off or put on vibrator/silent mode.
5. Text messaging on cell phones is prohibited in class.
6. Eating or drinking is prohibited in the classroom.
3 CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the Student Handbook and posted on the college’s website.
COLLEGE RESOURCES AND SERVICES
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE English tutors are available in the newly renovated Bladen Hall wing, Room 107. The tutors (students or instructors) can help with any English problem, including overcoming difficulties with writing assignments. Stop by or call (301) 322-0748 to make an appointment. Instructors will often recommend tutorial assistance as a way to eliminate some problems in writing and reading. Developmental English/Reading tutors may also be available. They will be located, however, in M-2120, inside the Marlboro Learning Lab. Check with your instructor or the Developmental English/Reading department chair for time, availability and policies.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT SERVICES CENTER Student Assessment Services Center (Testing Center) Bladen Hall, Room 100 (301) 322-0147 www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/student_assessment_services.htm
LIBRARY Accokeek Hall Circulation Services (301) 322-0475 Reference Services (301) 322-0476 www.pgcc.edu/library CAMPUS BOOKSTORE Largo Student Center, Room 116 (301) 322-0912 www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.htm
4 EQUIVALENT HOURS (EHs)
1. What are Equivalent Hours (EHs)?
Equivalent Hours (EHs) is a method for documenting the completion of developmental education courses and of weighing those courses with regard to their impact on course load for enrollment purposes. One EH is defined as “at least 15 hours of participation in an organized classroom experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction.” Therefore, to receive 4 EHs, a student must complete and pass at least 60 hours of required class work.
2. What are some of the objectives of EHs?
a) To permit the accumulation, updating and transfer of individual’s academic record.
b) To encourage long-range educational goals, and lifelong learning as a process of continuing education.
c) To make a pursuit of knowledge more attractive as a way of personal and professional development.
d) To permit and encourage the typical adult student to utilize a host of educational resources to serve his particular needs.
3. Are EHs awarded for Developmental courses? YES
A student can earn a maximum of 4 EHs by earning a passing grade for completion of a developmental course in a single semester. Please refer to the syllabus for specific requirements.
4. Do EHs satisfy graduation requirements? NO
EHs are not equivalent to graduation or transfer credits. However, EHs will appear on the student’s transcript; this will indicate satisfactory participation in an organized continuing education experience. 5