Instructor: Helen Hoyt Schmidt
Office: 108A Landscape Architecture Office phone: 294-3235
Office hours: M-F 3:30-4:30 or by appointment
Textbooks: College Reading 4 by Cheryl Benz and Cynthia M. Schuemann
College Writing 4 by Li-Lee Tunceren and Sharon Cavusgil
Course goals:
We will use College Reading 4, College Writing 4, the Internet, and other materials to help you learn to think in English, increase your vocabulary, increase your reading speed, learn to write academic essays, and generally help you prepare to study in a U.S. university.
Reading and Writing Outcomes:
Reading skills:
• Comprehend academic texts from a range of disciplines
• Adjust reading strategies according to textual demands
• Identify implied ideas and restatements
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills through analysis and evaluation of texts
• Skim and scan for main ideas, details, and specific information
• Identify organization patterns
• Summarize and paraphrase
• Synthesize material in discussion and writing
• Research multiple sources
• Support ideas with information from reading
• Apply vocabulary acquisition strategies to develop vocabulary from the academic word list
• Increase reading speed
• Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of all types of punctuation and transitions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ellipses, nominalizations, cohesive phrases and pronoun references.
• Analyze an argument in persuasive texts.
Writing skills:
• Write 4 part essays including an introduction with a thesis statement, a background paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Write essays using correct format and mechanics in the following genres:
Comparison/contrast, cause/effect, expository, persuasive and argumentative, as well as objective and analytical reports
• Use summarizing and paraphrasing accurately and appropriately
• Cite Sources ; understand plagiarism and its consequences
• Synthesis of reading and lecture information to answer a written question.
• Demonstrate the ability to write a 3-5 page research paper with documentation (3+ sources) using MLA or APA format.
• Produce:
Academic or business correspondence (letters and emails/excuses, requests, negative message, inquiry, claim, persuasion)
Evaluation Procedures
Example Progress Report
Component |
Unweighted |
Weight |
Weighted |
Participation |
85% |
x .33 |
28.05% |
Homework and Preparation |
80% |
x .33 |
26.4% |
Tests/ Papers |
95% |
x .33 |
31.35% |
Overall Coursework |
|
|
85.8% |
• To receive an attendance certificate, attend class regularly. You must attend at least 90% of each class.
• To pass the course, you must have
75% attendance
70% Overall Coursework Percentage
WARNING! If you have less than 75% attendance in any one of your classes, you will receive an automatic F for that class (English 10). This F will remain forever on your permanent record at ISU (transcript). You may also have serious problems with your visa. If you have less than 75% attendance, you will not be allowed to take the IEOP Paper-based TOEFL given at the end of the semester.
In addition, you will receive an F if you average below 70% in Overall Coursework. Please discuss it with your teacher if you have low attendance or below 70% average in your class work.
The Grading System:
1. Tests, and Writing Assignments % are averaged and then multiplied by .33
2. Homework and Preparation % are averaged and then multiplied by .33
3. Participation in class activities and completion of Assignments in the computer lab (score of 0 - 100% every week) averaged and then multiplied by .33
The addition of the results of 1,2, & 3 above =Your Grade (70% = passing grade)
Classroom Policies:
• Late Papers and homework: All papers and homework must be submitted on the due date unless you have permission of the instructor. No papers will be accepted later than one day after the due date.
• Lateness: You will be counted absent if you are more than 10 minutes late.
• Cultural awareness: Your class has people from many different cultures and backgrounds. You will probably learn some interesting information about other cultures. Please show respect to your classmates and your teachers and their beliefs, values and traditions.
• English-only: Speak only English in the classroom - and outside too! Remember - if you want to learn English, you have to use it as much as you can. Listen carefully to the teacher and the other students. You can learn from everyone.
• Ask questions when you do not understand something. Ask the teacher for help when you need it.
Finally, welcome to our class. I am sure we will have a wonderful semester!