COURSE OUTLINE
ESL 263.03 CRN 00818
Time: T TH 10:30 a.m. –12:20:p.m.
Room: L47
Instructor: Gretchen Himes
E-mail: himesgretchen@fhda.edu
Cell Phone:
Low Advanced Writing
4.0 Units
Check MyPortal regularly for class
assignments and messages.
Website:
http://faculty.deanza.edu/himesgretchen/
PREREQUISITE: English as a Second Language 252 and 253; or a qualifying score on the
English as a Second Language placement test. Co-requisite: English as a Second Language
263 students may also enroll in English as a Second Language 261 and 262 concurrently.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): .By successfully completing this course, you will be able
to:
 Write well-developed, single and connected analytical paragraphs demonstrating levelspecific grammar and vocabulary in response to reading materials.
 Evaluate own writing for unity, coherence, clarity and development rhetorical structure and
clarity to revise and edit
Coruse Objectives: These are the steps in the path that will help you meet the SLOs.
 Read, comprehend and analyze texts from a variety of cultural, societal and personal
experiences.
 Write connected, multi-paragraph compositions in academic style that demonstrate
analytical thinking in response to texts.
 Demonstrate level-appropriate sentence structure, grammar and vocabulary.
 Evaluate, revise and edit own writing and writing of classmates.
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:
 Developing Composition Skills (3rd ed) by Ruetten
 Internet access
 Turnitin.com account
 Noredink.com account
 An English dictionary
CLASS ACTIVITIES: The class activities will focus on improving paragraph/essay writing skills
through the use of reading and writing exercises in your texts as well as other sources and will
include lectures, small/large group-work, and quizzes.
GRADING CRITERIA:
There are two criteria for passing ESL 263.
1. A passing grade of "C" or higher on class work.
2. A passing grade on the portfolio.
Grading will be based on completion of homework assignments, participation in class activities,
quizzes and essays, and the portfolio.
 Class Participation & Preparedness…………………………………. 10%
Participation & Preparedness mean:
• No texting, checking, or answering your cell phone in class or leaving class to take a call;
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• Being actively engaged in what is going in the classroom;
• Taking responsibility for your learning process in this class;
• Asking for help when you do not understand something;
• Working willingly and appropriately with your classmates in pairs and groups;
• Listening respectfully when others are talking;
• Doing the homework before you come to class;
• Being in your seat, ready to work at the beginning of class;
• Staying until the end of class.
 Homework………………………………..……………………………….. 10%
Homework will include electronic and hard copy assignments.
 Quizzes……………………………………………………………………. 10%
Quizzes may be on-line, take home or in class.
 In-Class And Take Home Compositions…………..………………... 70%
 Portfolio……………………………………………………….Must Achieve Passing Grade
More information on the portfolio will be provided later.
CLASS POLICIES: All homework should be completed before coming to class. Any missed quizzes
can be made up if the answers have not yet been given. I will accept out of class written work up
to one week late.
Attendance is very important. If you are absent more than 3 classes you may be dropped or not
receive credit for the class.
If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact your classmates (first) or the instructor
(second), get the assignments for the following day and come to class prepared.
Classmate #1 Name
Phone
Email
Classmate #2 Name
Phone
Email
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If a student is caught cheating or copying, he/she
will receive reduced or no credit for the assignment. A student may be asked to leave the class
and receive an F for the class after repeated cheating. This applies to both the “borrower” and
the “lender!” Please do your own work--that is the fastest road to progress.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
Please inform the instructor if you have a physical or learning disability that requires special
accommodations.
Important Dates
Last day to add
Last day to drop for a full refund.
Last day to drop a class with no grade
Last day to request Pass/No Pass grade
Last day to drop with a “W”
Holiday – Thanksgiving
Final exam date
Saturday, October 4
Sunday, October 5
Sunday, October 5
Friday, October 17
Friday, November 14
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 17-30
Wed, Dec 10, 9:15-11:15
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