OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
Course
No.
Course Name
EGL
073
Academic Reading and Study
Skills for the Non-Native
Speaker III
Credit
3
Lecture
3
Lab
0
Prerequisite:
Placement into EGL 073 on the college’s reading placement test
III.
Course (Catalog) Description:
High intermediate/advanced course in reading and study skills for students whose first or
primary language is not English. Course focuses on preparing second language students to
take courses for college credit. EGL 073 is a mandatory course.
IV.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
comprehend most English language textbooks.
identify and use test-taking strategies at a high-intermediate level.
take notes on short authentic college readings.
take notes on college lectures.
understand and use high intermediate to advanced English grammatical structures to
improve reading comprehension.
F. use passive and active vocabulary to understand and respond to authentic reading
passages.
G. read, understand, and respond to at least one novel or complete non-fiction book.
H. read, summarize, and respond to web-based texts.
V.
Academic Integrity:
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate
academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:






cheating,
plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
helping others to cheat,
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
EGL 073 Generic Syllabus Revised 2010

making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and any other behavior that
violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s
policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you.
If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the
assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the
Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI.
Outline of Topics:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
VII.
Determining the main idea in high-intermediate to advanced reading material.
Recognizing rhetorical patterns in essays and other texts.
Scanning/skimming for information in longer authentic texts
Identifying grammatical structures to increase comprehension
Making inferences and generalizations
Using the Internet for college reading
Using context to determine meanings of new English vocabulary
Identifying details that support the main idea
Using the monolingual dictionary
Using knowledge of prefixes, roots, and suffixes to determine meanings of new words.
Taking notes on textbook reading - emphasis on variety of types of texts.
Preparing for tests and developing test-taking skills.
Using the library and the Learning Center.
Reading, discussing, and writing about a novel or non-fiction book.
Methods of Instruction:
Course may be taught as a face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VIII.
Homework reading selections and activities
In-class reading (some timed) and activities
Small group and whole class discussions of readings
Writings based on the readings
Lectures, films, small group work
Responding in writing to reading selections
Advanced exercises on the use of a college-level dictionary.
Course Practices Required:
The Oakton Community College Catalog states:
Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status in admission to and
participation in its educational programs, College activities and services, or employment
practices. The College does not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual assault by or of its
students or employees.
EGL 073 Generic Syllabus Revised 2010
In keeping with this policy of tolerance and non-discrimination, in this class all of us (myself
included) should strive to:
-listen and give careful consideration to all ideas expressed in class, especially those that
are different from our own, without attacking or demeaning the people who hold those
views, and
-avoid using insulting terms or telling offensive jokes when talking to or about individuals or
groups.
IX.

Attendance Policy:

Late Assignments:

Outside Reading: The more you read in English, the faster your reading and
writing will improve. You should make sure that you spend at least ten hours
each week reading material of your choice in English.

Extra Help:
Instructional Materials:
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton’s
Schedule of Classes.
Check with the coordinator for current list.
One or more novels or complete non-fiction books will be used along with an ESL reading
skills text.
X.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
Course placement for the next semester will be determined by a program-wide assessment
instrument.
Instructors will give a grade of Pass or Fail for the course based on:
A.
B.
C.
D.
XI.
Responses to comprehension and vocabulary exercises based on reading selections
The correct use of study skills in the classroom
Pre and post testing in reading skills and vocabulary
Informal evaluation based on classroom participation
Other Course Information:
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled
to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services,
contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All
students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any
essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
EGL 073 Generic Syllabus Revised 2010
Effective beginning term: Fall 2013
Ending term:
Syllabus prepared by: Amy Blumenthal
Date:
Reviewed by Chair: Lynn Woodbury
Date: October 2010
Approval by Dean: Linda Korbel
Date: June 2013
EGL 073 Generic Syllabus Revised 2010
October 2010