Welcome
to
LA Core
Fall 2014!
Professor Lori Rottenberg
 Email
lrottenb@gmu.edu
 B.A. Creative Writing
 M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL
 Taught ESL at VT and GMU
 20 years as professional writer and editor,
continue to publish poetry
 Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools
since 2007
Introductions
 Your
name
 How long have you studied English in the
U.S.?
 How long did you study English before
that?
 What do you want to do after your English
studies?
 What specific things do you want to
improve in your English this semester?
Goals of the Class
 Build
fluency in writing
 Build fluency in reading
 Build critical thinking
Critical Thinking
 Cornerstone
of American education
 Based on questioning and independence of
thought rather than memorization and
reliance on authority
 Based on being able to SUPPORT your
positions and ideas
 Video:
http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct
.php
Syllabus
 Course
Goals
 Course Objectives
 Course Expectations
 Course Requirements
 Course Textbooks and Online Materials
 Grading
 Honor Code
Course Requirements






Daily in-class exercises
Weekly journals
Writing (in-class and take home)
Tests and quizzes
Extended reading and assessments
Finals:



Final book project
Final research essay
Common final exam
Why This Level Is Crucial
 Many


of you apply to:
Pathways Programs
Direct admission to
GMU or other
universities
 One
of your last
chances to perfect your
English skills before
entering academia!
Remember…
 You
must get at
least an 80% to
pass this class!
 You are
“auditioning” for a
recommendation
starting on Day 1!
How to Do Well in This Class
 Come
to class, on time and ready to work.
 Pay attention in class, ask questions, and
contribute to class discussions and small
groups.
 Do all your homework—yourself!
 Work carefully on written assignments.
 Spend time outside of class reading and
writing in English EVERY DAY.
How to Do Poorly in This Class
 Skip
class or come late.
 Check your phone and email during class.
 Do reading or writing assignments at the
last minute or not at all.
 Blow off journals and on-line homework.
 Goof around during small-group work.
 Read and write only in your native
language outside class—expect class to do
it all for you.
Ways to Get Help
 Request
tutoring
 Ask to meet with me
 Attend every extra workshop and elective
class you can!
 Read in English as much as you can!
Reading Rocks!

“A large amount of research has shown that one
criterion – vocabulary – is most difficult…The
most common problem IELTS candidates have is
that their vocabulary is limited. It is boring,
repetitive, childish, or inaccurate. Perhaps the
tone of their language is also inappropriate.
Essentially this is due to their not ever reading
much in English. Reading exposes you to
vocabulary most quickly.” (Sorrenson, 2012, p.8)
My Model for Learning…
No!
Yes!
I shine the flashlight to guide your way,
but only YOU can walk the path.
Homework
 Buy


textbooks from the bookstore:
Grammar and Beyond 4, with online component
Q Reading and Writing 4, with online component
 Read
syllabus in detail and return signed
checklist to me.
 Journals (3 entries of at least 10 sentences):
Due Friday
 Take-home essay due Friday
I’m looking forward to a great
semester!