Dixie State College
Syllabus for Intermediate English Grammar (4.0 credits) CRN ESL 1560 2012
Instructor:
Phone:
(cell);
(office)
E-mail:
kwelch@dixie.edu
Office:
University Plaza B,
Office hours: .
Course location: University Plaza B,
Course time:
.
Texts (required):
1) Text: Understanding and Using English Grammar, 4th edition by Azar,
Betty S., & Hagen, Stacy. A. NY: Pearson, 2009. ~$60.00 new
2) Accompanying workbook: Understanding and Using English Grammar,
4th edition, Workbook by Azar, Betty S., & Hagen, Stacy. A. NY: Pearson,
2009. ~$36.00 new
Recommended:
3) Pronunciation Power (can be purchased online by credit card, PayPal or
cash transfer). Create your account at http://e.englishlearning.com/. Cost:
$16.57 per month for 3 months or $13.28 per month for 6 months.
Materials:
100 index cards, preferably ruled, bound and 5” x 8”.
Red pen
Lined notebook for supplementary work
Headphones
Other:
Student ID and password for Canvas (http://canvas.dixie.edu/)
PREREQUISITES:
ESOL Grammar Placement Test designation or ESOL 0360 (Grade B or higher).
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Designed to help ESOL students strengthen and enrich skills in English usage, correct speech
and writing forms and patterns, more complicated verb tenses and their related structures, and
advanced use of parts of speech. The course will focus on Standard American English usage
and conventions.
COURSE FORMAT:
The course will be taught using computer and other technology-based work, discussions,
bookwork, videotaped conversations, hand-written work, interactive activities and lecture.
Please note that this course requires a great deal of student effort. A student must be selfmotivated in order to succeed in this course. If a student gets behind, or is otherwise unable to
manage the workload, it is possible that he or she will need to repeat this course.
TEACHING and COURSE OBJECTIVES:
© Welch 2012, Dixie State College
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The goal of this course is to enhance the students’ English grammar skills. At the end of the
course, students should be able to correctly use the following grammatical components in
written and verbal communication (including pronunciation):
 Verb tenses, including:
o Present, past, future
o Simple, progressive, perfect, perfect progressive
 Subject-verb agreement
 Nouns and articles
 Pronouns
 Modals
Students might also be given other specific work based on their needs for competency at the
intermediate level (including, but not limited to, prepositions, adjectives, question formation,
etc.).
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
When English Language Learners finish our program, they should be able to function
communicatively as members of the Dixie State College community.
1. In reading, students will be able to comprehend most standard written English and
have strategies for comprehending what is not immediately understood.
2. In listening comprehension, students will understand standard English spoken in and
out of the classroom and to have strategies for effective note-taking for specific
academic material.
3. In speaking, students will be able to appropriately respond orally to the demands of
college life and college-level classes, including giving classroom responses, speeches
and presentations.
4. In writing, students will be able to produce appropriately clear and coherent responses
to in-class or extended assignments.
FACULTY AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Faculty and student code:
All students and faculty members are expected to maintain professional behavior in the
classroom setting, according to the rights and responsibilities listed in the Dixie State College of
Utah Policies and Procedures Manual. Students should read the Code carefully and know they
are responsible for the content. (Go to http://www.dixie.edu/humanres/pol.html and click on the
sections on the left-hand side.)
English only in an ESL class:
Students are required to speak and do their work entirely in English in this class. Students who
fail to meet this requirement will be warned three times before losing points off of their grade.
ESL program attendance policy:
1. You may have three absences without penalty
2. Your final grade will be reduced by three percent for each absence beyond three.
3. Eight or more absences will result in automatic failure of this course.
4. Three within ten-minute late arrivals in class will result in one absence.
5. More than ten-minute late arrivals in class will result in one absence.
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Noteworthy responsibilities:
Faculty:
-Be on time* and prepared
-Maintain an environment that is safe and helpful for learning
-Be fair, honest and diligent in instruction and assessment
Students:
-Be on time* and prepared**
-Help to maintain an environment that is safe and helpful for learning
-Be honest*** and diligent in studies and assignments
-Be careful and respectful**** with all technology used.
-Speak English at all times.
*Absence: If the instructor must be absent, the instructor will work diligently to find an
appropriate substitute. If the student must be absent, the student has the responsibility to find
out about missed assignments and instruction.
**Late work: If work is late, the final score will automatically be docked by 50%. Late work will
not be accepted after one week from the original due date.
***Cheating: Please note that any form of cheating is not acceptable. A zero will automatically
be given to any assignment if cheating is involved. If two or more people are involved in the act
of cheating (one giving answers and the other receiving), a zero will be given to all students
involved regardless of which part each student played. Depending on the extent of the cheating,
a student could be asked to leave the class and will receive an ‘F’ grade. Also, students must
either buy a new workbook and textbook or erase all answers in a used workbook or textbook.
****Responsible use of technology: If students are found abusing the technology in any way,
(including physically abusing or using the technology to access inappropriate material), students
will no longer have access to the technology.
Disability Statement:
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability that may affect your success in the course
you are strongly encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) located in the
North Plaza Building. The disability will be evaluated and eligible students will receive
assistance in obtaining reasonable accommodations. Phone # 435-652-7516.
Dmail account:
You are required to frequently check your Dmail account. Important class and college
information will be sent to your Dmail account, including DSC bills, financial aid/scholarship
notices, notices of cancelled classes, reminders of important dates and deadlines, and other
information critical to your success at DSC and in your courses. To access your Dmail account,
visit go.dixie.edu/dmail. If you do not know your Dmail username or you have forgotten your
PIN, visit go.dixie.edu/mydixie and follow the respective instructions.
IMPORTANT CAMPUS RESOURCE LINKS:
Disability Resource Center - dixie.edu/drcenter
Library - library.dixie.edu
Tutoring Center - dixie.edu/tutoring
© Welch 2012, Dixie State College
IT Student Help Desk - dixie.edu/helpdesk
Testing Center - dixie.edu/testing
Writing Center - dixie.edu/english/dsc_writing_center.php
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COURSE EVALUATION
Due to the various levels and differing experience of the students in this class, classwork is
designed with an active learning syllabus structure. Classwork and homework are designed to
help students succeed in the specific grammar the student is studying, but not all students in
this class will require the same work to succeed. Please understand the following about the
classwork and homework:
1) Not all homework is graded for points, but proof of the work must be shown before
students can take the required chapter tests.
2) Some assignments are required for all students. Other assignments are based on
specific student need and/or interest. The role of the instructor in this class is similar to a
doctor. The instructor will diagnose student need in the specific areas of grammar (as
well as student interest) and give homework (remedies) based on the needs of each
individual student.
3) Some assignments should be done at home (H). Others should be done in class (C), and
some can be done both at home and in class (H/C).
4) All students must show proof that the following work is completed before taking a chapter
test:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Chart notes (H)
Textbook grammar (H) and listening (C) activities, checked with a red pen (C)
Workbook activities, checked with a red pen (H)
Chart quizzes with an 80% or higher (based on diagnostic results) (C)
Other (supplementary) work as assigned by the instructor on an individual basis
(H/C)
Required course activities and assignments:
*Assignments with an asterisk will be graded for points
*Chapter tests: After all required work is finished and checked off by the instructor, students will
take a test to show their comprehension of the material. Students must get 80% (24/30) on
these chapter tests in order to successfully finish the chapter. If a student receives below 80%,
he or she can take the test again (multiple times). However, each time the student receives
below 80%, he or she must meet with the instructor in order to receive different supplementary
work to help him or her prepare to retake the test. Proof of the work must be given to the
teacher before the test will be made available again.
Chart notes: Students will study the charts in the textbook and take notes on their index cards.
Notes should include what the student understands about the chart as well as what questions
the student still has about the chart. Chart notes will not be graded for points, but chart notes
must be completed and checked off by the instructor before students can take the chapter test.
Chart quizzes: Based on the results from the chapter diagnostic test, students will study for
specific chart quizzes. Students must receive 80% on these quizzes in order to take the chapter
test.
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Diagnostic test: Students will take a diagnostic test before beginning to study a new chapter.
The diagnostic test will help the students and instructor understand the weaknesses a student
might have so that the student can focus more on specific grammar points.
Grammar activities in textbook: All textbook grammar activities must be done before taking a
chapter test. These grammar activities should be done at home and will be checked for
accuracy in class by the student (using a red pen). The incorrect portions will help the instructor
to diagnose student needs and to give students the work necessary to overcome specific
grammatical errors. Grammar activities in the textbook have the following titles:
-Warm-up (usually)
-Looking at grammar
-What do I already know?
-Check your knowledge
-Grammar and speaking -Looking at spelling
-Reading and grammar
-Spelling & pronunciation -Pronunciation & grammar
Listening activities in textbook: Textbook listening activities will be completed in class. Students
will then correct their errors in class using a red pen. The incorrect portions will help the
instructor to diagnose student needs and to give students the work necessary to overcome
specific grammatical errors.
*Listening tests: Students will take online or in-class listening tests to assess their ability to hear
and understand the specific grammatical points learned during this class. The listening tests will
be similar to the practice activities in the textbook.
*Pronunciation practice: Each student will do at least a ½ hour of online pronunciation practice
per week. The easiest way to fulfill this assignment is to use the online-based teaching tool
called Pronunciation Power to improve pronunciation. This can be done in class or during office
hours with ESL program headphones and microphone, or if students have their own headset
with a microphone, this can also be done at home. If Pronunciation Power is cost prohibitive or
otherwise undesirable, students can choose to do pronunciation work through available online
open source material. The instructor and the student can choose specific online material to fit
the needs of the student. Students who choose this option must take notes on the information
learned and discuss this with the instructor on a regular basis in order to receive appropriate
credit.
*Speaking tests: Using the iPad or a computer, students will videotape their answers to
questions that have a target grammatical focus. Many of these activities will be taken straight
from the Azar text (the “Let’s talk” or “Talk or write” portions, for example). This activity will be
done either alone, with a fellow student, or with the instructor. Students will then listen to what
they said and write it down. After writing the original version of the conversation, the student will
write the same conversation again with all grammatical issues corrected. Both versions will be
handed in to the instructor who will grade the revised grammar and the original pronunciation.
*Supplementary tests: Apart from chapter tests, additional tests will be given on the following
topics and charts: 2 spelling tests (chart 1-6, p 10, and chart 7-1, p 101), irregular past tense
verbs (charts 2-4 and 2-5, pp 20-21), irregular past participles (charts 2-4 and 2-5, pp 20-21, or
use the inside of the front and back covers of the book), and count and non-count nouns (charts
7-5 & 7-6, p 110).
Supplementary work: Students will be given supplementary work to help them understand the
concepts. Students will meet individually with the instructor to receive detailed information on
their individualized supplementary work.
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Workbook: All workbook activities must be done in order to take a chapter test. The workbook
should be completed at home and corrected with a red pen. The incorrect portions will help the
instructor to diagnose student needs and to give students the work necessary to overcome
specific grammatical errors.
*Written assignments: Each chapter will require a written assignment based on the grammar
learned in class. The student will hand the written assignments to the teacher for initial review.
The instructor will write editing marks on the student’s paper and return the paper for the student
to rewrite. The key to the editing marks can be found online in the “pages” section. The revised
version will then be turned in for credit. These written assignments will be graded on
grammatical accuracy.
*Midterm test: At midterm, students will take a test based on the grammatical points studied up
to that point of the semester. Students can only take the midterm if they have completed the
chapter tests with 80% or higher.
*Final test: A comprehensive test will be given at the end of the semester to evaluate the
students’ abilities. Students can only take the final test if they have completed the chapter tests
with 80% or higher.
Points for assignments:
The following assignments will be graded for points. Conditional students must receive a
minimum of 83% on all assignments in order to successfully continue to the next level.
Conditional students who receive less than 83% on all assignments must repeat this class.
Chapter tests
Listening tests
Pronunciation practice
Speaking tests
Supplementary tests
Written assignments
Midterm test
Final test
Total
300 points (10 @ 30 points each)
100 points (10 @ 10 points each)
45 points (6 points for each half hour)
100 points (10 @ 10 points each)
100 points (5 @ 20 points each)
100 points (10 @ 10 points each)
50 points
75 points
________________
870 points
Percent needed for a specific grade:
A = 93-100%
C = 72-76%
A- = 90-92%
C- = 69-71%
B+ = 87-89%
D+ = 64-68%
B = 83-86%
D = 60-63%
B- = 80-82%
D- = 55-59%
C+ = 77-79%
F = below 55%
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Day of week
Monday
Regular weekly schedule of assignments*:
Assignments
To submit
To do in class
-Chart notes
-Correct textbook with red pen
-Grammar activities in textbook
-Do listening activities in textbook
-Workbook activities
-Pronunciation practice, if time
-Do supplementary work
-Meet with instructor
Wednesday
-Written assignment, first draft
-Supplementary work
-Take chart quizzes, if necessary
-Finish listening activities in textbook
-Pronunciation practice, if time
-Do supplementary work
-Take supplementary tests
-Meet with instructor
Friday
-Written assignment, revised version
-Supplementary work
-Take chapter or supplementary tests
-Take listening test
-Take speaking test
-Take the next chapter’s diagnostic test
*Due to holidays and other circumstances, some variations will occur in the following weeks:
-Week 1 and 2: Class introduction and holiday on January 16 th.
-Week 7: No class on Monday, midterm review Wednesday, and Midterm test on Friday.
-March 12th-16th: No class entire week for spring break.
-Some chapters will be extended due to the content. These chapters have supplementary tests
that will typically be given on Friday. See the class topic schedule below for an indication of
extended chapters.
Class topic schedule
Week
Chapter and topic
Week
Chapter and topic
Week 1, Jan 9-13
Chapter 1, Overview of verb tenses
Week 9, Mar 5-9
Chapter 7, Nouns
Week 2, Jan 16-20*
Chapter 2, Present & past, simple & progressive
Spring break, Mar 12-16
No class
Chapter 2, Present & past, simple & progressive
Week 10, Mar 19-23
Chapter 7, Nouns
Week 3, Jan 23-27
Chapter 3, Perfect and perfect progressive tenses
Week 4, Jan 30-Feb 3
Chapter 3, Perfect and perfect progressive tenses
Week 11, Mar 26-30
Chapter 8, Pronouns
Week 5, Feb 6-10
Chapter 4, Future time
Week 12, Apr 2-6
Chapter 9, Modals, Part 1
Week 6, Feb 13-17
Chapter 5, Review of verb tenses
Week 13, Apr 9-13
Chapter 10, Modals, Part 2
Week 7, Feb 20-24*
Midterm review and Midterm test
Week 14, Apr 16-20
Catch up
Week 8, Feb 27-Mar 2
Chapter 6, Subject-verb agreement
Week 15, Apr 23-25
Final review and catch up
*
Holidays/breaks occur during these weeks.
Final exam for this class:
.
© Welch 2012, Dixie State College
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IMPORTANT DATES and ADDITIONAL SYLLABUS INFORMATION:
Academic dates:
Jan 9 Classwork Starts
Jan 11 Last Day to Add Without Signature
*Jan 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 17 Drop/Audit Fee Begins ($10 per class)
Jan 24 $50 Late Registration/Payment Fee
Jan 30 Graduation Application Deadline
Jan 31 Pell Grant Census
Jan 31 Last Day for Refund
Jan 31 Last Day to drop without receiving a "W" grade
Feb 1 Courses dropped for non-payment
Feb 3 Last Day to ADD Classes
*Feb 20 President's Day
Feb 27 Mid-Term Grades Due
Mar 2 Last Day to DROP/AUDIT Classes
*Mar 12-16 Spring Break
Mar 19 Summer Registration open to Seniors (90+ earned credits)
Mar 20 Summer Registration open to Juniors (60+ earned credits)
Mar 21 Summer Registration open to Sophomores (30+ earned credits)
Mar 22 Summer Registration open to All Students
Apr 6 Last Day for Complete Withdrawal
Apr 16 Fall Registration open to Seniors (90+ earned credits)
Apr 17 Fall Registration open to Juniors (60+ earned credits)
Apr 18 Fall Registration open to Sophomores (30+ earned credits)
Apr 19 Fall Registration open to All Students
Apr 26 Classwork Ends
Apr 27 Final Exams
Apr 30, May 1-3 Final Exams
Powered by
*Holidays and breaks
See http://www.dixie.edu/reg/?page=calendar for more detailed information about the academic calendar.
Final exam schedule: http://www.dixie.edu/reg/?page=spring2012#finals
Fri - April 27
Mon - April 30
Tue - May 1
Wed - May 2
Thur - May 3
Daily, MTWR, MWF,
MW, M Only
Class
Exam Time
Time
9:00am 10:00-12:00pm
12:00pm 12:30-2:30pm
3:00pm 3:00-5:00pm
Fri Only Classes
5:00pm 5:00pm
7:30pm 7:30pm
Daily, MTWR, MWF,
MW, M Only
Class
Exam Time
Time
7:00am 7:00-9:00am
10:00am9:30-11:30am
1:00pm 12:00-2:00pm
4:00pm 2:30-4:30pm
MW, M Only Classes
5:00pm 5:00pm
7:30pm 7:30pm
TR, Tue Only
Class
Exam Time
Time
9:00am 8:00-10:00am
12:00pm 11:00-1:00pm
2:30pm 2:00-4:00pm
TR, Tue Only Classes
5:00pm 5:00pm
7:30pm 7:30pm
Daily, MTWR, MWF,
MW, M Only
Class
Exam Time
Time
8:00am 7:30-9:30am
11:00am 10:00-12:00pm
2:00pm 12:30-2:30pm
Wed Only Classes
5:00pm 5:00pm
7:30pm 7:30pm
TR, Thur Only
Class Time Exam Time
7:30/8:00am7:00-9:00am
10:30am
9:30-11:30am
1:00pm
12:30-2:30pm
4:00pm
3:00-5:00pm
TR, Thur Only Classes
5:00pm
5:00pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
Final exams for Fri/Sat courses will take place during regularly scheduled class times on April 27th.
More syllabus information and links:
For more information on expectations at Dixie State College, please read the information on the following link:
http://new.dixie.edu/reg/syllabus
© Welch 2012, Dixie State College
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Changes:
While changes to the syllabus and schedule are not expected, the instructor reserves the right to make changes for
pedagogical reasons. Changes will be announced as soon as possible.
© Welch 2012, Dixie State College
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