TSI 0304 NCBO Developmental Literacy II Sections 001 and 002
Instructor: Osariemen Osaghae, M.Ed
Office : Holden Hall 78
Office Hours: TR 10AM -12PM
Class: (SEC 001 ) W 3:30 PM- 4:20 PM or (SEC 002) M 3:30PM-4:20PM
Phone: 806-742-3242
e-mail: Blackboard Mail
Course Syllabus and Expectations
I.
Textbooks And Other Materials:
A. REQUIRED: Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book 2 by Kemper/Meyer/Van
Rys/Sebranek (ISBN: 9781133803973)
B. REQUIRED: Writing Utensil (i.e. pencil, pen)
II.
Course Goals:
A. Students will read critically to form opinions, exchange insights with others in
conversation, ask and answer questions, and develop ideas that can be further
explored in writing.
B. Students will react to visual text (a photograph, advertisement, diagram, graph, chart, or
art) to gain further understanding of the text and to aid with visualization of words and
ideas.
C. Students will demonstrate their use of critical reasoning to interpret and integrate new
concepts with prior learning/knowledge.
D. Students will interpret charts, tables, and graphs to condense, interpret, and/or
summarize written information at the college level.
E. Students will take notes using Marking and Annotating Skills for college students, or the
Cornell University Note Taking method and demonstrate listening, learning, and
reviewing related to the active processes of reading.
F. Students will apply study skills, content area reading strategies and test taking skills to
improve test-taking abilities.
G. Students will analyze and critically discuss writing contexts rhetorically identifying
audience, purpose, and situation.
H. Students will recognize and demonstrate writing as a step-by-step process that
improves with practice.
I. Students will write as a way of discovering, processing, and refining ideas.
J. Students will obtain skill and confidence in using writing conventions of standard and
written English, including grammar and punctuation by correcting fragments,
colloquialisms, and sentence complexities.
K. Students will write for varied tasks and audiences through construction of an
argumentative essay.
L. Students will not only understand the basic structure of a sentence, the basic structure
of a paragraph and how it fits into an essay, but also be able to explain and
demonstrate corrective actions/editing for improper writing.
*Please Note: These course goals are aligned with the College Readiness Standards of Reading, Writing,
Speaking, and Listening. For More information See:
www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=EAE69736-B39D-F3FF-EA777519F1F0348B
III.
IV.
Learning Outcomes:
A. Construct a 4-5 page Argumentative Research Paper using MLA format and formal
writing constructs.
B. Identify and properly use the signal words that indicate directionality in Argumentative
Writing the purpose of understanding reading and for the purpose of constructing
Arguments.
C. Demonstrate vocabulary understanding by completing Aplia assignments with an
average of 70% or above.
D. Demonstrate reading comprehension by completing examinations and quizzes with an
average of 70% or above.
E. Demonstrate Revising Skills by completing editing assignments and activities with an
average of 70% or above.
F. Use, Define, and Apply at least three Content area reading strategies such as Exit
Slips, Mnemonic Devices, Reader Response, and Cornell University Methods of Notetaking on a weekly basis for the purpose of tracking and improving reading
comprehension and critical literacy skills.
Grading Procedures:
A. Homework (via Aplia) is worth 33% of your final grade. No late homework is accepted.
If homework is not completed by the deadline then you cannot advance to the rough
draft.
B. Major Exams and the completion of the Post Diagnostic assessments all together
are worth 33% of the overall grade. Major Exams cannot be made up without doctor’s
documentation.
C. Argumentative paper completion will be worth 34% of your final grade. As a note,
students will be required to submit a rough draft. If this is not completed by the
deadline the student may not take the final exam.
D. Extra credit: No extra credit will be given. Come to class ready to work.
E. Grading Scale: You must complete the course with a C or better to progress to the
next TSI Course or be declared College Ready.
90-100 = DA
80- 89 = DB
70- 79 = DC
60- 69 = DD
0 – 59 = DF
V.
Class Assignments:
A. General Note: Each assignment is a tool to reinforce skills and material taught in the
classroom. The amount of homework is carefully considered. Homework is not
assigned busy work, but rather it is assigned because of its vital importance to the
learning process. Therefore, students are expected to complete all assignments by the
due date. Handouts and extra information, as well as web assignments will be posted
on Blackboard. Please note assignments are subject to change if the instructor deems
it necessary.
B. All assignments must be typed. I will consider punctuation, spelling, and grammar in
the grading process. The exercises and assignments will be graded for both style and
for content. You must also bring them to class with you on the date assigned (if you are
VI.
VII.
asked to). That means you will need to be responsible and make sure you can print
something before you come to class.
C. Due Dates and Late Penalties: Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Any
late assignment will receive a grade of a zero.
D. End of the Semester: There will be no curve at the end of the semester. You must
earn your grade by submitting high quality work on time, attending all class meetings,
and participating in class discussions and exercises. Students who come to class
prepared are consistently the most successful students.
Absences:
A. There are no excused absences. I will track your attendance and progress daily.
Your presence in class is tracked using an attendance sheet provided at the beginning
of each class session for you to sign.
B. You are also responsible for signing the class roster at the beginning of each class
period. Signing this roster is your responsibility, and absences will not be removed if
you attended class but neglected to sign the roster. Absences are reported to the TSI
office.
C. Additionally, part of being in attendance means being focused and prepared; if you
are texting, sleeping, or have not read, expect to be counted absent.
D. Tardies and Leaving Class Early: If you are more than 10 minutes late for class, you
will be marked absent for the class. Leaving class early, without prior approval, will
result in an absence.
E. TSI Developmental program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the
rules of attendance will result in a student being withdrawn from Texas Tech University.
Withdrawals are subject to University policies as set forth in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Students may appeal withdrawals when unusual extenuating circumstances exist by
picking up the Appeal of Withdrawal form and be returned to Holden Hall 78 before the
five (5) days have expired. Students are ONLY allowed one appeal per semester.
Office Hours
A. I encourage you to come see me in my office during these hours. These hours are
reserved for you and your concerns, so please make use of this time. If you cannot
meet during these times because of work or another class, contact me to set up an
individual appointment at a different time.
VIII.
Email
IX.
Supplies:
A.
I check my e-mail regularly. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Typically, I
do not check email between Friday and Sunday. I will respond to any emails that I
receive over the weekend on Monday afternoon. Remember that all emails should be
sent via Blackboard, TTU emails will not receive a reply.
B. I expect students to use professional language and tone in all communication with me,
including email correspondence. My office hours or appointments are the best way for
us to address more complex questions and concerns about the course.
A. BE PREPARED FOR CLASS. Always bring the following to class:
1. Text books
2. Paper
3. Pen or Pencil
X.
Classroom Rules and Procedures:
A. You are to always exhibit integrity. Any action should reflect this idea.
B. Having integrity includes adhering to the following standards:
1. Be prompt. Class begins precisely on time, therefore a student is considered
tardy if he or she is more than 10 minutes late.
2. Be prepared with all supplies and textbooks.
3. Be kind and respectful. All actions and words should reflect kindness and
respect for both the instructor and all other students. I will not tolerate rude or
disrespectful behavior directed at any member of this class. We are all adults
and should act as such. Anyone exhibiting disrespectful or vulgar language
and/or behavior will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.
4. Be honest. Honesty is an important part of integrity. Cheating will not be
tolerated. Cheating includes sharing homework answers, looking at another
student’s test or quiz, and talking (even whispering) during a test or quiz.
Plagiarism is another form of cheating and will be addressed in more detail in the
next section of the syllabus. If the student has a doubt as to what constitutes
cheating, the instructor will gladly answer any questions.
5. Be mentally present. Use of electronic devices during class will not be
tolerated. If your phone rings or if I see you using a cell phone, blackberry, iPod,
or other electronic device (nonmedical) during class, you will be asked to leave
and counted absent for the day. Laptop computers will only be allowed if
necessary for completing the activities scheduled for that day.
6. Be on task. There are times in class when it is appropriate to speak to your
peers (i.e., during group work). However, a general rule of thumb- if I am
speaking, you are not, you are listening.
7. NO CELL PHONES, PAGERS, iPODS (i-anything), or NET SURFING in class,
unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If you are experiencing an
emergency and need your cell phone on please notify me BEFORE class begins!
Failure to follow this directive may result in your dismissal and one marked
absence for the affected class period.
*****NOTE: Students are expected to conduct themselves in manner conducive to learning and are prohibited from
engaging in distracting behavior, inappropriate behavior will result minimally, in a request to leave class. Comments
or actions promoting discrimination of any sort will result in serious disciplinary action, and or possible loss of credit
for the course.
XI.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
a. Texas Tech University aims "to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity.
The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is
regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to
serious consequences, possibly suspension" (Undergraduate Handbook 49).
b. Although the university broadly defines the types of "dishonesty" that compromise academic
integrity, the most common offense for this course is plagiarism. Plagiarism includes, but is not
limited to, "the appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that
is attributable in whole or in part to another source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure,
computer code, other expression and media, and presenting that material as one's own academic
work being offered for credit" (Onsite Politics xxviii).
c. Students who are found guilty of plagiarism will receive a 0 for the assignment, as well as further
consequences at the discretion of the instructor. For more information on Academic Integrity visit:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms/AcademicIntegrity.htm.
**NOTE-For example, this means “NO” you can NOT turn in that paper you wrote about Holes in the 5th grade to
me, and expect to get a good grade.
XII.
Disabilities
a. “Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the
course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary
arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services
during the instructor’s office hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom
accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has
been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office in
335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
b. “No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to the completion of this approved
university process" (TTU OP 34.22, p.2). For more information call Student Disability Services at
742-2405 or visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentsaffairs/sds/.
XIII. Observance of a Religious Holy Day
a.
XIV.
“Religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt
from property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious
holy day should make that intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is
absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an
examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the
absence. A student who is excused may not be penalized for the absence; however,
documentation may be required.
If Your Grade Drops Below a C
If at any time a TSI student falls below a C in ANY TSI course, he or she will be required to meet
with the TSI Advisors/Assistant Director twice a month and attend an hour of tutoring per week.
Determination of required tutoring will begin after the first assignment/first paper or at the discretion
of the TSI Instructor. Required tutoring will be factored into a student’s grade.
CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AND COURSE SCHEDULE: I reserve the right to change the dates on this
syllabus. All changes will be made accessible to students via classroom announcements, e-mail, and also
through Blackboard.
Covered Topics
Reading
Content Area
Syllabus and Introductions
Aplia Introduction
Turnitin.com
Objectives, Discussion, Thoughts, and
Assignments
What are your educational goals?
What is your learning style?
Aplia Pre-Assessment
The Reading-Writing Connection
(Chapter 1)
Academic Reading and Learning
(Chapter 2)
(Chapter 16)
Summarizing
Argumentation
(Chapter 14)
Comparison
(Chapter 13)
Understanding Research
(Chapter 15)
Understand reading and writing assignments
Use the traits for reading and writing
Use graphic organizers for reading and writing
Review the reading-writing connection
Read to learn
Understand the reading process
Use basic reading strategies
Read critically
Improve vocabulary
Read graphics
Review reading and learning
Understand Summarizing
Learn about reading strategies
Read and react to a summary
Write a summary
Practice additional summary writing
Understand Argumentation
Learn about reading strategies
Read and react to a professional essay
Read and react to a student essay
Plan an argument essay
Understand comparison-contrast
What is Compare and Contrast?
Recognizing Common Comparison-Contrast
Patterns
Why do we need to research?
Reviewing Responsible Research
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Understand sources of information
Evaluate sources of information
Cite sources of information
Avoid plagiarism
Review responsible research