COURSE OUTLINE
ESL 263.02 CRN 00722
Time: M W 10:30 a.m. –12:20:p.m.
Room: L47
Instructor: Gretchen Himes
E-mail: himesgretchen@fhda.edu
Low Advanced Writing
4.0 Units
Cell Phone: 408-239-3069
Website:
http://faculty.deanza.edu/himesgretchen/
PREREQUISITE: English as a Second Language 225 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
 Eye on Editing 2 by Cain
 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;
• 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;
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• 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%
Since improvement in writing largely depends on practice, your completion of in-class and
homework assignments is important to your goals.
 Quizzes……………………………………………………………………. 10%
 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 in-class
quizzes cannot be made up. Out-of-class quizzes can only be made up if the answers have not
yet been given. I will drop the lowest quiz score. I will not give make-up tests nor will I give the
final exam to individual students outside of the assigned time. If you know you will be absent for a
quiz or test, tell me before so other arrangements can be made.
Attendance is very important. If you are absent more than 3 classes you will either be dropped
or you will not receive credit for the class.
If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact your classmates or me, get the
assignments for the following day and come to class prepared.
Classmate #1 Name
Phone
Email
Classmate #2 Name
Phone
Email
Cheating and copying papers from other students or outside sources 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 for non-resident and foreign students to drop for a refund.
Saturday, January 11
Last day for residents to drop with a refund
Saturday, January 18
Last day to add
Saturday, January 18
Last day to drop a class with no grade
Monday, January 20
Last day to request Pass/No Pass grade
Friday, January 31
Holiday – George Washington’s Birthday
Monday, February 17
Last day to drop with a “W”
Friday, February 28
Final exam date
Tuesday, March 25, 9:15-11:15
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