GUST 0341 - 1
Guided Studies & Developmental Reading
Northeast College
GUST 0341 – Developmental Reading I
CRN: 81489 – Semester: Summer 2012
3 hour lecture /1hour lab course / 64 hours per semester/ 8 weeks
Class Time: MTWR 7:30-9:30AM
Location: Northline
Instructor: Robin Raborn
Contact Information: 713-718-2823 (office) / 713-303-5208 (cell) robin.raborn@hccs.edu
Office location and hours: Room 310 – It is best to make an appointment instead of just showing up
at my desk!
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do
not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your performance
in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course
topics. Feel free to come by my office anytime to see if I’m there.
Course Description:
Credit: 3 Credits (3 lecture & 1 lab)
Developmental Reading I is designed to address the developmental reader’s need for direct instruction in
reading behaviors that are essential to the acquisition of knowledge in the content areas. Instruction is
based on an interactive reading method with emphasis on learning to learn. These key skills include
previewing chapters, selecting and organizing the information read and critical reading, making informed
decisions about that information.
Prerequisite:
You must be placed in GUST 0341 through COMPASS scores or have completed GUST 0339 in order to
take this course.
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will
1. Demonstrate mastery of vocabulary by:
1.1 using context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases.
1.2 using word parts (prefixes, root/base words and suffixes) to determine the meanings of
unfamiliar words or phrases.
2. Improve literal comprehension by:
2.1 Identifying stated and implied main ideas
2.2 Identifying ideas that support or illustrate the main idea (major & minor details).
2.3 Evaluating the relationship among ideas in text material via patterns of organization.
GUST 0341 - 2
2.4 Summarize in writing and orally a reading selection or condensing information through
summary.
2.5 Understanding and interpreting data in graphs, diagrams, charts, and tables.
3. Demonstrate mastery of critical reading skills by:
3.1 Distinguishing between statements of fact and opinion.
3.2 Formulating valid inferences through stated or implied textual evidence.
3.3 Identifying an author’s purpose for writing a text.
3.4 Assessing textual evidence to determine the author’s tone.
3.5 Evaluating the logic of a writer’s argument.
4. Improve time management, study and test-taking skills by:
4.1 applying note taking, annotating & outlining strategies to a variety of texts.
4.2 Completing an individual study plan utilizing online components for learning enhancement.
4.3 Integrating test question knowledge and comprehension strategies to interpret test questions.
4.4 Organizing and summarizing information purposes.
4.5 Organizing and summarizing information for presentation.
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
1.
Demonstrate mastery of vocabulary by:
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
1.1
Applying context clues to determine the meaning of words and phrases.
1.2
Delineating the meaning of figurative language.
2.
Identify main and supporting details.
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
2.1
Showing stated and implied main ideas and supporting details in written material.
2.2
Showing a writer’s purpose, intended audience, viewpoint, tone, and intended meaning.
2.3
Describing the relationship of ideas in written material.
3.
Identify relationships in a reading selection.
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
3.4
Showing inferences.
3.5
Identifying conclusions.
3.6
Describing various perspectives on an issue.
3.7
Acquiring problem solving methods.
4.
Develop reading retention skills.
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
4.1
Determining assumptions underlying a writer’s argument.
4.2
Showing the reasoning in a writer’s argument.
4.3
Calculating the overall logic and credibility of a writer’s argument.
4.4
Showing fallacies.
5.
Acquire communication and learning skills.
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
5.1
Preparing outlines.
5.2
Acquiring note-taking skills.
5.3
Delineating visual aids.
GUST 0341 - 3
5.4
5.5
Applying written directions.
Producing a summary of reading assignments.
6.
Exhibit use of the college library for academic research.
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
6.1
Acquiring technical, organizational, and testing skills.
6.2
Developing technological proficiency.
6.3
Organizing information.
6.4
Preparing for and exhibit test tasting skills successfully.
7.
Develop critical thinking skills.
Objectives for this SLO should include but are not limited to:
7.1
Drawing an analysis of the relationship of ideas in a written material.
7.2
Making inferences and generate conclusions.
7.3
Illustrating various perspectives on an issue.
7.4
Employing problem solving methods.
7.5
Determining assumptions underlying a writer’s argument.
7.6
Determining the overall logic and credibility of a writer’s argument.
7.7
Determining fallacies.
8 WEEK CALENDAR
WEEK ONE (June 4-7)
M
Syllabus/Introductions/ Instructions for My Reading Lab
T
A Reading Assessment for Effective Readers (Chapter 1)
W
Lab: Pre-Assessment (must be completed in the lab & must have passkey code to start)
R
A Reading Assessment for Effective Readers (Chapter 1)
WEEK TWO (June 11-14)
M
Vocabulary & Dictionary Skills (Chapter 2) & MRLab
T
Vocabulary & Dictionary Skills (Chapter 2)
W
Stated Main Ideas (Chapter 3) & MRLab
R
Stated Main Ideas (Chapter 3) – Magazine Article #1 due
WEEK THREE (June 18-21)
M
Implied Main Idea (Chapter 4) & MRLab
T
Implied Main Idea (Chapter 4)
W
Quiz 1 over Chapters 2-4 & MRLab
R
Supporting Details (Chapter 5)
WEEK FOUR (June 25-28)
M
Supporting Details (Chapter 5) & MRLab
T
Transitions & Thought Patterns (Chap 7)
W
Transitions & Thought Patterns (Chapter 7) & MRLab
R
More Thoughts & Patterns (Chapter 8) – Magazine Article #2 due
WEEK FIVE (July2-5)
M
More Thoughts & Patterns (Chapter 8) & MRLab
T
Fact & Opinion (Chapter 9)
W
HOLIDAY!
R
Quiz 2 over Chapters 5-8 & MRLab
WEEK SIX (July 9-12)
M
Fact & Opinion (Chapter 9) & MRLab -Last day to Withdraw!
T
Tone & Purpose (Chapter 10)
W
Tone & Purpose (Chapter 10) & MRLab
R
Inferences (Chapter 11) – Magazine Article #3 due
GUST 0341 - 4
WEEK SEVEN (July 16-19)
M
Lab: Re-take COMPASS in Testing Center – Room 121
T
Inferences (Chapter 11)
W
Quiz 3 over Chapters 9-11 & MRLab
R
The Basics of Argument (Chapter 12)
WEEK EIGHT (July 23-26)
M
The Basics of Argument (Chapter 12) & MRLab
T
Review for final exam
W
No class on the 25th – STUDY!
R
Final Exam at 7:30AM on the 26th
*** Calendar items are approximate. As we progress through the course, the dates may change.
Stay alert for announcements of changes made DURING class! Attendance is important.
Instructional Methods
Because learning requires active (not passive) involvement on the part of the learner, you must come to
class prepared. This includes being ready to discuss or otherwise work with all readings and other
materials assigned prior to class. Minimum preparation is taking notes and thinking about personal
application of the text material.
Though I lecture when appropriate, you can expect to be involved in class and group discussions, other
collaborative work, individual participations activities, internet research and computer centered learning
through an online program called My Reading Lab (MRL).
Student Assignments
Class Assignments – You will receive worksheets and textbook activities that must be complete at the
beginning of the class period on the day they are due. It is essential that you complete assignments
BEFORE the class in which they are to be discussed or else you will not be able to contribute to the class
and will lose participation points. There will be several written assignments on a variety of topics.
Article Reviews– Every two weeks you will have an article review due. These should be one page typed
and double spaced. I will provide a stack of magazines for you to look through and choose from during
lab. If you would like for me to give approval for an independent article that you choose, please schedule
a time for me to give approval prior to the due date.
My Reading Lab (MRL) – There are two hours of lab time scheduled each week as part of the class, but
completion of MRL will require working outside of class. You may access MRL anywhere you can sign
on to the Internet (library, home, learning lab, etc.) In order to get credit for each MRL segment, you must
complete 2 practice exercises and 1 test, making a 70 or above on at least one of the two exercises and on
the test. You will be allowed to re-take any exercise or test if necessary.
Students will be given a pre-assessment during the first week of class to determine their beginning
reading level in the course. The pre-assessment will not be graded. An MRL code for access to the online
program is bundled with the course textbook. A graded post-assessment will be given at the end of the
semester to measure progress made during the course. The post-assessment will count as one chapter test
grade. Don’t skip it!
Chapter Tests – There will be a total of 3 tests given throughout the semester over information covered in
the textbook and handouts. Your post-assessment grade from MRL will count as an additional 2 quiz
grades.
GUST 0341 - 5
Assessments
Homework & In-Class Assignments
Article Reviews
My Reading Lab
25%
10%
30%
Chapter Tests
15%
Final Exam
20%
Instructional Materials
The Effective Reader, 3rd edition, by D.J. Henry
My Reading Lab passkey code for online access
Paper, pen, folder, dictionary
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective
college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized
to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Please visit the ADA Website – www.hccs.edu, then click on Future Students, scroll down the page and
click on Disability Information:
Central ADA Counselors – 713.718.6164
Northeast ADA Counselor – 713.718.8420 (Kim Ingram)
Northwest ADA Counselor – 713.718.5422
Southeast ADA Counselor – 713.718.7218
Southwest ADA Counselor – 713.718.7910
Coleman ADA Counselor – 713.718.7631
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been
learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is
responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students
compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and
enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty,
found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the
rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College
System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but
is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:





Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work
in one’s own written work offered for credit.
GUST 0341 - 6
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for
credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular
assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College
System. (See the Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to
succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is
attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to
attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences.
Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance,
the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed
in class is important for your career, students will be dropped from a course after accumulating
absences in excess of six (6) hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would include any total
classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not to
attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this happens too
many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week,
you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who
would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a
class.
Class attendance equals class success.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the
final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the
instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with
suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important. Beginning in
fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX
total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because
of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your
professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you –
online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic
performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior
to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal
deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or
depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and
catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.
Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a
professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day
GUST 0341 - 7
before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are
making in the class as your final grade. This semester the deadline is July 9, 2012.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To
increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra
tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate.
Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent
time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades,
confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing
homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other
assistance that might be available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a
positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously and
will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As
a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor
achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of
the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you
will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom
unless you receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students
with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the
Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online
survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be
made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for
the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be
derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special
projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
GUST 0341 - 8




Read and comprehend the textbook
Complete the required assignments and exams:
Ask for help when there is a question or problem
Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
Grading
Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to determine how
successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills)
outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to
reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you
discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your
performance.
Final grades are determined by averaging the total of each area listed below.
Homework & In-Class Assignments
Article Reviews
My Reading Lab
Chapter Tests
Final
= 25%
= 10%
= 30%
= 15%
= 20%
Grading Scale:
90-100
80-89
70-79
69 and Below
A
B
C
F, FX or IP
A student who is withdrawn from a class for excessive absences will receive a final grade of FX!
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive
credit. The grade “IP” does not affect GPA. You can receive an IP only once in a developmental class. A
grade of D or F will be assigned for averages below 70% the second time you take this course.
You will be re-taking the COMPASS test at the end of the semester. If you receive a scaled score or 81 or
above, you will not have to enroll in GUST 0342 and will have satisfied the state’s reading requirements.
Useful Web Resources:
 MyReading Lab: www.myreadinglab.com
 Tutoring & Support: www.hccs.askonline.net
 Information: www.hccs.edu ; http://learning.hccs.edu
The Guided Studies & Developmental Reading Mission Statement
The Guided Studies and Developmental Reading Program provides quality instruction through researchbased pedagogically and andragogically designed approaches in order to prepare our diverse community of
students to become life-long learners achieving academic and workforce goals.