Central College “Freshman Success Bridge “Intro to Reading Course” GUST 0339 (CRN# ) A Learning Community partnership with VAST Academy, Guided Studies and Business Technology POFI 1104 Computer Fundamentals HCC-Central/VAST Academy Career and Technology Academic and Workforce Division 1301 Alabama 101B Houston, Texas 77004 713-718-6833, sue.moraska@hccs.edu www.central.hccs.edu/vast COURSE SYLLABUS Introduction to Reading: GUST 0339 VAST/GUST “Bridge Course” Spring 2011 Instructor: Sue Moraska Lecture: MonWed: 9:00-11:00 am, Lab Mon/Wed. 11:00-12:00 Classroom/lab: JBW Room 111 ______________________________________________________________________ Office: 713.718.6833 Email: sue.moraska@hccs.edu Office Hours: Tue/Thurs 10:00-12 :00 or Friday: 9:00-12:00 Purpose: This course is a “Freshman Success Reading Bridge Course” which prepares students for college level reading. It teaches strategies for college readers, enhances vocabulary and comprehension and teaches critical thinking skills. Students will receive guidance with selecting a realistic career path and to begin setting goals to succeed. It is designed to develop the reading skills, discipline, and responsible attitudes necessary for the successful completion of college-level courses. Key components of this course will be the Tutorial/Lab, Career and Service Learning Projects. It provides an overview as well as, the application of basic reading skills and concepts. Students take COMPASS placement test in reading before enrolling and at the end of the course to evaluate progress made, compare scores and to evaluate next level of placement, to move on to GUST 0341 or 0342. (3 Credit Hours) STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion the student will learn to: Demonstrate mastery of new vocabulary using context clues to determine s meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases. Identify and learn the meanings of over 20 common Word Parts. Improve literal comprehension by: a. Identifying main ideas which are directly stated or implied. b. Recognizing ideas that support or illustrate the main idea. c. Evaluating the relationship among ideas in text material via patterns of organization. d. Summarize in writing reading selections and articles from the internet on career topics. Demonstrate mastery of critical reading skills by: a. Distinguishing between statements of fact and opinion. b. Making inferences about information stated or implied in reading selections. c. Identifying an author’s purpose, point of view, for writing. Improve learning skills by: a. Demonstrating the use of study/ test-taking strategies. b. Completing lab exercises and homework as assigned by the instructor. c. Reading and interpreting test questions. d. Organizing and summarizing information for study purposes and presentations LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon completion the student will successfully learn to: Determine the meaning of new words in context. Recognize the part of speech of a new word as it is used in a given sentence. Apply knowledge of seven common prefixes and five common roots to select the correct meanings of at least 70% of twenty new words presented in a multiple-choice format. Use the dictionary and thesaurus as a tool for vocabulary improvement. Identify the main idea of a given paragraph. Recognize the major details that support the main idea of a given paragraph Summarize a longer reading selection both orally and written. Identify an author’s purpose for writing is to nform, or to entertain the reader. Recognize the difference between a statement of fact and an opinion. Identify the use of bias when it appears in written material. Make reasonable inferences from information contained in a reading selection or paragraph. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Introduction to Reading combines lecture, class discussion, group activities, and frequent assessments to help students develop note taking skills, collegeappropriate behaviors, a sense of community in an academic environment, and confidence in their ability to master the application of college reading strategies to a variety of textual materials. Written handouts and hands-on exercises accompany each lecture to promote multi-sensory access among students of different learning abilities and styles. Individual and small-group instruction is provided for students who demonstrate the need for additional assistance and advisement. It is taught in a computer lab to access assistive technology (Wynn Reader), MS Word, PPT, the internet for research and preparing written summaries, reports and power-point presentations. It is taught as a Learning Community with POFI 1104 Computer Fundamentals, with Lecture, Lab and tutorial components. Students will be encouraged to utilize their HCC email accounts to communicate with instructor as well as, the Central College Learning Web. 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, Describe and explain 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 Student Responsibilities: Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities Read and comprehend the textbook Complete the required assignments,homework, quizzes, tests and exams Ask for help when there is a question or problem Keep copies of all paperwork, including syllabus, handouts and all assignments Bring textbook, materials and supplies to class. Course Requirements and Policies: Textbook: “Strategies for College Readers,” by Elaine Garcia Krieg ISBN: 13-978-0-321-20275-8 Materials: Roget’s Thesaurus, Collegiate Dictionary, a LARGE folder or binder for holding numerous handouts, quizzes, and other class related materials, and a flash drive to save computer documents. Grade Legend: A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C=70-79 IP= 60-69* (must repeat class) Students who are repeating the class this semester, must receive a letter grade such as an A, B, C, D, or F. ( Students who receive a D or F must repeat the class.) Students who are absent on the day of an exam will receive a grade of zero, unless they have a medical excuse. Instructor’s Choice: (Assignments, Attendance, and Quizzes) =30% Major Tests (3) =30% Major Project Degree Plan (academic or workforce), Career Article Summaries (2 articles; one from an on-line source), and 10-12 min. Presentation =20% Final Exam =20% Students who are repeating GUST 0339 this semester, must receive a letter grade such as an A, B, C, D, or F. (Students who receive a D or F must repeat the class ) If you feel that you are unable to complete the course, please take the time to meet with your instructor. Your instructor may be able to provide suggestions for completing the course or advice regarding your continued success as a college student at HCCS. 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. 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= Student Success - 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. HCCS policy requires immediate withdrawal after 12.5% of the total class has been missed. after their 4th absence. If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. These days absent would include any total classes missed, excessive tardiness or leaving class early. 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. HCC Course Withdrawal Policy If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact the VAST Dept. Chair, Counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline. **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 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. 100% refund can only be given prior to the first day of class 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. 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. Classroom Behavior Students must follow the HCC Code of Student Conduct available online. 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 ADDITIONAL RULES: cell phones must be turned off during class, and no food or drinks permitted in the lab. Students must follow the College/Student code of conduct posted online at hccs.edu. Disruptive students who interrupt the ability of others to benefit from course activities will be removed from the class and withdrawn from the class on the second occasion. Children, family or friends are not allowed in the classroom during class. Course schedule: instructor has the right to change this outline or make revisions as needed. 1 Due Date Mon.. 8/22 Assignments Introductions/Overview of Syllabus/ RODEO note taking strategy Introduction to Ch. 1. Motivation/Preparation/Time Management/Setting Goals. 2 Wed. 8/24 Check HW, continue Chapter One, Time Management, developing a weekly schedule 3 Mon. 9/5 .Labor Day Holiday (College Closed) 4 Wed. 9/7 Word Parts. Begin Ch. 2. Word parts for HW. (Word Parts-handout) 5 Mon. 9/12 Read Chp 2 complete all activities. Review in class. Review for Quiz 1. 6 Wed. 9/14 7 Mon. 9/19 Quiz 1- RODEO- SAGE, BASIC Word Parts. Bring Dictionary and Thesaurus. Finish Word Parts Ch. 2. Review for Test 1 Word parts. Test Ch. 2. Word Parts.Instr. check all activities in Ch. 2. . 8 Wed. 9/21 9 Mon.9/26 10 Wed. 9/28 Quiz Ch. 3 Vocab. In Context. Finish Ch. 3. Lab: Select Career Project Topic- begin finding Articles for Summary.# Ch. 4. 11 Mon.10/3 Finish Chapter 4, Main Idea Review for Quiz. Lab-Career Project assignment #2. Complete questions on career topic, type up summary. Begin. Ch. 3 Vocab. In Context-Context Clues. Lab: 10:30-11:30 Library Visit Continue Ch. 3, Vocab. Review for Quiz 2. Quiz on Chapter 4, Main Idea. Lab- Library Orientation/ Check out books for Career Project. Career Project Assignment #2 Due. 12 Wed. 10/5 13 Mon. 10/10 14 Wed. 10/12 15 Mon. 10/17 Major Test Ch. 4/5 16 Wed. 17 Mon. 18 Wed. 19 Mon MAJOR TEST 1 Lab: Begin Ch. 4 Main Idea, Career Project #2 Submit both of your career articles and summary you wrote. Return Test Ch. 3- Continue Ch. 4- Main Idea- HW-complete all activities in book for Ch. 4..Review for Quiz. Quiz on Main Idea. Begin Ch. 5 Supporting Details Lab: Work on Ch. 5, work on Career Project Assign. # 2. Complete Ch. 5, Review Ch. 4 and 5 for Test. 20 Wed. 21 Mon. 22 Wed. 23 Mon. Wed/ Mon.. Wed. Mon. 12 Wed. 12/ Mon. 12/ Wed. 12/ Begin Chapter 5, Supporting Details. HW pgs. 24 25 26 Complete Chapter 5/Review for Test Ch. 4/5 Test Ch. 4 and 5 Main Idea and Supporting Details Lab: Begin Ch. 10- Critical Thinking Skills Ch. 12 Inferences review and complete all activities. Lab: Work on Activities in Ch. 12;, Review for Test. Lab: Work on Ads and Career Project MAJOR TEST Ch. 12 Inferences./ First round of Presentations Lab: Work on Career Projects Oral and Written Career Project Presentations Due *COMPASS TEST Testing Dept LHSB Room 211 Review for Final Exam Review for Final Exam FINAL EXAM Receive final grade.(attendance optional) TUTORING: during Lab component or Free one-hour sessions held in JBW 111 12:00-1:00 and 2:30-4:00 (Call 713-718.6833) to schedule a tutoring session. DISABILITY SERVICES: Any student with a documented disability (intellectual, physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the ADA Ability Services office at Central College at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Student Ability Services Office. The Central College Student Ability Services Office phone number is 713.718.6164, counselors: Mr. Jaime Torres and Marta Scribner. VAST Academy offers support services such as advising/counseling, tutoring, enrollment assistance, 713-718-6832. Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System –EGLS3 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 EGLS3 as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.