HCC
Intensive English Program
Northwest College
ESOL 0343 – Beginning Writing for Foreign Speakers
CRN 37852 – Spring 2013
Alief-Bissonnet Campus - 8:30 -11:00 a.m.- Tues.(Room 156) / Thurs.(Room 137)
3 hours lecture / 2 hours lab / 80 hours per semester / 16 weeks
Regular Session Class Dates: 1/14/2013 -5/12/2013
Instructor: Thuong Tran
Instructor Contact Information: e-mail: thuong.tran@hccs.edu
phone: 713-718-7750
learning website: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/thuong.tran
office location and hours: Alief-Bissonnet Campus, by appointment
Prerequisites
Placement exam cut-offs
Course Description
This course is devoted to expanding vocabulary, developing pronunciation skills, and simple
spelling. Instruction is individualized.
Course Statement of Purpose
This course seeks to prepare students for continuation into ESOL 0347 and ultimately for college
and workforce study by accomplishing the following objectives:
. Students are introduced to basic English rules of capitalization, punctuation, and
paragraph formatting.
. Students are introduced to various common sentence patterns, from simple sentences
to the basics of coordination and subordination.
. Most importantly, students build basic knowledge of paragraph organization with
emphasis on developing topic sentences, support, concluding sentences and the use of
basic transitions.
Student Learning Outcome
After completing this course, students should:
1. know the basic mechanics of simple English sentences;
2. be able to select the verb forms needed for producing simple sentences with a basic
vocabulary;
3. be able to produce a variety of simple, compound, and complex sentences;
4. be able to carry out a basic writing process to produce a short, correctly formatted,
meaningful paragraph.
Learning Objectives Leading to the Outcomes Above
1.1 Know the rules for capitalization at the beginning of sentences and proper nouns;
1.2 Know the basic end-punctuation for sentences, as well as basic rules for internal
punctuation, especially the use of commas;
1.3 Spell the basic vocabulary words that are used in beginning writing.
2.1 Select the verb forms needed to produce the simple present and past tenses;
2.2 Select the verb forms needed to produce the present and past progressive tenses;
2.3 Select the verb forms needed to use simple modal verbs.
3.1 Produce grammatically correct simple sentences;
1
3.2 Use conjunctions and, but, and so to produce grammatically correct compound
sentences;
3.3 Use subordinating conjunctions when, while, before, after, and because to produce
grammatically correct complex sentences.
4.1 Use brainstorming to create ideas to support a simple thesis on a predetermined
topic;
4.2 Write a paragraph of 80-125 words with a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and
a concluding sentence.
4.3 Rewrite a paragraph whose errors have been marked.
Instructional Materials
Fundamentals of Academic Writing by Linda Butler; Longman; ISBN 0-13-199557-X (A NEW
book is required)
A 3-ring binder, dividers, and lined paper
A computer flash drive
Instructional Methods
Lecture - Independent study - Paired work - Writing - Peer review - Small group discussion
Student Assignments
Daily in-class work – Homework – Computer Lab
Assessments
Students in ESOL 0343 will:
. write 5 in-class composition paragraphs, each one eventually totaling 80-125 words;
. revise first drafts of paragraphs;
. write weekly/bi-weekly journals;
. write a final examination composition.
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 System online near
the end of the term.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty (Dishonesty = Cheating)
Any form of cheating or copying will result in a grade of 0 for that assignment and possibly
recommendation for probation or dismissal from the college system. Cheating includes copying
from another student during a test or giving another student answers on a test. Another form of
cheating (called plagiarism) is copying from the Internet or another text and presenting it as your
work. An additional form of cheating is memorizing text from the Internet or a book and presenting
those words as your own on a test or in homework. ALL work has to be written by the student
and not copied from another source.
HCC Policy: Attendance
According to the HCC Student Handbook, you may be dropped from a course after accumulating
absences in excess of 12.5% of the total hours of instruction (lecture and lab). For Intensive
English if you exceed a total of 10 hours (12.5%) of absence in any class (4 days of any class,
including lab), you can be dropped from all Intensive English classes. This will make F1 students
out of status and cause visa problems. Please email me if you are absent and talk to me on your
return to find out the work that you missed.
2
Tardiness and In-class time absence
Classes and tests begin on time. Lateness of ten minutes or more counts as class or lab
absence. Three tardies (lateness) = 1 absence. Lateness after break times, leaving early, or
disappearing during class or lab are also counted as absences. Texting, using social networking
sites, or other improper use of technology during class time or lab time are also counted towards
your absences (1warning = 1 tardy). Class attendance leads to class success.
Makeup Policy and Late Homework
No late homework will be accepted. Students will be allowed to make up a quiz or an in-class
composition after an absence for a valid reason. It is the responsibility of the student to ask for
the permission to make up work on the day of returning to class.
HCC Withdrawal Deadline
To drop a class, you must speak with a counselor or an advisor. The last day students may
withdraw or be dropped from a class with a grade of W is Monday, April 1st before 4:30 p.m.
Students who have excessive absences after that date will receive the grade they earn. Note:
International students will be out of status if they drop or are dropped from their classes
and may have to return to their countries. Speak with a counselor or an advisor before
dropping classes to make sure you understand the procedures.
HCC Policy on Students Repeating a Course for the Third Time
Repeating Students
Grades of IP or F are failing grades; the student will have to repeat the course. A student who
fails a class for the second time must receive a grade of F for that class. Students who repeat a
course for three or more times will have to pay a higher tuition fee at HCC and other Texas public
colleges and universities. If you are having trouble in class, talk to your teacher and get help from
a tutor. Get other assistance or advice from a counselor before withdrawing if your grades are not
passing. Students should get help so that they will not fail.
HCC Policy Statement – ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities: Students who require reasonable accommodations for
disabilities are encouraged to report to Mahnaz Kolaini at 713-7185422 to make necessary
arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations by the Disability Support
Service Office. Please see this website for more information: http://hccs.edu/student-rights.
HCC Policy on Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in any form is not tolerated at Houston Community College. It is a violation of
HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual harassment as
defined in the EEOC guideline (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47). See Student Handbook for
more information.
Classroom Behavior
Treat your classmates and teacher with respect. Use English. Make the most of your class time
by actively participating in discussions and activities. Do not use your cell phone to text during
class. Turn your cell phone to vibrate and keep it in your pocket if you are expecting an
emergency call.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
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.
Misuse of Electronic Devices in the Classroom
The use of electronic devices by students in the classroom is up to the discretion of the instructor.
3
Any use of such devices for purposes other than the student learning is strictly prohibited. If an
instructor perceives such use is disruptive and/or inappropriate, the instructor has the right to
terminate such use. If the behavior continues, the student may be subject to disciplinary action to
include removal from the classroom or referral to the Dean of Student Services. (Please see the
Attendance Policy for this class).
Disruptive Behavior
Students who conduct themselves in a manner that significantly interferes with college teaching,
research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other authorized college activities (including
its public service functions) on the college premises will be subject to disciplinary action.
Instructor’s Requirements
The instructor needs to:
- create a rich learning environment for writing and student interaction;
- provide grading scales and assessment;
- give assignments on computers on a range of topics connected to the course;
- make tests and assignments clear;
- tell students about important HCC policies such as attendance policies and academic
honesty;
- make a class calendar available;
- make arrangements to be available to students when they need help or have questions.
To succeed in college the students need to:
- attend class, participate in activities, listen to the teacher and classmates, and ask
questions;
- be responsible for contacting the instructor as soon as possible after an absence to find
out about missed work and/or work to be made up;
- create a good learning environment;
- turn off cell phones or use vibrate mode for emergencies;
- do all assignments and homework regularly;
- do their own work; not copy;
- have fun with English;
- practice their English by making friends, reading books, going to movies, watching
(American) TV, or volunteering in the community.
Important Dates and Holidays this Semester
IEP classes begin
MLK Day (HCC is closed)
Official Date of Record
President’s Day (HCC is closed)
Spring Break (HCC is closed)
Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals
Last Day of Classes
Final Examinations
Semester ends
January 14
January 21
January 28
February 18
March 11-17
April 1
May 2
May 6-9
May 12
4
16-WEEK COURSE CALENDAR – Beginning Writing
Week 1
1/14- 17
Week 2
1/21- 24
Week 3
1/28- 31
Week 4
2/4- 7
Week 5
2/11- 14
Week 6
2/18- 21
Week 7
2/25- 28
Week 8
3/4- 7
Week 9
3/18- 21
Week 10
3/25- 28
Week 11
4/1- 4
Week 12
4/8- 11
Week 13
4/15- 18
Week 14
4/22- 25
Week 15
4/29- 5/2
Week 16
5/6- 9
Orientation, introductions, diagnostic writing
Chapter 1: Introducing Yourself
Journal 1
Chapter 2: Describe your Morning Routine
In-Class Composition #1
Journal 2
Chapter 3: Every Picture Tells a Story
Chapter4: Saturdays
In-Class Composition #2
Journal 3
Chapter 5: What’s Going On?
In-Class Composition #3
Journal 4
Midterm Report
Chapter 6: Your Hometown
Chapter 7: Remembering an Important Day
Journal 5
In-Class Composition #4
Chapter 8: Memories of a Trip
Journal 6
In-Class Composition #5
Chapter 9: Looking Ahead
Journal 7
Review
Final Examination
(The instructor may change this calendar if necessary)
HCC Grading Scale
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% =C
ESOL 0343 Grading Formula
In-Class Compositions (5)
Quizzes (5)
Journals (7), Attendance, Participation
Final Examination
Below 70% = IP or F (not passing)
45%
15%
20%
20%
100%
5