Course Title: Developmental Reading I
Instructor: Cornett Tisdel
Phone Number: 7137186070
Course Number: GUST 0341 –8 weekTerm
Email: cornett.tisdel@hccs.edu
Class Section:
78416
Day and Time:
Office Location: J.W.Whiteley Bldg.
2:00-4:00P
Monday-Thursday
Office Hours:
Semester: Spring 2011
4:00-5:00 Monday-Thursday
By Appointment Only
Total Contact Hours: 64 (3 credits)
Course Length: 8 weeks
Type of Instruction: In Person
Course Description: College Reading I is designed to address the developmental reader’s need for direct
instruction in basic 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 reading critically while, making
informed decisions about that information. Credit 3: (3 lecture, 1 Lab)
Textbook:
Adams, W. Royce and Becky Patterson. Developing Reading Versatility. Eleventh Edition.
Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2011.
Note: You should purchase a new textbook: used textbooks are highly discouraged. A used textbooks is
permissible IF it does not have answers to the exercises; books with answered exercises are counterproductive
to improving your reading skills.
Materials:
At least seven Scantron answer sheets (available in the bookstore), paper, pens dictionary,
notebook and/or folder (for class notes, assignments, and handouts).
Course Goals:
In this course, there is a strong emphasis on reading and thinking skill. This course is designed to teach students
to analyze materials thoroughly, synthesize materials from various sources and apply this information to their
reading.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
1. Identify main ideas and supporting details in readings.
2. Organize information.
3. Define words in context.
4. Develop stronger oral communication skills.
5. Improve and develop stronger critical thinking skills.
6. Develop stronger problem solving skills.
7. Develop cooperative learning skills.
8. Gain technological proficiency.
9. Prepare for and take test successfully.
10. Read textbooks with improved retention.
11. Locate and utilize a variety of library services and resource materials.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1.
Acquire vocabulary.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
1.a
Apply context clues to determine the meaning of words and phrases.
1.b
Delineate the meaning of figurative language.
2.
Identify main and supporting details.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
2.a
Show stated and implied main ideas and supporting details in written material.
2.b
Show a writer’s purpose, intended audience, viewpoint, tone, and intended meaning.
2.c
Describe the relationship of ideas in written material.
3.
Identify relationships in a reading selection.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
3.a
Show inferences.
3.b
Identify conclusions.
3.c
Describe various perspectives on an issue.
3.d
Acquire problem solving methods.
4.
Develop reading retention skills.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
4.a
Determine assumptions underlying a writer’s argument.
4.b
Show the reasoning in a writer’s argument.
4.c
Calculate the overall logic and credibility of a writer’s argument.
4.d
Show fallacies.
5.
Acquire communication and learning skills.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
5.a
Prepare outlines.
5.b
Acquire note taking skills.
5.c
Delineate visual aids.
5.d
Apply written directions.
5.e
Produce a summary of reading assignments.
6.
Exhibit use of the college library for academic research.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
6.a
Acquire technical, organizational, and testing skills.
6.b
Develop technological proficiency.
6.c
Organize information.
6.d
Prepare for and exhibit test taking skills successfully.
7.
Develop critical thinking skills.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not limited to:
7.a
Draw an analysis of the relationship of ideas in a written material.
7.b
Make inferences and generate conclusions.
7.c
Illustrate various perspectives on an issue.
7.d
Employ problem solving methods.
7.e
Determine assumptions underlying a writer’s argument.
7.f
Determine the overall logic and credibility of a writer’s argument.
7.g
Determine fallacies.
Tutoring Help: www.hccs.askonline.net
Reading Tutoring-Central College
Monday and Wednesday _________________ Professor Sharon Leifeste
Tuesday and Thursday
__________________ Professor Annie Tsui
Complete homework assignments before coming to class. In general, you should plan to spend 2 hours studying
outside of class for every hour spent in class. Late homework assignments are not accepted.
It will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes deemed necessary in order to meet the learning
outcomes of the course. Students will be notified in writing of any change.
GUST 0341 Developmental Reading I Course Syllabus
Sessions
Activities
WEEK ONE
Introduction to GUST 0341
(Be sure to review the “Important Notes” at the end of this calendar)
Review the “Preface” p. xi-xii &“To the student” p. xv-xvi in the textbook
Nelson-Denny Reading Pre-Test
(Comprehension-20 minutes & minutes & Vocabulary- 15 minutes- bring 2 Scantrons and pencils)
Introduction to PLATO
software program used for the lab component of the course).
Note: Your lab grade for this part of the course may be based on either or both of the following criteria:


Assignments:
week)
Grades which you earn on the Activities and/or Post-Activities of this program
The amount of time you spend working on the program (minimum of one hour per
ASSIGNMENTS ARE ALWAYS FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK
Read the introduction to Unit 1: “Literal Comprehension,” pg. 1-4
Read Chapter 1 “Developing Vocabulary Skills:” Parts A & B (“Learning New Words” & “Learning
Words in Context”) pg. 5-23, and complete exercises as assigned.
Begin studying in the World Parts Handout supplied by your instructor.
WEEK TWO
Introduction to Unit 1: “Literal Comprehension” pg. 1-4
Chapter 1 Parts A & B (“Learning New Words” & “Learning Words in Context”) pg. 5-23
Word Parts Handout (supplied by your instructor)
Assignments:
Read Chapter 1 “Developing Vocabulary Skills” parts C, D & E (“Learning Word Parts and
Structure," “Learning Dictionary Skills” & “Putting It All Together”) pg. 23-47, and complete
exercises as assigned.
Continue studying the Word Parts Handout.
WEEK THREE
Chapter 1 Parts C, D & E (“Learning Word Parts and Structure,” “Learning Dictionary Skills” & “Putting It
All Together”) pg. 23-47
Word Parts Handout
Assignments:
Read Chapter 2 “Developing Literal Recall:” Parts A & B (“Finding the Topic,” “Main Idea, and
Supporting Details” & “Reading for Main Ideas: Paragraph Patterns “) pg. 58-93, and complete
exercise as assigned.
Continue studying the Word Parts Handout.
WEEK FOUR
Chapter 2 Parts A & B (“Finding the Topic, Main Idea, and Supporting Details” & “Reading for Main
Ideas: Paragraph Patterns”) pg. 58-93
Word Parts Handout
Assignments:
Read Chapter 2 “Developing Literal Recall:” Parts C, D, E & F (“Finding an Author’s Thesis,”
“Summarizing as a Way to Test Your Understanding,” “Flexible Reading Rates” & “Putting It All
Together”) pg. 94-96 & 99-110 and complete exercise as assigned.
Read Chapter 3 “Developing Study Reading Strategies” Parts F (“Scanning Graphic Aids”) pg. 150158
Complete studying the Word Parts Handout.
WEEK FIVE
Chapter 2 Parts C, D, E & F (“Finding an Author’s Thesis,” “Summarizing as a Way to Test Your
Understanding,” “Flexible Reading Rates” & “Putting It All Together”) pg. 94-96 & 99-110
Chapter 3 Part F (“Scanning Graphic Aids”) pg. 150-158
Assignments:
Study for Major Test #1 which will cover:



WEEK SIX
Assignments:
Chapters 1&2, and Ch. 3 Part F
Word Parts Handout
Vocabulary from the Vocabulary Checks in the “Putting It All Together” sections at the end of
Chapter 1, 2 & 3
Major Test #1 ( Bring a Scantron answer sheet and pencil and STUDY!!!)
Read the introduction to Unit 2: “Critical Comprehension,” pg. 163-165
Read Chapter 4 “Distinguishing Fact From Opinion” Parts A & B (“Fact Finding” & “Reading
Opinions of Others”) pg. 166-172 & 176-181, and complete exercise as assigned.
WEEK SEVEN
Introduction to Unit 2: “Critical Comprehension,” pg. 163-165
Chapter 4 Parts A & B (“Fact Finding” &”Reading Opinions of Others”) pg. 166-172 & 176-181
Assignments:
WEEK EIGHT
Read Chapter 4 Parts C & D (“Detecting Propaganda” & “Putting It All Together”) pg. 187-205, and
complete exercise as assigned.
Chapter 4 Parts C&D (“Detecting Propaganda” & Putting It All Together”) pg 187-205
Note: This week marks the middle of the semester: Midterm! (but we will not have a midterm exam)
Assignments
Read Chapter 5 “Recognizing Tone, Figurative Language, and Point of View”: Parts A & B
(Recognizing Intent, Attitude, and Tone” & “Recognizing Figurative Language”) pg. 210-214 & 216221 (stop at “e” on p. 221), and complete exercises assigned.
WEEK NINE
Chapter 5 Parts A & B (Recognizing Intent, Attitude, and Tone” & “Recognizing Figurative
Language”) pg. 210-214 & 216-221 (stop at “e” on p. 221
Assignments
Read Chapter 5 “Recognizing Tone, Figurative Language, and Point Of View: Parts C & D
(“Comparing Biased Points of View” & “Putting It All Together”) pg. 227-237, and complete
exercises as assigned.
WEEK TEN
Chapter 5 Parts C & D (“Comparing Biased Points of View” & “Putting It All Together”) pg. 227237
Assignments
Read Chapter 6 “Recognizing Inferences, Drawing Conclusions, and Evaluating Arguments:” Parts A
& B (“Recognizing Inferences & Recognizing Inferences and Facts”) pg. 259-269 and complete
pages as assigned.
WEEK ELEVEN
Chapter 6 Parts A&B (“Recognizing Inferences “& “Recognizing Inferences and Facts”) pg. 259-269
Assignments
Read Chapter 6 “Recognizing Inferences, Drawing Conclusions, and Evaluating Arguments”: Parts C
& D (“Drawing Conclusions Using Induction & Deduction” & “Putting it All Together”) pg. 274-283
& 296-29, and complete exercises assigned.
WEEK TWELVE
Chapter 6 Parts C& D (“Drawing Conclusion Using Induction & Deduction” & “Putting it All
Together”) pg. 274-283 & 296-299
Assignments:
Study for Major Test# 2 which will cover
Chapters 4, 5, & 6
Vocabulary from the Vocabulary Checks in the “Putting It All Together” sections at the end of
Chapters 4, 5, & 6 (bring a Scantron and pencils).
WEEK THIRTEEN
Major Test #2 (bring a Scantron answer sheet and pencils and STUDY!!!!)
Assignments:
Go to lab first next week to get your permission slip for the COMPASSS Test (re-test). Arrive five or
ten minutes before class begins so that you can be at the Testing Dept. at the beginning of class.
WEEK FOURTEEN
COMPASS Re-test (test will take place in the Testing Dept. : 2nd floor LHSB)
Assignments:
Bring two Scantrons answer sheets and pencils for the Nelson-Denny Posttest and begin studying for
the Final Exam.
WEEK FIFTEEN
Nelson-Denny Reading Posttest (bring two Scantrons and pencils and arrive on time)
Review for the Final Exam & Last Lab day
Assignments
Study for the Department Final Exam which will cover:
 Chapters 1-6
 Word Parts Handout (note: NO vocabulary lists!)
WEEK SIXTEEN
FINAL EXAM (Date:
/
/
Time:
:
(Note: your class will meet only one time on one day during this week. Check with your instructor
the exact day and time of your class’s final exam You will have (2) hours to complete this exam.
Final Exam Week: May 9-15, 2011

If it appears that you need additional assistance in this class, your instructor will recommend that you
talk to the academic advisors (located on the second floor of LHSB) via the Recommendation for
Assistance Form. If an advisor contacts you, please be aware that he or she is doing so only to help, by
offering more options that will enable you to succeed academically. We want you to afford you every
opportunity to successfully complete this and all other classes at the college.

Bring a dictionary to each class/lab session.

HCCS policy does not allow students to bring their children to class under any circumstance. If you find
that you need care for your child, you will have to use one of your allotted absences.

Cellular phones create annoying and unnecessary interruptions during class. Please turn them off,
switch them to vibrate, or leave them at home. Talking on the phone and text messaging in class are
strictly forbidden. Do not use your cell phone in the classroom or in the lab: don’t even them appear on
your desk.

These guidelines will be followed for determining your final grade:
o Attendance
0 absences = 100%, 1 absences = 90%, 2 absences = 85%
3 absences = 75%, 4 absences = 70%, 5 absences =60%
o Average of Chapter Tests
o Department Final Exam
o Instructor’s Choice
From two or more of the following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Graded homework assignments
THEA preparation exercises
Vocabulary lists/ exercises
Short story project
10%
30%
20%
40%
5.
6.
7.
8.
In class exercises
Reading journal
Novel project
Quizzes
Grading Scale: The grading system for HCCS student developmental courses is as follows:
90 - 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
0 – 69 = IP*
*NOTE:
If you receive and IP, you must repeat GUST 0341. You can receive an IP only once
developmental class! The second time you take this course or any other developmental course, a grade of D or
F will be assigned for averages below 70%.
American Disabilities Act Policy
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. Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are
encouraged to report to Room 106, Learning Hub/Science Building (LHSB) or call (713) 718-6164 to
make necessary arrangements. www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student Support column,
select the Disability Services link for further information.
●Academic Honesty Policy
Academic dishonesty (cheating of any kind) is a serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly. If a student
copies sentences from another person's work without giving credit to the writer by naming the writer as the
source of the ideas and words, it is called "plagiarism." This is a serious offense in American colleges, and it is
unacceptable. Academic honesty is expected of all college students. Any homework, journal entry or
composition that is not a student's own work will be given a grade of 0. The student may receive an F for the
course when plagiarism occurs repeatedly. http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student
Support column, select the Student Handbook link for further information (reference pgs. 34 - 36.)
●Attendance Policy
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. Parking is a continuous problem, so leave early for class and avoid
excessive absences. H.C.C.S. policy states that you can be withdrawn by your instructor after missing
12.5% of the course; in this course that is equal to 8 hours (3 classes) of absence for the semester. A
student who is withdrawn from a class for excessive absences will receive a grade of “W” by the
student/administrative withdrawal date. This is not negotiable and cannot be changed for a letter grade. A
student who is withdrawn from a required developmental course will also be withdrawn from all other courses
during that semester. Students on Financial Aid could forfeit their Financial Aid and F1 students (international)
be out of compliance and have their F1 status revoked. These are serious consequences, and it is the student’s
responsibility to maintain required attendance. Check with your instructor about specific attendance policies.
●Six Drop Rule http://imc02.hccs.edu/gcac/drop.htm
Important information you need to know about dropping courses. Effective 2007, section 51.907 of the Texas
Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman students who enroll in a Texas public institution of
higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or thereafter. High school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual
Credit and Early College are waived from this requirement until they graduate from high school. Based on this
law, HCC or any other Texas Public institution of higher education may not permit students to drop after
the official day of record more than six college level credit courses for unacceptable reasons during their
entire undergraduate career.
●Third Attempt Enrollment Information
Houston Community College charges a higher tuition to students who are registering for a class for the third or
subsequent time. www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student Support column, select Admissions &
Records link, then Third Attempt Enrollment for further information.
●Withdrawal Deadline
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, BY 4:30PM
After the official date of record and prior to the last day for student or administrative* withdrawal, a final grade
of “W” will be recorded on your transcript. YOU must take the responsibility to withdraw from the class. Do
NOT depend upon your professor to do it for you. If you do not officially withdraw from this course, you will
earn an “F” for the course.
(*At the instructor’s discretion, he/she have the option to withdraw students for excessive absences before the
official withdrawal date.)
●Other Important Notes
Cellular phones and pagers create annoying and unnecessary interruptions during class. Please switch them to
vibrate. No laptops will be used during class sessions unless agreed upon by the instructor. Also, no text
messaging or listening to mp3 players will be allowed.
According to the Texas Education Code 37.123:
“No person or groups of persons acting in concert may willfully engage in disruptive activities or disrupt a
lawful assembly on the campus or property of any private or public school or institution of higher education or
public vocational and technical school or institute.” Hindering other students' learning or deterring an instructor
from effective teaching will not be tolerated. The student who is unprepared, sleeps in class, or is disruptive
will be asked to leave the class and be counted absent. http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the
Student Support column, select Student Handbook for further information (reference Disruptive Behavior pgs.
35-37).
It will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes deemed necessary in order to meet the learning
outcomes of the course. Students will be notified in writing of any change.

As part of the state of Texas’ THEA requirements, you will be-taking/taking the COMPASS test at the
end of the semester. If you received a scaled (not percentage) score of 81 nor above, you will not have
to enroll in GUST 0342 and you will have satisfied the state’s reading requirements. If you receive a
scaled score of 79 or below, you must enroll in GUST 0342 next semester.

Above all, throughout this semester you should keep in mind that the primary objective of this class is to
improve your reading comprehension skills in an effort to help you better understand, remember,
evaluate and analyze the information that you will be reading in the college-level courses which follow.
Reading is other one activity that will predominate most of your college work, and, and the more
successful your college studies will be.

IMPORTANT DATES:
These are the dates that the campus is closed for a holiday.
Presidents Day- Monday, February 21, 2011
Spring Break- March 14- 20, 2011
Easter- April 22-24, 2011

LAST DAY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OR STUDENT WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT
RECEIVING A GRADE IS THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST , BY 4:30PM
“W” Notation on Transcript