ESOL 0360
Course Syllabus
Fall 2015
Instructor: Ms. Laura Sheehan
Email: laura.sheehan@hccs.edu
Office: Student Services, Rm.118
Office Hour: 11:30-12 p.m. TR
CRN #: 77049
Textbook and Supplies
Thinking Critically, 2nd edition, by Shulman (required)
ISBN: 978-0-472-03299-0 (University of Michigan Press)
an English collegiate dictionary (no bi-lingual dictionaries for classroom use)
a Thesaurus (recommended)
a flash or USB drive
loose-leaf notebook paper
a three-ring binder, with 4 divider sheets
two Blue Books (one for midterm & final exams + one for homework)
a highlighter marker + a red pen
a stapler
Course Goals
ESOL 0360 is the exit-level integrated Reading and Writing (INRW) class for
non-native speakers of English. This class, which used to be called ENGL 0349,
is equivalent to INRW 0420 for native speakers. After successful completion of
ESOL 0360, students may enroll in ENGL 1301 without further testing. This class
is scheduled to meet for 2.5 hours twice each class session, and it includes one
hour of “lab” work per week. In our class, lab work will be done in various ways:
in-class assignments, computer lab work, and EAGLE 2.0 online assignments.
ESOL 0360, the last class in the sequence of ESL courses in the Intensive
English (IEP) program, prepares non-native English speakers for ENGL 1301
and other core (academic) college courses. In ESOL 0360, students learn
advanced composition (comp) skills for writing in a variety of academic classes,
such as in the humanities and social sciences.
Specific course objectives include:
 comprehend and respond (orally and in writing) to various kinds of reading
assignments (essays, articles, web resources)
 write well-written 500-1000 word expository essays in response to reading
assignments
 use a variety of patterns of development (exemplification, description,
comparison/contrast, cause/effect, argumentation) to develop a thesis
 apply critical thinking skills to reading and writing
 edit written work for accurate grammar, spelling, and mechanics
(capitalization, punctuation)
 develop vocabulary
 recognize an author’s audience, purpose, and tone in writing
 demonstrate ability to paraphrase and summarize
 recognize APA and apply MLA style guidelines to cite sources (knowing when
to cite and why)
 demonstrate ability to complete a variety of writing tasks (journals, essays,
short-answer questions, class notes, grammar exercises)
Compositions/Essays (3 major papers + midterm and final essays)
There are three graded compositions (comps), a midterm essay, and a final
essay in this course. Much of the class time is arranged as a writing workshop in
which students practice a variety of writing assignments, discuss ideas, and
apply the writing process to address a topic for practice and for graded essays,
i.e. pre-write, draft, revise, and edit compositions, with assistance from
classmates and the instructor. At least one draft will be written before the final
draft of each major paper. However, only the final draft is graded, and students
typically do not revise further after turning in a comp. for a grade. All parts of the
writing process for each major essay are required to be kept in a manila folder,
called a portfolio (provided by your instructor), and turned in with the final draft.
Essay Format (following MLA guidelines)
Unless otherwise directed, students must type every final draft (except for the
midterm and final essays) in 12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced,
and identify the writer in the upper left corner of page 1 with the student’s name,
course + number, instructor’s name, date. For example:
Erin Smith
Prof. Sheehan
ESOL 0360
12 September 2015
E-Journal (Introduction entry + 5 Reader-Response entries)
Students will use EAGLE ONLINE to submit their journal writing. The journal is a
required part of the homework in this class. Each journal assignment is due by
Saturday of the week in which the topic is assigned. The topics and due dates
are listed on the course calendar and repeated inside a box at the end of the
course calendar. Length will vary, but in general, each journal response should
be between 250-300 words. No late journals are accepted. If the journal is not
posted by the time it is due, I will not count it for a grade. The format for
responding to journal topics # 2, 3, 4, and 5 is as follows:
1) summarize a reading passage (on the course calendar)
2) evaluate the reading by responding to a question that is posted on
Eagle
3) react to the reading by relating it to your own experience
It is important to correctly cite the article according to MLA guidelines. See the
directions and an example of a Reading Journal entry included in this syllabus.
Eagle 2.0 Online can be accessed via the following web address:
http://eo2.hccs.edu
First-time users should follow directions on the sign-in page to establish an
account.
Homework ( 10 textbook readings + 7 vocab exs. + 6 Journals )
Each week, students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the
readings listed on the course calendar. All reading assignments require students
to complete some preliminary vocabulary work to be written in a Blue Book.
When students come to class, they should be ready to contribute to a
conversation about the Discussion questions that follow each reading
assignment. Students will frequently meet in a small group to talk about the
Discussion questions. Students will take turns at leading the discussion during
group work. Use the format below for the Vocab Chart, which is always done
before you read the assignments on the course calendar. This type of vocabulary
assignment is intended to help students understand “word families” and the parts
of speech that will be needed when the time comes to use the target vocab.
Sample Vocab Chart
Negative Prefix
a-mal-in--
p. 6 (Glossary)
Noun
anonymity
malfeasance
X
Adjective
anonymous
malfeasant
indefensible
Verb
X
X
X
Adverb
anonymously
X
indefensibly
NOTE: You will receive a completion grade rather than a letter or number grade
for homework. Homework is an important requirement of this class. An average
homework load in ESOL 0360 is 1-2 hours for every hour in class. If you are
taking too many classes or working long hours at a job, you may not have time
to complete the homework, which will affect your learning and final grade in this
class. Please be prepared to devote enough time to this class.
Quizzes
Occasionally, a short quiz will cover the material from the reading assignments
on the course calendar. Most of the quizzes are unannounced. Therefore,
students should be prepared for a reading comprehension quiz on every reading
assignment. On the other hand, grammar and punctuation quizzes, which will
focus on specific language-use issues that affect most of the students in the
class, will be announced.
Computer Lab Time
This class will occasionally require work in a computer lab on writing
assignments and web resources.
In addition to lab work, three excellent websites for grammar review and practice
are recommended for students to use on their own, as needed:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/678/01/
www.englishpage.com
Use the teacher’s feedback on written work to search for topics online, e.g.
Commas
Verb Tenses
Conjunctions
Transitions
Fragments
Comma Splices
Subject-Verb Agreement
Capitalization
Clauses
Run-on Sentences
Quotations
Count Nouns
Midterm and Final Exams
The midterm and final exams consist of an impromptu essay based on the
reading assignments in this course. These essays will have a persuasive
purpose and are used, along with the other work done in this class, to determine
whether or not a student is ready for college credit English (1301). The combined
percentage “weight” for these essays is 35%, so it is important to pass these
exams in order to pass this course.
NOTE: the Final Essay must be taken on the date specified on the course
calendar. Please make any travel arrangements after final exams.
Texas Public Universities, Placement Rules
Beginning in the Fall 2003, the Texas legislature instituted new rules for
developmental students called the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Under TSI
rules, most new students must be tested for placement and placed into
developmental courses if they do not score high enough to demonstrate college
readiness. Effective Fall 2014, successful completion of ESOL 0360 satisfies the
TSI requirement for non-native English speakers.
Teacher’s Personal “Mission Statement”
I am here to help you complete the objectives of this course, to assist you in
developing your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, and to promote your
intellectual and academic growth. Please communicate with me about any
concerns or obstacles that might interfere with your success in our class.
Classroom Policies
Placement in ESOL 0360 is based on not only test scores and previous
coursework but also on the in-class assessment during the first week of the term.
A student whose writing skills indicate below-level proficiency for ESOL 0360 and
who has not completed the pre-requisite courses (Intensive English Level 4
reading, writing, and grammar) will be notified after writing the diagnostic essay
in the first week of the semester. These students may be asked to sign a Waiver.
 Regardless of the reason for an absence, an essay that is turned in after
the due date will receive a 10-point deduction for each class day that it is
late.
 Attendance Policy: students are expected to arrive on time to class. I will
mark you tardy if you arrive late 5 minutes or more after the scheduled
time to start class. If you leave at any time or return late from a break
during the class period, I will mark you absent for the time you miss. If you
are absent from class, you are responsible for contacting me about the
missed work.
NOTE: two tardies = one absence (or 2.5 hours, the equivalent of one
class period)
As stated in the HCC Student Handbook, all students are expected to attend
classes regularly. This policy applies to the lab work that constitutes one hour
of instruction each week in this course. Students must log into their Eagle
Online class and actively participate by completing the assignments as given
by the instructor or they will be counted as absent for one hour. For
example, if a journal is assigned to be submitted via Eagle and you do not
complete that assignment, you will be counted as absent for one hour of
instruction. Per HCC policy, the professor also has the authority to withdraw
a student for excessive absences, including failure to participate regularly
online. If you are in danger of being dropped for excessive absences, I will
alert you in advance.
 If necessary, students may miss up to 10 hours of instruction without
penalty. These 10 hours include the online lab component of the course.
 There are no make-up tests or quizzes, but I will drop the lowest test/quiz
grade for each student at the end of the semester. In other words, if you
miss a quiz, you will receive a “0” grade, but that 0 grade will be
dropped—once only.
 Unless the teacher permits electronic devices for specific assignments in
class, all cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off and out of
sight when the class is in session. If you have an emergency and must
have a phone handy, please tell me before class begins so that I can
advise you about how to handle your cell phone.
 In our class, talking out of turn or while students and the teacher are
talking, leaving the classroom during the lecture, eating during class, and
using a cell phone are considered to be disruptive. This kind of behavior
is unacceptable in a college classroom. After one reminder, you will be
asked to leave class.
 I reserve the right to dismiss you from class for any violation of my
classroom and the college’s policies (see the HCC Student Handbook).
College Grading System
Students may earn an A, B, C, F, or IP in this class. IP means “In Progress” and
is given to the student who makes a good-faith effort to complete the work of the
class but is not ready to advance to the next level and would benefit from another
semester in ESOL 0360. If a student receives an IP, he/she must repeat ESOL
0360. However, if the student is repeating ESOL 0360 (or the former class,
ENGL 0349) for the second time and not passing, the final grade will be F.
The W grade is given to the student who exceeds the allotted number of
absences (10 hours) before the last day for administrative withdrawals. The FX
grade is given to the student who stops attending after the last day for
administrative withdrawals and the student who exceeds 10 hours of absence
after the last day to withdraw. An F is given to the student who does not make a
good-faith effort to complete work in the class. Students are responsible for
completing the process to drop a class if you wish to stop attending. See
“Important Dates” --the Last Day to Withdraw--on the course calendar.
Tutoring and Writing Centers
You are encouraged to take advantage of the student services at your campus.
These include open computer labs, Writing Centers, and tutoring.
Face-to-face and online tutors are available to assist all HCC students with a
wide range of subjects. The Writing Center at West Loop is in room C-230. The
Writing Center at Stafford is on the 3rd floor of the Learning Hub. The website for
free online tutoring to HCC students is: www.askonline.net
Each campus has an open lab, where students can use a computer to work on
grammar software, online resources, and word processing. No appointment is
needed to use open lab; however, if a teacher schedules a class there while you
are visiting the lab, you might be asked to leave. NOTE: students must pay for all
copies in the open labs. Lab aides manage the labs and may assist you with
technical questions about using the computers and paying for printing.
ESOL 0360 Grading Formula
The final grade is calculated as follows:
Comps 1
Mid-term Essay
Final Exam
10%
15%
20%
Comps 2 & 3
Quizzes
Homework/Journal/EAGLE
30%
10%
15%
Developmental Studies / ESOL Course Grading Scale
90—100
A
70—79
C
80—89
B
60—69
IP or F
Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to do their own work. An instructor cannot help a student
unless she knows who has authored the assignment. Copying another person’s
words without giving credit to the source is considered cheating, and it is called
“plagiarism.” All other forms of cheating as defined by the Student Handbook are
penalized as plagiarism. A grade of “0” is given for ALL forms of academic
dishonesty that appear in ANY of the work done in this class.
You are expected to be familiar with the college’s Policy on scholastic
dishonesty, found in the HCC Student Handbook, which says:
Scholastic Dishonesty
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling
course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by
college district officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic
Dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or
“F” on the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or referral to the college Dean
of Student Services for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Students have
the right to appeal the decision (HCC Student Handbook 18)
In other words, if you are charged with an offense regarding academic
dishonesty, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are
responsible for conducting themselves appropriately. Penalties and/or
disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by HCC officials against a student
accused of academic dishonesty. Other examples of violations are:
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Copying from another student’s homework, test, or essay
Letting a classmate copy your homework, test, or essay
Using materials and resources not authorized by the instructor
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization
Using an unauthorized electronic device during a quiz or exam
Using an electronic translation website on a test or essay
Plagiarism means taking another person’s work and using it in one’s own written
work without properly citing the source of the information. Taking phrases,
sentences, and/or paragraphs from another person without giving credit to the
source of the ideas AND copying and pasting (e.g. from the Internet or another
student’s work) is plagiarism. This is a serious offense in an American college,
and your instructors consider plagiarism to be the same as stealing.
FORMAT for the ESOL 0360 Reading Journal
In this kind of journal, you will respond to a reading passage that is listed
on your course calendar. Each reading journal entry should include three (3)
parts with a summary, an evaluation, and a reaction paragraph. Use the following
questions as a guide to assist you with writing each paragraph of the journal.
Each journal entry will be about 250-300 words long.
Para. # 1--Summarize
1. Who is the author? What is the title of his/her article or essay?
2. What is the author’s main purpose for writing: to persuade? to entertain?
to inform ( i.e. educate or explain)?
3. Who is the target audience for the article or essay?
4. What is the author’s main idea? The thesis?
5. How does the author primarily support the main idea: by telling a story? by
describing? by using examples? by explaining causes/effects? by
comparing/contrasting? by supporting an argument?
Para. # 2—Evaluate—See the instructor’s questions (posted on Eagle 2.0) will
vary; some examples include:
1. What is an example of the author’s best (most effective, most memorable)
supporting detail? Why is it the best, in your opinion? Be specific. Include
at least one direct quotation from the reading as you support your opinion
(OR)
2. Has the writer successfully explained his or her main idea/thesis? Why or
why not? Be specific. Include at least one direct quotation from the reading
as you support your opinion.
Para. # 3--React
1. This section is extremely important to help you make connections between
reading and writing. We read what others have written to understand
ourselves better and to learn different points of view. As you read what
others have said, notice not only what they say but also how they say it.
Take the time to understand the author’s perspective on the topic and
think about how the author’s ideas relate to you (your life and experience
or observations). Caution: do not simply say that you don’t like or that you
agree with something. Be sure to explain your point of view.
________________________________________________________
Ima Sample
ESOL 0360
Example Reader-Response Journal
Gary Althen in “American Values and Assumptions” identifies and explains some
common cultural values for foreigners who do not know much about life in the United
States. He explains how Americans think and what they believe is important in life. The
author identifies nine values, such as individualism, competition, privacy, equality,
informality, the future change and progress, time, achievement, action, work and
materialism, and directness and assertiveness. Althen supports his main ideas by
describing American culture and providing good examples while contrasting cultures to
explain some of the values.
The description of individualism is the most effective part of Althen’s article. Not only
does Althen say that individualism is the foundation of all the other values, but he also
gives many supporting details to help readers understand it clearly. For example, he
explains individualism with a story about a mother in a mall with her son, who wanted an
Orange Julius. That example shows how Americans train their children at a very early
age to make decisions. Althen also says, “Americans are trained to conceive of
themselves as separate individuals, and they assume everyone else in the world is too
(“American Values and Assumptions 6). This explanation of individualism helps foreign
students understand how Americans behave.
I think that people in the U.S. deal with a lot of different cultures every day, and some
of us are still getting used to Americans. As a foreign student, I have to adjust to a lot of
cultural differences between America and my culture. As a result of Althen’s article, I
understand why many Americans are independent and informal, which confused me
when I first moved here. (about 250 words)
HCC Policy Addendum
Fall 2015
IMPORTANT NOTICE: 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 department chairs for the
improvement of instruction. Look for the survey on the Houston Community
College Student System online near the end of the term.
Developmental Courses and ENGL 1301: Student must satisfy TSI
requirements for developmental reading and writing in order to take ENGL 1301.
Grades – IP & W & FX: Students taking developmental courses may only
receive an In Progress (IP grade) one time for each 0-level course. The
instructor’s official class roll indicates with an asterisk next to the student’s name
when a student is repeating a course. The student must receive a letter grade
after the second attempt (A, B, C, or F). F-1 students are subject to the same
attendance and grading policies as all other students. F-1 students will be
dropped for excessive absences and receive W or FX.
Grade Reports: HCCS does not mail out grade reports. Students will get their
grades online by logging into the Student Sign-In page.
Attendance Policy: Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a
course for non-attendance, the instructor has full authority to drop a student for
excessive absences of more than 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including
lecture and laboratory time). Texas State Law requires students to complete
87.5% of hours of instruction in order to receive a grade. If students drop/are
dropped from developmental studies while they are taking college-level courses,
they will also be dropped from those college-level courses.
American Disabilities Act and ADA Compliance: HCCS is compliant with the
ADA and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. “Any student with a
documented disability (e. g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability
Service Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester.
Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the
Disability Support Services Office.” The Disability Services Office number for
Southwest College is 713-718-7910. Dr. Becky Hauri is the ADA contact
counselor.
Sexual Harassment: 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
guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47).
Tuition Payment: Students who use the installment plan or receive financial aid
are responsible for making sure all of their fees are paid. Students will be
dropped for non-payment of tuition. The cost for reinstatement is $75.
Access to Course Materials Online: A copy of this syllabus and other course
materials are accessible on your instructor’s HCC Learning Web page and on
the Eagle Online account that is connected to this course.
Faculty Learning Web>>>> http://learning.hccs.edu/
Eagle 2.0 online>>>>>>>> http://eo2.hccs.edu
(The course calendar will be handed out in class.)