COURSE SYLLABUS
Developmental English - DVE 0011
Course Title and Number
August 2010
Date Revised
Mirian Torain
Department Chair
Developmental English/Reading
M- 2145 (301) 583-5259
Dr. Beverly Reed
Dean
Learning Foundations
M- 2118 (301) 322-0495
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
0 credit (4 EHs)
This course is designed to improve basic English skills and to familiarize students with the
fundamental principles of written communication. The course deals with two major areas:
grammar and writing. Emphasis will be placed on writing a clear, effective paragraph and on
the correction of individual weaknesses in sentence structure, grammar, and usage. DVE 0011
consists of the equivalent of forty-five 50-minute class sessions and thirty 50-minute
supervised laboratory sessions or documented tutoring sessions. After successfully
completing DVE 0011 with a grade of B or C, the student will enroll in EGL 1000. A student
who receives a grade of A will enroll in EGL 1010.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.
identify subjects and verbs
2.
identify correct forms of nouns, pronouns, adjectives and adverbs
3.
identify sentences according to structure
4.
make the subject and verb agree
5.
make the pronoun and antecedent agree
6.
write the correct tense and forms of verbs
7.
punctuate phrases, clauses, and sentences according to conventional rules; use standard forms of
verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs; and write a sentence that is not a fragment,
comma splice or run-on
8.
write an effective topic sentence
9.
select appropriate illustrations, details, or examples to develop the topic sentence
10.
organize the illustrations, details, or examples in paragraph form
11.
include transitional devices to achieve coherence within the paragraph
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12.
proofread a paragraph to eliminate common errors in usage and mechanics
(e.g., fragments, comma splices, run-on sentences, and/or misspellings)
13. compose original paragraphs that demonstrate critical thinking based on an assigned
reading/writing task
TEXTBOOK: Foundations for College Writing, 2010, by D.J. Henry, et al.
PREREQUISITE: College placement test (Accuplacer) score into DVE 0011 or successful
completion of DLS 0031.
RANGE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MODES & STRATEGIES:
1. Lecture and Large Group Discussion
During this period the instructor will work with the entire class, explaining general topics.
These sessions will be keyed to the "Composition Modules" in the student’s textbook. The
student will be expected to have completed the appropriate module for that class period.
The student should check his/her copy of the "Class Activities Outline" for dates.
2. Small Group Discussion
From time to time, the instructor will work with a small group of students who need help in
developing a particular skill.
3. Peer Teaching
The class may be divided so that the students can work in small groups or on a one-to-one
basis; the division of the class will depend on individual needs.
4. Student-Instructor Conferences
The instructor will hold a conference with each student. During the conference the
instructor will review the student’s progress and will help the student determine how
best to fulfill the criteria listed in “expected course outcomes” in this syllabus.
LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Each student is required to complete a minimum of thirty 50-minute supervised
laboratory sessions during the course of the semester. This is equivalent to 1500 minutes
or twenty-five clock hours. Fifteen of the twenty-five lab hours must be completed in the
Marlboro Learning Lab. The 10 remaining lab hours consist of supplemental graded
assignments given by the instructors which will be completed outside of the classroom
and the Learning Lab. The completed lab hours will constitute 20% of the student’s grade.
The due date is established and agreed upon by the entire Learning Foundations faculty
(English, Reading & Math). You will be informed of the exact date during the first week of
class. Completing the lab hours by the due date is a critical component for passing the
course.
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2.
During the laboratory period, the student will work on material required to improve his/her
writing skills. This may mean working with audio tapes, grammar review cards, videotapes
and/or computer materials. The work assigned may include revising papers, working with a
particular composition module, and/or using the computer to reinforce skills. This "lab
work" will be done in the Marlboro Learning Lab (M-2129).
3.
Time spent in tutoring will count toward the required lab hours if the student submits a tutoring
form, signed by the tutor, to the instructor.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE:
Minimum and where applicable, maximum departmental criteria.
Students are required to:
1.
attend class daily, a top priority; erratic attendance will almost certainly lead to failure.
2.
3.
pass all writing assignments with a minimum grade of “C.”
complete at least one writing assignment each week.
4.
earn a passing grade on at least seven writing assignments-three should be after midterm, with one revision allowed. Four of the assignments should originate “in class”.
5.
write at least one error free paragraph by the end of the semester.
6.
utilize assistance when so instructed.
7.
complete the required lab hours (1,500 minutes or 25 clock hours).
EXPLANATION OF FINAL GRADES:
The student will receive one of the following grades:
A
B
C
F
A student who receives an "A" grade has successfully met all criteria at the 90% level.
A student who receives a "B" grade has successfully met all criteria at the 80% level.
A student who receives a "C" grade has satisfactorily met all criteria at the 70% level.
A student who receives the grade "F" has not completed the course at a satisfactory
(70%) level and/or has not attended class regularly. The student must repeat the
course.
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STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Any student with a documented disability, including learning disabilities, that the student feels
may affect classroom performance should discuss the matter privately with the instructor at
the beginning of the semester so that reasonable accommodations can be made. It is also
recommended that the student visit the Disability Support Services Office in B-124 or call 301322-0838 (voice) or 301-322-0122 (TTY) for additional assistance with classes and campus
activities.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities
of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with
violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the
college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the
college’s function as an educational institution. Refer to the Student Handbook for a complete
explanation of the code of conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the
procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Arrive on time for class. The instructor cannot begin the planned lesson anew for each late
arrival. If you are late, quietly enter the class and take your seat. Arriving late frequently
can affect your successful completion of the course.
2. If the instructor is late, the class will be notified. If 20 minutes have gone by and the
instructor has not arrived, you may consider the class dismissed.
3. Do not bring visitors to class (relatives, children, and friends)
4. Cellular phones must be turned off or put on vibrator/silent mode.
5. Text messaging on cell phones is prohibited in class.
6. Eating or drinking is prohibited in the classroom.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: The college is an institution of higher learning that holds
academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community
expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of
honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic
achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest
representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning
process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the Student Handbook and
posted on the college’s website.
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COLLEGE RESOURCES AND SERVICES
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE
English tutors are available in the newly renovated Bladen Hall wing, Room 107. The
tutors (students or instructors) can help with any English problem, including overcoming
difficulties with writing assignments. Stop by or call (301) 322-0748 to make an appointment.
Instructors will often recommend tutorial assistance as a way to eliminate some problems in
writing and reading. Developmental English/Reading tutors may also be available. They will be
located, however, in M-2120, inside the Marlboro Learning Lab. Check with your instructor or
the Developmental English/Reading department chair for time, availability and policies.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT SERVICES CENTER
Student Assessment Services Center (Testing Center)
Bladen Wing, Room 100: (301) 322-0090
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/student_assessment_services.htm
LIBRARY
Accokeek Hall
Circulation Services: (301) 322-0475
Reference Services: (301) 322-0476
www.pgcc.edu/library
CAMPUS BOOKSTORE
Largo Student Center, Room 116: (301) 322-0912
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.htm
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EQUIVALENT HOURS (EHs)
1. What are Equivalent Hours (EHs)?
Equivalent Hours (EHs) is a method for documenting the completion of developmental
education courses and of weighing those courses with regard to their impact on course
load for enrollment purposes. One EH is defined as “at least 15 hours of participation in
an organized classroom experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction
and qualified instruction.” Therefore, to receive 4 EHs, a student must complete and
pass at least 60 hours of required class work.
2. What are some of the objectives of EHs?
a) To permit the accumulation, updating and transfer of individual’s academic record.
b) To encourage long-range educational goals, and lifelong learning as a process of
continuing education.
c) To make a pursuit of knowledge more attractive as a way of personal and
professional development.
d) To permit and encourage the typical adult student to utilize a host of educational
resources to serve his particular needs.
3. Are EHs awarded for Developmental courses? YES
A student can earn a maximum of 4 EHs by earning a passing grade for completion of a
developmental course in a single semester. Please refer to the syllabus for specific
requirements.
4. Do EHs satisfy graduation requirements? NO
EHs are not equivalent to graduation or transfer credits. However, EHs will appear on
the student’s transcript; this will indicate satisfactory participation in an organized
continuing education experience.
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