COURSE SYLLABUS
Developmental Reading - DVR 0051
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 develops basic reading skills in vocabulary, comprehension, and study skills
according to the individual needs of each student. Emphasis is placed on using phonics and
structure to analyze unfamiliar words, acquiring general vocabulary through context clues and
affixes, and comprehending sentences and paragraphs through main ideas, details, inferences
and opinions. DVR 0051 consists of the equivalent of forty-five 50-minute class sessions and
thirty 50-minute supervised laboratory sessions. After successfully completing DVR 0051 with
a grade of A, B, or C, students will enroll in DVR 0061.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.
use context clues and word analysis to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words
2.
recognize and identify main ideas
3.
recognize and locate supporting details
4.
draw conclusions and generalizations from what is read
5.
identify transitions and patterns of organization
6. evaluate reading materials for basic elements of critical reading and thinking
7. find material in the library
TEXTBOOKS:
1) Essential Reading Skills, 3rd edition, 2007, by Kathleen T. McWhorter
2)
Building Vocabulary Skills, Short Version, 4th edition, 2010, by Sherrie Nist
RANGE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MODES & STRATEGIES:
1.
Individual Conferences:
Each instructor will hold individual conferences with his/her
students to determine their needs and to evaluate progress as
needed.
2.
Laboratory Work:
Laboratory work will be geared to the individual needs of
each student. Tutoring sessions may be counted as lab time.
3.
Small Group Instruction:
Small group instruction will be geared to the specific needs of
a group.
4.
Large Group Instruction:
The instructor will work with the entire class on vocabulary
development, comprehension, and study skills.
LABORATORY REQUIREMENT:
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.
2.
As a part of class instruction, students may also be required to attend one or more lab
sessions during class time. The instructor will assign material for each student; however,
this work does not satisfy the departmental lab requirement as stated above.
3.
Time spent in tutoring will count toward lab hours if a tutoring form, signed by the tutor,
is submitted to the instructor.
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EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE:
Minimum and, where applicable, maximum departmental criteria.
1.
Class attendance is required; erratic attendance will almost certainly lead to failure.
2.
Students will be evaluated on their ability to function within the “expected course
outcomes” (see first page) with at least 70% comprehension (passing score) on all
assignments and tests of skills in classroom and lab.
3.
Students must complete the required lab hours (1500 minutes or 25 clock hours).
TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE: Reading tutors are often available; ask your instructor about
availability and location. Instructors often recommend tutorial assistance to alleviate students’
reading difficulties.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students requesting academic accommodations are required
to contact the Disability Support Services Office (B-124) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301)
322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations. Students with
documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructor at the
beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/ Faculty Accommodation Form.
EXPLANATION OF FINAL GRADES:
A
B
C
F
At the end of the course, a student will earn one of these grades:
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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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 Hall, Room 100: (301) 322-0147
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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