COURSE SYLLABUS
DVR 0061 - College Reading & Study Skills
Course Title and Number
Mirian Torain
Department Chair
Developmental English/Reading
M- 2145 (301) 583-5259
August 2010
Date Revised
Dr. Beverly Reed
Dean
Learning Foundations
M- 2118 (301) 322-0495
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
0 credit (4 EHs)
This course is designed specifically to improve skills in vocabulary, comprehension rate, and
study techniques. Application of these skills will enable students to become more effective
and efficient readers of their college textbooks. DVR 0061 consists of the equivalent of fortyfive
50-minute class sessions, and thirty 50-minute supervised laboratory sessions or documented
tutoring sessions. After successfully completing DVR 0061 with a grade of A, B, or C, students
are eligible to enroll in credit courses that require a reading prerequisite.
Please Note: If your college placement writing score placed you in DLS 0031, DVE 0011, or
English 1000, you must successfully complete the course(s) before you can take English 1010.
The reading prerequisite (completion of reading at the 0061 level) must be satisfied before you
take English 1010.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.
identify the meaning of the unknown words using context clues and/or word
analysis/structure.
2.
identify or infer the main (central) idea and topic of a reading selection;
3.
identify the major supporting details essential to the development of the central idea;
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4.
draw conclusions and infer meanings from reading selections;
5.
analyze a reading selection for elements of critical reading and thinking (purpose, point of
view, tone, fact or opinion, valid/invalid arguments, etc);
use the SQ3R method to
6.
a) annotate a reading selection
b) outline a reading selection
c) summarize a reading selection
7. employ test-taking strategies
8. identify transitions and patterns of organization
TEXTBOOKS: College Reading and Study Skills, Eleventh edition, 2010, by Kathleen T.
McWhorter
Improving Vocabulary Skills, Short Version, Third edition 3/e, 2002,
by Sherrie Nist & Carole Mohr
PREREQUISITE: College Placement test score into DVR 0061 or successful completion of
DVR 0051.
RANGE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MODES & STRATEGIES:
1.
Lecture and Large Group Discussion: During these periods the instructor will work with
the entire class explaining general topics. These sessions will be keyed to the units in the
textbooks. Students will be expected to have completed the appropriate unit for that
class period. A student should check his/her copy of the "Semester Course Outline" for
dates.
2.
Small Group Discussion: From time to time, the instructor will work with a small group of
class members. The group will be composed of students who need to work on 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 class members will depend upon individual needs.
4.
Laboratory work will be geared to the individual needs of the student. Tutoring sessions
may be counted as lab time.
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5.
Student-Instructor Conferences: Each instructor will hold individual conferences with
his/her students. During the conference the instructor will review the progress that each
student has made. The conference period is designed so that each student will know
his/her status as far as progress is concerned, so that he/she can work towards
completion of the expected course outcomes.
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 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.
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 page 1) with at least 70% comprehension (the 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).
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.
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EXPLANATION OF FINAL GRADES:
At the end of the course, a student will earn one of these 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.
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, friends)
4.
Cellular phones must be turned off or put on vibrator 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 C: (301) 322-0090 or 0147
(www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/student_assessment_services.htm)
LIBRARY
(www.pgcc.edu/library)
Accokeek Hall
Circulation Services: (301) 322- 0475
Reference Services: (301) 322- 0476
CAMPUS BOOKSTORE
(www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.htm)
Largo Student Center, Room 116: (301) 322- 0912
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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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