COURSE SYLLABUS
Advanced College Reading &
Study Skills – DVR 0071
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 fast-paced, accelerated course is designed to emphasize mastery of comprehension,
vocabulary, and study skills. These skills are essential for efficiently reading college textbooks
and materials. Topics in this course include critical reading, critical thinking, summarizing, and
paraphrasing. After successfully completing DVR 0071 with a grade of A, B, or C, students will
be eligible to enroll in credit courses with the reading prerequisite.

This course is reserved for students who have scored at least 70-78 on the
Accuplacer exam.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.
apply the Guided Reading Strategy to preview and organize before, during, and after
reading.
2
use SQ3R as a study and review technique.
3.
use contextual clues to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words.
4.
use a variety of strategies to learn new words.
5.
identify and write the topic, main idea, and supporting details of materials read.
6.
make an inference or conclusion from reading.
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paraphrase and summarize materials read.
8. apply elements of critical reading (distinguishing fact/opinion, evaluate ideas, recognize
the author’s purpose, recognize valid/invalid reasoning, bias and prejudice, and stereotypical
language etc.).
TEXTBOOKS:
1) Departmental packet to be distributed.
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.
Small Group Instruction:
Small group instruction will be geared to the specific needs of
a group.
3.
Large Group Instruction:
The instructor will work with the entire class on vocabulary
development, comprehension, and study skills.
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 a minimum grade of “C”.
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:
A
B
C
F
At the end of the course, a student will earn a grade of A, B, or C.
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.
Each instructor will provide the class with specific requirements for his/her class, a schedule of
office hours, and other pertinent information.
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. Attendance for each session is mandatory. 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.
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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.
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
Reference Services
www.pgcc.edu/library
CAMPUS BOOKSTORE
Largo Student Center, Room 116
www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.htm
(301) 322-0475
(301) 322-0476
(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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