Department: Modern Languages
Class: ELL 101 (3 Credit Hours)
Course Title: English for Academic Purposes
Meeting Times: Tuesday/Thursday 12:00-1:50 PM
Instructor: Amy Burden
Office: Jennings 106
by appointment as necessary
E-mail: aburden@mc.edu
Phone: 601-925-3270
I.
Office Hours: T/TR 9:15-10:30 or
Course Description
This course will contain a review of academic communication skills and an introduction to research
through an American culture frame of reference. The student will study the elements of academic
communication through classroom conversation and discussion, classroom lecture analysis, and
research writing and presentation. This course is designed to provide practical skills for classroom
instruction, such as independent learning and goal setting.
II.
Rationale
This course will enable you to improve your English communication skills in an academic setting. The
course consists of discussions, lectures, readings, in-class writing exercises, and the composition and
presentation of a Reflection Essay. Instruction will focus on improving study skills and habits, selfmonitoring, and goal setting within an American culture frame of reference.
III.
Student Objectives and Outcomes
The student will learn to:
1) Be aware of and appreciate cultural differences
2) Understand the dynamics involved in cross-cultural communication.
3) Learn to communicate effectively in English in a cross-cultural and academic environment
4) Learn to analyze academic lectures and readings
5) Learn to research and present an academic topic and understand the ethical dimensions of
research and writing
6) Develop interpersonal and study skills
IV.
Requirements
The student will be expected to:
1) Be present and on time for all classes – 15 minutes late will count as 1 absence. Late by even 1
minute can count as a tardy. 3 tardies are 1 absence.
2) Complete all assignments as expected – Assignments MUST be handed in at the given TIME and
DATE for acceptance. In rare circumstances will I allow emailed assignments at a later time.
3) Participate in all classroom activities – if you don’t bring your book, you will be counted absent.
If you don’t take notes or I catch you on your phone, you will receive a lowered participation
score. Participation/ attendance=10% of final grade.
V.
Academic Integrity
Dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, will be regarded as a serious offense subject to severe
penalty, including, but not limited to, loss of credit and possible dismissal. See the 2009-2010
Mississippi College Student Handbook or University Policy 2.19 for specific information regarding
penalties associated with dishonest behavior at Mississippi College.
VI.
Course Content
Course content will be drawn from textbooks, in-class activities, homework, and lecture.
1) Study skills journal to include a list of benchmark communication and academic classroom
goals.
2) The research process
3) APA formatting
4) Plagiarism
5) Research project, consisting of a presentation
VII.
Methods of Instruction
The teacher will provide explanations of concepts while students practice them in small groups or in
pairs. Students will interact with one another in class as well as working on outside projects.
VIII. Evaluation
A. Evaluation is based on:
 Adherence to class policy
 Class attendance and participation in class discussions
 Assignments projects (includes oral and written participation)
 Satisfactory and timely completion of written (homework) assignments**
B. Grade Determination
1) Quizzes %20
2) HOMEWORK %20
3) Attendance/Class Participation %10
4) My Portfolio Research Project: %50
 Section 1 (%10)
 Section 2 (%20)
 Section 3 (%20)
C. Undergraduate Grading Scale
90-100
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69
D
Below 60
F
IX.
Attendance Policy
 The student is expected to attend classes and to complete all work required for the course. There
are 16 classes and one final exam class.
 In accordance with the MC General Bulletin, absences totaling 25% or more (4 absences) will result
in no course credit. If a student is unable to attend class, he or she should notify the teacher by email BEFORE the class meets. In order for the absence to be excused, the student must present a
doctor’s excuse or receive confirmation from the teacher that the absence is excused. All
work must be completed, even if you have an excused absence (See the “Make-up Policy”
below).
 3 tardies will be counted as an absence.
 Failure to bring book to class will count as an absence.
X.
Make-up Policy
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XI.
Deadlines for all assignments will be clearly announced, so no work will be accepted
late or in the wrong format. ON TIME=the day stated and the TIME stated.
If you miss class for a college activity/class activity, you should complete My work
EARLY, via email or handed in in class.
If you are sick, email a picture of your finished assignment BEFORE class.
If there is some extenuating circumstance that prevents you from getting the work in
ahead of time or on time, the teacher will decide whether to accept the work or not.
Support Services
Disabilities: Students should immediately inform the instructor of any disabilities that might require
special arrangements to maximize their learning and participation in the class.
Disabilities under the ADA are categorized as physical, mental, and learning disabilities. In order for a
student to receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
he or she must schedule an individual meeting with the Director of Student Counseling Services
immediately upon recognition of their disability (if their disability is known they must come in before
the semester begins or make an appointment immediately upon receipt of their syllabi for the new
semester). The student must bring with them written documentation from a medical physician and/or
licensed clinician that verifies their disability. If the student has received prior accommodations, they
must bring written documentation of those accommodations (example Individualized Education Plan
from the school system). Documentation must be current (within 3 years). The student must meet with
SCS face-to face and also attend two (2) additional follow up meetings (one mid semester before or
after midterm examinations and the last one at the end of the semester). Please note that the student
may also schedule additional meetings as needed for support through SCS as they work with their
professor throughout the semester. Note: Students must come in each semester to complete their
Individualized Accommodation Plan (example: MC student completes fall semester IAP plan and even if
student is a continuing student for the spring semester they must come in again to complete their
spring semester IAP plan). Student Counseling Services is located in Alumni Hall Room #4 or they may
be contacted by phone at 601-925-7790.