OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
Course
No.
Course Name
EGL
071
Academic Reading & Study
Skills for the Non-Native
Speaker I
Credit
3
Lecture
3
Lab
0
Prerequisite:
Placement into EGL 071 on the college’s reading placement test
III.
Course (Catalog) Description:
High beginning course in reading and study skills for students whose first or primary
language is not English. Course focuses on preparing second language students to take
courses for college credit. EGL 071 is a mandatory course.
IV.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
comprehend English language textbooks at the advanced-beginning level.
identify and use basic test-taking strategies.
take notes on short reading passages.
take notes on mini-lectures.
understand and use basic English grammatical structures to improve reading
comprehension.
F. use passive and active vocabulary to understand and respond to short reading passages.
V.
Academic Integrity:
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate
academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:






cheating,
plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
helping others to cheat,
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
EGL 071 GENERIC SYLLABUS Revised 2010


making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s
policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against
you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the
assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of
the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI.
Outline of Topics:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
VII.
Determining the main idea in English texts
Scanning/skimming for information in short articles
Identifying grammatical structures to increase comprehension
Increasing background knowledge useful to non-native speakers of English
Using context to determine meanings of new English vocabulary
Identifying details that support the main idea
Using the bilingual and monolingual dictionary
Using affixes to determine meanings
Taking notes on textbook reading
Taking notes on short classroom lectures
Preparing for and taking tests in American colleges and universities
Methods of Instruction:
Course may be taught as a face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
VIII.
Homework reading selections and activities
In-class reading (some timed) and activities
Discussion of readings
Writings based on the readings
Lectures, films, small group work
Responding in writing to reading selections
Course Practices Required:
The Oakton Community College Catalog states:
Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status in
admission to and participation in its educational programs, College activities and
services, or employment practices. The College does not tolerate sexual harassment or
sexual assault by or of its students or employees.
EGL 071 GENERIC SYLLABUS Revised 2010
In keeping with this policy of tolerance and non-discrimination, in this class all of us
(myself included) should strive to:
-listen and give careful consideration to all ideas expressed in class, especially those that
are different from our own, without attacking or demeaning the people who hold those
views, and
-avoid using insulting terms or telling offensive jokes when talking to or about
individuals or groups.
IX.

Attendance Policy:

Late Assignments:

Outside Reading: The more you read in English, the faster your reading and
writing will improve. You should make sure that you spend several hours each
week reading material of your choice in English.

Extra Help:
Instructional Materials:
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton’s
Schedule of Classes.
Check with the Coordinator for current list of ESL reading texts.
X.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
Course placement for the next semester will be determined by a program-wide assessment
instrument.
Instructors will give a grade of Pass or Fail for the course based on:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
XI.
Informal evaluation based on classroom participation.
Responses to comprehension and vocabulary exercises based on reading selections.
The correct use of study skills.
Scores on quizzes and tests.
Pre and post testing in reading and vocabulary.
Other Course Information:
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be
entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request
accommodations or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the
EGL 071 GENERIC SYLLABUS Revised 2010
Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course
requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course
or degree program.
Effective beginning term: Fall 2013
Ending term:
Syllabus revised by
Date:
Amy Blumenthal
October 2010
Reviewed by Chair: Lynn Woodbury
Date: October 2010
Approval by Dean: Linda Korbel
Date: June 2013
EGL 071 GENERIC SYLLABUS Revised 2010