OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GENERIC CLASS SYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
Course
Number
Course
Name
EGL
089
Academic Reading and
Study Skills for
Non-Native Speaker, IV
Credit
Lecture
Lab
3
0
3
Prerequisite:
Placement into EGL 089 the college’s reading placement test
III.
Course (Catalog) Description:
Advanced course in reading for students whose first or primary language is not English. Course focuses
on preparing second language students to take courses for college credit. Course develops successful
academic reading and study strategies for non-native speakers. Content includes vocabulary building,
identifying lexical and textbook structures, and applying critical reading skills to college-level material.
EGL 089 is a mandatory course.
IV.
Learning Objectives:
The student will learn to:
A. Preview, read, and review college-level textbook material
B. Identify main ideas and supporting details
C. Increase vocabulary and reading efficiency
D. Use knowledge of roots and prefixes to determine the meaning of new words
E. Increase reading speed and efficiency
F. Identify lexical and textbook structures
G. Infer and synthesize ideas
H. Summarize reading passages and articles
I. Identify and use effective strategies for test-taking and study-reading tasks
J. Apply critical reading skills to college level material.
K. Read, understand, and respond to at least two novels or complete non-fiction books.
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:
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
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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,
Generic Course Syllabus
EGL 089
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Page 2
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
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.
Sequence of Topics:
A. Determining the main idea in advanced reading material.
B. Recognizing rhetorical patterns in a variety of texts.
C. Scanning/skimming for information in longer authentic texts
D. Identifying grammatical structures to increase comprehension
E. Making inferences and generalizations
F. Annotating and note-taking
G. Using the Internet for college reading
H. Using context to determine meanings of new English vocabulary
I. Identifying details that support the main idea
J. Using the monolingual dictionary
K. Using knowledge of roots and prefixes to determine the meaning of new words
L. Taking notes on textbook reading - emphasis on variety of types of texts.
M. Preparing for tests and developing test-taking skills.
N. Using the library and the Learning Center.
O. Synthesizing ideas from more than one text
P. Reading, discussing, and writing about novels and/or non-fiction books.
VII.
Methods of Instruction:
Course may be taught as a face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
Lectures, discussion, individual, and small-group activities
VIII.
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.
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Generic Course Syllabus
EGL 089
Page 3
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.
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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 at least ten 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.
See listing for suggested textbooks.
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.
XI.
Responses to comprehension and vocabulary exercises based on reading selections
The correct use of study skills in the classroom
Pre and post testing in reading skills and vocabulary
Informal evaluation based on classroom participation
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 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.
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Generic Course Syllabus
EGL 089
Page 4
Effective beginning term: Fall 2013
Ending term:
Syllabus prepared by: Amy Blumenthal
Date:
Reviewed by Chair: Lynn Woodbury
Date: October 2010
Approval by Dean: Linda Korbel
Date: June 2013
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October 2010