Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Metropolitan Community College
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
Reading and Responding
SECTION:
ENGL 0950 4C
CREDIT HOURS:
4.5
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
08/31/2009—11/16/2009
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES: Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 PM—01:55 PM
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
October 31, 2009
CLASS LOCATION:
Building 10, Room 209
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
OFFICE LOCATION:
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
OFFICE HOURS:
Darin Jensen
Fort Omaha, Building 10, Room 202
457-2802
Monday through Thursday 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and by
appointment—I am here often, so please call
EMAIL ADDRESS:
dljensen10@mccneb.edu
FACULTY WEB SITE:
under construction
ACADEMIC AREA:
English
DEAN’S CONTACT INFO: Susann Suprenant, Dean
SOC-MAH, 738-4585*
*Note: The dean’s area number is given in case you have an issue
that you are unable to resolve with an instructor. The dean can
only help you, however, if you have a written record (e-mail)
showing your attempt to first resolve the issue with the instructor
directly.
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course, which acts as a capstone for ESL classes and as a preparatory class for native
speakers before the college fundamentals course, increases students’ literacy and communication
skills through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will become better able to read
critically and analyze the texts of others, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and respond with
logical, complete summaries and responses. Much emphasis is placed on the process of writing,
including revising drafts to better achieve goals.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Completion of the ESL sequence, including successful completion of ESLX 0220, or assessment
into the course through the ASSET or COMPASS reading and writing exams. For non-native
English speakers, ESLX 0142 is strongly recommended.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
ENGL 0950 provides students with reading, writing, listening and speaking skills along with
basic college classroom skills. This course is a foundation needed to be successful in other
developmental reading and writing courses and beyond.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
(1) use discussion, reading, and writing to explore and examine ideas, feelings, values, and
beliefs;
(2) develop strategies for discussing a topic, reading about a topic, and drafting a paper about
a topic; and
(3) develop a process for assessing, evaluating, revising, and connecting ideas.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
(1) Read and Respond. Swinton, Janet R and William J. Agopsowicz. 4th Edition. LA:
Roxbury, 2004. Bring your textbook to every class!
(2) Hole in My Life. Gantos, Jack. New York: FSG, 2002.
(3) American Heritage College Dictionary
(4) Folders for collecting notes, in-class writings, and assignments
(5) Paper, writing utensil
(6) An electronic storage device for saving all class work
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and
encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file
attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of
these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
Course Structure
Activities occurring during class time will involve reading, writing, discussion, and workshop
review of student writing. Other lessons will be incorporated as needed.
COURSE ASSESSMENT:
Types of Assessment/Assignments
Student work and progress will be assessed—using a variety of methods—in the following
areas:
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
reading and in-class writing assignments,
notes on all readings and vocabulary,
two oral presentations,
three written assignments—a narrative, a summary, and a response, and
exit exams in reading and writing.
Drafts of writings, workshop participation, and quizzes cannot be made up or turned in
late; these grades depend entirely on the student being present, punctual, and prepared on
the due dates.
*Note – Unless otherwise stated, all written work for this class must be typed. Handwritten
homework will not be accepted. This means that if you do not own a home computer, you must
plan on spending a few hours a week in one of the computer labs on campus in order to complete
your work.
Grading Policy
Your final grade in the course will be based on your:
(1) attendance,
(2) participation, and
(3) completion of required assignments.
A passing grade on all major assignments as well as satisfactory completion of all other course
requirements (including homework, quizzes, in-class writings, participation, and attendance) is
required to receive a passing grade of a (P). A (P) indicates that the student has satisfactorily met
all objectives and completed the assigned work. A grade of re-enroll (R) indicates that the
student has attempted to meet course objectives and complete the assigned work but has been
unable to and is not prepared to move on. To earn an (R), the student must have completed all
assigned work and attended class regularly. A failing grade (F) indicates that a student has not
met some or all objectives and/or has not completed all assigned work. If a student fails because
of poor attendance (see policy), the grade of an (FX) will be given, which is the same as an (F)
but indicates that absences played a role in the evaluation. If you have questions or concerns
about your course standing at any time, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with
me to discuss them.
The final course grade will be determined based on the percentages below:
Notes and flashcards
Written narrative
Oral narrative
Chapter outline and summary
Chapter response
Study guide submissions
Novel presentation
Participation and preparedness
Total grade possible
10%
10%
10%
15%
15%
15%
15%
10%
100%
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Note: 70% or above must be achieved on the final English and Reading (TABE) tests
to pass the class in addition to the items above
Maintenance of Student Records
All major assignments will be returned with comments and evaluation within one week of their
due dates. Students are responsible for keeping all returned work.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:
Attendance Policy
Your attendance is vital to your success in this course. If you are absent from class, I assume it is
for a good reason and therefore make no distinction between excused and unexcused absences
(with the exception of excused absences for documented military duties). When you miss class,
you miss important information, directions, and class discussions that cannot be made up; you
are nevertheless responsible for turning in work due that day on time and coming prepared for
the following class. You may miss up to two classes without affecting your course standing.
Upon the third absence, however, a student’s final grade will be lowered by 10% (for example,
a 76% less 10% of the grade achieved would leave 66%).
Upon the fourth absence, the student will receive a failing grade (FX) for the course. Because
punctuality is important, being late or leaving early by 5 or 10 minutes will count as a half
absence; being late or leaving early by 15 minutes or more is counted as a full absence.
Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Date published in
the Class Schedule at www.mccneb.edu/schedule/ may be disenrolled from the class (WX).
There is no appeal for this disenrollment.
This policy is in accordance with the English department’s policy that students must be present
for at least 80% of class sessions to have the opportunity to earn a passing grade. There will be
no exceptions to this policy, including circumstances such as illness or family emergency; the
two allowed absences are for such issues.
Expected Classroom Behavior
As a student in this class, you are expected to treat your fellow classmates and your instructor
with respect. All students come to class with different backgrounds, beliefs, and values and we
will treat views with the respect they deserve. As a college student, you are expected to take
responsibility for your learning through active involvement. This means that you must attend all
class sessions, read all assigned materials, ask questions as needed, participate thoughtfully in
class discussions and projects, and complete assigned writing projects on time, revising as
needed. The extent to which you participate in these activities as well as the skill level and depth
of knowledge you display in their completion will influence the final grade you earn in this
course.
Understand that certain behaviors disrupt the classroom environment for other students and the
instructor, and they will not be tolerated. These include, but are not limited to, the usage of
portable electronic devices in class (beepers, cell phones, text messaging, games), usage of
computers during class for non-related work (e-mail, internet surfing, chatting), and sleeping.
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Any student engaging in these behaviors will be dismissed from class and will receive an
absence for the day; the final participation grade will likewise be negatively affected. Finally,
any student who is disrespectful either to other students or to the instructor will be required to
meet with the instructor to discuss ways he or she will change the behavior. If the behavior
continues to be a problem, proceedings to remove the student from the class will be initiated with
the campus dean as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and
cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show
respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of
thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for class work may be subject to
copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website
at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student
dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include
receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or
dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling
Centers or at http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism, or the use of someone else’s words or ideas without giving proper credit, is a most
serious academic offense and will be treated as such in this course. Any student who presents
someone else’s work or ideas as his or her own will receive the grade of a zero for the paper, and
revision will not be an option. This may result in overall failure of the class. Additionally, the
instructor may contact your dean to alert him or her to the situation, and other disciplinary action
may follow.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff
members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math,
and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary,
typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the Student
Handbook, College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please
contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services Office on each
campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons
with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request
accommodations. For further information, please visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/ and/or
contact Student Services.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help
Desk at 457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and
phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology
and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full
text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Course Schedule
Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Chapters covered for the week are listed
on the bar above the week. Homework (other than as listed on the syllabus) will be determined in
each class based on what we complete while in class, so if you are not present, you must contact
me or a classmate to learn what is expected of you in the next class. Late notes will receive a
maximum of half credit, so make sure they are in on time.
Week 1
Introduction
8/31-9/4
Day 1: Welcome!
What is “good” English? Idea of “registers.”
Class member introductions
Course syllabus
Student course expectations
Note taking skills—Directed note taking
Read Chapter 1, taking notes about main ideas, (9/9)
Day 2: TABE assessment
Week 2
Chapters 1 and 2
9/7-9/11
Day 1: Chapter 1 notes due
Note taking skills—split page note taking and weekly assignment
Read Chapter 2, taking notes about main ideas
Day 2:
Narrative and non-narrative writing
TABE results and discussion
Week 3
Chapters 3, 4, 5
9/14-9/18
Day 1: Chapter 2 notes due
Discuss reading
Vocabulary-learning strategies that have worked for students
Exercises, note card assignment
Using a dictionary
Online dictionaries
Read Chapter 3 and Murtha, p.129, taking notes about main ideas
Definitions
Day 2: Chapter 3 and Murtha notes/definitions due
Discussion and exercises
Narrative paper activity and assignment
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Read Chapters 4 and 5, taking notes about main ideas
Week 4
Narratives
9/21-9/25
Day 1: Chapters 4 and 5 notes due
Discussion and exercises
Drafting narrative paragraphs
Write narrative paper and bring four typed copies to class
Day 2: Narrative paper due for group review (typed, four copies)
Respectfully and thoughtfully critiquing peer work
Oral narrative instructions
Revise narrative paper for grading
Week 5
Narratives
9/28-10/2
Day 1: Revised narrative paper due to instructor
Storytelling and oral presentations
Creating a main idea and identifying major details
Keeping to main idea in narrative
Descriptive writing, showing vs. telling
Creating a picture for audience
Bring rough draft of oral narrative on Wednesday; Read Chapter 6, taking notes
about main ideas
Day 2: Oral narrative draft due
Chapter 6 notes due
Group review oral presentations
Public speaking and presentation skills
Discussion of Chapter 6 and exercises
Pre-reading for A Hole in My Life
Finish presentation and be ready to present
Week 6
Presentations, Novel
10/5-10/9
Day 1: Present oral narratives
Complete pre-reading activities, Read Book 1, Chapter 1
Three-level study guide
Book Study Guide
Day 2: Pre-reading and Chapters 1
K-W-L-+
Summary assignment and selection of chapters
Main idea, major details, opening statement
Summarizer’s words vs. author’s words
Read Book 1, Chapters 2-4 and complete study guide
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Week 7
Summaries
10/12-10/16
Day 1: Book 1, Chapters 2-4 of study guide due
Chapter summary assignment and guidelines
Draft chapter summary for presentation to group
Discuss A Hole in My Life presentations and topics
Presentation assignment and expectations
Meet in literary circles to discuss week’s work and presentation ideas/research
Day 2: Chapter summary due for group review (typed, four copies)
Group review
Read Book 2, Chapters 1 and 2; complete study guide, revise chapter summary
Week 8
Summaries
10/19-10/23
Day 1: Book 2, Chapters 1 and 2 of study guide due
Meet in literary circles to discuss presentation possibilities and week’s work
Response vs. summary
Responding to a reading, reaction sheet and first impressions
Creating a written response
Reading Book 2, Chapters 3 and 4
Day 2: Book 2, Chapters 3 and 4 Study Guide Due
Revised chapter summary due to instructor
Discuss reading, reaction, and response
Practice responding
Assign presentation jobs to work on over weekend
Read Book 3, Chapters 1, 2, and 3; complete study guide
Week 9
Responses
10/26-10/30
Day 1: Book 3, Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of study guide due
Meet in literary circles to evaluate presentation work and continue planning
Responding assignment, choose chapters
Continue working on presentation
Complete chapter response
Day 2: Chapter response due for group review (typed, four copies)
Group review
Presentation planning
Revise in class
Read Book 3, Chapters 4, 5, and 6; complete study guide
Week 10
Presentations
11/2-11/6
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Jensen Reading and Responding Fall QTR 2009
Day 1: Book 3, Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of study guide due
Presentation planning
Course evaluations
Read Book 3, Chapters 7 and 8; complete study guide
Day 2: Book 3, Chapters 7 and 8 study guide due
A Hole in My Life presentations
Revised Chapter Response due to instructor
Week 11
Exams
11/9-11/13
Day 1: Final Exam TABE
Day 2: Final Exam summary and response
Week 12
Exams
11/16
Day 1: Complete Final Exams
Class celebration
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