Seattle Central College
ESL 096, Reading for Non-native Speakers I
Winter, 2015
Classroom: 3200
Dates: Jan 5-March 20
Days: M-F
Time: 9:00-9:50
Holidays: Jan 19, Feb 16
Teacher: Chris Conley
Office: 3105
Telephone: 206-934-6347
Email: chris.conley@seattlecolleges.edu
Website:
seattlecentral.edu/faculty/cconley/home.html
Office Hours: Tues, Wed, Th 11:00-12:00
Course Description and Purpose:
The purpose of ESL 096 is for non-native speakers of English to improve reading skills so that you may
compete equally in all college courses. We will use 1 book and various articles for the quarter and have in-class
reading skills exercises to improve speed, and summarizing. We will write summery/reaction papers about
what we read.
Educational Philosophy:
I believe that learning takes place by working on one’s own and by working in groups. Every one’s a teacher
and learner. You will have assignments to do at home and then be asked to work in a group in class to discuss
questions, find answers, and lead whole class discussions. Every person has unique life experiences and can
teach other people about these experiences. I view my role as a facilitator in building your groups and assisting
in your learning. I prefer to ask questions rather than answer them. I will expect you to participate in class by
completing your readings and assignments on time and taking part in discussions.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the main idea and summarize the main points of a reading
2. React to a reading and make inferences, conclusions or predictions to a reading with reflection towards
how the article affects you and the world around you.
3. Locate information in a reading with accuracy.
4. Build vocabulary
5. Increase reading speed and accuracy.
6. Work in with others to accomplish tasks.
7. Research materials from a variety of sources to expand a reading topic, use citations and make works
cited.
8. Take responsibility for your learning.
Required texts and materials
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Ford, Jamie. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Ballantine: New York, 2009 Print.
A dictionary, either paper or electronic
Folder, paper, pencils
Canvas account.
School closures
If the weather is very bad and snow is expected, please do one of the following:
 Check the Seattle Central website: www.seattlecentral.edu or check www.schoolreport.org — click
on the “college” tab at the left and then on Seattle Central Community College.

Call the Seattle Central closure line: 206-934-5464 (934-KING).
Seattle Central College
ESL 096, Reading for Non-native Speakers I
Winter, 2015
SCC Grading System
Seattle Colleges use the following numerical grading system:
4.0-3.9 A 100-96%
2.1-1.9
3.8-3.5 A- 95-90%
1.8-1.5
3.4-3.2 B+ 89-86%
1.4-1.2
3.1-2.9 B 85-83%
1.1-1.0
2.8-2.5 B- 82-80%
0.0
2.4-2.2 C+ 79-76%
C
CD+
D
E
75-73%
72-70%
69-66%
65-64%
63-0%
Evaluation and Course Requirements
Summary-Reaction-Vocabulary Papers-25%
You will turn in weekly papers after reading the book. All papers have a typed summary, reaction and list of 1012 new vocabulary words. Please use the template format found on my website. They are due Thursday’s.
Tests/Quizzes: 25%
After we have read some chapters in the book, you will have an in-class quiz on Friday’s. We will also
have vocabulary quizzes. Papers must be typed.
Comprehension Questions: 25%
You will answer weekly questions on the book and turn in the questions. The questions are due on
Wednesday’s.
Reading Portfolio: 10%
At the end of the quarter, you will put together a learning portfolio that reflects what you achieved or
learned during this quarter. This is an opportunity to revisit and reflect what we did all quarter.
Homework/Participation/Discussions/Readiness: 10%
You are expected to be on time, attend class and be ready for class by completing assignments on time.
Group work is an important part of our class. Please talk, listen and use your group wisely. This means that you
come to class everyday, complete homework on time, have read the material before discussions, and participate
in discussions and group work. If you are absent or late, your grade will suffer because you can not participate in
class. If you are not prepared or don’t discuss in your group, your grade will not be as high.
Presentation: 5%
You will give 2 presentations on your Independent Learning reading and 1 group presentation at the end
of the quarter, which is related to the novel.
Miscellaneous
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You will need a 2.5 (80%) to complete this course and to go on to other college level classes. If you get 2.4
(79%) or lower, you need to repeat this class.
If you are absent on a test/quiz, you must make it up the first day you are back. After that, it becomes a “0.”
Homework must be turned in on by noon the day it is due. After noon, it becomes a “0.”
If you are going to be absent, email or call me.
Copying of any kind whether it is each other’s work or from the internet, is unacceptable. If you are caught
copying or plagiarizing once, I will give you a “0” for the work and warn you not to do it again. The second
time, I will report you to the school according to the Washington State rules found in the SCCC Student
Handbook on page 40.
Please turn off your cell phones ringer at the beginning of class.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with documented disabilities requesting class accommodations,
requiring special arrangements in case of building evacuation, or have emergency medical information the
instructor should know about are asked to contact the disability support services office (DSS) in Rm. 1112. Once
the disability is verified with DSS you will be given a letter of accommodation to be handed to your instructor.