FOUNDATION PROGRAM
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Foundation English (Level 1)
Course Information (For Students)
Course Name: Foundation English Level 1
Course Code: 812001
Number of Hours: 20
Credit Hours: None
Teacher Information
Name:
Contact Tel.:
E-mail:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Textbooks:
1. NorthStar Second Ed. Basic/Low Intermediate Listening/ Speaking Student Book
2. NorthStar Second Ed. Basic/Low Intermediate Reading/ Writing Student Book
3. NorthStar Second Ed. Basic / Low Intermediate Writing Activity Book
4. Get Ready to Write 2nd Ed. A Beginning Writing Text
5. Focus on Grammar 2 Third Edition
Extra Materials:
6. Photocopies of selected material will be provided by your teacher
Websites:
http://www.longman.com/northstar; www.englishw.com and other teacher-recommended
sites.
Course Description
What is Level 1?
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The Foundation Program is a bridge between high school and university.
Level 1 is the first step in the Foundation Program and will help you become a better
university student.
Level 1 will help you learn academic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
ONLY English is used in the classroom, readings, listening and writing assignments.
FPED Level 1 (Basic/Low-Intermediate) Spring 2009
Student Course Information
SS-3-5
1
Classroom Goals
What will we do in Level 1?
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Our classroom is learner-centered. This means your teacher will use many different
ways to teach you, and you will spend much of your time working together in groups
or pairs.
Your instructor will help you to improve your study habits and manage your time so
that you can learn what is needed to be a successful student in university.
You will have homework assignments to do outside of class.
Your instructor will use many kinds of readings to help you understand different
subjects or writing styles.
You will write paragraphs that will help you become better at expressing yourself and
your thoughts.
You will have listening activities and/or videos to help you improve your ability to
understand spoken English.
You will give presentations, do interviews, and other speaking assignments to help
you improve your pronunciation and overall speaking.
Your teacher will ask you questions about readings and listening activities so that you
will become better at “thinking” about what you are reading or listening to.
You will use computers and learn how to collect information online.
Your instructor will help you to continue learning outside of the classroom by teaching
you how to learn by yourself and telling you about clubs and study groups that will
help you prepare for tests like the IELTS orTOEFL.
Student Responsibilities and Foundation Rules
What YOU need to do to pass the level
It is your responsibility to make sure that you follow these rules. If you do not, you may not
pass to the next level.
Absences:
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Coming to class everyday is very important if you want to pass to the next level
If you are absent for a scheduled class test, assessed class work or a quiz, there
may be no make-up assessment and you will lose marks.
Do not be late. (Every 3 late class arrivals will be counted as 1 class absence).
You cannot miss more than 25% of classes; this is for excused and unexcused
absences.
If you miss 25%, including both excused and unexcused absences, you will NOT be
allowed to take the final examination and will receive an ‘F barred’ grade for the
course.
If you are absent for the common mid-semester or final examination, it is very difficult
to take a make-up exam. Your instructor cannot help you. You will need to talk to the
Foundation Program Department, and they will decide if you can take the exam.
Your course instructor can provide further information on this.
FPED Level 1 (Basic/Low-Intermediate) Spring 2009
Student Course Information
SS-3-5
2
Class Rules
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Come to class on time and prepared to work
Come to class with paper, pens, and textbooks
Do your own work on all assignments, quizzes and exams
No mobile phones in the class
Do not talk while the teacher is talking
Be respectful of other student’s ideas and thoughts
If you do not follow the class rules and you disrupt class, you will be sent to the Head
of the English Department.
More information on student classroom conduct will be given to you by your teacher.
Grades
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The total mark for your Level 1 grade is 60% for exams (mid-term and final) and 40%
for classwork.
90-100 %
85-89 %
80-84 %
75-79 %
70-74 %
65-69 %
60-64 %
below 60 %
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
Level of Proficiency and related Letter Grade for passing:
You will pass this level if you receive a "D" grade or more. A "D" grade means you have
scored 60% - 64% for all class work and exams in the level. (For example: quizzes,
presentations, writing portfolio, exams etc.) These measure what you have learned in the
level. (What you learn is described as "learning outcomes" - which your teacher will show
you in the syllabus).
CLASSWORK (40%)
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A writing portfolio of 3 writing assignments– 7.5% of overall grade.
An Integrated Skills Project (research and writing) – 6.5% of overall grade
Oral presentation & interview - 13 % of overall grade (presentation 8%, interview 5%)
6 Quizzes (2 reading and vocabulary, 2 listening and vocabulary, 2 grammar) – 11%
of overall grade
5. Class participation in speaking as set by the teacher – 2 % of overall grade
MID TERM AND FINAL EXAMS (60%)
1. Mid-term examination ( reading, writing, listening, and grammar) – 24% of grade
(Saturday, April 18, 2009)
2. Final examination (reading, writing, listening and grammar) – 36% of grade
(Saturday, May 30, 2009)
FPED Level 1 (Basic/Low-Intermediate) Spring 2009
Student Course Information
SS-3-5
3