Northern Virginia Community College
Continuing Education ESL
ESL 1975 (formerly 1991) Intensive Speaking and Listening D
Fall 2008
Instructor: Yvonne Brandon, Ph.D.
E-mail: ymb5v@yahoo.com
Phone: 703-924-1001 (10:00am – 8:00pm only!)
Cell: 703-994-6043
Class: Monday through Thursday, 4:40-6:55 [plus 8/29 and 12/12], Aug 28 – Dec 17
Holidays: There will be no class on Sept. 1 (Labor Day), Oct. 12-13 (Columbus Day Holiday) or Nov. 26-28
(Thanksgiving).
Rooms: Mon, Thurs, Fri – CC 208; Wed, Tues – CC 114
Texts: Against All Odds, by M.H. Eichler; Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test, by Deborah Phillips;
An English dictionary
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, students should be able to (with at least 75% accuracy):
o Recognize and understand 100 new idioms;
o Demonstrate comprehension of the speech of native speakers when not addressed;
o Demonstrate ability to take adequate notes of discussions of current events;
o Converse accurately and fluently on topics of current interest, using covered grammar points correctly;
o Orally contrast and compare written and spoken texts;
o Summarize spoken news broadcasts, orally and in writing.
Requirements
In order to pass the course and receive a certificate, each student must:
o Score an average of 75% on quizzes and exams;
o Be prepared for class presentations;
o Actively participate in classroom discussions and activities; and
o Have no more than 7 absences.
Grading Policy
S – Satisfactory (Student has achieved course objectives.)
R – Repeat (Student has tried hard, but not achieved course objectives.)
U – Unsatisfactory (Student has not done enough class work.)
W – Withdrawn (Student has missed more than 20% of the class.)
Homework and Tests
Homework will consist primarily of review of vocabulary and grammar points discussed in class, preparation for
presentations, and listening and reading assignments.
There will be two exams (midterm and final). There will be bi-weekly quizzes, covering idioms, vocabulary,
listening and grammar.
Attendance
Late 4 times (or leaving early) = 1 absence. More than one hour late (or leaving early) = ½ absence. Being late is
disruptive to the class. Please make every effort to get to class on-time. Absent more than 6 times = no certificate.
An absence for any reason counts toward the total.
Course Policies
Tests and Assignments – There are no makeups for missed tests unless there are extenuating circumstances and
prior arrangements are made with the instructor. Also, homework must be turned in on time or it will not be
accepted.
Missed Classes and Lost Materials - If you miss class, you are still responsible for assignments and for obtaining
handouts. Many assignments and handout will be posted on the course website at www.ybrandon.com. You can
also obtain copies of the syllabus or other teacher-made materials if you lose them. Please check the website
before asking me for a copy. You are also expected to bring all handouts and past tests back to class each week. I
suggest placing them in a ring binder. Also, please remember to bring a full-sized notebook/ loose leaf paper to
each class.
Class Etiquette – Please be polite and considerate to your classmates and instructor. It is considered rude to chat
while the teacher or another classmate is speaking. Please also do not consistently sit as far back in the room as
possible. This makes it difficult for the instructor to assist you during class.
***IMPORTANT*** Turn cell phones off or put on vibrate at the beginning of class!
Your Comfort and Safety
NVCC is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere our programs are
offered. In order to meet this objective, you should: a) let your instructor, a CE ESL Coordinator, the Director of
Continuing Education, the Dean of Students, or the Provost know if an unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable
situation arises that interferes with the learning process; b) inform your instructor immediately if there are
circumstances which can be corrected to enhance your performance in class.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require special accommodations are responsible for notifying a counselor for
disability services. Please go to the Counseling Center (CG 211) to meet with Dr. Charlie Dy.
Visit our CE ESL website
Go to http://www.nvcc.edu/annandale/continuing/esl/orientation. This link will take you to the orientation course
designed to help students find out more about studying at NOVA and living in the DC area. Check out the link at
http://eslstudents.pbwiki.com for a complete listing of student activities. It’s your job to inform yourself of the
available opportunities for fun and extended learning!
School Closings
Go to the NOVA web page (http://www.nv.cc.va.us/depts/homepage/closing.htm), if possible, to find out if the
school is closed or opening late due to inclement weather (or other emergency). Announcements will also be made
on many local television and radio stations (WTOP 103.5 FM, 820 AM). Note that NOVA is not a Fairfax County
public school. A two-hour delay means the College will open at 10 a.m. Classes scheduled to start before 10 a.m.
will be cancelled. Evening classes are those that start at 4:30 p.m. or later. Please note: if the college will be
opening on time, the College does NOT report to the media.
Book store hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-7:30; Friday 8:30-5:00; Saturday 9:00-3:00 only until 9/7. Starting 9/8
M-T 8:30-7:30; W-Th 8:30-5:00; F 8:30-2:00; Saturday-closed.
ESL Tutoring: Free tutoring and other language lab services are available to all registered students. Visit CG 408
and 409 M-Th, 8-7 and F 8-4:30.
Student IDs: Part-time students are eligible for NVCC student IDs (NOVA ID). They should go to the ID office
on the second floor of CG (in the alcove with Parking Services (CG226)). There is no charge. With an ID, a
student may use the computer labs, writing center and language lab; take materials out of the library; enjoy student
discounts where offered.
Parking: A permit is needed to park in the student parking lot. Students should obtain one online
(http://www.nvcc.edu/current-students/parking-services/pay-buy/index.html).