TSI 0304-002Developmental Literacy II Section 002
Instructor: Osariemen Osaghae, A.B.D.
Office : Holden Hall 78
Office Hours: MWF 2PM-5PM; TR 3:30PM-5PM
Class: TR 11:00AM-11:20AM
Phone: 806-742-3242
e-mail: Osariemen.j.osaghae@ttu.edu
Course Syllabus and Expectations
I.
II.
Textbooks And Other Materials:
A. REQUIRED: Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book 2 by Kemper/Meyer/Van Rys/Sebranek
(ISBN: 9781133803973)
B. REQUIRED: Aplia Login
C. REQUIRED: Writing Utensil (i.e. pencil, pen)
D. REQUIRED: Highlighter
Course Goals:
A. Students will read critically to form opinions, exchange insights with others in conversation, ask
and answer questions, and develop ideas that can be further explored in writing.
B. Students will react to visual text (a photograph, advertisement, diagram, graph, chart, or art) to
gain further understanding of the text and to aid with visualization of words and ideas.
C. Students will demonstrate their use of critical reasoning to interpret and integrate new concepts
with prior learning/knowledge.
D. Students will interpret charts, tables, and graphs to condense, interpret, and/or summarize
written information at the college level.
E. Students will take notes using Marking and Annotating Skills for college students, or the Cornell
University Note Taking method and demonstrate listening, learning, and reviewing related to the
active processes of reading.
F. Students will apply study skills, content area reading strategies and test taking skills to improve
test-taking abilities.
G. Students will analyze and critically discuss writing contexts rhetorically identifying audience,
purpose, and situation.
H. Students will recognize and demonstrate writing as a step-by-step process that improves with
practice.
I. Students will write as a way of discovering, processing, and refining ideas.
J. Students will obtain skill and confidence in using writing conventions of standard and written
English, including grammar and punctuation by correcting fragments, colloquialisms, and
sentence complexities.
K. Students will write for varied tasks and audiences constructing both argumentative and compare
and contrast papers.
L. Students will not only understand the basic structure of a sentence, the basic structure of a
paragraph and how it fits into an essay, but also be able to explain and demonstrate corrective
actions/editing for improper writing.
*Please Note: These course goals are aligned with the College Readiness Standards of Reading, Writing,
Speaking, and Listening. For More information See <www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=EAE69736-B39DF3FF-EA777519F1F0348B >
III.
Learning Outcomes:
A. Construct a 4-5 page Argumentative Research Paper using MLA format and formal writing
constructs.
B. Identify and properly use the signal words that indicate directionality in Argumentative Writing the
purpose of understanding reading and for the purpose of constructing Arguments.
C. Complete a Book Talk (7-10 minutes) on an approved novel to be read outside of class.
D. Construct a 4-5 page Compare and Contrast research paper using MLA format and formal
writing constructs.
E. Demonstrate vocabulary understanding by completing Aplia quizzes with an average of 70% or
above.
F. Demonstrate reading comprehension by completing examinations and quizzes with an average
of 70% or above.
G. Demonstrate Revising Skills by completing Editing Quizzes and Activities with an average of
70% or above.
H. Identify and properly use the signal words that Compare and Contrast for the purpose of
understanding reading and for the purpose of constructing Compare and Contrast research
papers.
I. Use, Define, and Apply at least three Content area reading strategies such as Exit Slips,
Mnemonic Devices, Reader Response, and Cornell University Methods of Note-taking on a
weekly basis for the purpose of tracking and improving reading comprehension and critical
literacy skills.
IV.
V.
Grading Procedures:
A. Participation is mandatory. 20% of your grade will be based on regular participation in your
lecture. If you miss class or don’t participate you won’t complete the in class activities.
B. Homework is worth up to 20% of your grade. No late homework is accepted.
C. You will have a Book Talk due at the end of the semester regarding a novel you select that will
be approved by the Instructor. More details will be given out as the semester progresses. This
assignment is worth 20% of your grade.
D. Major Exams, Tests, and the completion of the Post Diagnostic assessment altogether are
worth 20% of the overall grade. Tests and Major Exams cannot be made up without doctor’s
documentation.
E. Quizzes will be provided during your section or online with Aplia. Quizzes will be worth 20% of
your final grade.
F. Extra credit: No extra credit will be given. Come to class ready to work.
G. Grading Scale: You must complete the course with a C or better to progress to the next TSI
Course or be declared College Ready.
90-100 = DA
80- 89 = DB
70- 79 = DC
60- 69 = DD
0 – 59 = DF
Class Assignments:
A. General Note: Each assignment is a tool to reinforce skills and material taught in the classroom.
The amount of homework is carefully considered. Homework is not assigned busy work, but
rather it is assigned because of its vital importance to the learning process. Therefore, students
are expected to complete all assignments by the due date. Homework will be posted on the
board at the beginning of class as well as posted weekly on the course website. Handouts and
extra information, as well as web assignments will be posted on Aplia. Please note assignments
are subject to change if the instructor deems it necessary.
B. All assignments must be typed. I will consider punctuation, spelling, and grammar in the
grading process. The exercises and assignments will be graded for both style and for content.
You must also bring them to class with you on the date assigned. That means you will need to
be responsible and make sure you can print something before you come to class.
C. Due Dates and Late Penalties: Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Any late
assignment will receive a 10-point deduction per day late. Therefore, late assignments are not
accepted after 10 days of the assignment's due date because the resulting grade is a zero.
D. End of the Semester: There will be no curve at the end of the semester. You must earn your
grade by submitting high quality work on time, attending all class meetings, and participating in
class discussions and exercises. Students who come to class prepared are consistently the most
successful students.
VI. Absences:
A. There are no excused absences. I will track your attendance and progress daily. Your
presence in class is tracked using an attendance sheet provided at the beginning of each class
session for you to sign.
B. You are also responsible for signing the class roster distributed at the beginning of each
class period. Signing this roster is your responsibility, and absences will not be removed if you
attended class but neglected to sign the roster. Absences are reported to the TSI office.
C. Additionally, part of being in attendance means being focused and prepared; if you are texting,
sleeping, or have not read, expect to be counted absent.
D. Tardies and Leaving Class Early: If you are more than 15 minutes late for class, you will be
marked absent for the class. Leaving class early, without prior approval, will result in an absence.
E. TSI Developmental program attendance is MANDATORY. Non-compliance with the rules of
attendance will result in a student being withdrawn from Texas Tech University. Withdrawals are
subject to University policies as set forth in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students may appeal
withdrawals when unusual extenuating circumstances exist by picking up the Appeal of
Withdrawal form and be returned to Holden Hall 78 before the five (5) days have expired.
Students are ONLY allowed one appeal per semester.
VII. Office Hours
A. I encourage you to come see me in my office during these hours. These hours are reserved for
you and your concerns, so please make use of this time. If you cannot meet during these times
because of work or another class, contact me to set up an individual appointment at a different
time.
VIII. Email
A. I check my e-mail regularly. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Typically, I do not
check email between Friday and Sunday. I will respond to any emails that I receive over the
weekend on Monday afternoon.
B. I expect students to use professional language and tone in all communication with me, including
email correspondence. My office hours or appointments are the best way for us to address more
complex questions and concerns about the course.
IX. Supplies:
A. BE PREPARED FOR CLASS. Always bring the following to class:
1. Text Books.
2. Notebook paper
3. One highlighter, any color.
4. Pen or Pencil
X.
Classroom Rules and Procedures:
A. You are to always exhibit integrity. Any action should reflect this idea.
B. Having integrity includes adhering to the following standards:
1. Be prompt. Class begins precisely on time, therefore a student is considered tardy if he or she is
more than ten minutes late.
2. Be prepared with all supplies and textbooks.
3. Be kind and respectful. All actions and words should reflect kindness and respect for both the
instructor and all other students. I will not tolerate rude or disrespectful behavior directed at any
member of this class. We are all adults and should act as such. Anyone exhibiting disrespectful or
vulgar language and/or behavior will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.
4. Be honest. Honesty is an important part of integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating
includes sharing homework answers, looking at another student’s test or quiz, and talking (even
whispering) during a test or quiz. Plagiarism is another form of cheating and will be addressed in
more detail in the next section of the syllabus. If the student has a doubt as to what constitutes
cheating, the instructor will gladly answer any questions.
5. Be mentally present. Use of electronic devices during class will not be tolerated. If your phone
rings or if I see you using a cell phone, blackberry, iPod, or other electronic device during class,
you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day. Laptop computers will only be allowed if
necessary for completing the activities scheduled for that day.
6. Be on task. There are times in class when it is appropriate to speak to your peers (i.e., during
group work). However, a general rule of thumb- if I am speaking, you are not, you are listening.
7. NO CELL PHONES, PAGERS, I PODS, or NET SURFING in class, unless otherwise directed by
your instructor. If you are experiencing an emergency and need your cell phone on please notify
me BEFORE class begins! Failure to follow this directive may result in your dismissal and one
marked absence for the affected class period.
*****NOTE: Students are expected to conduct themselves in manner conducive to learning and are prohibited from
engaging in distracting behavior, inappropriate behavior will result minimally, in a request to leave class. Comments or
actions promoting discrimination of any sort will result in serious disciplinary action, and or possible loss of credit for the
course.
XI. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
a. Texas Tech University aims "to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The
attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by
the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious
consequences, possibly suspension" (Undergraduate Handbook 49).
b. Although the university broadly defines the types of "dishonesty" that compromise academic integrity, the
most common offense for this course is plagiarism. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, "the
appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means material that is attributable in whole
or in part to another source, including words, ideas, illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression
and media, and presenting that material as one's own academic work being offered for credit" (Onsite
Politics xxviii).
c. Students who are found guilty of plagiarism will receive a 0 for the assignment, as well as further
consequences at the discretion of the Director of Composition or the Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts. For
more information on Academic Integrity visit:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms/AcademicIntegrity.htm.
**NOTE-For example, this means “NO” you can NOT turn in that paper you wrote about Holes in the 5th grade to me,
and expect to get a good grade.
XII. Disabilities
a. “Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course
requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements.
Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s
office hours. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student
until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information,
you may contact the Student Disability Services office in 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
b. “No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to the completion of this approved university
process" (TTU OP 34.22, p.2). For more information call Student Disability Services at 742-2405 or visit
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentsaffairs/sds/.
XIII. Observance of a Religious Holy Day
a. “Religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from
property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should
make that intention known to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the
observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment
scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused may not be
penalized for the absence; however, documentation may be required.
XIV. If Your Grade Drops Below a C
XV.
If at any time a TSI student falls below a C in ANY TSI course, he/she will be required to meet with the TSI
Advisor/Assistant Director twice a month and attend an hour of tutoring per week. Determination of required tutoring
will begin after the first assignment/first paper or at the discretion of the TSI Instructor. Required tutoring will be
factored into a student’s grade.
CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AND COURSE SCHEDULE: I reserve the right to change the dates on
this syllabus. All changes will be made accessible to students via classroom announcements, e-mail,
and also through Aplia.
Reading List
Lecture Notes
Syllabus and Introductions
Avoiding Plagiarism
Attendance Policy
Turnitin.com and Aplia Introduction
Paper Submission Policy
Nelson-Denney Reading Test
The Reading-Writing Connection
(Chapter 1)
Diagnostic measurement
Date
8/28
T
8/30
R
9/4
T
9/6
R
9/11
T
9/13
R
Reading
Content
Area
What are your educational goals?
What is your learning style?
Literature
*Aplia pre-assessment
Strap Strategy
Graphic Organizers
ALL
Understand reading and writing assignments
Use the traits for reading and writing
Use graphic organizers for reading and writing
Review the reading-writing connection
Academic Reading and Learning
(Chapter 2)
Book Talks
ALL
GUEST SPEAKER
Learning Strategies
Description
(Chapter 6)
9/27
R
10/2
T
Reading and Reacting
Zen and the Art of a
Motorcycle Vacation (pg 116)
Reading and Reacting
Spanglish Spoken Here (pg
276)
Understanding Sources of
Information
Evaluating Sources
Summarizing
(Chapter 16)
Summarizing
(Chapter 16)
Library Day
10/11
R
ALL
Meet at the
Library.
Students
MUST be at
library for the
full class
period in
order to be
counted
present.
Argumentation
(Chapter 14)
Argumentation
Argumentat
ion vs.
Persuasion
Understanding the Voice
Novel SELECTION due for Book Talks to Turnitin.com
on 9/14/2012 by 11:55PM
Descriptive Essay over Labor Day DUE on 9/17/2012
by 11:55 PM
Understand Summarizing
Learn about reading strategies
Read and react to a summary
Write a summary
Practice additional summary writing
Correct Citation and
Summarization
10/4
R
10/9
T
Read to learn
Understand the reading process
Use basic reading strategies
Read critically
Improve vocabulary
Read graphics
Review reading and learning
“Remembering Gramps” pg. 147 DUE 9/10/2012 at
11:55 PM to Turnitin.com
Understand description
Learn about reading strategies
Read and react to a professional essay
Read and react to a student description
Plan your essay
Write the first draft
Revise the writing
Edit the writing
Descriptive Essay over Labor Day
Assigned
9/18
T
9/20
R
9/25
T
Objectives, Discussion, Thoughts,
and Assignments
Argumentative Research Topic due by 9/21/2012 at
11:55 pm.
Understand Summarizing
Learn about reading strategies
Read and react to a summary
Write a summary
Practice additional summary writing
*Formal Argumentative Outline due by 10/2/2012 at
11:55 pm.
ALL
Rough Draft of Argumentative Essay DUE to
Turnitin.com on 10/5/2012 by 11:55 pm
Understand Argumentation
Learn about reading strategies
(Chapter 14)
10/16
T
10/18
R
10/23
T
Argumentation
(Chapter 14)
10/25
R
10/30
T
11/1
R
11/6
T
11/8
R
Read and react to a professional essay
Read and react to a student essay
Plan an argument essay
Final Paper and Bibliography DUE to Turnitin.com on
10/12/2012 by 11:55 pm.
Compare and Contrast Topic DUE 10/19/2012 to
Turnitin.com by 11:55 pm
“America the Developed”
First Draft vs. Last Draft
ALL
“In Praise of the F Word”
ALL
“A Necessary Protection”
ALL
Mid-Term Assessment
Comparison
(Chapter 13)
What is Compare and
Contrast?
Recognizing Common
Comparison-Contrast
Patterns
“Hemispheric Specialization”
11/13
T
11/15
R
Psychology
10/25
R
10/30
T
11/1
R
11/6
T
11/8
R
11/13
T
11/15
R
11/20
T
11/22
R
Agreement with I and You
Education
Science
History
Political
Science
English
“ A Commuter’s Best Friend”
Sociology
“Life in a War Zone”
11/20
T
10/23
T
*Formal C&C Outline due to Turnitin.com (10/29/2012)
Mid-Term Review
Music
11/22
R
11/27
T
11/29
R
Write the first draft
Revise the writing
Editing the writing
GUEST SPEAKER
Learning Center
Understanding Research
(Chapter 15)
Why do we need to
research?
Reviewing Responsible
Research
Primary vs. Secondary
Sources
Evaluating Sources
Book Talks
Book Talks
Book Talks
Book Talks
Book Talks
Book Talks
The How To’s of Website
Research
Online Revision of Compare
and Contrast
Online Revision of Compare
and Contrast
Online Revision of Compare
and Contrast
Online Revision of Compare
and Contrast
Online Revision of Compare
and Contrast
Online Revision of Compare
and Contrast
Understand comparison-contrast
Learn about reading strategies
Read and react to a professional essay
Read and react to a student essay
Plan a comparison-contrast essay
Write the first draft
Revise the writing
Edit the writing
Test Taking Strategies
ALL
Understand sources of information
Evaluate sources of information
Cite sources of information
Avoid plagiarism
Review responsible research
Compare and Contrast Rough Draft due to
Turnitin.com on 11/2/2012 by 11:55 pm
Complete a Book Talk (7-10 minutes) on an approved
novel to be read outside of class.
* Complete Aplia post-assessment-this is to be done
outside of class but due by 11:55pm on Aplia
(11/26/2012).
11/27
T
11/29
R
Nelson-Denney Reading Test
Final Assessment
Diagnostic Measurement
FINAL Compare and Contrast Paper due to Turnitin.com
on 11/23/2012 at 11:55 pm.