REA 0001 College Prep Reading I

Course Syllabus and Calendar

Spring 2008

Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.
~ Mortimer J. Adler ~

Instructor: Arianne S. Rivera

Class Hours/Location: T/Th. 8:30 – 9:45, Building 9, Room 216

E-mail:

Conference Hours:Tues/Thurs., 10-11:15 (after class)

Required Materials:

  • The Skilled Reader by D.J. Henry (text and lab manual)

THIS TEXT IS A WORKBOOK; PURCHASE AN UNMARKED COPY.

Read this syllabus carefully. It represents a contract. By accepting the syllabus you are agreeing to meet its requirements. If you have any disabilities that require special accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible. This information will be kept in strict confidence.

Course Description:

Prerequisite: Students are placed into this class with a CPT score of 59 or less or by an equivalent score on a state-approved assessment. Students may also be placed in this course if they lack valid assessment test scores taken within the past two years. Once students begin the prep reading sequence of classes, they must continue taking reading classes until they successfully complete REA 0002.

A minimum grade of C required for successful completion of this course. REA 0001 credit does not apply toward an associate degree. REA 000l will help you develop and practice reading skills essential to success in college. You have registered for two special sections, REA 0001 and REA 0001L. This means that you will spend a total of three (3) hours of instructional time per week in a traditional classroom setting and additional practice time completing lab activities at home and/or in the Reading Lab.

Course Objectives:

Reading is a communication process between a writer and the receiver of information, the reader. Due to the abundance of reading required in college level courses, students must become effective, efficient readers to master their content area classes. Good reading skills include both literal and critical (inferential) comprehension of sentences, paragraphs, and longer passages. Students must develop good literal comprehension skills before they can establish critical thinking skills. Thus, the first part of the semester will focus on literal comprehension skills; the second part will introduce critical thinking skills (which will be further developed in REA 0002.) The following skills will be emphasized:

improving strategies for learning new words.

recognizing main ideas and supporting details

recognizing inferences and conclusions

expanding vocabulary and context usage

distinguishing between fact and opinion

understanding transitional words

recognizing paragraph patterns and the relationships between ideas

developing study skills needed to read content area materials

Competencies of a Valencia Graduate:

The assignments made in REA 0001 have the following educational outcomes expected of a Valencia Community College Graduate. Outcomes are numbered as they appear in the document “Educational Outcomes: Competencies of a Valencia College Graduate.” A complete explanation of these, as well as subheadings under each area, can be found in the Valencia Catalogue.

  1. Think clearly, critically, and creatively. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate in many different domains of human inquiry.

II. Communicate with different audiences using varied and appropriate methods (oral, written, visual/graphic, and non-verbal).

  1. Make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments.
  2. Act purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly in the contexts of adult life.

CLASP Reading Skills and Valencia Student Outcomes

The assignments covered in REA 0001 introduce or reinforce the following CLASP Reading Skills:

Literal Comprehension Skills:

Recognize main ideas

Identify supporting details

Determine meaning of words

Critical Comprehension Skills

Identify author’s overall organizational pattern

Distinguish between facts and opinions

Recognize relationships within sentences

Recognize relationships between sentences

Draw inferences and conclusions

Assignments covered in REA 0001 meet the following educational outcomes expected of a Valencia graduate. Outcomes are numbered as they appear in the document “Educational Outcomes of a Valencia Graduate.” What you will do in REA 0001 to meet VCC Outcomes is stated beside each outcome in parentheses:

I.Think critically and make reasoned choices by acquiring, analyzing,

synthesizing, and evaluation knowledge.

1.Analyze information and ideas to make decisions. (Use a study

reading system that involves predicting, generalizing, and

concluding.)

2.Synthesize information and ideas to progress to a higher level of

understanding.

(Apply newly acquired critical comprehension skills to reading

assignments that increase in difficulty.)

3.Evaluate evidence and generalizations against appropriate criteria.

(Distinguish between fact and opinion.)

II.Read, listen, write, and speak effectively.

1.Locate key ideas. . . (Find main ideas and support.)

2.Paraphrase key ideas. . . (Summarize an author’s points and support.)

3.Comprehend literal, then symbolic or implied meaning. (Find

implied main ideas; make inferences.)

4.View an idea and its exposition as a whole. (Understand the

author’s overall organizational pattern.)

5.Recognize the symbolic nature of language. (Use prefixes, roots

suffixes to understand how words are formed and how they symbolically represent reality for the overall purpose of building

vocabulary.)

III.Understand and use quantitative information.

1. Perform basic arithmetic operations. (Keep a running average of

grades on assignments and quizzes for the larger purpose of

assuming responsibility for one’s grade in the course.)

2.Interpret and construct graphic information. (Comprehend information presented in textbook illustrations, charts, graphs, and

other visuals involving quantitative information. Interpret reading

comprehension through charting and graphing.)

IV.Clarify personal strengths, values, and goals in relation to cultural values.

1.Recognize and use strengths to develop a personally satisfying

existence. (Assess and use strengths and weaknesses in reading

and study habits and apply strategies to improve reading and

studying.)

2.Establish and work toward personal goals while acknowledging the

realities of self and society. (Set goals to complete assignments on

time. When choosing assignments from a list of options, make

selections based on real appraisal of skill proficiencies and needs.

Attendance:

Attendance is required in this class. You are expected to attend all sessions regularly, be on time and complete all assigned work.

Students are allowed to miss the equivalent of one week’s worth of classes without consequences.

  • 10 % of your grade is based on attendance. Your attendance grade is based on the following:

2 Absences or less=100%

3 Absences = 50%

4 Absences= 0%

5 Absences=You WILL be withdrawn from class by

your instructor.

If you are more than 10 minutes late, it will be counted as an absence.

No distinction is made between an excused and unexcused absence. If you are absent, you cannot learn.

You cannot pass this class if you do not pass at least 70% of your labs.

If you receive a “W’ because of excessive absences, you must register for the course again next session.

The deadline for withdrawing from a class with a “W” designation is Friday, March14, 2008. After that date, your transcripts will be posted with a (WP) Withdrawn Passing or (WF) Withdrawn Failing designator. WF’s will be calculated in your GPA.

Classroom protocol:

I expect that students will be on time for class and will be prepared for class. Important announcements, including assignments, are given at the beginning of class and if students are late they miss vital information.

It is your responsibility to find out what was missed if you were absent. Other students in the class are a good source of information. Use Web CT to communicate with classmates if you have questions.

If you are absent the day an assignment is given, the due date will not be extended. Again, students are responsible to find out what they have missed.

Respect is the operating guideline for this class. I will respect you, and in turn, I expect you to respect me, yourself and your classmates.

Cellular phones and pagers must be turned off during class and lab.

I will not tolerate disruptions such as side conversations, sleeping or doing homework for other classes. Being habitually late is considered a disruption. If you are excessively disruptive, you will be asked to leave class. You may not return to class until you have met with the Dean of Communications, Kim Long, in Building 5, Room 231.

Upon the successful completion of this course with a grade of C or higher, you must take REA 0002. You are allowed three attempts to successfully complete each of the two college-prep reading courses (REA 0001 and 0002). An attempt means signing up for and attending class past the withdrawal deadline listed in the VCC catalog. If you withdraw, or if your instructor withdraws you after that date, you have used up an attempt. If you do not complete the course successfully (i.e., if you make an F in either REA 0001 or 0002) in any one try, that will constitute an attempt. In accordance with Sections 239.117, 239.301, and 240.117, Florida Statutes, students enrolled in the same college-prep course more than one time shall pay the full cost of instruction beyond the first attempt.

WebCT Participation

There will be a Web CT component in this class. Directions and requirement will be discussed further in class. You will need regular access to the internet, including your ATLAS account, Web CT and a printer. You will print all your own class handouts. Dates they are due will be given in class. You will access these handouts on Web CT and it will be a part of your homework grade.

Reading Lab

You will need to access on a regular basis to complete your lab requirements. This can be done from any computer with Internet access. You do not need to print out your reports. I will keep track of them on my teacher’s account. Two Lab assignments will come from your lab manual. This work must be completed on notebook paper in ink, and graded with the answer key in at the Materials Desk in the Communications Lab, Building 5, Room 155. You can use the Communications lab to do your “my reading lab” work.

Grading:

Your grade in this course will consist of successful completion of all assigned

work, tests, lab work, attendance and a final exam. The following scale will be used:

A = 90 to 100%

B =80 to 89%

C = 70 to 79%

D = 60 to 69%

F = 0 to 59%

‘

Assignments and labs are due at the beginning of class, not after class. Plan accordingly. Please note that I do not accept late assignments or labs. If you plan to be absent on the day an assignment or lab is due, you must either turn it in before the due date or arrange to have it delivered to me before noon on the day it is due to get full credit. You may deliver the assignment or lab to 5-231 and ask that it be put in my mailbox. I can check the time/date that you turn complete things on myreadinglab.com. The only labs turned in on paper are from the Lab Manual.

****IMPORTANT: If you are absent for the midterm exam, it must be made up in the TestingCenter(7-219) before the next scheduled class, or you will receive a “0” on the quiz or test. You need to provide photo identification in order to be able to take a test in the TestingCenter. Your test will be in a file under my name (Rivera) and your name will appear on a list giving you permission to take the test in the TestingCenter.

Except for the midterm exam, there are no makeup quizzes/tests for those that you missed because you were absent. You must bring your textbook with you to class everyday. I will drop your one lowest classroom quiz and test.

Grade Determination:

Assignments, quizzes, tests, lab assignments and your final exam will be combined to determine your final grade as follows:

Category Percentage# of Dropped Lowest Scores

Attendance10%2

Web CT (printouts and discussions) 5%0

Homework Quizzes20%1

Tests/Midterm25%1 test

Final Exam20%0

Lab (Reading Road Trip, Lexile Readings20%0 and Lab Manual Work) _____

100%

Student Ethics:

You are expected to abide by the college policy as stated in the catalog. If

you are caught cheating on assignments or tests, whether in class or in lab,

you will receive a grade of “0” which cannot be made up.

What You Can Expect From Me:

Encouragement, support and understanding.

Clear communication.

Willingness to adapt class sessions according to individual needs in class.

Consistency in grading. Your grade in this class will be objective, rather than subjective.

A willingness to answer all questions, repeatedly, if necessary.

Disclaimer:

Course policies and procedures may be changed at the discretion of the instructor; students will be notified of any changes in writing.

You must pass this class with a C or better to take Prep Reading II. Prep Reading II is the prerequisite for English Comp I.

Syllabus Acceptance Contract

I have read and understand the policies of my REA 0001 class. I have received the syllabus and calendar and understand it is a contract that I am committing to for an entire semester. If I have questions about class policies, I will refer to this syllabus and calendar before approaching the instructor. I understand that it is my choice to be a part of this class.

Student SignatureDate

REA 0001 Spring 2008 Tues/Th. Class Calendar Rivera
Jan.
Tues.8 /
  • Class begins
  • Brief introduction to instructor/basics of course
  • WebCT instructions for printing syllabus/calendar
  • Icebreaker

Thur.10 /
  • Due: Print and bring copy of class syllabus and course calendar to class
  • Discuss Syllabus
  • Discuss Course Calendar

Tues. 15 /
  • Due: Have all your class materials with you in class
  • Due: 1-2 paragraphs explaining your experience as a reader
  • Lab Orientation
  • Textbook Orientation p. 1-4 in class

Thur.
17 /
  • More lab information
  • Due: Complete the 2 Diagnostic Tests at myreadinglab.com

Tues. 22 /
  • Chapter 1-A Reading System for Skilled Reading
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading at myreadinglab.com

Thur.
24 /
  • Due: Ch. 1 Review Tests #1-3, p. 30-33
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Active Reading Strategies-New Orleans, LA
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 1 Test

Tues.
29 /
  • Chapter 2-Vocabulary in Context
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading at myreadinglab.com

Thur.
31 /
  • Due: Ch. 2 Review Tests #1-4, p. 64-70
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Vocabulary: The Library of Congress-Washington, D.C.
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 2 Test

Feb.
Tues.5 /
  • Chapter 3-Vocabulary Building Skills
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading at myreadinglab.com

Thur 7 /
  • Due: Ch. 3 Review Tests #1-5, p. 112-119
  • Due: Lab Manual p. 26-30 (completed and graded by you)
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 3 Test

Tues.12 /
  • Chapter 4- Topics and Main Ideas
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading at myreadinglab.com

Thur.
14 /
  • Due: Ch. 4 Review Test 1-4, p. 155-161
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 4 Test

Tues. 19 /
  • Chapter 5-Locating Stated Main Ideas
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading at myreadinglab.com

Thur.
21 /
  • Due: Ch. 5 Review Tests #1-4, p. 190-197
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Main Idea, Maine Woods
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 5 Test

Tues. 26 /
  • Complete “Minute Paper”
  • HW Quiz
  • Due: Reading #2, p. 480-484: Finding My Voice #1-11 and Reading #3, p. 488-491: A Dad at the Final Frontier #1-14
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading

Thur.
28 /
  • Midterm Exam
  • Due: Reading Road Trip: Test Taking, Hollywood, California

Mar. Tues.
4 /
  • Return and go over Midterm Exam
  • Ch. 6 Supporting Details
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading

Thur.
6 /
  • Due: Ch. 6 Review Tests #1-3, p. 228-231
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Supporting Details, The St. Louis Arch, Missouri
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 6 Test

Tues. 11 /
  • Chapter 8-Transitions and Thought Patterns
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading

Thur. 13 /
  • Due: Ch. 8 Review Tests #1-4, p. 310-316
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 8 Test

Tues.
18 /
  • Chapter 9-More Thought Patterns
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading

Thur.
20 /
  • Due: Ch. 9 Review Tests #1-4, p. 353-361
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Patterns of Organization, New YorkHarbor
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 9Test

Tues. 25 /
  • Chapter 10-Implied Main Ideas
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading

Thur.
27 /
  • Due: Ch. 10 Review Tests #1-4, p. 403-412
  • Due: Lab Manual Exercises 10.1-10.5 (completed and graded by you)
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 10Test

April
Tues.
1 /
  • No class
  • Spring Break

Thur.
3 /
  • No Class
  • Spring Break

Tues.
8 /
  • Chapter 11-Inferences
  • Due: 1 Lexile Reading

Thur.
10 /
  • Due: Ch. 11 Review Test #1-4, p. 445-452
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Inferences, Great Lakes Region
  • HW Quiz
  • Ch. 10Test

Tues. 15 /
  • Due: Combined Skills Tests #1-3, p. 548-552

Thur.
17 /
  • Last Class-skill review
  • Due: Combined Skills Tests #4-6, p. 553-558
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Lab: Reading Textbooks, Grand Canyon, Arizona
  • Due: Reading Road Trip Reading Skills Post-Test online

Final Exam is scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 a.m. in Building 9, Room 216 (our regular classroom). This calendar is subject to change. Changes made will be announced in class.

Key:

Bold = due that day in class or online for Web CT

Bold/underlined = Test/Quiz

Normal = what we will do in class