Negotiating Academic Literacies: Teaching and Learning Across Language and Cultures Edited

LILNG 4354/5302, Page 1 of 8

LING 4354-001

Methods and materials to teach English as a second or foreign language

LING 5302-001

Methods and materials for teaching English as a second or foreign language

The University of Texas at Arlington

Spring 2009

Instructor: Eunjin Park, PhD

Office Number: Tremble Hall, Room 217E

Office Telephone Number: (917) 272-3695

Email Address:

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 2:00pm – 3:00pm, also by appointment

Time and place of class meetings: Tremble Hall Room 215

Monday and Wednesday, 5:30pm – 6:50pm

Course content

In this course, we will study the application of linguistic theory and findings, and discuss current and past research and practices, with particular emphasis on pedagogical strategies, materials, and tests. Special attention will be given to different theories of literacy and their application in teaching English learners. The course is divided into two parts: the first half covers literacy at the K-12 level, while the second half emphasizes on academic literacies at the college level.

Course Goals & Student Learning Outcomes

After taking this course, students will be able to

• Analyze and evaluate different theories and research findings on literacy
• Discuss how literacy has been practiced in academic contexts
• Understand the needs and objectives of English learners
• Construct their own framework for literacy teaching, learning, and research

Requirements: Prerequisites

• Undergraduate students: LING 2301 Introduction to the study of human languages
• Graduate students: LING 5301 Teaching English as a second or foreign language

Course Textbooks

• Zamel, V. & Spack, R. (1998). Negotiating Academic Literacies: Teaching and Learning across Language and Cultures. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ISBN: 0-8058-2998-9.

• Peregoy, S. F. & Boyle, O. F. (2008). Reading, writing and learning in ESL: A resource book for teaching K-12 English learners. (5th edition). Allyn & Bacon. ISBN: 020562684X

Recommended

• APA. (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition. Washington, DC. ISBN 155798-7912 (Available at UTA Bookstore or Amazon.com)

Assignments & Examinations

1. Four Reaction Papers (40% of the final grade)

Students will choose 4 readings and write reaction papers: 2 readings prior to Exam I, and 2 readings after Exam I. In the paper, students are expected to discuss the theme of the selected reading, and write a critical review. The paper should be written in APA style, double spaced, and be between 500 and 1000 words.

Assessment Criteria:

• How accurately and comprehensively does the student understand the main issues?
• How effectively does the student analyze and synthesize the information that he/she gathered from the reading (as opposed to summarizing the information)?
• How coherently and cohesively is the paper written?

Students are expected to keep a copy of all assignments submitted. Late papers will not be accepted.

Possible due dates

• First two papers: February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2.
• Second two papers: March 23, 30; April 6, 13 and 20.

1. In-Class Exams I & II

Students will have two in-class essay exams, which will require them to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts covered in lectures, readings, and class discussions.

Assessment Criteria:

• How accurately and comprehensively does the student understand the concepts?
• How effectively and sufficiently does the student express his/her knowledge of the chosen topic?

Exam I is on March 11th, and Exam II is on April 29th.

1. Book Review (Graduate only)

Graduate students may choose one book related to the issues including but not limited to literacy, teaching reading and writing to English learners, bilingual literacy (biliteracy), emergent literacy, and cross-cultural literacy. After having the instructor’s approval, students may write a critical review of their selected books. The review should be written in APA style, and double-spaced. The recommended length is 1000 words.

Graduate students will have an opportunity to share their book reviews with the whole class during the last week of the semester. Each presenter will have 20 minutes to introduce their selected book and discuss it in relation to the topics covered in this course. A ten-minute Q&A session will follow each presentation. Presentations are mandatory, but will not be graded.

The due date for the review paper is May 11th, 2009.

Make-up Exam Policy

Students who cannot be present for an exam due to an illness or emergency must contact the instructor prior to the start of the examination.

Grading Policy

All assignments must be submitted and all exams must be taken.

Undergraduate Students

Graduate Students

Grading scale: Final course grade options are A, B, C, D, F, and X.

Attendance and Drop Policy

1. Attendance Policy (10% of Final Grade)

Each and every class meeting will contain lecture and class discussion, which will require students’ attendance and active participation. Students are expected not only to complete the assigned reading each week but also to generate insightful and thought-provoking comments and questions during class.

NO missed work completed during class time may be made up. Students who are absent are responsible for obtaining material and information that they missed from other class members. Students are responsible for keeping a record of their own absences and making sure that their record is consistent with that of the instructor. The instructor will make reasonable accommodations for students observing religious holidays, but such students must notify the instructor prior to their absence(s).

There is a limit of two excused absences for the class. Three points will be lost for each unexcused absence or for any absence not discussed and approved by the instructor ahead of time.

• No absence – 10 points
• 1 absence – 7 points
• 2 absences – 4 points
• 3 absences – 1 points
• 4 absences – Fail

Students are expected to be on time, attend all class sessions, and stay until the completion of the class. Early and unexcused exits or late arrivals will be counted as one full absence for the class period.

2.Drop policy

The last day to drop the class is April 3rd.

Course Schedule

Note: P&B stands for Peregoy & Boyle, and Z&S for Zamel and Spack.

The numbers in the parentheses indicate the chapter numbers.

Quizzes: Review quizzes can be given sporadically.

IMPORTANT COURSE POLICIES

Americans With Disabilities Act: The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at

Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.

Academic Integrity: It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)

Student Support Services Available: The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.

Final Review Week: A period of five class days prior to the first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be designated as Final Review Week. The purpose of this week is to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations. During this week, there shall be no scheduled activities such as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall assign any themes, research problems or exercises of similar scope that have a completion date during or following this week unless specified in the class syllabus. During Final Review Week, an instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10% or more of the final grade, except makeup tests and laboratory examinations. In addition, no instructor shall give any portion of the final examination during Final Review Week. Classes are held as scheduled during this week and lectures and presentations may be given.

Librarian to Contact: [Optional. Insert the name and contact information for the subject librarian for your course]

Electronic Communication Policy: [Optional. Suggested language provided, however, please provide instructor policy on receiving email from students]

The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University “MavMail” address as the sole official means of communication with students. MavMail is used to remind students of important deadlines, advertise events and activities, and permit the University to conduct official transactions exclusively by electronic means. For example, important information concerning registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation are now sent to students through the MavMail system.

All students are assigned a MavMail account. Students are responsible for checking their MavMail regularly. Information about activating and using MavMail is available at

Grade Grievance Policy: The University Grade Grievance Policy will be followed.

Reaction Paper

Your score out of 10: ______

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