BCC English Language Institute—Advanced Grammar

5 Credits

Instructor:  Ivan Breen

Office: C 235A

Office Phone:  425-564-3147

E-mail:  ibreen@bellevuecollege.edu

Office hours:  By appointment only

Classroom: B242

Class Time: 10:30am-11:20am

Textbook and Materials:

o Grammar Links 3 by Janis Zante

o A three-ring binder to keep all of your quizzes, homework, tests, lecture notes, etc.

o A memory storage device such as a USB memory stick

Course Description:

This course will help students improve their understanding and use of English grammar.  Students will study the major grammatical patterns and structures of the English language.  In addition, students will apply their grammar knowledge to help them edit their writing.  Students will improve their grammar not only by doing textbook practice but through active and engaging classroom activities that simulate real-life situations where grammatical accuracy in necessary. Ample class time will be given for the production and practice of English through interactive speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities.

Time Management and Workload:

This course will be a fair amount of work.  You should expect to spend at least 1-2 hours everyday outside of class studying and working on homework or class projects.  That means that you have to schedule and manage your time carefully every week so that you will have time to get everything done on time.  Do not wait until the night before to do your assignments.  Do them early so that you can do a good job and increase your learning potential.

Attendance Policy:

Regular attendance is very important in this class.  We will cover a lot of information everyday, and it is important that you are in class and on time. 

Students who miss class 12 times will receive a grade of “F.”  Students who miss class 10 or 11 times will receive a grade of “D.”  Three (3) tardies of 5 minutes or more will equal 1 absence.

Although not recommended, students are allowed to miss up to three classes per quarter without any penalty.  After that, students who miss 4-5 classes may have their grade lowered.  Students who miss 6-9 classes will have their final grade lowered by one full letter grade.

Please Note:  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out from another student what was covered in class on the day you were absent and to make copies of any material that was handed out in class on the day you were absent.  The instructor will not be responsible for helping you to catch up.

Classroom Atmosphere/Student Conduct Responsibilities:

Cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (using the ideas or words of another as one’s own without crediting the source) and inappropriate/disruptive classroom behavior are violations of the Student Code of Conduct at Bellevue Community College.  Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to: talking out of turn, arriving late or leaving early without a valid reason, allowing cell phones/pagers to ring, and inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates.  The instructor can refer any violation of the Student Code of Conduct to the Dean of Student Services for possible probation or suspension from Bellevue Community College.  Specific student rights, responsibilities and appeal procedures are listed in the Student Code of Conduct, available in the office of the Dean of Student Services. 

Special Needs

If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please make an appointment with DRC (Disability Resource Center.)   If you would like to inquire about becoming a DRC student, you may call 564-2498 or go in person to the DRC program office in B132.

Assignments:

All assignments and homework is due at the beginning of the class period on the date assigned.

Keys To Success In This Class:

o Participate in class discussions and group work.

o Take responsibility for your education and actions.

o Seek additional help if needed through the Writing Lab, tutoring or me.

o Complete all assignments and homework.

o Be on time and come to all class meetings.

o Come with a smile, respect for yourself and others, a positive attitude, and be ready to learn.

Other

Please refer to the Arts and Humanities Student Procedures and Expectations   www.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/studentinfo.asp for all other information.

Grading:

Attendance                                                                                           10%

Participation                                                                                          10%

Homework                                                                                            20%

Tests                                                                                                    30%

Class Projects                                                                                       20%

Final                                                                                                     10%

Instructor’s Note: 

Studying grammar is great!  However, reading in English and making friends with native-speakers of English is also a very effective way of improving your grammar.  Don’t forget this aspect of language learning!

If you have any concerns about the course or your grade, please don’t hesitate to talk to me. 

Ok!  Let’s work hard and have fun in this class!!!