BRIDGE:  ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR CONTENT  #6279

Winter, 2006

Instructor:                       Chris Hall

Course Information:         Monday-Friday; 2:30-3:20

Instructor Information:   Office C230; Office Hours 9:45-10:45 M-F

                                         Email:  chall@bcc.ctc.edu

                                         Phone:  (425) 564-2254

Text:                                 Raise the Issues

Course Overview

This course will focus on improving the skills you need to be successful in academic classes.  We will work specifically on refining your skills in writing, reading, listening, speaking and critical thinking. 

Our textbook will be the primary source of our readings and the focus will be on current international issues in areas such as education, medical ethics, and the environment.  For each chapter we study, you will be assigned a topic extension activity, which may include a summary/response paper, vocabulary study and/or a small group oral report.  Additionally, there will be a lecture or video to supplement each chapter.  Each chapter we cover will culminate with a vocabulary and comprehension test.  You will also have a final project that will require research on a specific topic and an in-depth presentation of your findings. 

A basic component of this course will be our classroom discussions.  You will be expected to initiate, facilitate and fully participate in these discussions.  Attendance, consequently, is highly important.  Students with 10 or 11 absences will receive a “D” grade and those with 12 or more will receive an “F” grade for the course.  For each class period you miss, points will be deducted from the participation component of your grade.

Course Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Initiate, expand and facilitate discussions
• Work as a member of a team
• Summarize and respond appropriately to written and audio material
• Distinguish a speaker or writer’s point of view
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Read to confirm or revise predictions
• Draw inferences
• Synthesize and analyze information
• Research a topic
• Deliver a presentation based on personal research

Grading Guidelines

In order to pass this class, students must achieve a 75% or higher class average.  Class averages will be determined from the following:*

• Unit Tests (vocabulary, comprehension and extension)              50-60 Points each
• Lecture Tests                                                                                 50 Points each
• Extension summaries and responses                                               50 Points each
• Small group reports                                                                        25 Points each
• Text Exercises                                                                              Points will vary    
• Final Project Research and Presentation                                        120 Points
• Final Presentation Quiz                                                                   50 Points
• Participation                                                                            20% of total points

*Point values are approximate and are subject to change.

All submitted assignments unless otherwise stipulated must be typed and handed in at the beginning of class on the day that they are due Late assignments will lose 20% of their value daily and will not be accepted more than two days after the due date.

If you are absent, you are still responsible for your homework and the material covered in class that day.  You should have several classmate contacts.  You may e-mail me with your work if you are absent.  However, in order to receive full point value, you must do so before the beginning of class on the date it is due.  Each student may make up only ONE unit test during the quarter.  This must be done within two days of the absence and must be arranged by the student.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Come to class on time daily.
2. Do your homework PRIOR to class.
3. Turn in all assignments.  Remember that assignments turned in late reduce your point value.
4. Fully participate in class discussions and activities.
5. Respect the English/English only environment.  Keep your use of translation dictionaries to a minimum.
6. Be a good listener.  Don’t speak while others are speaking.
7. Speak up so others can hear what you are saying.
8. Be respectful of different styles of communication.
9. Be open to seeing things from a different perspective from yours.
10. Keep track of your own progress.
11. Turn off your cell phones before you enter the classroom.
12. Read and respond to teacher questions and comments (oral and written).
13. Bring your books with you everyday unless told not to.
14. Do not eat during class.
15. Clean up your own area before you leave (chair placement, empty cups, papers, etc…)
16. Do your own work. Plagiarized work will receive a “O.”
17. Ask for help when you need it.
18. Use college appropriate behavior in the classroom.

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 me as soon as possible.  To inquire about becoming a DSS (Disability Support Services) student, call 564-2498 or go to the DSS office located in B132.

TENTATIVE WINTER QUARTER CALENDAR

No Classes                                            January 16, 20; February 2; March 3

Final Presentations                               Last 7-10 days of class

Final Presentation Quiz                        March 20