WINTER 2012: English 073 (STEPS)

 

Instructor:  Liz Dills

E-mail: edills@bellevuecollege.edu   

Office Hours: Before or after class at 8 am or 10:20 am

Emergency closure: 425.401.6680

 

Required Textbooks and Materials:

 

1.  Structured Reading, 7th Edition.  Troika & Thweatt

2.  Patterns 1: Basic Grammar & Editing. Linda Leeds

3.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

4.  A paperback dictionary

5.  One thumb drive or memory stick

6.  One notebook for in-class notes and assignments

7.  One folder to collect class work for end-of-the-quarter Portfolio

 

Course Description:

 

This course presents reading and writing strategies.  During each two-hour period you will learn how to improve your grammar, summary writing and essay writing skills, and learn how to proofread and edit your work. You will focus on vocabulary, comprehension, and identifying main ideas and supporting details. In addition, you will focus on sentence and paragraph structure, prewriting and drafting, which you will develop through individual work in the Writing and Reading Labs, class discussion and group work. Each week you will work at home and in class to complete the reading, writing and grammar assignments.

 

Course Requirements & Portfolio:

 

In-class essays must be word processed and double-spaced.  Other assignments, such as reading and workbook exercises and essay rough drafts, can be handwritten. The criteria for receiving 10 credits in the 070 series this quarter include the following:

 

    • 5 essay readings from Structured Reading
    • 5 in-class essays, including revision of diagnostic, 2 SR essays, one novel essay,  and one pre-test
    • 5 vocabulary lists and summaries
    • 5 vocabulary and grammar quizzes
    • 6 grammar workbook chapters in Patterns
    • 1 novel study packet, including quiz, summary & project  

 

               

 

 

 

You must save ALL your written work in a Portfolio to hand in at the end of the quarter for a final evaluation.  The criteria for exiting into 092/093 will be discussed during the first few weeks of the course and reviewed again at midterm.    

 

Writing Lab (D222):

 

The class will be composing, editing, and revising essay rough drafts on a weekly basis in the Writing Lab. Beginning the first week of the quarter, the Lab will be reserved during regular class time on Thursdays. You should plan to word process your essays and to conference with me to discuss your work.  Attendance is required. These assignments are graded and go into the Portfolio for end-of-quarter evaluation. 

 

 

Reading Lab (D202):

 

The Reading Lab is a separate course in which you need to spend several hours per week to help improve your reading. You will need to complete 22 or 44 hours for the quarter, which equals 1 or 2 credits of English 080.  We will have an orientation for new students the first week of class to explain lab programs and procedures.

 

Attendance:

 

This is important.  If you are late or absent for more than 10 class periods, you may not receive credit for 073.  February 17th and 19th are the last days to withdraw in person or online to receive a W on your transcript.  Frequent absences and late arrivals are disruptive to me and impede the progress of serious students.

 

There are two outcomes for this class.  Each student will receive a Credit or No Credit for taking 073, and a placement (STEPS, 092 or 093).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grades:

 

The English 070 series is offered every quarter so that students may repeat until they test into 092 for native speakers, or 093 for second language learners.  It is designed so that you do not need to worry about grades, but rather to concentrate on practicing your English skills.  If your work is satisfactory, you will receive 10 credits (Cr) whether you test into 092/093 or not.  If it is unsatisfactory, you will receive no credit (NC), which may prevent you from receiving financial aid next quarter.  Please be advised, if you are an international student, an NC can cause problems with your immigration status.  Individual assignments will be graded V+, V or V- (above average, satisfactory, or needs improvement).

 

Placements:

 

In March, a committee of English instructors will evaluate your end of the quarter Portfolio and Challenge Test to determine if you have reached the necessary skill level for advancement to 092/093.   If you have a full time job and other outside responsibilities, your progress may not be as fast as you would like.  It depends on how hard you work and how fast you learn. For many students it can take a minimum of two quarters of practice to reach the next level.

 

Important note for students with disabilities:

 

If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of an emergency, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.  If you would like to inquire about becoming a DRC student, you may call 425/564-2498 or go in person to DRC (Disability Resource Center) in B132.

 

***All students should check BCC Student Procedures & Expectations web address at http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/studentinfo.html