Bellevue Community College

English Language Institute

University Preparation                                                          Fall 05

Exploring Contemporary Issues Through Oral Communication 5

Instructor: Kristi Middleton

Classroom/time:  B257 3:30-4:20 pm

Email: kmiddlet@bcc.ctc.edu

No class will be held on the following dates: 10/4,10/31, 11/11, 11/24-11/25

Required materials: English-English dictionary, three-ring binder

*all other materials will be provided by the teacher or by you, the students

Course Description

This course uses contemporary topics to improve students’ skills in research, reading, writing, speaking, listening, note taking, and working in groups.  These skills are important in regular college and university classes and will also provide students with skills needed to participate with Americans in other group settings.  The class combines a little instruction with lots of practice.  Working in groups, you will research and read current events from newspapers and magazines, watch videos, present information to your classmates, listen to guest speakers and to each other, and discuss ideas.

Course Objectives

During this course, students will learn to:

• Identify issues
• Research, analyze, and present an issue
• Work effectively in groups
• Analyze and explain a current issue in a conversation
• Paraphrase and summarize
• Draw conclusions
• Clearly express an opinion and support it with reasons and evidence
• Identify the main idea and answer factual questions, based on notes from listening
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a presentation
• Determine the meaning of unknown words
• Synthesize information from different sources
• Participate in and lead discussions
• Ask good questions related to lectures, activities, readings, and guest speakers

Class Format

You will be divided into groups.  Each group will choose a topic of interest or one will be assigned.  Your job will be to find out as much as you can about that particular topic.  You will prepare reading materials and activities, and present the material to the class.  By the end of the quarter, you will have worked in two different groups and researched and presented two contemporary topics.  The materials and activities for each group should include:

• At least one magazine article
• At least one newspaper article
• Visual aid
• Vocabulary list with definitions
• Discussion questions
• Comprehension questions
• Large and small group discussions
• A final quiz

Attendance

If you know ahead of time that you will be absent, turn your work in before the absence.  I expect all of the students to be punctual and tardies are unacceptable.  If you have 3 tardies, it will be equal to one absence.  Ten absences will result in an F and you will not pass the course.  I expect you to be in class each and every day and if you will be absent, you need to let me know in advance.  Of course, emergencies may arise but you can email me so that I know of the situation.  I want my students to be held accountable for their own grade.  Every student starts the quarter with an “A” and it is the students’ responsibility to do the work that is necessary to maintain that grade.  You will get out of the class whatever you put into it.  I demand and expect excellence from all of my students!

If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of  an emergency evacuation, please make an appointment with DSS (Disability Support Services).  If you would like to inquire about becoming a DSS student, you may call 564-2498 or go in person to the DSS program office in C210, the student union building. 

Grading

Grading will be based on the following components.  You will receive both mid-quarter and final grade reports.

Attendance/Participation                                   20%

Homework/Evaluation sheets                            20%

Project work (includes the following)             40%

                Quality of preparation and materials gathered

                Your portion of your group’s presentation

                Your ability to work with your group

Quizzes/Tests                                                      20%

Letter grades will be based on the following percentages:

93-100%              A

84-92%                                B

75-83%                                C

66-74%                                D

Below 65%          F

My Expectations

1. Come to class on time every day.  Be prepared.  Be ready to learn.  Be on time.  Be an active learner.
2. Ask questions regularly.  Seek me out if you’d like help.  I welcome questions and I’m always eager to help my students learn.
3. Speak English as often as possible.  Practice, practice, practice.
4. Respect those around you and the classroom environment.
5. When others are talking, listen politely.
6. Assist your classmates and they will help you.  It’s great to learn from each other.
7. Turn in work on time.
8. Turn off beepers/cell phones during class.
9. Have fun and laugh a little every day.
10. Eat chocolate often but do it outside of class unless there’s enough for all!J

Remember, you will get out of this class what you put into it.  This class provides lots of opportunities for you to practice your listening and speaking skills in English.  Since the class is student-created, let’s make sure we have fun along the way.  I have high expectations for each and every one of you so make sure that you demand excellence from yourself.  I will accept nothing less than your very best.  Let’s have fun!  Good luck.