Course Syllabus
Advanced Conversation
ESOL 0356
Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN) | Spring 2019 (CRN: 10653)

Instructor contact information (phone number and email address)

Mr. Jeffrey Kamm
jeffrey.kamm@hccs.edu
713-718-6692

Office Location and Hours

SJAC 119
Monday and Wednesday 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Course Location/Times

Monday 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. SJAC 134
Monday 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. SJAC 175
Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. SJAC 17

Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH) (lecture, lab) If applicable

Credit Hours: | 3 |
Lecture Hours: | 3 |
Laboratory Hours: | 2 |
External Hours: | |

Total Course Contact Hours | 80.00
Course Length (number of weeks) | 16 weeks
Type of Instruction | Lecture/Lab
Course Description: | A continuation of ESOL 0349, this course is designed to encourage students to improve aural comprehension of academic lectures and note-taking skills, and to enhance verbal communication of complex ideas.

Course Prerequisite(s)

C or better in ESOL 0349 or placement by ACCUPLACER ESL exam scores and essay.

After completing ESOL 0356, Advanced Conversation, students should be able to:

Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes

1.	identify main idea and key points of an academic lecture.
2.	use lecture notes in collaboration with classmates to orally review and summarize lectures.
3.	function more effectively in interpersonal situations using appropriate linguistic forms and correct register.
4.	pronounce sufficiently well to be understood by native English speakers.
5.	successfully prepare and deliver an oral presentation with follow-up questions and answers.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7

1.	Demonstrate comprehension of a spoken passage at the level of a high-school speaker on topics ranging from social to workforce to academic.
2.	Demonstrate facility comprehending and using level-appropriate vocabulary.
3.	Produce comprehensible speech which is accurate enough to be comprehended with effort by those unaccustomed to interacting with non-native English speakers.
4.	Make a presentation on a researched topic.
5.	Identify key points of a spoken lecture appropriate to native-speaking high-school students, using notes taken.

Learning Objectives (Numbering system should be linked to SLO - e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.)

1.1 Produce spoken discourse with few errors in pronouncing the English sounds
1.2 Produce sentences with accurate stress and intonation patterns.  
2.1 Participate in small-group discussions on topics related to recorded academic lectures; 
2.2 Participate in classroom panel discussions or debates regarding academic topics. 
3.1 Select a topic of interest to the student and the class
3.2 Organize a presentation of 5-7 minutes on that topic
3.3 Combine a variety of audio and visual resources to supplement the presentation
3.4 Deliver the presentation to the class, and answer questions that may arise. 
4.1 Outline the content of an academic presentation or reading passage
4.2 Discuss the main ideas and details of the passage with students in a small group
4.3 Produce a summary of the main ideas and the major details of the passage or text.

SCANS and/or Core Curriculum Competencies: If applicable

Core Curriculum Competencies:
No Learning Outcomes Selected

Instructional Methods

•	Lectures and note-taking
•	Listening and summarizing
•	Discussions (pairs, small groups, whole class)
•	Presentations and reports
•	Problem solving
•	Pronunciation practice
•	Vocabulary building
•	Independent study

Student Assignments

Taking notes from lectures
Giving presentations
Discussing
Problem solving and reporting
Summarizing recorded material
Recording for pronunciation and fluency

Student Assessment(s)

Oral presentations
Listening tests and quizzes
Notes taken from lectures
Oral summaries of recorded material

Instructor's Requirements

COURSE CALENDAR 
ESOL 0356- Advanced Conversation for Foreign Students
Spring 2019
                  (This calendar may change to meet the needs of the class)
			  IMPORTANT DATES

Important Dates and Holidays (Spring 2019)

Classes Begin                       				Jan. 14
Martin Luther King Holiday				Jan. 21
Official Day of Record			            Jan. 28
Presidents’ Day Holiday                                              Feb. 18                                                        
Spring Break                                                                Mar. 11-17
Last day for administrative/student withdrawals          April 1
Last day of Instruction 				May 1
Final Exam						May 8
Semester ends						May 12

Week 1 | Introduction to course.  Personal Interviews/Classmate Introduction

Week 2

Unit 1 – Urban Challenges Lesson A
Information for Presentation

Week 3

Unit 1 – Urban Challenges Lesson B
Notetaking Quiz #1 (Pantera 1)

Week 4

Unit  2–Protecting the Wild Lesson A
Presentation 1
Listening and Vocabulary (from Unit 1) Quiz #1

Week 5

Unit  2–Protecting the Wild Lesson B
Listening and Vocabulary (from Unit 2) Quiz #2
Notetaking Quiz #2 (Pantera 2)

Week 6 | Unit  4– Going Global Lesson A

Week 7

Unit  4–Going Global Lesson B
Listening and Vocabulary (from Unit 4) Quiz #3;

Week 8

Presentation 2 
Information about Presentation 3

Week 9

Unit 6–Tradition and Progress Lesson A
Notetaking Quiz #3 (Pantera 3)

Week 10

Unit 6–Tradition and Progress  Lesson B
Listening and Vocabulary (from Unit 6) Quiz #4

Week 11

Unit  7–Money in Our Lives Lesson A 
Unit  7–Money in Our Lives Lesson B
Listening and Vocabulary (from Unit 7) Quiz #5

Week 12

Presentation 3 
Information about the Final 
Notetaking Quiz #4 (Pantera 4)

Week 13 | Unit  8–Health and Technology Lesson A

Week 14

Unit  8– Health and Technology Lesson B
Listening and Vocabulary (from Units 8) Quiz #6

Week 15

Unit  9- The Mysterious Mind Lessons A & B (or Unit 9-students’ choice)
Notetaking Quiz #5 (Pantera 5)
Presentation 4

Week 16 | 5/8 Final Exam (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Classroom Policies
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone.  Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task.  As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal. Please be sure to turn off ALL electronic devices and put your phones and computers away.

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable us to supply any resources that HCC may possess.

Students are expected to arrive to class on time with ALL THEIR MATERIALS INCLUDING THE TEXT BOOKS. Returning late from a break or leaving class early counts as being tardy.  Being tardy twice will equal one absence (whether ten minutes or one hour). If you miss 10 hours of class, you can be dropped without notification and will, therefore, be out of compliance if you are an F-1 student.  If a student misses a class, it is his or her responsibility to see the instructor about the work that was missed. 

Course Work
The course calendar lists all of the assignments that will be done. While doing all the homework and attending class is not a guarantee of success, it is certainly true that not doing it is a guarantee of failure. 

Make-up Policy: If you must be absent on the day of a test, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor as soon as possible by leaving a message for me at the number or e-mail address listed above.  Normally, a make- up exam is done on the day you return to class, but please note that any make-up exam is at the convenience of the teacher.  This may mean coming in on a Friday. 

Grading
Your instructor will give oral presentation grades as well as listening/vocabulary and notetaking quizzes which you can use to determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes outlined in the syllabus.  If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your performance.

Disruptive Behavior 
Students who conduct themselves in a manner that significantly interferes with college teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other authorized college activities (including its public service functions) on the college premises will be subject to disciplinary action. Any student who behaves in this way may be required by the instructor to leave the classroom and be counted absent for the rest of that class period.
Tutoring Centers

The HCC Tutoring Centers provide academic support to our diverse student population by creating an open atmosphere of learning for all students enrolled at HCC.  Using a variety of tutoring techniques, we assist students across academic disciplines, addressing their individual needs in a constructive, safe, and welcoming environment.  Our emphasis is on maximizing academic potential while promoting student success and retention.  We are committed to helping students achieve their educational, personal, and career goals by empowering them to become confident, independent, lifelong learners.

Tutoring for individual subjects is offered at specific times throughout the week on various campuses.  
There is no need to make an appointment.  If you need a tutor, please refer to our website:  www.hccs.edu/findatutor for times and locations. For more information about tutoring at HCC, please go to  http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/tutoring/

 
HCC Policy Statement: ADA
HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established
through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services.  It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. . For more information, please go to 
https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/disability-services/

Campus Carry

At HCC the safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our first priority.  As of August 1, 2017, Houston Community College is subject to the Campus Carry Law (SB11 2015). 
For more information, visit the HCC Campus Carry web page at https://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/.”

Sexual Harassment Policy Statement
Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.  Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity.  Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities.  If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor.  The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator.  All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to:
David Cross
Director EEO/Compliance
Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity
3100 Main
(713) 718-8271
Houston, TX 77266-7517 or Institutional.Equity@hccs.edu

HCC Policy Statement:  Academic Honesty
Any form of copying, cheating, or plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment. The instructor will decide whether to permit you to make up the work, and under what circumstances it might be made up. If you are charged with academic dishonesty, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by HCC officials against a student who is accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

Cheating on a test includes:

•	Copying from another students’ test paper; 
•	Using  materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
•	Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
•	Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test that has not been administered;
•	Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)  https://www.hccs.edu/...students/student-handbook/FINAL- HCCStudentHandbook.pdf

HCC Policy Statement: Class Attendance
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this class.  Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences.  Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences. 

If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information.  As the information that is discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours (10 hours) of instruction (F-1 students should particularly take note of this so as not to affect your visa status). The ten hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness (being late twice or, leaving early is counted as an absence). Remember:  Class attendance equals class success.

HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from it prior to the final date of withdrawal (April 1, 2019).  Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.  Your success is very important.  Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.  

To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor can “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance.  It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.  

If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact an HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.  If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive an F or an IP (see below) as your final grade.  .

HCC Policy on Students Repeating a Course for the Third Time
Repeating students: 
Grades of IP or F are failing grades; the student will have to repeat the course. A student who fails a class for the second time must receive a grade of F for that class. Students who repeat a course for three or more times will have to pay a higher tuition fee at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. If you are having trouble in class, talk to your teacher and get help from a tutor. Get other assistance from a counselor before withdrawing or for advice if your grades are not passing. Students should get help so that they will not fail. 

Minor Children or Relatives at HCCS

Minor children (anyone less than 18 years old) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times when on any HCCS campus.  Minor children may be on the campus only briefly.  No minor children or relatives are permitted in any HCCS classroom or lab.  It is your responsibility to make arrangements for child care in the event that your child is sick or there is some other emergency involving your child and his/her child care arrangements.

Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom.  To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.

Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs.  Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Ability Services Office regarding reasonable accommodations

Program/Discipline Requirements: If applicable

College Grading System
Students in ESOL classes may receive a letter grade of A, B, C, IP or F. IP means "in progress." This is not a failing grade, but it is given to students who complete the course but who are not yet ready for the next level. Anyone who receives an IP must take ESOL 0356 again. However, if a student has already received an IP in this course during a previous semester, that student will receive a letter grade: A, B, C, or F this semester.

A= 90-100	B= 80-89	C= 70-79	IP/F= 0-69

HCC Grading Scale:

A = 100- 90 | | 4 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80: | | 3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70: | | 2 points per semester hour
IP = 0-69 | | 0 points per semester hour |
FX (Failure due to non-attendance) | | 0 points per semester hour |
IP (In Progress) | | 0 points per semester hour |
W (Withdrawn) | | 0 points per semester hour |
I (Incomplete) | | 0 points per semester hour |
AUD (Audit) | | 0 points per semester hour |
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses.
FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be dropped by their professor for excessive absences or be assigned the final grade of "FX" at the end of the semester. Students who stop attending classes will receive a grade of "FX", compared to an earned grade of "F" which is due to poor performance. Logging into a DE course without active participation is seen as non-attending. Please note that HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who have never attended class.
Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be reported to the Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A grade of "FX" is treated exactly the same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory academic progress.
To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not affect GPA.
Health Sciences Programs Grading Scales may differ from the approved HCC Grading Scale. For Health Sciences Programs Grading Scales, see the "Program Discipline Requirements" section of the Program's syllabi.

Instructor Grading Criteria

Lab	10%
Pathways Quizzes	15%
Notetaking Quizzes                                      20%
Oral presentations	40%
Final examination	15%
                                                          100%

Instructional Materials | Pathways 4 2^nd ed. by Paul MacIntyre, Cengage, 2018.
HCC Policy Statement:
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site: |
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System | At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies |
Access DE Policies on their Web site: | |
Access CE Policies on their Web site: | |