Advanced-Intermediate Writing (ESOL 0351)

Instructor: Thu Nguyen

Course Syllabus

Advanced-Intermediate Writing

ESOL 0351

Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN)

Spring 2018 (CRN: 55149 )

Instructor contact information (phone number and email address)

Ms. Thu Nguyen

[email protected]

713-718-6678

Learning Website http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/thu.nguyen

Canvas Information: https://eo2.hccs.edu/login/index.php

Office Location and Hours

SJAC 119

 

Course Location/Times

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

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

Type of Instruction

Lecture/Lab Room 175

Course Description:

This course briefly reviews the paragraph and its essential elements and concentrates on developing writing skills for the production of the multi-paragraph essay.

Course Prerequisite(s)

PREREQUISITE(S):

  • A grade of C or better in the CEU ELS Level 2 sequence of courses, or placement based on ACCUPLACER ESL scores and essay.


 

Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes

Course Statement of Purpose

 

This course seeks to prepare students for continuation in ESOL 0354 and ultimately for college composition courses and academic writing in general by accomplishing the following objectives:

 

Students strengthen their awareness of the basic notions of paragraph development, particularly the role of the topic sentence and the internal logical development of the paragraph.

Students are introduced to the basic principles of the multi-paragraph composition, focusing especially on the role of the introductory and concluding paragraphs, drafting an effective thesis statement, and organizing the composition according to a clear logical pattern.

Students improve their sentence-combination skills, especially in the area of strategy and techniques of coordination within compound sentences and within complex sentences.

Students increase their awareness of the nature of the writing process, especially in the area of effective topic construction and in the necessity and techniques of revision and editing.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7

1. Appropriately use mechanical conventions of written English in written assignments.
2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of all verb forms that are likely to be needed in writing a moderate-length written assignment suitable to the advanced-intermediate English learner.
3. Produce an appropriate variety of sentence types in a moderate-length written assignment suitable to the advanced-intermediate English learner
4. Compose and revise a moderate-length composition of several paragraphs, using a clearly-defined writing process

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

1.1   Correctly spell level-appropriate vocabulary used in compositions;

1.2   Apply rules for capitalization;

1.3   Apply punctuation rules.

 

2.1   Use a variety of simple, progressive, and perfect verb tenses as well as gerunds and infinitives, based on the writing assignment.

 

3.1   Produce compound sentences, using the seven coordinating conjunctions as well as conjunctive adverb sentence connectors;

3.2   Produce complex sentences using a variety of subordinating conjunctions based on the writing assignment;

3.3   Produce complex sentences using adjective (relative) clauses;

3.4   Produce complex sentences using noun clauses.

 

4.1   Use prewriting strategies to generate a topic;

4.2   Write a clear, concise thesis statement;

4.3   Organize a draft by preparing a well-formatted outline;

4.4   Write a draft of a multi-paragraph essay of 200-300 words, with a clear thesis in the introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph;

4.5   Revise the composition after receiving both peer and instructor feedback.

 

SCANS and/or Core Curriculum Competencies: If applicable

Core Curriculum Competencies:

Not applicable.

Instructional Methods

 

Individual writing of essays

Class or group writing of outlines and essays

Reading and analyzing paragraphs and essays to see how they are constructed

Exercises on pre-writing skills such as generating, developing and organizing ideas

Activities on grammar and vocabulary needed for a particular kind of essay

Activities on sentence types

Activities on revising an essay for content and other errors and ways to correct them

Revising and rewriting teacher-corrected compositions

Peer editing of outlines and essays

Individual conferences for essays

Lecture and discussion (whole-class, groups, or pairs)

Activities in the textbook, on handouts, or online

In-class rewriting of graded in-class essays

Student Assignments

Journals, other weekly writing assignments, in-class writing, and homework

Writing or completing work covered in class such as revising essays, writing outlines, or writing essays whole or in part, writing essays made in class work.

Students will rewrite in-class essays using teacher feedback.

In-class compositions and the final essay

Student Assessment(s)

Five (5) in-class compositions and the final essay.  No electronic devices may be used when writing in-class essays or the final exam.  Fewer than 150 words, off topic, lack of a clear thesis statement, no topic sentences, no supporting sentences, lack of transitions, poor grammar, and/or no conclusion will equate to an automatic failure on the final exam.

Instructor's Requirements

 CALENDER for Spring 2018

 

Important Dates

 

Important Dates and Holidays (Spring 2018)

 

Official Day of Record                                                   January 29

Last Day for Refund                                                     February 7

President’s Day                                                                   February 19

Spring Break                                                                March 12-16

Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals          April 3

Last day of Instruction                                      May 5

Final Exams                                                                 May 7-12

Semester ends                                                              May 13

 

ESOL 0351 Course Calendar

Week 1:                  Orientation, introductions, diagnostic writing

                                 Unit 1 2 - 24

 

Week 2:                  Unit 1 2- 24

                                Unit 2 25 – 50

 

Week 3:                  Unit 2 25 – 50

                                Unit 3 p. 51-78

                            

Week 4:                  Unit 3 p. 51-78

                                 Homework Paragraph #1 see p. 49

 

Week 5:                  Unit 4 p. 79-100

                                 In-class paragraph #1

Homework Essay #1

 

Week 6:                  In-class Essay #1

                             Unit 7 p. 130 – 147

 

Week 7:                  Unit 7 p. 130 - 147

                             Homework Essay #2

 

Week 8:                  In-class Essay #2

                                    Unit 8 p. 148 - 161

 

Week 9:                  Unit 8 p. 148 - 161

                                 Homework Essay #3

                  

Week 10:                In-class Essay #3

                             Unit 9 p. 162 – 176

 

Week 11:                Unit 9 p. 162 - 176

                                  Homework Essay #4

 

Week 12:                In-class Essay #4

                             Unit 6 p. 115 – 129

 

Week 13:                Unit 6 p. 115 -129

                             Homework Essay #5

 

Week 14:                In-class Essay #5

                             Chapter 10 p. 178 – 187

 

 Week 15:               Chapter 10 p. 178 - 187

                             Review

 

Week 16:                May 8 (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

                                   Essay Writing for Final Exam

                             

 

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 0351 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= 0-59

 

 

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 writing exams 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.

 

 

 

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 http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/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 http://www.hccs.edu/district/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 [email protected]

 


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)

 

Access Student Services Policies on their Web site:

http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/student-handbook/

 

 

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 3, 2018).  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. 

 

College Grading System:

Students who have completed ESOL 0351 and show that they are ready for the next level (ESOL 0354) with a final average of 70% or higher will receive a letter grade of A, B, or C. Students who are not ready for ESOL 0354 may receive a grade of IP. The IP grade is not a good or bad grade; however, it means "IN PROGRESS" and requires the student to take ESOL 0351 again because the student will benefit from another semester. However, if a student repeats ESOL 0351 after receiving one IP, a letter grade must be given (A, B,C, or F upon completing the course for the second time). A grade of FX will be assigned to any student who stops attending after Nov. 3.

 

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 at                                  http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/disability-services/ for information regarding reasonable accommodations

 

 

 

 

Program/Discipline Requirements: If applicable

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 = 69 -0

 

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.

Instructor Grading Criteria

 ESOL 0351 Grading Formula

*In-class compositions  (5)                     60%

Journals                                                  10%

Homework compositions                         10%

Final Exam                                               20%

                                                                100%

Instructional Materials

Ready to Write 3 4th  ed. by Karen Blanchard and Christine Root, 2017.

A computer flash drive

A notebook with 8 ½ inch by 11 inch lined paper

A folder for papers and handouts

A paper dictionary (computer and phone dictionaries are not permitted)

HCC Policy Statement:

Access Student Services Policies on their Web site:

http://hccs.edu/student-rights

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:

http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf

 

Access CE Policies on their Web site:

http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines