Syllabus 0340
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| GUST 0340 Developmental Reading for Non-Native Speakers of English Credit: 3 (3 Hours - Lecture, 1 Hour Lab) This course is a basic reading course for non-native English speakers designed to improve students' overall reading skills. Emphasis is on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, study techniques, and critical reading. Classroom instruction is enhanced by a variety of self-paced activities. Students are placed in this course on the basis of CELSA test scores. |
| Students are placed in GUST 0340 on the basis of CELSA test scores. |
| Key Concepts of the Course: The purpose of this course is to develop effective vocabulary
and reading skills. To do so, the course presents a sequence of word
and reading skills that are widely recognized to form the basis for
sound comprehension: |
| Because of the interactive nature of this course, a variety of instructional methodology will be used including, but not limited to: lecture, group discussion, guest lecturers, group activities, web activities, library assignments and exploration activities. |
| Required text and support materials: Textbooks
vary by HCCS campus. Other materials needed: * 3-ring binder and loose leaf paper to take notes * blue or black pen * an open mind, a hearty spirit and a sense of humor |
| Students at some HCCS locations may have their regular classroom lecture/lab work supplemented with computerized materials. |
| Students with documented disabilities will be provided all reasonable accommodations. An accommodations request from the campus HCC ADA counselor is required for documentation. |
| Cheating is never permitted under any circumstances. The penalties for cheating can be found in the HCCS Schedule of Classes and the Student Handbook. Penalties range from failing the course to being removed from the College. Cheating includes plagiarism and/or using the work of someone else. |
| Students are expected to attend class regularly. A daily record of absences will be maintained throughout the semester. Students whose absences exceed 12.5 % of scheduled class meetings may be dropped by the instructor. Students placed in GUST 0340 because of THEA/CELSA requirements can be dropped from their other classes if they fail to attend and are dropped from their GUST 0340 class. |
| The course grade legend is as follows:
A = 90 to 100 B = 80 to 89 C = 70 to 79 IP* = Below 70 *No "D's" are given in GUST reading courses at HCC. To pass, a student's final course grade must be 70 or above. Students who are taking the course for the first time and who fail to achieve 70 or above receive an IP (for "in progress") and must repeat the course to remain in compliance with THEA requirements. Students who retake the class will receive a final course grade of "F" for final grades below 70. A sample evaluation of how the course grade may be figured in Reading: Internet project(s) -- 10% Midterm and Final Exams 20% Journal -- 10% Quizzes and tests 20% Other -- 20% Lab -- 20% Percentages above may vary according to college. Special note on grade reports: HCCS does not mail out grade reports. Students get their grades on-line at www.hccs.cc.tx.us or www.getgrades.com. Students who require a paper or hard copy of their grades must obtain an unofficial transcript from the Records and Admissions Office of their campus/college. |
| Each student is required to take a mid-term examination during the semester and a final exam at the end of the semester. Both exams cover a variety of materials discussed in class and found in textbook readings and from on-line materials. Students will be given at least one week's notice before the midterm and final exams. Dates for the exams are found in the course calendar that comes with the instructor's course syllabus. To insure that each student is mastering the materials assigned for reading and discussion in class or for exploration on-line, several quizzes will be administered on a variety of subjects throughout the semester. |
| If an occasion occurs where a student must be absent from class, he/she should contact his/her instructor immediately. |
| Class assignments vary by college and may include but are not limited to: book reviews, library assignments, journals, essays, internet projects, e-mail assignments,and oral presentations, etc. |
| This course focuses on the basics and seeks to explain in an extremely clear, step-by-step way the essential elements of each skill. Students are provided with many examples, frequent practice activities and careful feedback. Students take four mastery tests for each of the 10 skills (dictionary use, understanding vocabulary in context, understanding and locating main ideas, determining implied main ideas, understanding and locating supporting details, identifying transitions and patterns of organization, and making inferences). These tests give students the additional practice they may need for a thorough learning of each skill. Students are provided with a variety of reading selections that help them apply and integrate all of the skills learned. The readings have been carefully chosen not only for the clarity of the writing but also for their content. |
| Students will be provided a class calendar with information concerning class readings, class assignments, projects, and lab requirements. |
| Texas Higher Education Assessment(TASP) The THEA is a state-mandated program designed to ensure that students have the academic skills necessary to perform effectively on college-level work. In order to comply with THEA rules, HCCS requires that all students be tested to determine their basic skill level in reading, writing and mathematics. Testing is mandatory and must be completed prior to enrollment in any course unless it is determined the student has been waived or exempted from THEA requirements. Students who fail any portion of any approved THEA test are required to enroll in and complete a developmental program of study. Sections of an approved THEA test not taken are considered as failed. Students who failed the reading section of the THEA and do not complete their developmental course work will be dropped from all other courses and limited to enrollment in only developmental course work during the following term.Students with disabilities may apply for special testing accommodations. Deaf students may take the Stanford Achievement Test HI to meet THEA requirements. A student who fails an approved alternative test (such as the ASSET) must retest on the THEA Test. For a detailed explanation of policies governing THEA, students should see a counselor prior to enrollment or contact the Guided Studies Department at the HCC campus they plan to attend. Tutoring and Learning Assistance Tutoring in writing, math, science and other disciplines is available through the Learning Centers operated by the Guided Studies program on various campuses throughout the HCC System. Several of the Learning Centers have access to Microsoft Office 2007 (MS Word, Excel, etc.). All tutoring services are offered free of charge to HCCS students. Students should check for availability of tutoring services at the campus they attend. |
