ENGI-094 Integrated Reading and Writing for International Students

Syllabus

Instructor: Natalie Williams, MA TESOL Office: UC 170-D Office Hours: Office Phone: 859-572-6548 E-mail: williamsn10@nku.edu

Course Description: The purpose of ENGI-094 is to help students improve the quality and fluency of their writing in English, prepare them for college-level writing, and give them extensive practice in the writing process. In addition to regular and frequent writing, students will gain an appreciation of reading by choosing books of interest, increase their reading fluency, improve their reading comprehension, and be prepared for college-level reading. This is a 4 credit course, not applicable towards graduation, for students who are not at college level for reading and English. Even though a student might have only one deficiency, they will benefit from both the reading and writing integration of this course. ENGI 094 is a pre-requisite for ENG 101. The goals for ENGI-094 are for students to:

Try a variety of reading strategies and writing strategies and then narrow down which strategies work for them.

Practice using a variety of writing styles, modes, and levels of diction.

Develop confidence in reading, writing and analyzing academic discourse.

Understand the writing process and understand the value of reader feedback and revision in making their purpose and message more clear.

See themselves as a reader through participation in a community of readers.

Practice reading as a process.

Respond to books in a variety of ways. Student Learning Outcomes. Students who successfully complete the course will:

1. Be able to understand academic texts they read a. Read, comprehend, answer questions about a text, write about a text b. Recognize rhetorical conventions of academic texts

2. Demonstrate in their own writing an understanding of the conventions of academic writing a. Develop confidence in sentence structure, usage and grammar b. Understand the parts of an essay and the purpose of each part

3. Provide details and specificity to give depth to their writing in order to achieve a particular rhetorical purpose

4. Demonstrate active reading strategies (annotating, visualizing, questioning the text, activating prior knowledge)

5. Read a variety of books that match their interests 6. Demonstrate ability to summarize clearly and accurately

a. Identify main idea, supporting points, and story elements

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Class Materials

A notebook to contain class records and writings

Textbook: Guidelines: A Cross-Cultural Reading/Writing Text by Ruth Spack (3rd edition) ISBN 9780521613019

$15 for printing and copying General Expectations All persons are responsible for creating a climate of mutual respect and an environment conducive to learning. Students should arrive on time, turn off cell phones, refrain from talking while another person is talking, and avoid eating in class. In addition:

A. Students may expect that the instructor will: 1. Provide a syllabus that includes instructor contact information and office hours, a

description of the course, major course objectives, required materials, course policies regarding attendance and late assignments, and a clear explanation of how the course grade is computed.

2. Create assignments that are challenging, directly related to course objectives, and progressively designed to guide the student toward achieving course goals.

3. Give clear instructions for major assignments, including requirements, grading criteria, and due dates.

4. Establish opportunities for students to receive feedback on their work-in-progress, along with opportunities to revise drafts before receiving a grade.

5. Respond to assignments with suggestions for improvement. 6. Return most graded assignments approximately one week after they are submitted. 7. Attend class regularly and punctually. 8. Respect the students and maintain confidentiality of each student’s performance. 9. Apply course requirements and policies fairly to all students in the class. 10. Give midterm grades.

B. Instructors may expect that students will:

1. Read the syllabus carefully and completely, remain in the class only if in agreement with the syllabus, and act in accordance with syllabus policies.

2. Do all assigned work with real effort and thought, and collaborate productively with other students in class discussion and other group activities.

3. Work appropriately during class, not doing homework or reading materials for another course.

4. Carefully read instructor’s comments on graded assignments and, if any question or disagreement about the grade arises, wait at least one day to reflect on the assignment before speaking with the instructor.

5. Submit assignments on time. 6. Attend class regularly and punctually, and assume responsibility for any material missed

due to absence. 7. Contribute to a classroom environment that is positive, respectful, and productive. 8. Understand that the instructor cannot make special exceptions regarding course

requirements or policies. 9. Check their midterm grades.

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CLASS POLICIES

Attendance

You have a responsibility to yourself, your instructor and your classmates to be in class every day on time, to come prepared, and to engage in the topic of the day. Absences should occur only for illness. All absences count, regardless of the reason. Perfect on-time attendance earns you bonus points. No absences = 20 bonus points; 1 absence = 10 bonus points, 2 absences = no bonus points or loss, 3 absences = -10 points, 4 absences = -30 points, 5 or more absences = -50 points. Courtesy To maintain an environment that fosters open discussion of appropriate topics, you are expected to be respectful and courteous in class discussion and in writing. I expect your full attention to the day’s activities. Turn off your cell phone ringer, no text messaging, no earbuds, no multi-tasking—including doing homework that was not done at home. Laptops open only if their use is appropriate to the class activity. No surfing or Facebook during class time. Bringing food to class is acceptable only if you bring enough for everyone. Late Work Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Plan ahead, expect complications such as your printer running out of ink, and always have a backup plan, such as emailing the assignment to yourself (not the instructor!) and printing it on another computer. Late work will receive an automatic letter grade deduction. In-class activity points are available only to those who come to class prepared and on time.

Student Honor Code The Student Honor Code [the "Honor Code"] is a commitment by students of Northern Kentucky University, through their matriculation or continued enrollment at the University, to adhere to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct. It is a commitment individually and collectively that the students of Northern Kentucky University will not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid academic requirements. The purpose of the Honor Code is to establish standards of academic conduct for students at Northern Kentucky University and to provide a procedure that offers basic assurances of fundamental fairness to any person accused of violations of these rules. Each Northern Kentucky University student is bound by the provisions of the Honor Code and is presumed to be familiar with all of its provisions. Students also should aspire to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the highest degree of ethical integrity in all matters, whether covered in the Honor Code or not. The success of this commitment begins in the diligence with which students uphold the letter and the spirit of the Honor Code. Students may view the complete honor code at http://deanofstudents.nku.edu/policies/student-rights.html#policies

Academic dishonesty on any major assignment could result in a failing grade for the entire course. Academic dishonesty on any other assignment could result in a substantial reduction of the course grade, or if the situation is substantial or repeated, a failing grade for the course. Academic dishonesty includes:

1. Taking, paraphrasing, or re-writing someone else’s work, and submitting it for credit under your own name;

2. Submitting the same work for more than one course without both professors’ approval; 3. Quoting, paraphrasing, or borrowing ideas from a source without fully citing that source.

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4. Allowing someone else to write any part of an assignment for you.

ASSIGNMENTS

Formatting Written Work Final papers should be typed (double-spaced, 12-point Arial or Times New Roman font) and include a creative title. Use this heading at the top left on everything you submit for a grade:

ENGI-094 Instructor Assignment _______ Your full name Date

In-Class Instructional Activities– Points will vary Daily attendance, participation and preparation for class are expected. Most class sessions will include in-class activities or assignments in which your participation will earn you points. If you are not in class, you do not earn the points and cannot make them up. Journal Entries – 150 Points Each week you will write a journal entry in Blackboard. These journal entries will be about the readings and will be due each week. Reading Sessions – 150 Points Weekly reading time is provided in order to help students reach their reading goals. Writing Circles (80 points – 20 points each) Students will participate in a writing circle during the draft work for each essay. Peer Review Workshops (80 points – 20 points each ) For each paper, we will have a class workshop in which you will read classmates’ drafts and give them feedback. Four Papers (100 points each) Students are encouraged to write papers with authentic purposes and audiences. Specific criteria and due dates for each draft will be given on the assignment handout for each paper. Each paper is worth 100 points. Each essay will receive a grade, but you will have an opportunity to rewrite up to three of your essays for a higher grade by turning in a portfolio at the end of the semester.

Paper #1: Personal experience narrative Paper #2: Descriptive essay Paper #3: Comparison/contrast essay Paper #4: Argumentative essay

A Variety of Books & 3 Book Projects—300 Points One purpose of this course is to help you make reading a regular part of your life. The more you read, the better you read. The only way to improve your reading is to read a lot. What you read doesn’t have to be hard or boring. It’s the practice you rack up that counts. You can read books that are fun and hold your interest--books that you can get through quickly. This class will introduce you to a wide

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variety of books, authors and genres. You are expected to try a variety of books to help you discover your interests and to stretch your abilities. You are also expected to read outside of class on a regular basis. Requirements for books:

At least 3 books completed

At least one fiction and one nonfiction

Students must demonstrate they have read, completed and reflected on each book with a book project (see Book Project assignment on the last page).

Book Project Assignment For each book you finish, you will assemble a project which includes evidence of your reading, thinking and writing about the book. Specifically, it will include:

1. Introduction/Summary The introduction should include a brief summary of the book, a discussion of your reading process and response to the book, why you choose to do a particular creative response, and any background necessary to understand your creative response. Give the book a 1-10 rating on your enjoyment reading the book and on your learning/thinking through reading the book. Introductions must be typed (250 words minimum). 2. Creative Responses Creative responses encourage a different type of interpretation, based on imagination and trying out (or taking over) the role of author. (250 words minimum.) Here are some creative responses to choose from:

A profile of a character

An interview with an author or with a character

A letter from one character to another

A sequel

A text the author “forgot” to include in your book such as a will or a newspaper article

A new design for a book jacket

Other ideas, subject to instructor approval Each creative response should be different. For example, if you do a letter between characters for one of your books, you can’t do that type of creative response again for a different book. Creative responses must be typed. 3. Daily reading logs for the book 4. Oral presentation On the day you turn in your project, you will also do a brief oral presentation. Tell your classmates about the book, why you chose it, what kind of reader you would recommend it for, and your rating for the book. You will present in front of the class and will include a visual such as a PPt presentation, etc. This presentation must be 3-5 minutes in length.

Book projects will be graded on the following criteria:

Thoroughness of introduction in giving context for the project

Completeness and accuracy of records

Creativity and appropriate writing style of creative response

Appropriate format for introduction and creative response

Project meets deadlines

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Engaging oral presentation on the book

Grading Summary In-Class Activities Points vary Journal Entries 150 Reading Sessions 150 Writing Circles 80 Peer Review Workshops 80 Papers 400 Book Projects 300 Total: 1160+ 93-100% A 90-92.9 % A- 87-89.9% B+ 83-86.9% B 80-82.9% B- 77-79.9 % C+ 73-76.9% C 70-72.9% C- Below 70% F There is no D grade in ENGI-094. Students must earn at least a C- in ENGI-094 to pass the course.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Office Hours My posted office hours are an indication of when I will usually be in my office. Occasionally, other commitments will require me to be out of the office during those times. For important matters, or to meet with me outside of office hours, make an appointment in advance. I am here to help you! Last Day to Drop or Add a Course The last day to drop a course without a W appearing on the student’s transcript is . The last day to add a course is . Midterm Grades Midterm grades will be issued to all students. Midterm grades reflect the student’s level of performance in the class and can be used to decide if current level of effort in the class is adequate. Midterm grades are not a part of a student’s permanent records; they will be replaced by final course grades. Midterm grades will be posted in myNKU by the deadline established in the Academic Calendar (http://registrar.nku.edu/academiccalendar.html).

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Student Evaluation of Instructor and Course Northern Kentucky University takes Instructor and Course Evaluations very seriously as an important means of gathering information for the enhancement of learning opportunities for its students. It is an important responsibility of NKU students as citizens of the University to participate in the instructor and course evaluation process. During the two weeks prior to the end of each semester classes, you will be asked to reflect upon what you have learned in this course, the extent to which you have invested the necessary effort to maximize your learning, and the role your instructor has played in the learning process. It is very important that you complete the online evaluations with thoughtfully written comments. Student evaluations of courses and instructors are regarded as strictly confidential. They are not available to the instructor until after final grades are submitted, and extensive precautions are taken to prevent your comments from being identified as coming from you. Students who complete an evaluation for a particular course (or opt out of doing so in the evaluation) will be rewarded for their participation by having access to their course grade as soon as that grade is submitted by the instructor. On the other hand, any student who does not complete the course evaluation (or opt out of doing so in the evaluation) should expect to incur a two-week delay in access to his or her course grade beyond the university's official date for grade availability. To complete online evaluations go to http://eval.nku.edu. Click on "student login" and use your NKU USERNAME and PASSWORD. In addition, you should be aware that:

Evaluations can affect changes in courses. Evaluations without comments are less valuable and less credible than those filled out thoughtfully. Comments that are expressed well are more effective than those that are not.

Positive feedback is just as important as criticism. Moreover, negative evaluations without any explanation and specifics are not especially useful.

Once grades are submitted, all evaluations are read not only by the instructor, but also by the instructor’s department chairperson.

Evaluations not only provide feedback to your instructor, but also provide information to the department chair for use in performance evaluations. This information affects reappointments, promotions, salaries, and teaching assignments.

Accommodations Due to Disability Northern Kentucky University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. The syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Programs and Services in SU 303. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper Disability Programs and Services forms and meet with me at the beginning of the semester. More information on Disability Services can be found at http://disability.nku.edu. Credit Hour Policy Statement In accordance with federal policy, NKU defines a credit hour as the amount of work represented in the achievement of student learning outcomes (verified by evidence of student achievement) that reasonably approximates one hour (50 minutes) of classroom instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work. For every course credit hour, a typical student should expect to spend at least three hours per week of concentrated attention on course-related work including, but not limited to, class meeting time, reading, reviewing, organizing notes, studying and completing assignments.

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Estimates of the time required for a typical student to complete course expectations are as follows:

In Class—60 hours Reading (self-selected books)--60 hours (4 hours per week) Journal Entries (short writes)—10 hours Writing—28 hours Book Projects and Oral Presentation—20 hours Prep for Final Exam—2 hours

CAMPUS RESOURCES IN THE STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

(INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY CENTER)

Writing Center. UC 170, 859-572-5475, http://lap.nku.edu/writing.html Writing Center Consultants will assist you with any part of your writing process. Make appointments online at https://tutortrac.nku.edu. Bring your assignment sheet and draft. Success Skills Center. UC 170, 859-572-5475, http://lap.nku.edu/success.html Work one-on-one with a coach to improve your time management, test-taking skills, reading comprehension, or study habits. Make appointments online at https://tutortrac.nku.edu or talk to Success Skills Coordinator Jered Wasburn-Moses. University Connect & Persist (UCAP). UC 120, phone 859-572-6497, http://ucap.nku.edu Assists students with creating action plans and support networks that promote personal responsibility, academic achievement and advancements toward graduation. Provides financial consultation to assist students in navigating financial aid process and other means of paying for college. Also has a lending library of textbooks. Norse Advising Center. UC 210, phone 859-572-6900, http://advising.nku.edu/ Email: advising@nku.edu Advisors discuss majors and career options with you. They guide you through your individual degree plan, serve as a primary resource for campus information, and help you register for classes. Students advised through the Norse Advising Center should meet with the Peer Coach during the first three weeks of the semester. Norse Tech Bar. UC 252, http://success.nku.edu/techbar.html Email: techbar@nku.edu

The Norse Tech Bar is the student-centered destination for technology on campus. Technology experts are there to answer questions and troubleshoot computers, tablets, and smartphones. PCs and Macs are available in the lab. Collaboration spaces are equipped with LCDs with hookups for laptops and/or tablets. Tablets are available for check-out for 5 days.

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor if a class need arises.