Northeastern State University

College of Arts and Letters

English and Languages Department

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

 

 

English 0123                                       Fundamentals of English                    Fall 2003

 

Monday 5:30 pm                                                            SH 135

Instructor: Mary Stanley                                        Telephone: x3621

Office: Seminary Hall 343                                          e-mail: stanlemf@nsuok.edu

 Office Hours: M 3-5 pm       

  

Catalog description of course:

English 0123: a review of fundamental English, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. High school deficiency in English may be satisfied by completion of this course. (No college credit)

 

Course purpose:

This is an academic skills development course designed to help students succeed not only in English courses but also in all college level courses. The course focuses on enhancing the ability of students to read critically (understanding and applying information); the ability to write (communicating clearly and logically); and the ability to think critically (analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information).

 

Expected course outcomes:

After the course, students will:

             * Have a better understanding of themselves as learners, thus utilizing  individual

                       learning strengths to their advantage.

            * Read textbooks and other materials with greater comprehension.

            * Apply and connect information read or heard to prior information and produce

               written work which communicates clearly and logically.

            * Demonstrate the ability to produce a two-page, thesis-based essay based on

               readings and/or lectures.

            * Demonstrate mastery of specific syntax and rhetorical problem areas.

            * Demonstrate basic library and computer use skills.

 

In addition, students must pass the college placement text (sentence completion) in order to pass this course. Students who do not pass the course with a grade of 70 (“C”) or higher must re-enroll in English 0123 until they are successful in passing the CPT.

 

Instructional materials: (required textbook)

Boeck and Rainey, Connections

A dictionary and a thesaurus

 

Instructional procedures:

Reading, writing, and critical thinking are all skill-based, process activities and are essential for college success. Consequently, this is a process-oriented course.  Much of the class time will be spent enhancing the skills and abilities needed to perform these processes more effectively to produce university level academic work. This course, however, is designed to help you to succeed not only in your other academic classes but also in your professional and personal lives. You should leave this course a better reader, a better writer, and a stronger critical thinker. These expected course outcomes will be realized through a variety of instructional strategies designed to complement students’ life experiences. These strategies include, but are not limited to the following: expository-discussion, demonstration, inquiry, and group activities. We will engage in individual and group activities to practice invention and other specific writing techniques such as editing and proofing, and apply to apply strategies to enhance reading and critical thinking skills.

 

Student performance activities: (attendance/punctuality).

Consistent and punctual attendance is mandatory for successful completion of this course. Missing the equivalent of 6 hours of unexcused absences will result your being dropped from the course. Failure to meet with the instructor and/or continued absences will result in your being withdrawn from the class, administrative withdrawal (aw). The administrative withdrawal can affect financial aid, veteran’s benefits, and /or athletic eligibility.  If you have to miss class, contact me as soon as possible so that we may discuss the situation.

 

Assignment due dates:

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the date indicated when the assignment is given and/or reflected on the class schedule. No late work will be accepted without discussion with and approval of the instructor. The student is responsible for all material assigned even if it is not discussed in class. Quizzes over assignments maybe given without prior announcement.

 

Student evaluation:

Grades will be based upon formal written examinations, periodic quizzes, written assignments, and meaningful daily class discussion/participation.

 

Daily work .......................................................   25%  (textbook assignments and in-class work)

Reading/Writing Activities and Quizzes............  30% 

Written Papers .................................................  30%

CPT/Assessment activities       ..........................   5%

 

Final examination is three parts: comprehensive test over textbook material, in-class essay (P/F), and passing of CPT.

 

1.  Class participation means interaction with other students and the instructor--not simple presence. Class comments will reflect reading and honest consideration of the viewpoints of   other students. Students are expected to deal with one another and the instructor in a professional, courteous manner.

 

            2. Completion of daily work, reading and writing activities in quiz or paper form, and the CPT will constitute the formal written evaluation instruments utilized in this course.

 

            3.  In conjunction with passing the College Placement Test, performance on class activities as described above will be based upon standard definitive grade values as indicated below:

 

70 - 100 = P  Below 69  = F

            4.  Students wishing to visit with the professor should come to Seminary Hall, Room 343.  Office hours indicated above are also posted adjacent to the door.

 

5.    Class time will be split between SH229 and the Writing Center.

 

6.     This class is also an online course on Blackboard.

 

ADA Compliance:

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations of any nature whatsoever, the instructor will work with you and the University's Office of Student Affairs to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in this class. Please advise the instructor of such disability and the desired accommodations at the first class attended.

 

Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy:

The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State University

.                       1.   Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

            2.   It is the student's. responsibility to receive the information when weather is questionable.

                     3.    Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.

            4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the      faculty member is unable to get to campus.

 

                      Policy:  During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the announcement before they leave home.  Decisions concerning night classes will be made by 3:00 p.m.

 

The media will be notified regarding closing of the campus, and the automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.