Professional Documents
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****The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus, course content and requirements based on the learning needs of the class. The number one goal is to see students progress as learners throughout the time they are in class sometimes adjustments are necessary****
Course Summary:
This course seeks to help you be effective in real life circumstances using English. It aims to prepare participants to be able to communicate in English with condence by focusing on speaking and listening skills. At the end of the course students should be more comfortable using English and have a better understanding of the language.
Manner of Lecturing:
All lectures will be conducted in English. Weekly classes will usually focus on a chapter in the textbook combined with interactive class elements. Most importantly, In all my classes the classroom is a safe place to practice your English language skills. It is a place where making mistakes is ok, without the feeling of being judged by your peers, thus becoming more condent speakers and users of English.My class style of lecturing is interactive, both with in person, online elements and with your peers. Students will be expected to participate in open discussions during class and online discussions after class. Students are also expected to practice and apply their critical thinking skills whenever possible. The class is considered a "low context" environment which may be a new dynamic for some learners. Some of the class elements will take you out of your comfort zone, and you will become stronger thinkers and learners gaining skills that are transferable to your work life when you nish school.
Required Textbook:
Top Notch 3 with ActiveBook (2nd Edition) Joan M. Saslow (Author), Allen Ascher (Author) ISBN-10: 0132469871 ISBN-13: 978-0132469876
Optional Workbook:
Top Notch 3 Workbook Joan M. Saslow (Author), Allen Ascher (Author) ISBN-10: 0132470756 ISBN-13: 978-0132470759
Instructor:
Terrill Reid McLain
Evaluation:
Practical English Grade Weight Distribution:
Attendance = 12% 1 Hour section with your Korean teacher = 38% 2 Hour section with me = 50%
Your class is evaluated using the relative grading scale as per the university's policy:
In classes with 20 or more students you will be ranked based on your total points and then curve will be applied. These are the university's rules for this type of class. 65% of the class can earn a B and above (Maximum amount of A's = 30%) 35% of the class can earn a C+ and below.
Attendance:
You are in class or you are not in class. If you are in class you get credit, if you are not you dont. This class is a participation class, you cannot get credit for being here when you are not. I do not accept excuses regardless of the reason. If you have extenuating circumstances and think you deserve an excused absence feel free to ask me, but 99% of the time the answer is no. Attendance will be a cumulative score based on your attendance in both your KT and NST classes. You will receive 1 point for being in class, 0 points for being absent. Three late marks will equal one absence. This applies to both sections of the class. If you miss 12 hours of class you will fail the course as per departmental policy (this includes absences you have in the one-hour section of the class). Present = 1 pt Absent = 0 pts 3 times late = 1 Absence 6 absences = 12 Hours = F You are considered late if I have already taken attendance. Be careful your attendance in your KT class hour counts too!
Assignments:
Assignments are due by the due date. Since many are usually graded as a completed or not-completed any work turned in late can only receive half credit. Completing your work is your responsibility, make sure you know your due dates.
Due Dates/Times:
You CANNOT get full credit for an assignment if you turn work in late. Turn your work in on time. Example 1: If the assignment is due at 11:59PM on Tuesday October 8th and you upload it at 2:00AM or 12:00AM Wednesday October 9th online. IT IS LATE! You will only receive half credit. Example 2: You were absent for a class, and you did not complete the task and you turn it in by the next class period. IT IS LATE! You will only receive half credit.
File Types:
The accepted le types for assignments are doc, docx, pdf , Google docs, and various pictures les uploaded through the Class LMS System. You can use any word processor you desire for the typed assignments but do not turn in a .hwp le, you will receive a 0 until it is xed, and then half credit because the corrected assignment was late.
Technology:
I use many different types of modern technology in class. This includes the use of smart phones. Please feel free to bring your tablet computers, laptops and smart phones to class. I will actually use them in class for some participation. You are expected to view the class websites and technology outside of class. In order to do this you need to have access to a computer that has a modern web browser (which is possible on our school computers, even if you have to download it each time). Chrome and Firefox are examples of excellent web browsers for modern functionality and you should be able to download them easily. Most of the technology tools I use are also tablet and smart phone friendly, this is for your convenience if you are unable to make it work on your phone use a computer.
Class Agendas:
I prefer an agenda method of class time management. I will post the agenda on the LMS site before the class starts and once we complete the agenda class is nished for the day. Posting an agenda helps students know what to expect in class and helps us manage the time well. It is also a reference for due dates and assignments. It is your responsibility to know what is on the agenda for the day and the assignments for the week. You should check the class blog/LMS regularly
Cheating:
Putting it succinctly: I do not have time for academic criminals, so dont be one in my class. Maintain your integrity for the work you do. Do not use Google translate, or any other online translation service for your English use. I can tell when you do it, so dont do it. You will hear me say time and again use YOUR English. Do not copy or use someone elses work unless you cite it properly. Use YOUR English. Do not cheat on quizzes or exams, you will receive an F and I will report you to academic affairs.
***Anything that does not make sense to you feel free to ask me for clarication