You are on page 1of 9

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English

ACADEMIC PREPARATION 4
Summer 2013
Class times: M-12:55-2:45pm T&TH 12:30-1:45pm Office hours: W 4:00-5:00 pm EDU 265 Instructor: Andrea Lypka Email Address:alypka@mail.usf.edu

Textbook/Materials Quest 3 Reading & Writing by Pamela Hartmann Course Description This core course helps students at the high-intermediate level develop reading, writing, and research skills needed for university study while learning about academic content over the course of a semester. At this level, students will read academic articles and literary texts, write summary and response papers, analyze ideas in writing, and incorporate information from outside sources to support written ideas. Content topics coordinate with Academic Interactions 4.
Level promotion is based on a students ability to 1) meet level proficiency score requirements and 2) achieve student learning outcomes for the current level as described in the AE Expected Learning Outcomes for Level Completion found in the ELP Student Handbook at

https://sites.google.com/site/intousfstudenthandbook/ Course Goals This course focuses on developing a students ability to: 1. acquire knowledge and vocabulary related to the following academic content Literature; Human Ecology, Economics. 2. utilize active reading strategies to support comprehension of academic articles and literary texts. 3. think critically to summarize, analyze, and evaluate ideas from course content. 4. communicate ideas and opinions in writing with high-intermediate level fluency, comprehensibility, and complexity. 5. write essays based on academic and literature texts using an analysis format. 6. conduct advanced research and use in-text citations. Course Objectives To achieve the course goals, students will learn: 1. key concepts and vocabulary related to academic content: (Literature) the study of elements related to the portrayal of heroes in literature; (Human Ecology) the study of the impact of environmental issues; and (Economics) the study of economic issues in underdeveloped countries; issues related to the international marketplace and trade.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English 2. active reading strategies to include predicting, previewing, skimming, scanning, annotating, guessing meaning in context, identifying main idea and details, identifying a writers purpose, and making inferences 3. how to summarize, analyze, and evaluate to include: a. stating a main idea in your own words (paraphrasing) b. identifying parts to analyze c. referring to an author's ideas using reporting verbs d. using a quote to support an analysis (leading into the quote, formatting the quote, and following the quote with commentary) e. using phrases and expressions to indicate a personal opinion or evaluation 4. strategies to improve written fluency and complexity to include the use of complex sentences and clauses, the creation of quote sandwiches, the difference between formal vs. informal language in academic writing, and the creation of extended examples 5. how to write essays using analysis formats to include: a. essay writing process: pre-writing, drafting, and proof-reading/editing b. essay format: hook, introduction, thesis statement, topic sentence, supporting details, transitions to connect ideas across paragraphs, conclusion and typed format (title location, spacing, font size, margins) c. language used to analyze and interpret a literary text (i.e. literary elements related to form, function, and meaning) d. organization and structure of a problem-solution paper 6. how to conduct and cite research by: a. using the USF library to conduct searches for credible sources. b. formatting in-text citations and listing references using APA style. Student Learning Outcomes During the course, students will need to perform the following integrated tasks and projects to demonstrate significant progress in learning the course objectives: 1. complete activities that demonstrate the ability to use an analysis format and apply reading, writing, critical thinking, and research skills. 2. take tests that assess accuracy of knowledge of content, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. 3. write two summary-response papers (2 pages each) related to course content, each of which demonstrate a students ability to restate main ideas, incorporate individual responses into the writing, organize and support ideas, and communicate clearly and comprehensibly. 4. write a literary analysis that demonstrates a students ability to analyze literary elements, organize and format a university-level paper, support ideas with paraphrases and quotes, and communicate ideas clearly and comprehensibly. 5. complete an integrated project related to course content that involves researching, reading, and writing a problem-solution paper (4-5 pages) that demonstrates the students ability to analyze the problem, determine and describe plausible solutions,

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English organize and format a university-level paper, incorporate outside resources and cite and reference them using APA format, and communicate ideas clearly and comprehensibly.
Course Evaluation and Assessment Your final grade will be calculated as follows: Class work/Homework Tests Summary/Response Papers Literary Analysis Problem-Solution Paper 15%/150 pts. 20%/200 pts. 20%/200 pts. 20%/200 pts. 25%/250 pts.
Grade A B C D Percentages/ Points 90-100% 900-1,000 pts. 80-89% 800-899 pts. 70-79% 700-799 pts. 60-69% 600-699 pts. 0-59% 0-599 pts.

Class work/Homework Class work-Students will be expected to contribute to class discussions by actively asking and F answering questions during class. Students will also be expected to complete various written activities during class and to make a contribution in all assigned groups. Homework Students will be expected to complete homework outside of class and to submit it at the beginning of class on the day it is due. Tests Students will take a test at the conclusion of each chapter. Tests will cover course content and vocabulary learned during that segment of the course. Each test may include questions related to reading comprehension, reading strategies, vocabulary, and/or sentence structure and may be comprised of various question types, like fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, matching, T/F, short answer, and/or essay questions. Summary-Response Papers Students will write 2 short, formal papers (2 pages each) summarizing and responding to course content, each of which will demonstrate the students ability to restate main ideas, incorporate individual responses into the writing, organize and support ideas, and communicate clearly and comprehensibly. Literary Analysis Students will write a literature-based analysis (3-4 pages) that demonstrates the students ability to analyze literary elements, organize and format a university-level paper, support ideas with paraphrases and quotes, and communicate ideas clearly and comprehensibly. Problem Solution Paper Students will research a problem related to course content, read the relevant research, and write a problem solution paper (4-5 pages) that demonstrates the students ability to analyze a problem, determine and describe plausible solutions, organize and format a university-level paper, incorporate outside resources and cite and reference them using APA format, and communicate ideas clearly and comprehensibly. GENERAL POLICIES Academic English Level Promotion The proficiency post-test score, combined with your grades, will determine whether or not you are promoted. Students are promoted when they post test at: 1. current level or higher with a grade average of 75% or higher.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English


EXAMPLE: If you are a level 4 student and your overall post-test score is 4.2 (at your current level), you need a 75% or higher to get promoted to level 5. 2. .5 below current level or higher with a grade average of 85% or higher. EXAMPLE: If you are a level 4 student and your overall post-test score is 3.5 (.5 below your current level), you need an 85% or higher to get promoted to level 5

The one exception is at level 5. At level 5, you will be promoted if you post test at level 4 or higher and have a grade average of 75% or higher.

Academic Integrity The English Language Program follows USFs policy for academic integrity (=honesty). USFs policy says the following activities are NOT allowed: Not Allowed What is this? What SHOULD I do? Using materials or technology to complete exams Do your own work so YOU can 1. Cheating that are not allowed by the instructor. Having a improve. Do NOT give your friend or relative do your homework for you. homework to another student to Copying homework from another student or letting copy. students copy your work. Using information from another source without If you use ideas or words from the 2. Plagiarism giving credit. internet, book, or other source you must tell the name of the source. These are actions or words that interrupt the class Ask questions by raising your hand. 3. Disruptive or present a danger to students or the teacher. This Talk to your teacher outside of behavior includes disrespectful interruptions of a class, class if you have a personal issue or exam, or discussion. argument. Do not argue with your instructor. You cannot turn in the SAME work for more than Create new work each term for 4. Multiple one class. You cannot give a teacher a paper you your classes. submissions wrote last semester or a paper from another class. of work While each instructor has his/her own guidelines on the syllabus for handling students who violate the academic integrity policy, the consequences could include being:

given a zero credit for a copied assignment. asked to complete a make-up assignment at a more difficult level than the original assignment. issued a verbal warning. asked to leave the classroom. asked to talk to an advisor about behavioral problems. earning a failing grade for the assignment.

If repeated actions happen in the same class or in more than one class, a failing grade for the course(s) may be given, and NO level promotion will be considered. Students violating academic integrity may also be placed on academic probation.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English


Attendance & Late Policy Class attendance is required and there are NO excused absences. Thus, you do not need to notify me when you are going to be absent, unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. hospitalization). Fulltime students will be asked to leave the Academic English Program immediately if they have 36 hours of absences. Any student dismissed from the program because he/she has reached the maximum hours of absence for his/her status will have to leave the country. You will not be allowed to transfer to another school; you will have to go home. For part-time students, the allowed hours of absences depends on the hours in their class schedule. Students are considered late if they arrive to class less than 10 minutes after the class begins. If a student arrives or returns from break to a class: 10 minutes or less the student is marked tardy =late. A total of 4 tardies counts as one absence. More than 10 minutes the student is marked absent for 1 hour.

Please Note: You will confirm your attendance is this class by signing the attendance sheet. In addition, the attendance policy also applies to students who leave class before the class ends or who take personal breaks and/or who print materials during class time. Sick students should stay home, so others will not become sick. Diversity Policy The University has an official policy on diversity The USF System strives to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information, as provided by law. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are prohibited within the USF System, and complaints of such conduct must be filed with the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (DEO). DEO will review such complaints and provide appropriate response including counseling, mediation, and/or referral for disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment and/or expulsion from the USF System. Email As a student at USF, it is very important that you use your USF email address. This is the address that INTO USF and USF will use to communicate information about your grades, activities, attendance issues, academic policies, and other news. You must use your USF email address when communicating with your teachers or INTO USF staff. Come immediately to the INTO USF front desk to get help if you are not able to access your USF email account. Emergency Preparedness In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. Its the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English


Religious Holidays The University has an official Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days (University policy 10-045) which provides that all students, faculty, and staff at the University have a right to expect that the University will reasonably accommodate their religious observances, practices, and beliefs. Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class due to the observation of a major religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor by the second class meeting. Tutoring We now have a great tutoring center and using our tutoring is easier than ever before. Please go the following link http://intousftutoring.weebly.com/ and reserve your session. Tutors will help you with all kinds of questions related to your classes. The tutoring center is located in the lower level of FAO. OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES THE INTO USF Computer Lab and Library BSN 2401 The USF Library http://www.lib.usf.edu/ The USF Writing Center www.usf.edu/writing The USF Tutoring & Learning Center (includes Writing Center) http://guides.lib.usf.edu/tutoring OWL at Purdues Online Writing Lab http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/678/01/ CLASSROOM POLICIES The first key classroom policy is one of personal responsibility. As the instructor, I am responsible to come to class prepared and to present to you many opportunities to improve and develop your English within the above-stated course guidelines. As the student, you are responsible for your learning. Taking personal responsibility for your learning not only includes adhering to the General Policies as outlined above, but also includes adhering to the Classroom and Electronics Policies as outlined below, both of which focus on the second key classroom policy: respect others by NOT being disruptive and/or disrespectful. In order to help optimize learning in this class, you are responsible for ensuring that this class is a respectful place with few disruptions by: 1. coming to each class prepared to learn by bringing with you to all necessary books, readings, handouts, writing materials, assignments, and the like. 2. printing all assignments BEFORE class, NOT at the start or end of class. You do not have my permission to leave class to print an assignment, so if you choose to do so, you will be considered tardy or absent (depending on how long you are gone), and 50 points/5% will be deducted from the overall assignment grade. 3. completing and turning in homework at the beginning of the class period in which it is due. Failure to turn in homework at the beginning of the class period means that your grade on the homework will be lowered by 10% for that day and for every day after that. No homework assignment will be accepted more than one week after the due date. 4. completing and turning in every major assignment at the beginning of the class period in which it is due. Only in the event of hospitalization will major assignments be accepted late. 5. understanding that there is NO MAKE-UP of missed class work or major assignments as specified on the Tentative Schedule. If you miss it, you miss it.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English


6. turning off the cell phones and other electronic devices before class begins and, more specifically, adhering to all of the Electronics Policies as outlined below. 7. asking questions in class and scheduling necessary appointments when you need further clarification. I will not know you do not understand something unless you raise your hand to ask for clarification and/or schedule time to meet with me outside of class. Failure to do so could affect your class performance and, subsequently, your grade. 8. staying in class while class is going on, i.e. not taking personal breaks or leaving class early on a regular and frequent basis (defined as more than two times during the term). In addition to the application of the Attendance and Late policy, the regular and/or frequent taking of personal breaks or leaving of class early will result in points being deducted as noted below Whatever you need to do should be taken care of during the class break or before or after class. 9. talking when you are called on to talk, NOT when others are talking. 10. finding out from classmates what you missed when you miss a class for any reason other than hospitalization and doing so after class, NOT during class. After you have found out what you missed from classmates, you can then feel free to ask me for further clarification. However, DO NOT email me to find out what you missed, and DO NOT EMAIL me any assignment unless I ask for it that way. The foundation of personal responsibility means that when you choose the behavior, you also choose the consequence(s). Thus, each time you choose to engage in any of the following disrespectful and disruptive behaviors, you are also choosing the following specified consequence: Ten points or (1%) will be deducted from your overall mid-term grade and from your final grade for each instance of disrespectful and disruptive behavior specified as follows: o Coming to class unprepared. o Getting up to leave the classroom for a personal break without permission and leaving class early and on a regular and/or frequent basis. Twenty points or (2%) will be deducted from your overall mid-term grade and from your final grade for each instance of disrespectful and disruptive behavior specified as follows: o Talking when others are talking. o Violating the Electronics Policies noted below. Finally, persistent disrespectful behavior that disrupts the class, could result in your permanent removal from the class. ELECTRONICS POLICIES Cell Phones: The receiving of and responding to cell phone calls, text messages, and instant messages is strictly prohibited. Thus, cell phones, pagers, and all other communication devices must be turned off and put away (out of sight, off the desk). Students who are expecting an emergency call (e.g. embassy, doctor) must inform me before the start of the class period, and in such a case, must put the phone on vibrate until the call arrives and must quietly leave class to take that call. Afterwards, the phone must be turned off and put away. Laptops, Pads, and Tablets: The use of computers by students in the instructional environment is strictly prohibited except as specifically allowed by the instructor for projects or as requested by the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and in collaboration with the instructor.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English


Recording Devices: No recording devices are to be operated in class without my prior permission. Translators: You are here to become more proficient in the skills of this class, which you cannot do if you rely on translators. Thus, you must ask or be given permission by me to use them, and when permission is granted, you are to use only the translation component of any device, and not use it for other activities, like texting, checking -mail, looking at Facebook, and the like.

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

University of South Florida - English Language Program Academic English


ACADEMIC PREPARATION 4-TENTATIVE* COURSE SCHEDULE *Changes to this schedule, as necessitated by student needs, will be made by the instructor at any time.
Weekly Chapter Content 1 Chapter 3 Heroes in Literature 2 Chapter 3 Heroes in Literature 3 Chapter 3 Heroes in Literature 4 Chapter 8 Human Ecology 5 Chapter 8 Human Ecology 6 Chapter 3-Economics Developing Nations 7 Chapter 3-Economics Developing Nations 8 Chapter 4-Economics The Global Economy 9 Chapter 4-Economics The Global Economy 10 Chapter 4-Economics The Global Economy 11 Wrap Up Specific Dates May 20 May 21 May 23 May 27 May 28 May 30 June 3 June 4 June 6 June 10 June 11 June 13 June 17 June 18 June 20 June 24 June 25 June 27 July1 July 2 July 4 July 8 July 9 July 11 July 15 July 16 July 18 July 22 July 23 July 25 July 29 July 30 Other Weekly Class Content Major Assignments Major Assignment Due Dates

Introductions/Syllabus Review/Diagnostic Standard Academic Paper Format The Concept of Hero-Heroine MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY-NO CLASS The 5-Paragraph Essay The Elements of a Literary Analysis

The Elements of a Summary Response

Test 1 Literary Analysis

June 6 June 10

MID-TERM The Elements of a Problem-Solution Paper

Test 2 Summary-Response 1

June 20 June 24

Test 3 INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY-NO CLASS Summary-Response 2

July 2 July 8

Problem-Solution Paper

July 22

Test 4

July 30

AP4 - Updated Summer 2013

You might also like