Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Course Description:
This course focuses on developing students’ English language skills and building
core academic skills necessary for success at the undergraduate and graduate
level. Students will advance their ability to research and write academic papers,
engage critically with challenging texts, prepare and deliver effective
presentations and participate actively in class discussions. The instructional
materials reflect the content of the students’ major courses of study in art and
design, as well as liberal arts courses.
Course Goals:
To communicate competently and effectively in academic and social
settings
To use academic vocabulary orally and in writing, with a focus on
developing rich vocabulary related to the fields of art and design
To correctly use sophisticated and varied sentence structures and
grammatical constructions
To develop the ability to recognize errors and self-correct, both orally and
in writing
To give and receive effective and appropriate peer feedback
To engage actively with and think critically about academic texts
To take risks with language and communication, initiate and lead
discussions, and freely and clearly express opinions and questions
To write, present and critique in the manner that is expected in a North
American academic setting
To develop research, analytical and critical thinking skills
To avoid plagiarism through effective use of citation and paraphrase
To reflect on and acknowledge personal growth and areas for
improvement
To read English language texts for pleasure and personal development
Major Assignments:
Three writing assignments with multiple drafts:
o A formal analysis (1-2 pages)
o A formal comparison essay (3-4 pages)
o A research paper (5-7 pages)
Three formal presentations, filmed with written self-
analysis/reflection/correction (related to the major writing assignments)
Two “Personal Listening” assignments
An IEP practice Writing Exam
An ePortfolio documenting your progress in reading, writing, listening and
speaking this semester (see below for required contents)
Ongoing/Additional Assignments:
Homework – unless otherwise noted, homework is assigned in each class
and is due at the beginning of the next class period. Assume that all
homework will be collected. If you do not complete the homework on
time, it will affect your course grade.
Discussion Leading – In groups/pairs, you will be required to present (1) an
assigned reading and (2) an appropriate reading selected by your group
and lead class discussions of the readings. You must post 5 discussion
questions that you develop as a group to Facebook by 5PM on the day
before you are discussion leading.
Literature Circle –You will read “Just Kids” outside of class throughout the
semester, and meet periodically in groups to discuss your reading.
Class Journal – A dedicated notebook in which you will reflect on oral and
written texts, freewrite, write descriptions of art works, take notes on
research materials and include any other thoughts/ideas/questions
related to the course. You may write, draw, collage, add clippings from
newspapers and brainstorm ideas in any way that is helpful to you. Your
best reading and listening responses will be included in the ePortfolio; you
may also include any other portions of the journal that you feel showcase
your best work.
Peer reviews and critiques
Informal and formal group and individual presentations
Course Requirements:
Participate actively in class activities and discussions, both in the
classroom and online in the Facebook group
Ask questions when you do not understand – use both your instructor and
your peers as resources
Support and help each other
Come to class prepared
No phones out unless I specifically ask you to use them for an activity; no
texting or web surfing that is not related to the class
No late work – all major assignments MUST be handed in on time. All
homework must be completed on time even if you are absent. There is a
lot of work to complete and you must stay on schedule to succeed. If
work is turned in late, you will not receive comments/feedback on that
draft.
You must fully complete and correct each draft before handing in the
next draft. You may not, for example, hand in a first draft if you have not
turned in a required outline first.
No plagiarism. Please see Pratt’s Academic Integrity Standards under
“Grades” on this page: https://www.pratt.edu/student-life/student-
services/office-of-the-registrar/guidelines/
Talk to me about any concerns or comments you have about the course
Check the class Facebook page regularly
ePortfolio:
At the end of the semester, you will present an ePortfolio of your work to an IEP
instructor other than me. This instructor will then review and grade your portfolio,
and provide me with written comments. I will also review the portfolio. This
ePortfolio/interview, in addition to the departmental writing exam, will be a
large determiner of your grade for the course. As such, it is important to
understand the requirements and work on the portfolio throughout the semester.
You will include the two best examples of your work for each of reading, writing,
listening and speaking. Each work sample also requires an in-depth summary of
the assignment and a thoughtful reflection on the work. The reflection will show
your ability to self-critique and identify strengths, progress and opportunities for
improvement.
ePortfolio Contents
WRITING: 1) Formal Comparison Essay with all drafts, instructor comments,
peer reviews and Personal Error Focus error logs and 2) research paper
with all drafts, instructor comments, peer reviews and Personal Error Focus
error logs
SPEAKING: Videos of 1) Formal Comparison Presentation and 2) Research
Paper Presentation, with written self-analysis/reflection/error correction
LISTENING: Two listening journal entries (note taking, question writing and
reflection = one entry) of student’s choice
READING: At least one annotated text (margin writing and/or color-coded
highlighting), with the related journal entry; one additional reading journal
entry and/or annotated text of student’s choice
Final Assessment and Grading Policy
Final assessment will be based on the student’s ability to demonstrate that they
have satisfactorily fulfilled all course assignments on time, and that they have
met the IEP’s English language proficiency requirements for this level. Students
will demonstrate this through:
ePortfolio (see above for explanation)
Final Writing Exam (graded by IEP instructors other than me)
P = exempt
IP = must continue in the IEP program
F = fail
This grade indicates that you were frequently absent (please see lateness and
attendance policy below) or did not complete required course work on time.
January
W 17 Getting to Know You
Speed Dating and Introduce a Classmate
Needs Analysis - Survey
Visual Self-Representation
M 22 Personal Artistic Journeys
Visual Self Representation Presentation and Photos
Syllabus and Course Goals
Cornell Listening – Janet Echelman TED Talk
DUE: Visual Self Representation
DUE: Read and fully annotate “Here is New York” by E.B. White; review
Carolyn’s discussion questions and add one of your own to the
“comments” section
DUE: Chapter One of “Just Kids” and double entry reading journal
response (NO book club meeting/roles)
February
M5 Formal Analysis Continued
Discussion Leading – Group One – Textbook Formal Analysis
Writing Workshop: Formal Analysis
W 28 Midterm Reflection
Midterm Conferences
Set Up ePortfolios
Return Formal Comparison Draft One
Work on Formal Comparison Draft Two
Work on Research Paper Topics and Questions
April
M2 Introductions and Conclusions/Mapplethorpe
Mapplethorpe Documentary
Analysis: Introductions and Conclusions
If time: Introductions/Conclusions Workshop and Peer Review