Introduction to College Reading

Course Details

Course Number: 1013  Spring 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 210

Days & Times:

MWF 12:00-12:50PM

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Ms. Amber LaSha Beckham   
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Course Objectives

 

  • Acquire vocabulary skills necessary for college-level coursework.
  • Identify the structural elements of written materials.
  • Practice Strategies for note-taking and test preparation
  • Demonstrate ability to think critically.

Additional information about course objectives can be found on the department webpage, http://libarts.mwsu.edu/english/.

 

     


Course Expectations

 

Assignments                                                  % of Grade

4 Unit Tests                                                         60%

Reports                                                                 15%

Reading Quizzes                                                  10%

Final Exam                                                            15%       

 

Each test will ask you to read a passage, write a responsive paragraph, and answer questions about comprehension, critical thinking, and vocabulary. You will also read a novel and write a 2-3 page paper answering assigned questions. All reading assignments must be completed as reading quizzes may be unannounced.


Grading Standards

 

This class will not use the plus/minus grading system. In this class, the following numerical equivalents for grades are used: A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%.

You must earn a final grade of C or better to pass this course.


Final Exam5/11/2011  3:30PM

Submission Format Policy

You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Assignments will not be accepted after their original due dates.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

After 3 unexcused absences, students will be dropped with an "F."Dropping this course can only be done the week preceding the university’s official drop date.  You may drop the course with a grade of W if at that time you have not exceeded the number of absences allowed in the course and if reducing your course load does not affect your enrollment at MSU.


Other Policies

 Inappropriate behavior and language may result in the student being dropped from the course. There will be no cell phone use allowed in class. If a student’s phone rings or a student texts during class, he or she may be asked to leave class. It is disruptive and disrespectful to your peers. Also, do not come to class with your IPOD or MP3 player dangling from your ears. Put all noise making devices away until class is over.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.