AE O40-003: Level 4 Core - Weebly



AE O40-003: Level 4 CoreSpring 2020 SyllabusInstructor: Lori Rottenberg Instructor Email:lrottenb@gmu.eduCourse Website:; grades on Blackboard (mymason.gmu.edu)Meeting Days:Monday through Friday, 12:30 PM-2:20 PMClassroom:Global Center Room 1314Office Hours:Tuesday and Thursday 11:30-12:30; email me for an appointmentCourse DescriptionThe goal of this course is for high-intermediate students to develop their academic reading and writing skills (Goal CEFR B1+). Course ObjectivesThis course will work on a number of skills to help you improve your English, including:academic reading skills;academic writing skills;academic vocabulary skills; andB1+ grammar skills.For more detailed Student Learning Outcomes, please see the chart at the end of this syllabus. Course Textbook and MaterialsWe will use 4 books and a free magazine. Pay attention to ISBNs when buying books and buy new copies!Ward, C. & Gramer, M. (2019). Q Skills for Success Reading and Writing 3 with Online Practice, 3rd Edition. Oxford. ISBN: 9780194903943Folse, K., Muchmore-Vokoun, A., & Vestri Solomon, E. (2020). Great Writing 4: Great Essays, 5th Edition, Student Book/Online Workbook Package. Cengage. ISBN: 9780357021088Blass, L., Iannuzzi, S., Savage, A., & Reppen, R. (2019). Grammar and Beyond Essentials 3 with Online Workbook. Cambridge. ISBN: 9781108697170Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780544336261Course RequirementsWe will improve your ability to read and write in English through a number of activities:Daily In-Class Exercises: We will work from our textbooks to practice grammar, reading, and writing. Your daily participation will be graded. You will lose points for tardiness, phone use, or sleeping in class. Online Homework: You will have graded Q Skills for Success, Grammar and Beyond Essentials, and Great Writing online assignments. Online assignments can be done again and again to obtain a 100% until the due date. I will announce all online homework deadlines in class.Weekly Journals: You will have a weekly journal in which you will write at least 20 sentences of related text per week. The journal can be in a dedicated notebook or printed on a computer. The journals are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Print BEFORE class begins. You will be asked to try new grammar forms in your journals every week for full credit; you should also try using new vocabulary! Reading Assignments: We will read a novel as a class, as well as other outside resources. I encourage you to read as much as possible outside of class! Reading will strengthen your English skills like nothing else. There will be weekly homework assignments on the novel and a final writing project on it as well. Writing Assignments: We will do informal and formal writing. Informal writing will include warm-ups and weekly journals. Formal writing assignments will include in-class timed writing and at-home essays. Print any formal writing assignments BEFORE class begins the day they are due.Tests and Quizzes: We will have tests on each of the Grammar and Beyond Essentials units that we cover, as well as reading and vocabulary assessments. Tests will be announced, but pop quizzes may be given at any time. Grading CriteriaIn-Class Exercises, Journals, and Online Homework:15%Writing Assessments:20%Reading and Vocabulary Assessments:20%Grammar Assessments:20%Final Reading/Writing Project: 5%Common Final Exams (No early finals given!):20%AE Final Grade System Final Letter GradeFinal Percent GradeQuality PointsTypeA+97-1004.00PassingA?93-964.00PassingA-90-923.67PassingB+87-893.33PassingB?83-863.00PassingB-80-822.67PassingC+77-792.33FailingC?73-762.00FailingC-70-721.67FailingD60-691.00FailingF?0-590.00FailingEarning an 80% in Level 4 Core will satisfy the language requirements for advancement to Level 5 Core. Earning a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in Level 4 or higher classes will satisfy the language requirements for advancement to the Undergraduate Standard Pathways. In order to pass this class, you must earn at least 80%, and follow attendance policies!Important DatesFirst Day of ClassesJanuary 21, 2020Professional/Student Enrichment Day (No classes)Friday, February 14, 2020Midterm Period for INTO Mason Core/OCS Midterm Progress Reports distributedCore/OCS/Elective Midterm Grades on Patriot WebCore/OCS Midterm Conferences for failing (C+, C, C-, D, F, NG) and borderline failing students (B-)February 24-March 6, 2020 (Each Core/OCS instructor chooses 1 conference day)Spring Break (No classes)Mar 9-15, 2020Core/OCS Common Final Exam PeriodThu, 4/30 Core Writing Final ExamFri, 5/1 OCS Speaking Final ExamMon, 5/4OCS Listening Final Exam Tue, 5/5 Core Reading Final ExamLast Day of AE Classes Tuesday, May 5, 2020AE Final Grade Report Pickup (Available through student request at Lobby Welcome Desk)Monday, May 11, 2020 (from 12:00pm)Online Class ResourcesI use our class website, , to post important information, including links to any outside resources we analyze in class and homework assignments. I use Blackboard (mymason.gmu.edu) to provide you with up-to-date information about grades, so you can log in to check your grades in my class at any time. To access the online Grammar and Beyond Essentials homework, you must use your textbook access code to create an account at main. Our class code is for GAB is NB9pt6.(If using a used textbook, you can purchase your online homework access codes here: .) To access the online Great Writing homework, you must use your textbook access code to create an account at . Our class code is E-54GHPS79EE59F. To access the online Q Skills for Success homework, you must use your textbook access code to create an account at . Our class code is C-333-734-0711. Course Expectations Your active, daily participation in class is essential to your success in this course. Please note the following class policies and expectations:Attendance: I expect you to attend class every day and to be prepared and on time. An AE student who exceeds 15% absences in any course in one semester will be placed on attendance probation. If the student exceeds 15% absences in any course the following semester, the student is subject to termination for non-attendance from the AE program and George Mason University. If you miss a class, you will miss important information that is likely to appear on a test. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, leave more than 5 minutes early, or leave class in the middle for more than 5 minutes, it is considered a ? absence.Breaks: I will provide a 5-minute break in the middle of class every day. Please use the bathroom before class or during the break if necessary. If you’re late returning from break or leave at other times, you will be marked as half-absent. If breaks are abused, they will be discontinued. Missed and Late Work: You are responsible for turning all assignments in on time, even if you are late, sick, or absent. “On time” means by the end of class on the due date. Late work (if accepted) will lose 5 points if turned in after class on the due date and 10 additional points for EACH day it is late. If you let me know in advance that you have to be absent, I may allow you to make up tests or other assignments IF they can be done before the next class meeting, but, in general, I do not allow make-up exams and homework. Materials: Please bring the following materials to class every day: 1) pens or pencils; 2) 8.5” x 11” lined notebook paper; and 3) your textbook. You will also need access to a printer and may find a 3-ring binder useful to store supplemental materials handed out in class. Finally, it’s also a great idea to have a good dictionary and thesaurus. Those by Oxford or Merriam-Webster are generally high quality. Electronics: All electronic devices must be OFF or silent and be out of sight during class unless I say otherwise. I will collect cellphones from anyone using them inappropriately during class and will deduct participation points from that day’s grade.Etiquette: As much as possible speak only English in the classroom. Show respect and kindness to all. Come ready to work and actively participate and do so with integrity. Collaboration: Unless I say so directly, assume that ALL assignments for my class should be done alone, WITHOUT assistance from your classmates. However, I encourage you to study with each other for tests.Recommendations: A recommendation is something special that an instructor does for very successful and motivated current students. Please do not ask me for a recommendation if you have poor attendance, missing assignments, or lackluster grades, and do not ask me for a recommendation during the last week of classes. Please allow several weeks for me to complete a recommendation, and only ask for a recommendation after you have started your application process and you know exactly what you need.PrivacyYou must use your MasonLive email account to receive important University information, including communications related to this class. I will not respond to messages from or send messages to a non-Mason email address.Academic Integrity“Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work.” Cheating includes copying or allowing someone else to copy homework or test answers. Cheating also includes cutting and pasting information from the internet without attribution and using it as your own. Honor Code violations are very serious and will be referred to the GMU Office of Academic Integrity. See honorcode for more information on the Honor Code. Academic AdvisingIf you have questions about your academic standing, progression, study plan, or university application process, make an appointment with an AE Academic Advisor on WC Online (). If you want to know how many absences you have or ask about your classwork or grades in this class, ask me.TutoringIf you would like to receive additional practice and help with your English language skills, you may make an appointment with a tutor in the Learning Resource Center (GC 1305) during normal business hours using the WC Online scheduling system (). Disability AccommodationsIf you have a documented learning disability or other condition that may affect your academic performance, you should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with Office of Disability Services (SUB I, Room 4205; 703-993-2474; ) to determine the accommodations you need; and 2) talk with me to discuss your accommodation needs.Safety and Security George Mason University is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. The mission of the George Mason University Department of Police and Public Safety is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. To report problems, please call: All emergencies—911Non-emergencies on campus—703-993-2810 Reporting a Crime (Crime-Solvers’ Anonymous Tip Hotline)—703-993-4111 As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Responsible Employee” and must report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason's Title IX Coordinator, per University Policy 1412. If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, please contact one of Mason's confidential resources, such as the Student Support and Advocacy Center (703-380-1434) or Counseling and Psychological Services (703-993-2380). You may also seek assistance from Mason's Title IX Coordinator by calling 703-993-8730 or by emailing cde@gmu.edu. Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking Policy The abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the George Mason University community is incompatible with the goals of the university. The University prohibits the possession and use of illegal drugs. Possession, sale, use, or distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, is a violation of both federal and state laws and university regulations. Unless the University has specifically sanctioned the location and condition of alcohol use, the possession and consumption of alcohol on campus is prohibited. Individuals involved in the sale, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol are subject to arrest and university disciplinary action, which may include eviction from university housing and suspension or dismissal from the university. Smoking is only permitted outdoors, down the stairs, and 25 feet—8 meters—away from the building. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the garage or inside buildings. Counseling and Learning Services Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a wide range of mental health services to students. Services are provided by professional counselors, clinical psychologists, and social workers. They are located in SUB 1, Suite 3129. For academic assistance questions, please call Learning Services at 703-993-2380, email lsstaff@gmu.edu, or stop by Learning Services in SUB I, Suite 3129. All CAPS and Learning Services for students are free and confidential!Are you sad, unhappy, or lonely? Please go to you need help with academic skills? 4 Core Tentative Schedule (040-003), Spring 2020, v. 1Monday12:30-2:20Tuesday12:30-2:20Wednesday12:30-2:20Thursday12:30-2:20Friday12:30-2:20Week 11/20NO CLASSES:MLK Day1/21Welcome1/22Diagnostics1/23Diagnostics1/24Journal 1 DueWeek 2Classification (GW 1, Q Unit 6), GAB 3 1/271/281/291/301/31Journal 2 DueWeek 32/32/42/52/6Classification Essay Due2/7Quiz 1Journal 3 DueWeek 4Process (Longman 5)GAB 19-20, Q Unit 22/10Reading Homework 1 Due2/112/12Journal 4 Due2/13THIS CLASS CANCELLED2/14NO CLASSES:Prof. Dev. DayWeek 52/17Reading Homework 2 Due2/182/192/20Process Essay Due2/21Quiz 2Journal 5 DueWeek 6Cause/Effect (Q Unit 7, GW 2), GAB 21-232/24Reading Homework 3 Due2/252/262/272/28Journal 6 DueWeek 73/2Reading Homework 4 Due 3/33/43/5Cause/Effect Essay Due3/6Quiz 3Journal 7 DueWeek 83/9SPRING3/10BREAK:3/11NO3/12CLASSES3/13Week 9Compare/Contrast (GW 3), GAB 21-23, Q Unit 43/16Reading Homework 5 Due3/173/183/193/20Journal 8 DueWeek 103/23Reading Homework 6 Due3/243/253/26Compare/ContrastEssay Due3/27Quiz 4Journal 9 DueWeek 11Persuasive (Q Unit 8, GW 4), GAB 24-253/30Reading Homework 7 Due3/314/14/24/3Journal 10 DueWeek 124/6Reading Homework 8 Due4/74/84/9Persuasive Essay Due4/10Quiz 5Journal 11 DueWeek 13GAB 26-284/13Reading Homework 9 Due4/144/15 4/164/17Journal 12 DueWeek 144/204/214/224/23Final Reading/ Writing Project4/24Quiz 6Journal 13 DueWeek 154/27Final Review4/28Final Review4/29Final Review4/30WritingFinal Exam 5/1Grammar Final ExamWeek 165/4Final Review5/5ReadingFinal Exam 5/6ENJOY5/7YOUR5/8SUMMER!Level 4 Core (AE 040)The goal of this course is for high-intermediate students to develop their academic reading and writing skills. (Successful completion of this level (minimum overall average 80% in classes: Level 4 Core + Level 4 OCS + Elective + Elective II) is required before matriculating into Accelerated Undergraduate Pathways and some Standard Graduate Pathways)Course ObjectivesStudent Learning Outcomes (Assessed through assignments, tests, and in-class work)To develop comprehension and retention of modified academic and informational texts (mainly drawn from CEFR B1+ level academic reading textbook for adult ESL learners)4R-1Can skim for and determine the main idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas4R-2Can scan for and identify explicit supporting details4R-3Can make inferences and draw conclusions4R-4Can trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not4R-5Can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text (e.g., figurative, connotative, and technical meanings) 4R-6Can analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept (e.g., sequence, cause/effect,problem/solution, compare/contrast, and pro/con)4R-7Can determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints 4R-8Can identify summaries of passages 4R-9Can interpret moderately complex graphs, charts, tables, maps and diagrams[Required in fall and spring semesters only]To read extensively for general understanding—completing one B1/B1+ level ESL reader or one unadapted work of fiction/nonfiction4R-10Can understand a level-appropriate fiction reader:Summarizes events and identify main ideas from 8-10 pages of readerDescribes characters and their rolesIdentifies major themesComprehends meanings of target words in contextCan make inferences about characters and relationships within context of readingCan comprehend meanings of target words in contextTo write academic essays on concrete and abstract topicsFor handwritten/typed and timed/untimed writing assessments, students are expected to show understanding and evidence of:Planning/ PrewritingDraftingEditing (self and/or peer)Revising (only for untimed, out-of-class writing assignments requiring a final draft)Formatting and mechanics 4W-1Can write a classification essay (e.g., characteristics of good student)4W-2Can write a process essay4W-3Can write a cause/effect essay4W-4Can write a compare/contrast essay4W-5Can write an argumentative/persuasive essay (Final)To identify, understand, and use CEFR B1+ level written grammatical structures4G-1Second Conditionals: Present/Future Unreal Possibility (If + Past Simple + would + Base Verb) 4G-2Present Perfect Progressive4G-3Adjective Clauses with Relative Pronouns4G-4Passive Simple4G-5Adverb Clauses of Reason (Cause/Effect) and Purpose (e.g. , DUE TO)To develop knowledge and usage of CEFR B1+ level written vocabulary4V-1Can use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.4V-2Can use common, level-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., audience, auditory, audible)4V-3Can consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to clarify a word’s precise meaning or part of speech4V-4Can use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.4V-5Can identify and understand figurative language 4V-6Can distinguish among the connotations (+/- associations) of words with similar denotations (e.g., assertive, aggressive, forceful) and use connotative meaning appropriately4V-7Can understand and use accurately general academic (e.g., AWL, NAWL) and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading and writing at the B1+ level4V-8All cardinal and ordinal numbers ................
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