Reading 100: Critical Reading

                                                           DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES   DEPARTMENT

__________Semester

Catalog Course Description:

This course covers the application of reading process to improve critical comprehension and higher order thinking skills.  It gives students extensive practice with analytical and interpretive skills.  (This course does not meet the requirements for an associate degree, but may meet requirements for a diploma or certificate)

Prerequisites:  Reading 032 or COMPASS score between 61 and 79 or ASSET score between 35 and 39

Credit Hours:   3.0 credit hours, 3.0 contact hours

Departmental Website:  http://www.midlandstech.edu/dvs/

Instructor:                 

Office:                                                                       

Telephone:                            

FAX:                                     

E-mail:                       

Campus Mailbox:     

Departmental Assistant:   Sandra Smith @ 822-3539; smiths@midlandstech.edu

Department Chair:  Dr. Tom Davis @ 822-3239; davist@midlandstech.edu

Program Coordinator:  Dr. Lyne Bunch @ 738-7781;  bunchl@midlandstech.edu

Class Schedule:                     

Office Hours:                          

Textbooks:

McGraw-Hill Textbook Packet:

Read to Remember, Fleshman (3^rd ed.)

PRIMUS Reader

The McGraw-Hill Textbook Reader

PASSPORT TO COLLEGE READING CD

Equipment:  

Large three ring notebook

Marker pen

Collegiate dictionary

Index cards       

Student Textbook Purchase and Absences if Not Purchased:

Required textbooks are on reserve in the library and the Academic Success Center on all campuses for student use.  There are two copies in each location.  Students may only use these textbooks in the library or the Academic Success Center.  The instructor may dismiss or withdraw students who do not have the required materials in a timely manner!

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Determine word meanings from context clues and word parts.

2.  Use a variety of techniques to assist in learning vocabulary in reading selections.

3.  Develop techniques to read an assignment by using pre-reading and remembering                 

     processes.

4. Determine the topic and main idea from paragraphs and longer selections in a variety    

     of materials.

5.  Recognize paragraph types, patterns, and signal words to extract relevant details

      and supporting ideas.

6.  Use critical thinking skills such as recognizing author’s purpose and attitude.

7.  Use critical thinking skills such as distinguishing between fact and opinion.

8.  Use critical thinking skills such as interpreting inferences and conclusions.

9.  Recognize valid support for arguments to comprehend reading in a variety of                         

      materials. 

10.  Apply thinking, reading, and writing skills to a variety of tasks such as taking essay                  

       exams, writing critiques, and/or summaries of articles.

11. Develop techniques to monitor comprehension, efficiency, and achievement of                       

      purpose.

12. Read and respond to selections such as: narratives, exposition, fiction, poetry,                  

      reference materials, and textbook chapters.

13.  Develop techniques to organize relevant information such as concept mapping and            

       graphic organizers.

14.  Develop techniques to organize relevant information and apply to academic

       learning.

15. Use technology to improve alternate reading skills and enhance reading                               

      comprehension. 

Course Outcomes and Competencies:

            Intended Course Outcome:

                 Students will demonstrate techniques to monitor comprehension, efficiency, and achievement of purpose.

                Course Competency:

                Students will mark an assignment showing understanding of the author’s topic and supporting sentences.

                Performance Measurement Instrument and Success criteria:

                Students will complete assignments marking material to identify the appropriate areas with marginal notes. Students will meet this competency by scoring at least .67 on a rubric   with scores of 0, .33, .67, and 1.

                  RDG100 Rubric

Course Attendance:

The quality of your learning experience in this class is determined in large by your active participation in the learning process. Therefore, it is important that you make every effort to attend every class. Students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for class work, homework, lecture notes, reading assignments, etc., whether or not you are present.

There is no such thing as an "excused absence". On certain occasions, circumstances may arise, such as illness, personal issues or transportation problems that prevent you from attending class. In light of that, the maximum number of absences (no matter what the reason is -such as illness, out of town, etc.) allowed is twice the number of meeting times per week.
 

                        For classes that meet twice a week, you are allowed no more than 4 absences. For classes that meet 3 times a week, you are allowed no more than 6 absences. For classes that meet for four weeks, you are allowed one absence.  For seven week classes you are allowed two absences.  For ten week classes you are allowed the number of absences that the class meets weekly. The student is responsible for keeping up with the number of classes missed. Absences will be counted beginning with the first day of class. If the number of classes missed exceeds the allowed absences, the student will be dropped from the class and will receive a "W” or "WF" as their final grade depending upon their grade status as of the last day the student attended class. Use your “cuts” wisely!

Students should not be late to class. Students who come in late interfere with the class presentation and disturb the other students in the class. Likewise, students should not leave in the middle of class or before class is dismissed. If you arrive after the roll has been taken, you will be marked absent. It is YOUR responsibility to see the instructor after class on THAT DAY so your absence can be changed to a tardy. Three tardies will be counted as one absence. 

Withdrawal:

Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded prior to midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar to be recorded on the student's transcript.  Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded after midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal OR a "WF" will be submitted if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal. 

Course Requirements:

Mastering Reading Skills requires regular attendance in class, consistent study of text material and class notes, and preparation of homework assignments. Students are expected to BE PREPARED FOR and PARTICIPATE in every class meeting. Students are expected to have all assignments completed by the due date.

You are in college. You will be treated and respected as an adult. It is a violation of the MTC Student Code to interfere with the learning process in the classroom. Courteous, attentive behavior is expected at all times. Disruptive behavior in any form will not be tolerated. Students engaged in such behavior will be dismissed from class and subject to disciplinary procedures.

It is expected that all beepers and cellular telephones will be turned off or “set” to the silent mode during class. You may not receive or place telephone calls during class.

 A Laptop No I-pods, MP3 players, etc will be permitted in class computer is allowed only  if the student uses it to take notes during class.

Be on time! It is inconsiderate to your classmates and disruptive to the class to arrive late. Students are expected to be in their seats ready to start class at the beginning of the class. Leaving during class should only be in case of an emergency. If you know you must leave early, please let the instructor know ahead of time.

Course Grading:

                                                Unit tests               = 50%

                                                Homework            = 25% (includes PASSPORT grades)

                                                Vocabulary           = 15%

                                                Final Exam           = 10%

Instructors are prohibited by a federal law (Buckley Amendment) from discussing a student’s grade, academic progress, and academic standing with anyone without the student’s written permission.  This includes parents and other family members!

Grading Scale:                      

94-100                   A                             Superior Work

86-93                     B                             Good Work

75-85                     C                             Average Work

  0-74                     F                              Unsatisfactory Work

                             W                            Withdraw passing before mid-term

                             WF                          Withdraw failing after midterm

Only one make-up test is allowed.  In addition, penalty points may be deducted from the final score.

 The instructor is not required to permit makeup work after the fact and may assign a grade of “0”. Submitting makeup work for grades may be permitted at the discretion of the instructor provided you make arrangements with your instructor prior to the due date of the assignment in question

You are responsible for making sure all work reaches the instructor. All assignments should be submitted directly to the instructor; if assignments are submitted in any other way, they must be clearly labeled with the instructor’s name.

Course Topic Outline/Course Calendar with Assignments:

***PASSPORT TO COLLEGE READING WILL BE UTILIZED IN EVERY CRITICAL READING 100 CLASS.

**Textbook Reader Project must be completed in the format assigned by the instructor.

PLEASE NOTE: Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course.  Any change will be announced in class before it becomes effective.

College Policies

Students are expected to read the student handbook and abide   its policies. Copies of the hand book may be obtained at various locations on campus and is located on the web: by http://www.midlandstech.edu/planner/

Academic Dishonesty: The Student Code addresses what constitutes academic dishonesty. All forms of dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating on tests, plagiarism, collusion and falsification, will call for discipline.

                CHEATING ON TESTS includes:

§  Copying from another student’s paper.

§  Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test.

§  Collaborating with any other person during a test without permission.

§  Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of any un-administered test.

§  Bribing any other person to obtain information about tests.

§  Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself.

                PLAGIARISM is the appropriation of any other person’s work and unacknowledged

                incorporation of that work in one’s own work offered for credit.

Campus Emergency Protocol: Students and employees are asked to report safety concerns or suspicious activities to Campus Security at 7199 (on campus) or 738-7199 (cell phone or off campus). In the event of an emergency, student and employee protocol is to immediately call Campus Security or local 911.  If an emergency occurs, the college will use a variety of methods to communicate additional information and instructions including the MTC Information Centers, campus loud speakers, MTC Alerts! (http://www.midlandstech.edu/Phone_Alert.htm ),voice mail, email, college Intranet, and the MTC website homepage.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event weather conditions or other emergencies cause the closing or a delayed start of Midlands Technical College, announcements will be made over local radio and TV stations, on the MTC Web site, and on the college’s information line (803.738.8234).  Notices will be sent to student Campus Cruiser Mail when applicable.  Separate announcements may be made for day and evening classes as weather conditions change during the day.

If the college closing or reopening means that there is at least 30 minutes of a class remaining, plan to attend that class. For example, if the college opens at 10:00 a.m. in TTH, classes that normally meet at 8:00 a.m. will not meet. If the college closed at 8:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. classes would meet for their regular time, but 7:35 p.m. classes would not meet since there are fewer than 30 minutes remaining in class.

Student E-Mail Accounts: All MTC students are assigned a college e-mail account upon admission to the college.  This account is called “Campus Cruiser Mail.”  Campus Cruiser Mail is the primary mode by which the college communicates with students.  Students are responsible for checking their college e-mail on a regular basis for important information and announcements about registration, financial aid, cancelled classes, emergency announcements and other notices.  Students can use their college e-mail accounts to communicate with faculty, staff, fellow students, and others, in support of their educational pursuits.  In addition to e-mail, students will also have access to maintaining personal calendars and “tasks lists” through their Campus Cruiser e-mail account.

Student Evaluation of Instruction: Students have the opportunity to evaluate this course. The confidential evaluation process is conducted through MTC On-Line using the individual student’s username and password. Announcements will be made during the term concerning how and when to complete the online evaluation. Students are encouraged to participate in this process.

Students Requiring Special Accommodations: If special accommodations are needed for a student with a disability, the student should go to Counseling Services on Beltline or Airport Campus for assistance. Documentation regarding a specific disability is required in order for special arrangements to be made. Confidentiality of information received will be maintained.