Reedley College
2004 FaIl Semester
English 126

Instructor:	Mrs. Judith Kenney
Time:	MW 6:00-7:55 PM
Location:	Seima High School
Phone:	(559) 646-3898
E-mail:	Seqwoodl @aol.com

Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to develop basic reading skills and to become proficient in the areas of vocabulary usage, literal and implied meaning, and critical reading skills. Instruction will include a variety of reading comprehension strategies necessary for the successful completion of college level courses.

Text and Required Materials:

o Textbook: Langan, John. Ten Steps To Advancing College Reading Skills, fourth
edition. Townsend Press, 2004

o	Novels: Steinbeck, John. The PearL
Houston, Jeanne Wakasuki. Farewell to Manzanar

o	Dictionary: A standard, collegiate dictionary, e.g. Websterts New World Dictionary

Course objectives:
Students must be able to recognize and use new vocabulary as found in the selected readings as well as dictionary assignments. Comprehension strategies will include developing the ability to recognize both literal and implied meaning while analyzing various writing techniques. Comprehension strategies will be applied to readings of short passages, journal articles, editorials, and independent reading as a means to develop critical reading skills. Students will develop basic reading skills that will lead to college-level proficiency in the areas of comprehension and reading as a problem-solving process. Former knowledge and new knowledge will be compared, synthesized, and evaluated in a variety of sources. All students will be able to generate new ideas, issues, solutions, and conclusions about various assigned topics and readings.
Students will be able to Identify and discuss the following literary terms:
•	plot
•	setting
•	problem
•	resolution
•	character traits
•	author’s message
•	tone
•	purpose
•	Intended audience
•	conclusions
•	point of view
•	theme
•	symbolism

Homework assignments and projects must be typed and double spaced unless otherwise snecifled.

Include the following on each assignment you turn in:
o	Name (First and last)
in Assignment (Source, page number, etc.)
o	Instructor
o	Class/dayMour
o	Date

Homework]Journaislparticigptlon: Journal responses to assigned readings will be completed and assessed weekly. Homework will include reading, comprehension questions or response wrtting, and vocabulary study. Part .~ipatton in class discussions is an important part of the comprehension process and will be monitored on a regular basis, it is important to read all assignments before class in preparation for oral questioning or quizzes.

Reading and Writing Assignments: You will be required to read from the textbook as well as various handouts from the instructor Two novels will be read during the course. Book reports are required for each and should not be written with the help of commercial study guides (Sparknotes) or movies. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you know you will be absent on the day an assignment is due, you can arrange to turn it in ea~y or have someone turn it in for you. I recommend exchanging phone numbers with a classmate. Missing homework assignments will lower your semester grade.
Tests:
Vocabulary:
Words will be distributed on the first Monday of the month and there will be a vocabulary test on the fourth Wednesday each month. Makeup tests must be arranged prior to an excused absence.

Comprehension:
Comprehension tests in response to textbook reading assignments will be given at the completion of each unit. Bring your textbook to each class session. You will be writing in the book and turning in randomly selected pages for grading. Test format includes multiple choice, true and false, short answer, and essay.

Mid-Term and Final: The mid-term and final will be comprehensive and will evaluate the use of vocabulary knowledge and skills as well as comprehension strategies as applied to selected readings.

Grading will be based on total semester points earned for tests, book reports, response writing, homework, cooperative groups, and positive class participation.

Grading scale:
	90%-100%	A
	80%-89%	B
	70%-79%	C
	60%-69%	D
	Below 60%	F

Attendance: Attendance is extremely important due to the nature of this class Much of the required course work will be completed during class meeting5. If you are going to miss a class, please notify me ahead of time. If an emergency arises, notify me as soon as possible. It is best to leave messages on my answering machine. Four absences will drop your grade by one full letter. If you have more than four absences before the last drop date you will be dripped from the class. You will not receive credit if you have six or more absences by the end of the semester. Students must be on time for each class session and stay for the assigned hours Two tardies will count as an absence. You will not be allowed to complete daily opening assignments or take quizzes/tests if you are late.

Be on time and be prepared!!!
Cooneratlve aroun activities: Class sessions will include participation in group activities for which grades will be assessed on your cooperation, participation, and reporting.

.B~hañan The instructor reserves the right to ask a student to leave if hisMer behavior is disrupting instruction or group activities. Disruptions include talking or other distractions and will not be tolerated. Food and drinks are not allowed in the classroonflseima High School policy). Turn off cell ohones and oaoers during class. There will be a short break at an appropriate time. Students are expected to return to class on time.

Note:	All submitted work for this course must be your own and written for this class exclusively. Refer to the summary of the Code of Student Conduct In your Schedule of Classes concerning consequences for academic dishonesty.