Image of books, Globe, and writing implements

Internet-based
Intermediate Reading 0303
Syllabus
Charlotte Wolf, Ph.D. - Professor


skip links 

0303 Home

 

Syllabus

Calendar

Assignments

Lab

Content
Exams
Resources

How to take this course

Professor & Office Hours

Course Description & Prerequisite

Method of Instruction

Student Learning Outcomes & Competencies

Skills Needed to Take this Course

Books

Software & Services

Hardware

Grades Scale & Grade Record Sheet

Six Major, Mid-term & Final Exam



Daily Grades

Attendance

Extra Credit

Reading Lab Requirement

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Policy Regarding Children at SAC

Cell Phones & Pagers in Lab

Student Code of Conduct

Retention & Special Problems

ADA Statement

Know when SAC is cosed


Last updated 8-25-09 -   1:17 p.m.

Professor
          Charlotte Wolf, Ph.D. - Professor
          Address:            MLC 716, San Antonio College,
                                       1300 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78212

          Phone:                210-486-0038

          Cell Phone:        This number is available on the Blackboard "homepage."

          E-mail:                 cwolf10@alamo.edu (After the first week of school,
                        
               use ONLY the Blackboard mail to email me.)

          Web:                    http://www.alamo.edu/sac/itic/Reading/Wolf0303

          Office Hours:     By Cell Telephone , Blackboard Email, or On Campus

                              I will send you my cell phone number inside of Blackboard.

Course Description
          Reading 0303 - 3 credit hours
                    
                    This course is designed for students who read between 10.6 and
                    12.9 on a reading placement test. Critical reading and study skills
                    are emphasized.

Prerequisite
                     Achievement of a "C" or better in Reading 0302, score of 10.6 on
                     the entrance exam, teacher recommendation or equivalent. Please
                     make sure you meet this prerequisite.

Method of Instruction

                    1. Online lectures & presentations
                    2. Collaborative learning & discussion with class members
                    
3. Application of effective reading & study skills
                    4. Readings & quizzes
                    5. Computer-assisted learning practice
                    6. Access & use of on-line resources
                    7. This course may differ in format and method from other
                        Internet courses.
  As with courses taught on campus, each
                    
    instructor chooses materials and methods based on their
                        personal preferences and instructional style.
         
          
     
                        It is important that you read ALL directions for each assignment
                        carefully and NOT assume that they are the same as those in
                        other courses or by other instructors.

 Return to Top Menu

Student Learning Outcomes                                      

          Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be
          able to demonstrate the
following competencies on reading materials
          written at the 11.0 - 12.9 grade level at minimum
of 70% accuracy.

                    1. The student will be able to determine meanings of words and
                       
uphrases by using context clues and knowledge of word parts
                        
       * Using the context of a passage to determine the meaning
                                  of words with multiple meanings
                                * Determining the meaning of unfamiliar and uncommon
                                  words and phrases.
                                * Interpreting figurative expressions

                    2.The student will be able to understand the main idea and
                       supporting details

                        
       * Identifying explicit and implicit main ideas
                                * Recognizing ideas that Include identifying explicit
                                  and implicit main ideas
                                * Recognizing ideas that support, illustrate, or elaborate
                                  on the main idea of a passage

                    3. The student will be able to identify a writer's purpose, viewpoint,
                        and meaning

                        
       * Recognizing a writer's expressed or implied purpose for writing
                                * Evaluating appropriateness of written material for various
                                  purposes or audiences
                                * Recognizing likely effect on an audience of a writer's choice of
                                   words
                                * Using the content, word choice, and phrasing to determine a
                                   writer's opinion or point of view

                    4. The student will be able to recognize common patterns of
                        organization and draw conclusions
                                * Identifying the sequence of events or steps
                                * Identifying cause effect relationships between ideas in
                                  opposition
                                * Identifying solutions to problems, and draw conclusions
                                  inductively and deductively from information stated or implied
                                  in a passage

                    5. The student will be able to use critical reasoning skills to evaluate
                         reading materials:
                                * Evaluating the stated or implied assumptions on which
                                  the validity of a writer's argument depends
                                * Judging the relevance or importance of facts, example,
                                  or graphic data to a writer's argument
                                * Evaluating the logic of a writer's argument
                                * Evaluating the validity of analogies
                                * Distinguishing between fact and opinion
                                * Assessing the credibility or objectivity of the writer or
                                   source of written material

                    6. The student will be able to organize textbook information
                                * Organizing and summarizing information for study purposes
                                * Following written instructions or directions.

                    7. The student will be able to interpret graphic illustrations
                                * Interpreting information presented in charts, graphs, maps,
                                    or tables.

 Return to Top Menu

Skills Needed to Take this Online Course  

           To complete this course successfully you must be
                    1.   Motivated to study, complete assignments, and submit them
                                 without someone reminding you.

                    2.   Able to read assignments from the textbook, online reading lab
                          software, and the Internet. 

                    3.   Able to write answers to questions related to study materials.

                    4.   Able to use a word processing program such as Microsoft
                          Word, WordPerfect, Microsoft Works, etc.

                    5.   Able to use an email program to send and receive email
                          messages and open attachments.

                    6.   Able to attach a word processing document to an email
                          message.

                    7.   Able to use Web sites to access course materials, gain
                          additional information, and take online exams.

                    8.   Able to access PowerPoint lectures and presentations
                          which are available online.

                    9.   Able to organize computer files, save them and retrieve
                          them as needed.

                    10. Willing to interact with other students online to discuss
                          topics and complete lessons.

                    11. Willing to ask the instructor and/or other students in the
                          class when you need help.
                                    

Return to Top Menu

Books, Supplies, Software, Hardware, & Services Required  

          WORKBOOK  FOR  THIS  CLASS

a. "Bridging the Gap," 9th. Edition (This is a workbook.

 b  This book MUST be NEW!!!!!   Do NOT buy a USED
      "Bridging the Gap" book.  It is a  WORKBOOK

   

     Do NOT buy a book with different specifications
      than those
, listed above.  Only
NEW
 books will have
      a FREE
access code card to get
into the Online
      "MyReadingLab," which is required course work.

Bridging the Gap, v9, cover


Title:
    " Bridging the Gap" 9th edition

Author:
      Brenda D. Smith, Ph.D

Publisher:
      Addison Wessley Longman

                                

e.  When opening the plastic cover of your NEW
     "Bridging the Gap" BOOK,
carefully preserve the cards
      found inside.

      Each NEW book should come shrink wrapped with:           

                                     1)  A FREE access code card for "My Reading Lab"

                                     2) You MAY also find a FREE Longman, Planner inside
                                          your new book.
 It will not be used for this class, but
                                            
  it may help yo organize your

f.  Get your book as soon as possible!   If you do not have
     your book by the Week #2 assignment, you will get
     behind in the class and quickly earn
a low grade.
  

Return to Top Menu

          Software & Services                                                                
                    1. "My Reading Lab " Software:
                          This software is FREE with the purchase of a NEW
                          "Bridging the Gap" workbook which has the correct
                          ISBN#, listed 5 lines above the book image, under
                          item "c" above!

                    2. Internet Provider:
                          e.g., ACCD's IDEA, Texas Net, Earthlink, etc.
                          (AOL may cause you problems)
                          Any Dial up system will be SLOW.

                          High speed Internet, such as Roadrunner or
                          DSL, will make the course easier
                          
if your budget allows. With high speed Internet,
                          your access to the Blackboard course platform
                          and materials will be much faster, which will
                          save you a lot of time and frustration.

                    3. Word processing Program:
                          e.g., Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Microsoft
                          Works, etc. and know how to use it.

                    4. Use a Current Web Browser.  It can be
                         downloaded FREE.

                        Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser
                        6.0.2 or higher, from the Microsoft Corporation at
                        http://www.microsoft.com   Please use Internet
                        Explorer as the browser for this class.  Many of
                        the lessons  I have prepared will present BETTER
                        in this Browser.                                

                    5. When the semester begins, I may ask that you
                         download and install other FREE software.

          Hardware
                    1. You must have ready access to a reliable computer
                        including ONE of the following kinds of computer:

                           a. PC or compatible computer with at least:
                               486 50 MHz processor; current Windows
                               operating system; 32 MB RAM; 3.5 MB hard
                               disk space; CD ROM drive;16-bit sound card;
                               speakers; microphone; 256 color monitor,
                               keyboard; mouse, and if you do not have a
                               high speed Internet connection, at least a
                               56K modem.

                            b. Macintosh computerwith at least:
                                33 MHz 680X0 processor; current operating
                                System, 32 6MB RAM; 3.5 MB hard disk space;
                                CD ROM drive; 256 color monitor, keyboard;
                              
  mouse, and if you do not have a high speed
                              
  Internet connection, at least a 56K modem; . 

                    2. You should have access to a reliable printer

 Return to Top Menu

Grades                                                                                                      
           Grade Categories & Percentage Weights
       

                    1. Daily Grades ------------------------------------  50% 
                        (Includes attendance, participation,
                        daily assignments, quizzes, and lab.

                    2. Six Major & Mid-term Exams -----------  25%  

                    3. Final Exam  -------------------------------------  25%  
                        (You MUST pass the final to pass the course.
                         It is an exit competency.)

           Grade Scale
                    
A       =   90  - 100
                    B       =   80  -   89
                    C       =   70  -   79
                    D       =   60  -   69
                    F       =   00  -   59

                    1. You may inquire about the grades I have recorded for you at
                         any time. However you will be able to view most grades from
                         quizzes, daily work,and exams by clicking on "My Grades"
                         on the Course Tools menu in Blackboard

                         Grades for class discussions may be input manually into \
                         Blackboard and posted at a later date.

                    2. You should record each grade on your personal grade sheet
                         at the time
you receive your score for each assignment. I will
                         send you a copy of this grade sheet, in Blackboard email, after
                         the semester begins.

                    3. I will email your grades and average to you at least four times
                         during
 the semester and after the final exam.
              

Return to Top Menu           

Six Major Exams, Mid-term Exam, & Final Exam           

           Six Major Exams
                    1. There will be six major exams during the semester.

                    2. Each exam will cover approximately two chapters each.

                    3. These exams will be take on-line at your convenience at any
                       location you like.

                     5. Exams will be timed and you may NOT stop and restart an
                         exam.

                     6. I will drop (throw away) the one (1) lowest of your six Major
                    
  Exam grades at the END of the semester.

          Mid-term Exam
                    1. The Mid-term Exam will cover skills from all chapters up
                        through the material for the exam. In other words, you
                         may be asked about information in any previous chapter.

                    3. The Mid-term Exam may NOT be dropped.

          Final Exam
                    1. The final exam is an exit competency test, which is a r
                         equirement for
passing Reading 0303, and it must be
                        taken during the week scheduled
for Final Exams.

                    2. In order to pass the course, a student must pass the final
                       exam. This s a policy of the Reading and Education
                        Department.

                    3. The Final Exam may NOT be dropped.

          Time-line & Values for Major & Mid-term Exams:

                        a. Exams taken during the week they are due
                               - Version "A"
                               - Five extra bonus points will be added (+5).

                        b. Exams taken one week or more late
                               - Version "B" (More difficult)
                               - No extra credit points will be given

                        c. There is no penalty for taking an exam early, so
                             plan ahead.

           Mid-term and Final Exam Location Requirements

                        a. Exams may last from one to two hours.

                        b. You may take your exam on any computer connected
                             to the Internet.

                        c. Exams will be timed so be sure you have studied
                            WELL in order to finish in time.

                        d. You may NOT stop and restart an exam.

 Return to Top Menu      

Daily Work & Attendance                                                     

        Due Dates   

a. Each assignment should be submitted by 12:00
     midnight on the date it is due.
  

 b. Most assignments will be submitted electronically.
     Refer to the Daily Assignments for specifics.

c. I will drop (throw away) your TWO lowest grades in
     the category of "Daily Work."   Lab grades may NOT
     be dropped.          

           Attendance
                    1. Certain scheduled "class discussions" and "Daily
                         Assignment" submitted on time will equal three
                         (3) attendance points each. 
Each week there will be
                        an opportunity nine (9) attendance points or more .
                        Carefully read each Daily Assignments to see which
                        is for a grade and which is for attendance points.
                        Earning all of these attendanc points, about 144 possible
                        for the semester, which may be enough to make the
                        difference in getting one letter grade higher on your
                        Daily Grade category for the semester. This interaction
                        is an important part of your grade.                   

                    2. IMPORTANT: Class attendance will be based on
                        satisfactory online interaction with assignments and
                        with the class. If you do NOT
fulfill the requirement for
                        class attendance each week, you may be dropped from
                        the course after the equivalent of six (6) absences which
                        is equal to not submitting two weeks of assignments online.                        

                           San Antonio College Policies
                    
           * San Antonio College policies Thelink loads very slowly.

                    
           *To view these policies, you will need the Adobe Acrobat
                                   Reader. To download this free software, click here.
                                   Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

                                  After you have Acrobat Reader, click on the link above
                    
             to see the policies. Extra Credit

           Occasional Extra Credit Points

                    1. There will be many extra credit opportunities during the
                        semester. Be watching for announcements in your weekly
                         assignment details.

                    2. These extra credit points will be added to your "Daily Work"
                        total points.

Return to Top Menu         

 

 

 

 

Reading Lab Requirements                                                

           Online Lab

                    1. When you purchase a NEW "Bridging the Gap" textbook, with
                         Correct ISBN Number, it will be shrink wrapped with an
                         access code card for an online computer
software program
                         called "Reading Road Trip" that is accessed through another
                         web site.   Used books and books with other ISBN #s do NOT
                        
you get the textbook with the correct ISBN number.

                    2. The16 lab units relate to chapters in the"Bridging the Gap" workbook
                         and introduce skills and strategies which are emphasized in the text
                         and in Daily Assignments. The online software may help generate
                         interest in the the chapter lessons and help you acquire a better
                         understanding of the skills.

                    3. Each unit has practice exercises with questions to answer and
                         mastery tests. Record your score on your lab record sheet.  Your
                         scores may be saved in the online program, but you should look for
                         the score immediately following a lesson and record it on your lab
                         sheet. I will email your lab record sheet, in Blackboard email, after
                         the semester begins.

                         You will be required to complete one full lab unit each week.  Check
                         the class Assignments for lab due dates.

                     4. You are required to complete all practice exercises and mastery
                         tests for each lab unit. You should strive for 70% or better scores.
                         This practice and feedback will help you achieve a higher score on
                         your major exams and the final exam.

                    5. Each of the 16 lab modules will count as one lab grade. There is
                      
 a possible total of 1,600 daily grade points for the 16 labs if you get
                        100 on each of them so take it seriously.
Your grade for each lab will
                         be the average of your practice and mastery scores for the lesson.

                    6. Click here to read the lab directions. 

Academic Dishonesty Policy                                                    

        See "Student Code of Conduct" in the SAC Bulletin.                           Return to Top Menu

                    1. Reading 0303 online students are expected to practice
                                  scholastic honesty.

                    2. Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings
                                  resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for
                                  academic dishonesty. 
          

        Read the following information carefully and refer to the Web site below which
        discusses plagiarism.

                        http://newark.rutgers.edu/~ehrlich/plagiarism598.html

                 The following are other kinds of plagiarism which may be tempting to do on
                       the Internet.   It may be easier to plagiarize when using the Internet, but the
                      
Internet makes it easier to detect acts of plagiarism.   DO NOT take the risk!!
                       If you are not sure whether what you plan to do is plagiarism, contact me
                       before you continue with your plans. SAC professors have access to an
                      online program called
"Turn-it-In," which is a plagiarism detection program.

1. A person may plagiarize intentionally or unintentionally.

2. Academic dishonesty may range from failure to use proper
      citations to blatant cheating.

3. All Reading 0303 assignments must be completed independently
    unless you have been specifically assigned to collaborate with

4. Using a "free term paper" web site to write the paper you submit.

5. Copying from another Web site without including quotation marks
       or appropriate citations.

6. Purchasing a paper from a research service or term paper producer.

7. Turning in another person's work as your own

8. Copying a paper from a source text without proper acknowledgment.

9. Copying materials from a source, supplying proper documentation,
       but leaving out quotation marks.

10. Paraphrasing materials from a source text without appropriate
       documentation.

(References from: Stephen Wilhoit, in "Helping Students Avoid
Plagiarism")  (College Teaching, Fall 1994)

Policy Regarding Children on the SAC Campus          

           If you come on campus you should be aware of the policy regarding
           children which was designed to avoid academic disruption and to
           protect children.

1.  If you come on campus, you should not bring children into
     campus labs or classrooms.

2.  San Antonio College Policy states that, children should not
     be left unattended at any location
on campus.

Cell Phones & Pagers in Labs                                                  Return to Top Menu            

           If you come on campus to usa a lab, you should be aware of the policies.

1.  Cell phones and pagers must be turned OFF in ALL testing and
     practice labs.

 2.  Documented failure to adhere to this policy could result in you
      losing the privilege
of using these facilities.

Student Code of Conduct

1.  Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules
     set forth in the
"Student Code of Conduct."

2.  See the "San Antonio College Bulletin" for the full text of
     the "Student Code."

3. You are expected to use good online behavior known as
     "netiquet." in this class and observe,

Retention & Special Problems                                                   Return to Top Menu

1.  Special Problems
      I realize that special problems may arise during the semester. If you
     have a problem that you would like to discuss with me,
please contact
     me by private e-mail or ask and we will
arrange a time to meet on
     campus.                        

     Please do not use public class interaction time for discussion
    of things that do not apply to others enrolled in the class.

2.   Retention Statement
      
The faculty in the Reading & Education Department are committed
      to your successful completion of our courses without lowering the
      college's academic standards. As a department, we have set a goal
      to increase the number of students who finish our courses with a
      performance grade of (A, B, C, or D).

      As faculty (and former college students) we are aware of of the many
      sponsibilities (work, financial, family) that our students face while
      pressured to balance all of these responsibilities simultaneously.
      there may be something that can be done that would make the
      difference in whether you complete my course.                       
 

      If I am made aware of circumstances that impact your participation in
      
 my class, I can be of assistance. Although the syllabus outlines
      requirements and policies, I can be flexible if there are extenuating
      circumstances. Please do not drop this course or stop responding to
      my class without first contacting me. Dropping the course should be
      your LAST step.                       
 

       Be aware that dropping a course may impact your grade point average,
      
 financial aid, and health insurance policies (some require you to be a
      full time student (12 hours). You may be required to pay the tuition in
      full to your employer if you are on a tuition reimbursement plan at work.
      to you.
                                                                                                          
                                                                                                             Return to Top Menu


      NOTICE:   This is REALLY  IMPORTANT  TO  YOU
       if you are a  FIRST-TIME  STUDENT  IN  COLLEGE
      this semester.

                              The 80th Texas Legislature in the 2007 Legislative
                              session passed SB1231 that limits the number of
                              classes students can drop throughout their entire
 
                             undergraduate career to six (6).  Click on the link
 
                             below for complete information:
                              http://alamo.edu/sac/admrec/drops.htm                        

       I am here to help you, but you must be willing to help yourself. Do not
      wait until the end of the semester to ask for advice. When you
      successfully complete this course, I too, have been successful as
      your instructor!

Principle of Equal Opportunity & ADA for Students Requiring
Special Accommodations

                              San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race,
                       
      religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to
                       
      access, employment programs, or services. Inquiries or complaints
                       
      concerning these matters should be brought to the attention of:
                       
      Director Employee Services, Title IX Coordinator, at 201 West Sheridan,
                       
      Building A, San Antonio, Texas 78204.                     

                              Regarding Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of
                              1973 and the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) of 1990, if
                              accommodation is needed, students must make the request
                              through the Office of Disabled Student Services, CAC room 123C.

                                                                                                                                         Return to Top Menu
San Antonio College - Status Regarding Closure

                              The Campus Status phone line is (210) 485-0189. As to the public media,
                              such as radio and television, they will all be informed in the event San
                              Antonio College is closed due to weather or other causes.

                             The San Antonio College Main Web Page will also provide information
                     
         if the College is closed. http://alamo.edu/sac/sacmain/sac.htm

If you were reading this Syllabus as part of the Course,
Orientation CLICK TO RETURN  TO  THE ORIENTATION.

Return to Top Menu




     

 


 For questions or comments: cwolf10@alamo.edu  or 210-486-0038


  Copyright 2002 ©  Rights to all pages and materials in this site are reserved
by Dr. Charlotte Wolf, San Antonio College.