EMLS 781: Noncredit Transitional Reading/Writing/Grammar for Multilingual Students

Section 2775 – Course Syllabus

Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Pat MacKenzie

Email: pmackenzie@santarosa.edu

Phone: 707-527-4999, voice mailbox 1504

Office Location: EMLS Office, 2090 Lark Hall

Student Contact hours:

Monday -- 15 minutes before and after class

Wednesday and Thursday -- 6-6:25 pm -- 2703 Maggini Hall

For appointments on other days, talk to or email Pat for possible times. 

Times and locations of class meetings

Monday           6:30 – 8:00 pm         Room 2703      Maggini Hall

Monday           8:00 – 9:30 pm         Room 2806      Maggini Hall

Wednesday     6:30 – 9:30 pm         Room 2703      Maggini Hall  

Thursdays        6:30 – 9:30 pm         Room 2703      Maggini Hall

This is a 9-unit class, which means that we will spend 9 hours together every week. Plan to spend about 8-9 hours or more per week on homework and studying. You will use paper copies and Canvas to access homework, quizzes, tests, grades, and activities for this class. 

Communication Policy

I respond to emails within 24 hours M-F if received by 5 pm Friday. I will respond by the following Monday at 5 pm to emails received after 5 pm Friday and on the weekend. 

Course Description

This is a low-intermediate reading, writing, and grammar course that prepares multilingual students for the credit EMLS pathway. It focuses on the development of academic reading and writing skills. There is particular emphasis on campus resources and programs needed for academic success.

Reading instruction will focus on comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary and rate.

Writing instruction will focus on paragraph structure, an introduction to multi-paragraph writing, and grammar in context. 

Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Apply critical thinking skills to respond to adapted selections of fiction and nonfiction
2.  Apply the writing process to produce organized paragraphs that reflect critical thinking, incorporate academic content and demonstrate grammatical control at a level appropriate for this course

  3 Comprehend low-intermediate reading passages by identifying organizational strategies, summarizing and using main ideas and details to support writing assignments

4. Word-process (type) paragraphs and access information on the Internet
5. Utilize metacognitive thinking skills in learning and studying processes
6. Utilize SRJC resources and services to realize academic goals 

Course Web Site

Students will use the Canvas course website for class slides, assignment instructions, submitting assignments, sharing resources, and viewing grades. You will need your Student ID # and pin code to log in to Canvas. Our course "card" is on your Canvas dashboard. 

Required Textbooks 

• Blass, Laurie and Vargo, Mari, Pathways 1: Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking (2nd Edition), National Geographic Learning, 2018. (ISBN# 9781337407762). 

• Warga, Jasmine, Other Words for Home, Harper Collins, 2019. (ISBN #9780062747815). The 2021 reprint is acceptable for this class too.
• You can buy the books in person or online at the SRJC bookstore. Click on this LINK to order online. 

Required Materials

• 3-ring binder
• 8.5" 3-hole paper
• pencils and eraser
• highlighter pens
• your student ID number and PIN code (Know these and bring them to every class meeting.)

Write your student ID and PIN code numbers for your SRJC student portal and Canvas here!

___________________ / PIN: ___________________

 Required Software

You will use Google Drive for this course. 

• Google Drive(Links to an external site.)

Important Dates

First class: Monday, August 19th

Last class: Thursday, December 12^th

Final Exam: Thursday, December 12^th

Holidays:

• Monday, September 2nd –- Labor Day Holiday–- no classes
• Monday, November 11th -- Veteran's Day Holiday –- no classes
• Thursday, November 28 - Sunday, December 1st -- Fall Break -- no classes

Last day to register/add a class without an add code: Sunday, August 25th

Last day to add a class with an add code: Sunday, September 8th

Dropping the Class

If you decide to drop this course, it is your responsibility to let Pat know.  Also, Pat may drop a student for 3-4 unexplained absences.

Instructor Announcements

The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement.  You will get the announcement in your email. Use Pronto or email to ask for help from other classmates or Pat. 

Student Portal

Check your Student Portal to make sure your email address is right. You are responsible for reading emails that I send you. To get to your Portal, go to www.santarosa.edu. Under Login, click on “Student Portal.” After you log in, click on “My Records,” then click on “Update Account Profile.” Is your contact information accurate? If not, click on “edit.” Change your information and then click “Save Contact Information.”

Expectations

Be responsible for your own learning.

1. Come to class on time and stay until the class is finished. Participate actively in class. This is a 3-day a week class. Our EMLS program has other classes. If it is not possible for you to come to school on time 3 days a week and do homework every day, please take a different class (for example: EMLS 716 on Mon/Wed evenings).

2. Complete all class work. Review all class work at home and do all homework.
3. If you must be absent, call or email Pat. Telling a classmate to tell Pat is not acceptable! Check Canvas to see what was covered in the class you missed and to get the homework. Also, call another student to get more information about what you missed. You are still responsible for doing the homework!
4. If you are absent for 3 class meetings without notifying Pat, you may be dropped from the class.
5. If you are late, check Canvas to see what you missed.
6. Use only English please. Remember why you are here!
7. Listen when the instructor or other students are talking. You can learn from everyone. Please do not talk or translate when the teacher or other students are talking. You will have many opportunities to ask questions.
8. Respect other students, especially when they make mistakes. Remember that mistakes are part of learning. Please make mistakes, ask questions and respect other students’ need to do the same. Help each other with activities (except when we have tests). When you help someone, you learn more. Be sure to help in English only.
9. Ask Pat for help when you need it. Go to her office hours (you do not need to make an appointment) or email her if you need more support or explanations. Pat and other teachers also tutor in the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) in 2802 Maggini and on Zoom. Successful students get help!
10. Please silence your cell phone and put it away in your bag or backpack (not in your pocket, not on your desk) or you will be asked to leave.
11. Copying someone else’s work is Plagiarism! Plagiarism means turning in someone else's writing (another student, friend, family member or someone on the Internet) as your own work. Having someone else, like a tutor, extensively edit or revise your writing is also a form of plagiarism. Collaborating on or copying tests or homework partly or completely will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of -0- for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. I hope that no one feels the need to plagiarize. If you need assistance or support or if the work is too difficult, please speak with me. Remember, you can also see a tutor if you are having problems with reading, writing, and study skills.
12. You must follow the SRJC standards of conduct. This means if you disrupt the classroom, you will be instructed to leave class for two classes and will be subject to further disciplinary action.

SRJC  Policy 8.2.8: The full policy may be found here.

 Homework

All assignments are due by the due date. However, you will receive 3 coupons for late homework. A coupon must be attached to the homework and turned in at the next class meeting after the homework is due. Homework that is not turned in on time or in the next class -- with a coupon -- will not be accepted. Unused coupons may be turned in at the end of the semester for 5 bonus points.

Exams

If you miss a test, contact Pat right way. You can plan with her to take the test during her office hour the next day of class (not later!).

Grading Policy

Students will earn a P=Pass, SP = Sufficient Progress, or NP=No Pass. Your grade will be based on your attendance, class participation, homework, writing, and tests. You will be eligible to enroll in EMLS 771 (noncredit) or 371 (credit) after you complete this course with a P=Pass grade. 

Grading Scale

Participation and Attendance	10%
Grammar	20%
Reading	30%
Writing	40%
Extra Credit	3%
TOTAL	103%

 

Special Needs

Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (707-527-4278) to make sure those accommodations are made as soon as possible. 

Changes to Syllabus

Except under unusual circumstances, the guidelines in the above syllabus will not change. However, if any changes are necessary, they will be communicated in writing as an addition to the syllabus.