Bellevue College

Speaking and Listening for Civic Engagement

Class Syllabus   ESL 065/066   Fall Quarter 2012

 

Class Information

            Room R309

            Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

9:30am to 12:20pm

            September 19 to December 5 (No class on 10/26; 11/12; 11/23)

 

Instructor

             Nancy E. McEachran

             Office: R130U

             Email:  nmceachr@bellevuecollege.edu

             Phone:  (425) 564-2747

 Office Hours:  10:30 to 12:20  T/Th; 1:30 to 3:20 W; and by appt.

 

Class Purpose

The purpose of this class is to improve English speaking and listening skills and to learn about:  (a) United States history, (b) leadership, (c) academic research skills, and (d) the culture of the United States and other countries.

 

 For these topics at the end of the quarter, students should be able to:

 

Speak So Others Can Understand

·        Tell the purpose for communicating

·        Effectively organize your speaking and speak clearly to the listener

·        Pay attention to grammar, vocabulary, pace, and gesture when speaking

·        Use different strategies (plans) to help you speak better

 

Listen Actively

·        Pay careful attention to oral information

·        Clarify the purpose for listening

·        Use different strategies (plans) to help you listen better

·        Use previous information to understand the purpose of listening

 

Classroom Environment

The college’s Affirmation of Inclusion is posted in each classroom and states that we will all treat one another with respect and dignity regardless of whether or not we agree in our opinions and ideas.  This expectation of respecting differences is linked with the principle of free speech in a free society:  We have the right to express unpopular ideas as long as we don’t show disrespect for people who might believe differently.  A copy of the Affirmation of Inclusion is attached to this syllabus.

 

Professional student behavior includes respect toward the instructor, classmates, and the class itself.  Disruptive behavior is disrespectful behavior.  The Arts and Humanities Division honors the right of its faculty to define “disruptive behavior.”            

 

 Some examples of disruptive behavior are arriving late and leaving early with no explanation, talking while others are trying to hear the instructor or class members, doing homework in class, talking on cell phones and texting in class, or making inappropriate and impolite comments.  This behavior interrupts the educational process.  If you are not sure about a behavior, make an appointment to talk with your instructor.

 

 

Class Guidelines

Students in ESL classes at Bellevue College should make progress in their level.  If you miss more than 20% of the classes you may receive a No Progress evaluation.  The teacher looks at your attendance record, in-class work, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests to determine your progress.  The teacher will tell you both during and at the end of the quarter if you need to make more progress. If you don’t make progress, you might not be able to register for classes in the future. Students may only repeat a course three times.                                                                                                                 

 

Your progress and learning in this course depends on your daily attendance and active participation. If you are sick or have a family emergency, contact the instructor by phone or email.  All students registered for classes at Bellevue College can get an e-mail account. To create your account go to:  http://bellevuecollege.edu/sam

 

There book for the class is U.S. Citizen, Yes: Preparing for Citizenship (third edition) by Ronna Magy.  This text is available in the college bookstore.  Bring to class your book, notebook, paper, pencil, and pens.

 

Complete all classwork and homework on time.  Students will work individually and in groups.  Be prepared to complete both individual and group work assignments. Ask questions or request clarification about topics, activities, assignments in class and homework.

 

Each student has a folder.  The folder will have class information, some of your work, and teacher feedback.   At times I will mark your work with these symbols and/or numbers:

4 or    +………………...Excellent

3 or    √ +……………....Good
2 or    √ ………………..Needs more work
1 or    √-………………..Beginning 

 

The students in this program often like to do nice things for their teachers at the end of the quarter.  Cards, flowers, and food are good ways to thank your teacher.  You do not need to buy your teacher a gift or give money. 

 

 

Important Information

 

The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. Please visit the DRC if you have any questions about classroom accommodations whether you are a student or a faculty member.

 

If you are a student who has a disability or a learning challenge for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact the DRC staff as soon as possible.

 

The DRC office is located in B132 or you can call our reception desk at 425-564-2498. Deaf students can reach us by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110. Please visit our website for application information into our program and other helpful links at www.bellevuecollege.edu/. 

 

Remember if you are someone who has either an apparent or non apparent disability and requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire, earthquake, etc, please meet with your individual instructors to develop a safety plan within the first week of the quarter.

 

 

The staff of the Bellevue College Public Safety Department provides personal safety, security, crime prevention, and other services to the campus community, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Their phone number is (425) 564-2400.  Public Safety is located in K100 and on the web at http://bellevuecolleg.edu/publicsafety/   

 

 

We do not wish other people (parents, spouses, relatives, and friends of students) to speak for students about school performance because this can slow student growth and progress. We believe this because we would like students to speak for themselves and be independent.  We also follow the guidelines because federal law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, says that we must protect the privacy of student education records.  It is Bellevue College policy to keep school performance information between the school and the student.        

 

 

You can read more about student procedures and expectations at http://bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/policy.html.

 

You can read more about college policies of the Arts & Humanities Division website at http://bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/