Keys to reading comprehension1. The more you invest time and effort in reading, the more your reading skills will develop.2. Skillful reading requires vigorous mental activity. Be alert and actively seek out what the author wants to say by asking questions, making guesses and predictions, reflecting on ideas, and drawing on your own knowledge and experience as you read.3. Pay attention to how the author organizes ideas, noticing heading titles, bold or italicized words, central themes, patterns, etc. (Doing this also make you a better writer!)English 080.61 Reading EssentialsFall 2008Instructor: Mrs. Jennifer EckClass Meetings: Monday and Wednesday, 1:00-3:12 pmLocation: 102 Bert WalkerOffice Hours: In the classroom, 30 minutes after class. If that is not convenient for you, pleasetalk to me and we can set up a time suitable to us both.The best way to reach me is via email. If you need me to call you, send an email and I will call you back. I check my email daily.Email: [email protected] Textbooks and Supplies:1. Voices and Values: A Reader for Writers, by Goldstein and Johnson.2. Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom. 3. Words Count, by Laraine Flemming4. Spiral notebook: single-subject, college rule, size 8” x 10½” (that’s important)5. A folder for loose papers. 6. Index cards (220 total) for vocabulary study7. Some books of your own choosing that you will read for pleasure and tell us about8. Paperback dictionary (optional)Course Objectives: In this course you will:1. Improve your reading comprehension. (We’ll test you at beginning and end.)2. Make connections between what you read and your own experiences. 3. Write clear summaries of what you read. 4. Expand your vocabulary. 5. Combine information from several reading sources. (e.g., for culture project)6. Read for pleasure and for information. (personal reading, culture project, text)1Associate Degree Outcomes: The JCC Board of Trustees has developed a list of essential skills that all graduates should develop. The Board has said:JCC’s goal is to prepare students to live productive and meaningful lives. Implicit in this goal areefforts to prepare students to: (a) live and work in the 21st century, (b) be employed in situations which will require retraining several times during a productive life, and (c) function in a rapidly changing international society.In support of these guidelines, ENG 080 students will develop critical thinking skills, including the ability to1. Generate questions about text before and while reading.2. Recognize bias in a piece of writing.3. Incorporate new knowledge with oldKeys to reading comprehension 1. The more you invest time and effort in reading, the more your reading skills will develop.2. Skillful reading requires vigorous mental activity. Be alert and actively seek out what the author wants to say by asking questions, making guesses and predictions, reflecting on ideas, and drawing on your own knowledge and experience as you read.3. Pay attention to how the author organizes ideas, noticing heading titles, bold or italicized words, central themes, patterns, etc. (Doing this also make you a better writer!)Assignments and Time Management:You must do assigned reading and written work before class begins. This 4-credit-hour class requires 8 hours of study time per week. If you have any questions about an assignment, please call me, e-mail me, or talk to me before or after class. Pleasedon’t wait until it is time to hand in the assignment to tell me you did not understandit or for some other reason could not complete it.2Late Work: Late work will not be accepted unless you and I have discussed the situation beforehand. No exceptions! If you must miss a class you are expected to be caught up with all assignments when you return to class. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. If you miss a class due to an emergency, it is your responsibility to contact me or a classmate or before the next class meeting to find out what you need to do to prepare for the next class. If you must miss a class, hand in two assignments when you return: the one due the day you were absent and the one due on the day you return. You probably have a busy life and many things that compete for your time. Nevertheless,class attendance and school work should be high priorities if you are to benefit from courses and receive credit.8 absences: no credit6 absences: highest possible grade is 2.04 absences: highest possible grade is 3.03 absences: highest possible grade is 3.5Withdrawal: If you stop attending this course, it is your responsibility to complete the paper workfor a “Withdrawal.” If you wish to request an “Incomplete,” the request must be written.READING JOURNAL: Voices and Values Your calendar tells you which essay to study for each class. You will read the assigned works and also write at least one page about each selection in your reading journal before class on the date listed. In your 8” x 10½” spiral notebook, write down complete and thoughtful answers to either Question 2 OR 3 from the “First Impressions” section AND any two questions of your choice from the “Discussion Questions” section at the end of each reading selection. To receive a 20 or 25, youmust do one of the “Paragraph Assignments” (PA).Start every assignment on the top line of the right-hand page of your notebook. Write to the end of each line and do not skip any lines. Do not copy the questions or long quotes from the book—writeyour words, not the author’s words and not the words of a classmate. When we read Tuesdays withMorrie, you will have study guide questions to answer, and the same grading criteria will apply:You will receive 5 points for writing ½ page; a 10 points for 1 page; 15 points for 1 ½ pages and above WITHOUT a Paragraph Assignment, 20points for 2 pages including the PA, and 25 points for 3 pages, includingthe PA. 475 points from Voices and Values 125 points from Tuesdays with Morrie3100 points from Tuesdays with Morrie Final Paper700 points total for the Critical Reading JournalCOMPREHENSION QUIZZES You will be quizzed on your comprehension of assigned readings from time to time. Sometimes you will know about the quizzes in advance, and sometimes you won’t. I recommend that you read all materials twice. To do well on these quizzes, keep in mind the three keys to reading comprehension: