DSPR 0800

Course Description: “This course is designed to enable college students to become more aware of themselves as readers and to develop strategies and skills to meet the demands of college reading.”

1.1 TLW improve the fundamental thinking, reasoning, and language abilities that students need for academic success.

1.5 TLW define unfamiliar words using context clues, word structure, and a dictionary.

* Each student is expected to keep a notebook containing ALL work for the semester (papers, tests, quizzes, research projects, etc.). Instructions for organizing and maintaining the folder will be given in class.

All reading assignments on syllabus are required. All students must take the mid-term and final exam. No exceptions!

Lecture, class discussion, group activities, individual and team work on projects.

DSPR 0800 is designed to strengthen the student’s reading skills by focusing on the enhancement of skills needed for academic and non-academic in-and-out-of-classroom readings. DSPR 0800 is a course in reading that will enable students to learn from their readings by focusing on concrete reading skills and basic study and learning skills. It emphasizes critical thinking in the formation of academic and social skills to develop a mastery of reading materials found in college.

4. Make application of learned skills in the use of dictionaries and other appropriate referenced materials.

5. Read and demonstrate understanding of long narrative texts through oral summarization.

Absences/Tardiness: You are expected to attend each class and to be on time. I expect students to take their work very seriously, and you cannot learn if you are not in class. Attendance is required by the instructor, by the Tennessee Board of Regents (the governing body of the state’s community colleges and universities that are not part of the University of Tennessee system), and by TTU (see TTU catalog): “When, in the opinion of the instructor, the attendance record of a student becomes unsatisfactory, the Office of Student Affairs will be notified. Unsatisfactory class attendance may result in the student’s being dropped from a course with a grade of ‘F.’ A student who is unable to return to class due to an emergency or serious accident should notify the Office of Student Services [372-3411]. A student who cannot void absences from a class….is expected to assume the responsibility of explaining his/her absence to the instructor and for making arrangements to complete the work missed. Tardiness is recorded as an absence.”

No absences will be “excused”; however, we do understand that some absences are unavoidable. If you have to miss class, please leave an E-Mail message for your instructor. Be sure to find out about work due before coming to class. It is the student’s responsibility, NOT the instructor’s, to ask about work missed.

Assignments must be submitted before class begins on the date the assignment is due. That is, do not attempt to submit your assignment during or after class has started. Late work will marked down a letter grade and will receive sketchy comments. All assignments will be discussed in class the week before they are due.

Your instructor reserves the option of counting consistent lack of preparation for class as absences. Any and every absence will count against the semester grade, if for no other reason than information from class discussions will be missed.

Students who must be absent due to university-schedule events should inform the instructor about the scheduled absence prior to the date of absence and provide documentation of the requirement for attendance. The student should provide evidence at the event and make arrangements for completion of all missed assignments. A university-scheduled event is a REASON for an absence but not an EXCUSE. The instructor will note the absence along with the reason for it.

Class work not turned in on time may be refused by the instructor. If late work is accepted, it will generally receive a 10% grade reduction per class meeting late, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor ahead of time.

This course is organized as a seminar format, in which the essential feature will be the active discussion of topics by all attendees. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, to complete course readings and assignments prior to the class for which they are assigned and to participate actively in the discussions.

SCHOOL IS A JOB: you should not receive pay for days of work at your job unless you made up the time; do not expect credit for your classes for time missed unless you make up the time and assignments. A poor attendance record at work can result in your being fired; poor attendance at school can result in your failing the course.

Remember: Non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect lottery scholarship/financial aid. You are expected to maintain a full course load and meet the GPA requirements in order to stay eligible.

All work is due on the day and at the time for which it is assigned. Any work not turned in at the specified time MAY BE REFUSED by the instructor. If late work is accepted, it will receive a 10% grade reduction per class meeting, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor ahead of time.

Evidence of plagiarism in assignments (or cheating on quizzes/tests) may result in a failing grade for the assignment; evidence of plagiarism on the final exam may result in an “F” for the semester.

Instructors may give assignments that encourage or require cooperative learning; however, specific assignments that are designated to test the individual’s understanding of concepts must be completed without giving or accepting assistance.

Students with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (372-6119). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed and submitted to the professor as soon as possible, preferable by the end of the first week of classes.

A grade for the course will be given at the end of the term. Successful completion of this class is a grade of ‘C’ or better. The lowest possible ‘C’ is 75%. Anyone not attaining 75% will be required to retake the course next semester, so do yourself a favor, and pass the first time.

Date

Text

Topics and Activities

August 29

(Tuesday)

Testing

August 31

(Thursday)

Opening session: discussion purpose of class; students' reasons for being in class;

materials and other requirements

September 5

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Read and be prepared for questions on Chaffee pages 1-26.

Career Exploration Project

September 7

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Thinking Critically, Chaffee pages 47-80.

Bring in newspaper articles.

Career Exploration Project

Vocabulary Chapters 1-4

September 12

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Solving Problems, Chaffee 91-112.

Problem/Solution paper.

Vocabulary Chapters 5 & 6

September 14

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Perceiving, Chaffee 129-148.

Read article about Malcolm X and be prepared for questions.

Vocabulary Chapters 7 & 8

September 19

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Believing and Knowing, Chafee 171-202.

Fundamentals of Public Speaking.

Letter to the Editor article for discussion.

September 21

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Language and Thought, Chaffee 223-240.

Movie Review Speeches in class.

Vocabulary Chapter 9

September 26

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Forming and Applying Concepts, Chaffee 271-309.

Reflective Mid Term Exam

September 28

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Relating and Organizing, Chaffee 310-328.

Bring a poem to class.

Thinking Critically About Images Essay page 340.

Vocabulary Chapters 11 & 12

October 3

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Reporting, Inferring, and Judging, Chaffee 347-371.

Vocabulary Chapters 13 & 14

October 5

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Arguments, Chaffee 389-412. Argument Paper.

Vocabulary Chapters 15 & 16

October 10

(Tuesday)

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Book Reports Due- Oral and Written.

Vocabulary Chapters 17-19.

October 12

(Thursday)

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Oral Book Reports.

Vocabulary Chapter 20.

October 17 (Tuesday)

Fall Break

October 19 (Thursday)

Fall Break

October 24

(Tuesday)

Oral Book Reports.

October 26

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Constructing Arguments, Chaffee pages 413-425

Vocabulary Chapters 21-23

October 31

(Tuesday)

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Vocabulary Chapters 24-26

November 2

(Thursday)

Mid-term Reports

What to expect; how to prepare

November 7

(Tuesday)

In Class Assignment

November 9

(Thursday)

Olsen, A (2005). 2^nd edition

Vocabulary Chapters 27-29.

November 14

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Reasoning Critically, Chaffee pages 427-446

November 16

(Thursday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Reasoning Critically, Chaffee pages 447-485

Designing A Poll- Assignment

November 21

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Thinking Critically, Living Creatively, Chaffee pages 487-515

November 23

(Thursday)

Thanksgiving Break

November 28

(Tuesday)

Chaffee, J (2006). 8^th edition

Thinking Critically, Living Creatively, Chaffee Pages 516-531

November 30

(Thursday)

In Class Assignment

December 5

(Tuesday)

Preparing for Finals

Exam Schedules (How is works)

Schedule Options/Studying for Finals

December 7

(Thursday)

Taking Finals/Missing Finals

Finals Preparations

December 11-15

(Tuesday & Thursday Classes)

Finals

TR 8:00-10:00 am will have finals on December 13^th at 8:00-10:00

· A “C” or better is required to pass the course. Any Final grade below 75% will be

· Students are not allowed to withdraw from University 1030, except with special permission from the Coordinator of the Academic Development Program. “Incomplete” grades are seldom if ever assigned, and then only as strictly outlined in the ADP Incomplete Grade Policy.

· The student must complete the final exam in order to be considered eligible to pass the course. Other factors considered in determining eligibility for passing include attendance, class participation and preparation, acceptable quality of work.

· Use of tobacco in any form is considered inappropriate in the classroom setting.

· No student is entitled to disrupt the classroom activities that are part of the educational process. A student whose behavior is considered disruptive to the learning environment may be expelled from the classroom.

· Due to University Policy, we are not allowed to act as a babysitting service. If you have children who need to be cared for during class time, make arrangements for their care off campus.

· OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS: Remember to show everyone the same amount of respect and consideration that you would wish for yourself. (“Everyone” includes other members of the class, the instructor(s), guests, substitute lecturers, etc.)

[A copy of this Policy Statement must be placed in your Notebook. You will be asked to sign the document, attesting that you have read and understand the course policies outline in it. Your signature does not mean that you agree WITH the policies, only that you are AWARE Of them and realize that you are expected to abide by them.]

Please sign below to verify that you are aware of and understand the above-stated policies and that you have been advised that non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect lottery scholarship/financial aid.