Course Number and Name:  Developmental Reading (REA 1103)

Semester Credit Hours:  3 

Contact Hours Per Week:  4     

Course Description

           This course is designed to help students gain proficiency in reading at the college level.  Emphasis will be placed on developing basic reading skills, vocabulary, thinking, listening, and comprehension of sentences, paragraphs, and longer items.  Additional lab work may be required.

Course Objectives/Exit Competencies 

Upon successful completion of REA 1103, students will be proficient in the basic reading, thinking, and listening skills that will enable them to successfully progress in college level work.  Students will be able to demonstrate the following academic competencies:

1.  Vocabulary:  Define unfamiliar words and extend word knowledge by decoding, using contextual clues, analyzing word structure, and by using a dictionary

2. Listening:  Identify and comprehend the main and subordinate ideas in lectures and discussions.

3.  Take notes on important points in lecture.

4.  Comprehension:  Identify and comprehend the main and subordinate  ideas in a paragraph and longer

 passages.

5.  Recognize the author's purpose and pattern of organization.

6.   Interpret an author's meaning inferentially as well as literally.

7.  Distinguish between fact and opinion.

8.   Read critically by asking pertinent questions about what has been read.

9.  Interpret a writer's tone.

10.   Recognize the intention of a writer and to be aware of the bias and propaganda techniques a writer may use to

affect a reader.

11. Relate themes in written works to concerns and issues in one's life.

12.  Separate one's personal opinions and assumptions from the writers.

13.  Respond actively, appreciatively, and imaginatively to written works.

14.  Active Reading:  Use the features of books such as table of contents, preface, headings, index, glossary,

 appendix, and bibliography.

15.  Locate and use college resources external to the classroom and to incorporate knowledge from such sources

 into the learning process.

16.  Vary one's speed and method (survey, skim, review, and question) to the type of material and one's purpose

 for reading.

17.  Draw reasonable conclusions from information found in various formats, whether written, spoken, or displayed

in tables and graphs.

Content Outline

Students will complete all reading competencies in which they are deficient as reflected by initial diagnostic testing. A portion of the course will be self-paced and monitored by the computer.  The instructor will provide each student with a schedule of the course.

References/Textbook/Software

Learning Plus                                 

SkillsBank 4

DiYanni, Robert.  (2002).  Putting it Together:  Basic College Reading in Context.  Bedford:  St. Martin's.

Instructional Materials, Supplies, and Equipment 

Students will need to have a 3-ring notebook in which they will organize and maintain daily lessons as well as handouts.  Students will also need to use blue or black pens

Course Assignments/Projects 

Students will maintain a REA 1103 notebook with notes taken in class, handouts, and assignments.

Students will also complete all textbook assignments and web activities.

Students will complete lessons assigned in SkillsBank 4 and Learning Plus as well as all other computer lessons assigned. 

Instructional Methods 

The instructional methods will include lecture, class discussions, group activities, and independent work. 

Grading Scale

    A    90-100

    B    80-89

    C    70-79

    IP    below 70 

Additional Attendance Policies

It is mandatory that tests be taken when scheduled.  Make-up tests will be given at the instructor's discretion.

The student is responsible for obtaining notes and handouts missed due to absence.  This is to be done on the student's time and not during class.

If an exam is scheduled for the day a student returns, the student will be expected to take that exam.

Instructions for Additional Help 

If you need help, make an appointment with the instructor by signing the appointment sheet located on the instructor's door.  Check the class and office schedule next to the appointment schedule.  Do not schedule an appointment when an instructor is teaching a class.  The "O" on the office schedule indicates when an instructor will be available in her office for an appointment.

Also, students are encouraged to use the READING area of the Learning Lab.  The READING area of the Learning Lab has videos and computer programs on the various topics of REA 1103.  Ms. Emery is the Reading instructor.