Academic Reading I

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
ENGU 0360
Discontinued
Yes
Course Code
ENGU 0360
Descriptive
Academic Reading I
Department
English Upgrading
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202210
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
18
Contact Hours
4 hours per week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Seminar
Learning Activities

Classroom instructional mode will vary with instructional goals.  Lecture, large-group discussion, small-group discussion and learning activities, cooperative learning, and individual learning activities may be employed.  Lab tutorial and scheduled individual appointment time will be available as appropriate. Student-directed learning outside of the classroom will also constitute a component of instruction.

Course Description
The purpose of this course is to develop comprehension of academic text. The course is appropriate for students who are preparing to write the GED exams, enter vocational or career programs at a college level, or who want an introduction to comprehension of academic text. Work in this course will emphasize summing up main points from academic material, and responding critically to the information and ideas. Skills instruction will include: paraphrasing and reporting on text material, critically evaluating ideas in reading material, and participating in class discussion. Reading material used will be at an introductory college level.
Course Content

Students will receive instruction in the following areas, using reading materials selected from a variety of academic contexts and covering a range of topics:

  1. Identifying main ideas
  2. Differentiating main ideas from supporting details
  3. Drawing inferences and determining implications
  4. Distinguishing fact from opinion
  5. Identifying cause and effect
  6. Recognizing author’s tone, intent, and point of view
  7. Paraphrasing
  8. Making generalizations
  9. Summarizing
  10. Making comparisons and synthesizing ideas from different sources
  11. Compiling a brief report based on a lengthy article or book
  12. Critically evaluating ideas in text
  13. Conducting library research
  14. Participating in class discussion
  15. Developing flexibility in reading speed
  16. Using context to determine meaning
  17. Making a short oral presentation
Learning Outcomes

The aims of this course are for students:

  1. To develop and practice effective strategies, skills, and approaches to reading that are directed at the improvement of comprehension of academic text.
  2. To broaden and deepen general as well as content-specific knowledge in order to improve comprehension.
  3. To demonstrate comprehension of text both orally and in written form.
  4. To participate in group discussion and to work cooperatively in an academic setting.
Means of Assessment

A mastery model of evaluation will be used.  Progress will be monitored in an ongoing and cumulative fashion by the instructor, based on written and oral demonstrations of skill.  Course credit will be granted on the basis of achievement or course objectives as demonstrated by satisfactory completion of course assignments. Satisfactory progress and undertaking of independent learning are expected. Specific feedback will accompany completed assignments, and more general feedback on progress will be provided periodically by the instructor as appropriate.

Textbook Materials

Students may be required to purchase a textbook.

Prerequisites

ENGU 0256 or ENGU 0260 or instructor permission

Which Prerequisite

ENGU 0460