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Join Lori Rottenberg and Noele Simmons for an intensive English course aimed at building fluency in writing, reading, and critical thinking. This course is designed for students preparing for academic success in American universities.
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Two for the Price of One • Weeks 1-5 Lori Rottenberg • Weeks 6-10 Noele Simmons
Professor Lori Rottenberg Email lrottenb@gmu.edu B.A. Creative Writing M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL Taught ESL at VT and GU 20 years as professional writer and editor, continue to publish poetry Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools since 2007
Introductions Your name Where you’re from How long have you studied English What do you want to do after your English studies? What are your biggest concerns about studying in college in the U.S.? What do you want to get out of this course?
Goals of the Class Build fluency in writing Build fluency in reading Build critical thinking
Critical Thinking Cornerstone of American education Based on questioning and independence of thought rather than memorization and reliance on authority Based on being able to SUPPORT your positions and ideas Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLPL5p0fMg
Discussion Talk about the video. Can you put “critical thinking” into your own words? Think about your education until now. Do you think you have been asked to think critically? If so, how? If not, does this idea scare you or excite you?
Syllabus • Course Description • Course Objectives • Learning Outcomes • Course Textbooks • Course Requirements • Grading • Important Dates • Online Resources • Course Expectations • University Policies and Resources
Course Requirements • Daily in-class exercises • Online homework • Weekly reading-response journals • Weekly extended-reading assignments • Essays • Grammar and vocabulary tests • Finals: • Final book project • Final research essay • Common final exams
Summer is Harder • Only 10 weeks • Essays every week • Journals every week • Tests every week • Reading assignments every week
Why This Level Is Crucial • Many of you apply to: • Pathways Programs • Direct admission to GMU or other universities • One of your last chances to perfect your English skills before entering academia!
Remember… • You must get at least an 80% to pass this class! • You are “auditioning” for a recommendation starting on Day 1!
How to Do Well in This Class • Come to class, on time and ready to work. (Please go the bathroom BEFORE class!) • Pay attention in class, ask questions, and contribute to class discussions and small groups. • Do all your homework—yourself and on time! • Work carefully on written assignments. • Spend time outside of class reading and writing in English EVERY DAY.
If You Start to Have Trouble… Come speak to me as soon as possible! Ask if you don’t understand something! Do not wait! Do not be embarassed! Do not let undone assignments pile up! Remember: The ONLY “dumb question” is the one you DON’T ask!
Ways to Get Help • Request tutoring from the LRC • Ask to meet with me • Read in English as much as you can!
Reading Rocks! • “A large amount of research has shown that one criterion – vocabulary – is most difficult…The most common problem IELTS candidates have is that their vocabulary is limited. It is boring, repetitive, childish, or inaccurate. Perhaps the tone of their language is also inappropriate. Essentially this is due to their not ever reading much in English. Reading exposes you to vocabulary most quickly.” (Sorrenson, 2012, p.8)
I shine the flashlight to guide your way, but only YOU can walk the path. My Model for Learning… No! Yes!
Transformation • We want to do more than improve your English! • Take advantage of your unique opportunities!
Homework • Buy textbooks from the bookstore: • Grammar Dimensions 4 Package with Text, Workbook, and Grammar Cafe • Longman Academic Reading 5, with online component • Longman Academic Writing 5 • Animal Farm—First assignment due Tuesday! • Read syllabus in detail • Journals (at least 25 sentences): Due Friday. Pick an article from Upfront to read and write about.
