AE O70-001: Level 7 CoreSummer 2018 Syllabus

Instructor: Lori Rottenberg (Weeks 1-5), Noele Simmons (Weeks 6-10)

Instructor Email: lrottenb@gmu.edu, nsimmon5@gmu.edu

Course Website: http://lrottenberg.weebly.com (Weeks 1-5), Blackboard (Weeks 6-10)

Meeting Days:Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-11:20 AM

Classroom: Mason Global Center 1407

Office Hours: By appointment; just email to ask for a time

Course DescriptionThe goal of this course is for advanced students to develop their academic reading and writing skills. (Goal CEFR B2+)

Course ObjectivesThis course will work on a number of skills to help you improve your English, including: academic reading skills; academic writing skills; academic vocabulary skills; and B2+ grammar skills.

Learning OutcomesBy the end of this course, you will be able to:

Reading1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly or by

inference. 2. Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g.,

through comparisons, analogies, or categories).3. Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its

relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.4. Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify

where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.5. Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events

interact and develop over the course of the text.6. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative,

and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

7. Interpret complex visually- or graphically-supported information (e.g., infographic).8. Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and

responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.9. Demonstrate a variety of note-taking skills, such as highlighting, annotating, paraphrasing, summarizing,

outlining, and creating graphic organizers.Extended Reading

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1. Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

2. Determine a theme or central idea and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.

3. Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

Writing Essays and Research Papers1. On timed/untimed and typed/handwritten writing assignments and exams, students are expected to show

understanding and evidence of: planning/prewriting; drafting, editing (self and/or peer), revising (only for untimed, out-of-class writing assignments requiring a final draft), formatting and mechanics (e.g., spelling, punctuation, font, capitalization, margins, spacing)

2. Write effective essays: cause-effect, problem-solution, argumentative/persuasive, and summary-response3. Write a short APA-style research paper:

a.Gather relevant information from at least 4 authoritative print and digital sources, performing Internet and library searches effectively

b. Summarize, paraphrase, synthesize, and quote from sources into a 4-5 pages (1,000-1,250 words) from introduction to conclusion

c.Integrate information from sources into the research paper selectively to maintain the flow of ideasd. Avoid plagiarism, using attribution language and appropriate citatione.Write and edit work so that it conforms to APA style guidelines

Grammar1. Adverb Clauses and Phrases of Condition (unless, even if, only if)2. Reduced Adjective Clauses 3. Gerunds and infinitives in the simple passive, past active, and past passive4. Reported speech5. Subjunctive

Vocabulary1. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on B2+ level

readings, using a range of strategies: context clues, word forms, and the dictionary/thesaurus.2. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings:

(including figures of speech and word connotations)3. Understand and accurately use general academic and specialized words and phrases, sufficient for reading

and writing at the university level, including: a. Select words from the AWL/NAWL b. Linking expressions (e.g., even though, in spite of, although)c. Cohesive devices (e.g., in other words)d. Verb phrases of agreement and disagreement e. Reporting verbsf. Precise academic verbs vs. phrasal verbsg. Collocations h. Synonyms and paraphrases

Course Textbook and MaterialsWe will use 3 textbooks, a workbook, and an extended reading book. Please bring the 3 textbooks and workbook to class every day, unless I say otherwise. You will also have access to Upfront magazine.

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1. Frodesen, J. and Eyring, J. (2007). Grammar Dimensions 4 Text/Workbook/Grammar Café Package, 4th Edition. National Geographic Learning/Heinle Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781424039968

2. Smith, L. (2014). Longman Academic Reading Series 5: Text with Online Access Code. Pearson. ISBN: 9780134773155

3. Meyers, A. (2014). Longman Academic Writing Series 5. Pearson. ISBN: 97801329127474. Orwell, G. Animal Farm. (1946). Signet Classics. ISBN: 9780451526342. 1 st assignment is due

5/29/2018. 5. Upfront magazine, to be provided by INTO Mason

You MUST purchase a NEW copy of the grammar and reading textbooks so that you can obtain the online access codes. You may get a clean used copy of the writing book.

Course RequirementsYou will improve your ability to read and write in English through a number of activities:

Daily In-Class Exercises: Most days, we will work from our textbooks and novel to practice reading, writing, and grammar. Your participation in these activities will be graded.

Homework: You will also have graded online Grammar Dimensions and Longman Academic Reading homework assignments. These assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day when the quiz on that material is given. So if we have a quiz on Unit 2 on Thursday, for example, you must have completed the online Unit 2 assignments by the start of class on Thursday. Online assignments can be done again and again to obtain a 100% until the due date.

Weekly Journals: You will have a weekly journal in which you will write at least 25 sentences of text per week in response to a piece you have read in Upfront or another source. The journal should be in a dedicated notebook. The journals are due at the beginning of class on the days they are due. If you write your journals electronically, you must print BEFORE class begins.

Writing Assignments: We will do informal and formal writing every week. Informal writing will include weekly journals and responses to assigned readings. Formal writing assignments will include in-class timed writing and longer projects. Print any formal writing assignments BEFORE class begins.

Tests and Quizzes: We will have tests on each of the major Grammar Dimensions and Longman Academic Reading sections that we cover. Test dates will be announced the day before.

Extended Reading: We will read a short full-length novel as a class, as well as selections from Upfront. I encourage you to read as much as possible outside of class as well! Reading will strengthen your English skills like nothing else. You will have a final writing assignment as part of our work on the novel.

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Research Paper: You will be asked to write a 4-5 page research paper that uses 4 outside sources.

Daily Questions: You are hearing English all around you. Bring in questions about grammar, phrases, or words that you hear, and I will try to allow time for this every day.

Grading CriteriaIn-Class Exercises, Journals, and Online Homework: 15%Reading and Vocabulary Assessments: 15%Grammar Assessments: 15%Final Essays 1-4: 15%Final Reading/Writing Project: 5%Final Research Paper: 15% Common Final Exam (No early finals given!): 20%

AE Final Grade System Earning an 80% in Level 7 Core will satisfy the language requirements for advancement to Level 8 Core. Earning a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in Level 7 or higher classes will satisfy the language requirements for advancement to Mason Graduate Direct Admission (At the graduate level, requirements vary by program.).

Final Letter Grade Final Percent Grade Quality Points TypeA+ 97-100 4.00 PassingA  93-96 4.00 PassingA- 90-92 3.67 PassingB+ 87-89 3.33 PassingB  83-86 3.00 PassingB- 80-82 2.67 PassingC+ 77-79 2.33 FailingC  73-76 2.00 FailingC- 70-72 1.67 FailingD 60-69 1.00 FailingF  0-59 0.00 FailingNG (Based on attendance only) N/A 0.00 Failing

Important DatesMemorial Day (No Classes) Monday, May 28, 2018Fourth of July (No classes) Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4, 2018Our class only is cancelled—assignment may be given Monday, July 2, 2018Midterm Conference Period (Instructor chooses one day from window ) June 18-26, 2018Prof. Lori leaves; Prof. Noele takes over for rest of the semester June 25, 2018Core/OCS Common Final Exam Period July 24-27, 2018

Tue, July 24 Core Writing Final Exam Wed, July 25 OCS Speaking Final Exam Thu, July 26 Core Reading Final Exam Fri, July 27 OCS Listening Final Exam

Last Day of AE Classes  Friday, July 27, 2018AE Final Grade Reports Available Thursday, August 2, 2018

Online Class Resources Class Website: Lori will use http://lrottenberg.weebly.com to post important information, including links

to any outside resources we analyze in class and homework assignments, while Noele will use Blackboard.

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Grades: We both use Blackboard, mymason.gmu.edu, to provide you with up-to-date information about your grades.

Grammar Cafe Online Homework: The online homework can be done again and again until you earn 100%. It is due on the day that we have a test for that chapter.

Longman Academic Reading Online Homework: The online homework can be done again and again until you earn 100%. The online homework for each chapter is due on the day that we have a test for that chapter.

Upfront Magazine: Go to http://upfront.scholastic.com to access many optional print and audiovisual resources. Our class code is Core7Summer2018. You will need this site to find articles for your journals.

Course Expectations Your active, daily participation in class is essential to your success in this course. Please note the following class policies and expectations:

Attendance: I expect you to attend class every day and to be prepared and on time. GMU students are expected to attend at least 90% of all their classes. If you have 8 or more absences (including ½ absences), you will receive an automatic NG for this course. This policy is part of your F1 visa requirements, so I will strictly enforce these rules! If you miss a class, you will miss important information that is likely to appear on a test. If you are more than 5 minutes late, leave more than 5 minutes early, leave class in the middle for more than 5 minutes, or return 5 minutes late from break, it is considered a ½ absence. Absences are also counted the last week of classes ! Please use the bathroom BEFORE class.

Missed and Late Work: You are responsible for turning all assignments in on time, even if you are late, sick, or absent. “On time” means by the end of class on the due date. Late work (if accepted) turned in after the end of class on due date will lose 5 points. Late work (if accepted) will lose 10 points/day for each day it is late. If you let me know in advance that you have to be absent, I may allow you to make up tests or other assignments IF they can be done before the next class meeting, but, in general, I do not allow make-up exams, homework, or presentations.

Materials: Please bring the following materials to class every day: 1) pens or pencils; 2) 8.5” x 11” lined notebook paper; and 3) your textbooks. You will also need access to a printer for journals and essays and may find a 3-ring binder useful to store supplemental materials handed out in class.

Technology Use: Cell phones must be turned OFF during class. It is considered very rude to text or check Facebook, Instagram, email, or other social media in class.

English Only: Make the most of your time here by speaking only in English in this class!

Privacy

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Students must use their MasonLive email account to receive important University information, including communications related to this class. I will not respond to messages sent from or send messages to a non-Mason email address.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism“Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work.” Cheating includes copying or allowing someone else to copy homework or test answers. See http://academicintegrity.gmu.edu/ honorcode for more information on the GMU Honor Code.

Plagiarism is cheating and it is a violation of the Honor Code. Plagiarism is using another person’s work and pretending that it is your own.

Never copy or use information from the Internet, other students, or anywhere else without documenting the source and giving credit to the original author/speaker by using quotation marks and in-text citation.

Do not use writing borrowed from family, friends, or classmates—this is also cheating.

In an essay or presentation, if you use other sources in your work (whether it is a quote or the summary paraphrase of an idea that is not yours), you must use in-text citation.

Plagiarism is illegal in U.S. universities.

You may not have intended to plagiarize; it might have been an accident in some way. However, it is like running a red light in traffic. Maybe you did not mean to do it! You still receive the ticket.

Students who have broken the Honor Code will be referred to the university Honor Council for the sanction of a 0 on the assignment. Please understand that if you are found in violation of the GMU Honor Code, the violation may be placed in your academic record for three years. Repeat offenders will receive additional sanctions to be decided by the Honor Council. Please take the Honor Code at our University seriously.

Academic AdvisingIf you have questions about your academic standing, progression, study plan, or university application process, make an appointment with an AE Academic Advisor on WC Online (https://intomason.mywconline.com). If you want to ask about how many absences you have, your classwork, or your grades in this class, ask me.

TutoringIf you would like to receive additional practice and help with your English language skills—including pronunciation—you may make an appointment with a tutor in the Learning Resource Center (Rm. 1305) during normal business hours using the WC Online scheduling system (https://intomason.mywconline.com).

Disability AccommodationsIf you have a documented learning disability or other condition that may affect your academic performance, you should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with Office of Disability Services (SUB I, Room 4205; 703-993-2474; http://ods.gmu.edu) to determine the accommodations you need; and 2) talk with me to discuss your accommodation needs.

Safety and Security George Mason University is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. The mission of the George Mason University Department of Police and Public Safety is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. To report problems, please call:

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All emergencies—911 Non-emergencies on campus—703-993-2810

Reporting a Crime (Crime-Solvers’ Anonymous Tip Hotline)—703-993-4111

As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Responsible Employee” and must report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason's Title IX Coordinator, per University Policy 1412. If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, please contact one of Mason's confidential resources, such as the Student Support and Advocacy Center (703-380-1434) or Counseling and Psychological Services (703-993-2380). You may also seek assistance from Mason's Title IX Coordinator by calling 703-993-8730 or by emailing cde@gmu.edu.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking Policy The abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the George Mason University community is incompatible with the goals of the university. The University prohibits the possession and use of illegal drugs. Possession, sale, use, or distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, is a violation of both federal and state laws and university regulations. Unless the University has specifically sanctioned the location and condition of alcohol use, the possession and consumption of alcohol on campus is prohibited. Individuals involved in the sale, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol are subject to arrest and university disciplinary action, which may include eviction from university housing and suspension or dismissal from the university.

Smoking is only permitted outdoors, down the stairs, and 25 feet—8 meters—away from the building. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the garage or inside buildings.

Counseling and Learning Services Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a wide range of services to students. Services are provided by professional counselors, clinical psychologists, and social workers. They are located in SUB 1, Suite 3129.

For other questions, please call Learning Services at 703-993-2380, email lsstaff@gmu.edu, or stop by Learning Services in SUB I, Suite 3129.

Are you sad, unhappy, or lonely? Please go to https://caps.gmu.edu/psychological-services Do you need help with academic skills? https://learningservices.gmu.edu/academic-skills-workshops

All CAPS and Learning Services help for students is free and confidential!

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Level 7 Core Schedule (070-001), Summer 2018 Grammar and reading unit tests will occur on dates TBA Online grammar homework will be due on the date of the grammar unit tests

Monday8:30-11:20

Tuesday8:30-11:20

Wednesday8:30-11:20

Thursday8:30-11:20

Friday8:30-11:20

Week 1 Diagnostics Systems Set-up Sentence structure

and transition word review

5/21Welcome

Diagnostics

5/22 5/23 5/24 5/25Journal 1 Due

Week 2 Cause-Effect Conditionals and

adv clauses of condition

5/28NO CLASSES:Memorial Day

5/29Reading Homework 1 Due

5/30Peer Review: Cause-Effect Essay

5/31Final Cause-Effect Essay Due

6/1Journal 2 Due

Week 3 Problem-Sol Adjective clauses

and phrases

6/4Reading Homework 2 Due

6/5 6/6Peer Review: Problem-Solution Essay

6/7Final Problem-Solution Essay Due

6/8Journal 3 Due

Week 4 Persuasive Adverb clauses and

phrases

6/11Reading Homework 3 Due

6/12 6/13Peer Review: Persuasive Essay

6/14Final Persuasive Essay Due

6/15Journal 4 Due

Week 5 Summ-Response Passive review

Gerunds/Inf review

6/18Reading Homework 4 Due

6/19 6/20Peer Review: Summary-Response Essay

6/21Final Summary-Response Essay Due

MIDTERM CONF

6/22Journal 5 Due

Watch Animal Farm

Week 6 Final Reading

Project/Res Project Complex

gerunds/inf

6/25Begin research paper process

6/26 6/27Peer Review: Final Reading Project

6/28Final Reading Project Essay Due

6/29Journal 6 Due

Week 7 Research Project Complex

gerunds/inf

7/2CLASS CANCELLED

7/3NO CLASSES:Fourth of July

7/4NO CLASSES:Fourth of July

7/5 7/6Journal 7 Due

Week 8 Research Project Reported speech

and reporting verbs

7/9 7/10 7/11 7/12 7/13Journal 8 Due

Week 9 Research Project Subjunctive

7/16 7/17 7/18 7/19 7/20Journal 9 Due

Week 10 Finals Review

7/23Finals Review

7/24Writing Final Exam

7/25Grammar Final

7/26ReadingFinal Exam

7/27Last day of class

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