Course Syllabus

Extensive Reading

Academic Year 2015-2016

Instructor: Jenna Thompson

email: jennalee.thompson@yahoo.com

qq: 3353670800

Office: CFL 325

Office Hours: Wednesday 3:30-5:30

When students are reading extensively they READ:

Read quickly and Enjoyably with Adequate comprehension so they Don’t need a dictionary. (www.erfoundation.org)

 Course Objectives:

• Students will increase their reading speed and fluency by reading extensively each week.
• Students will increase their English vocabulary by reading extensively each week.
• Students will build their confidence and motivation for reading English language novels.

 Grading

• Journal 15%
• Quizzes 25%
• Mid-term exam 30%
• Final exam 30%

Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. The student and their group members will receive a zero!

There will be no make-up quizzes!

Missed and make-up exams will follow university policy!

 

Attendance Policy:

             1 absence  = free

             2 absences= 4 points off your final grade

             3 absences= 10 points off your final grade

             4 absences= 20 points off your final grade

             5 absences= 30 points off your final grade

             6 absences= FAIL

 If you are not or will not be in class you must notify the instructor through email, qq, or sms.

Course Assignments:

1. Weekly Book Reading: Each week I will assign a book or a section of a book that everyone must read. The books can be downloaded from Canvas. We will discuss the books in class and you will also be quizzed on the book material.
2. Text Book Reading: Each week I will assign a story from the text book that everyone must read and learn the vocabulary (Part C Understanding Vocabulary) before the next class. We will discuss the books in class and you will also be quizzed on the book material and vocabulary.
3. Journal: One topic will be given per week. Each entry should include:

• topic (given by the teacher)
• date you wrote the journal entry
• 7 new vocabulary words from class that week. Each vocabulary word must be circled.

A good entry will be at least 3 paragraphs. A good paragraph is 3-5 good sentences. A good sentence clearly expresses your idea(s).

 

4. Mid-term exam project: Cast the next chapter and make a storyboard
   • Groups of 4 choose 1 book
   • Decide what happens next
   • ‘Cast’ the sequel choosing famous actors, and design a storyboard.
   • Each group should then present their version to the class, using the storyboard as visuals and justify their choice of actors for the cast.

A story board is a series of pictures that tells the story and each picture should have a short caption telling what is happening in the picture.

 

5. Final exam project: Write and present a book review
   • Groups of 4 choose 1 book from the list below
   • Each group must write a book review for the book and present the review in class.

 

Book Choices for Final Project Book Review

The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Alexander McCall Smith

Precious Ramotswe is a kind, warm-hearted and large African lady. She is also the only female private detective in Botswana. Her agency – the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency – is the best in the country. With help of her secretary, Mma Makutsi, and her best friend, Mr JLB Matekoni, she solves a number of difficult problems. A missing husband, a missing finger and a missing child – she will solve these mysteries in her own special way.

The Ghosts of Izieu by: James Watson

Grey Light came from between the bedroom curtains, like the light of an old black and white film. In it she could see boys and girls in coats. They were carrying packages, and some had bags over their shoulders. Who are these children? Where are they going? Are they real, or is Elise seeing ghosts from the past? And why did her father bring her to this little French village? What secrets does it hide?

The Turn of the Screw: Henry James

A young lady arrives at a big country house to teach two children. Strange things start to happen. The children are very beautiful but are they as innocent as they seem? And how did the last governess die? A terrible story of ghosts and evil begins. Henry James (1843 - 1916) wrote this story in 1898. Many people think it's the best ghost story ever written.

As Time Goes By: Michael Walsh

It is 1941 and there is war in Europe, llsa and her husband, Victor Lazlo, leave Morocco for Lisbon. They want to fight in the war. Rick Blaine, the man llsa loves, stays in Morocco. But for how long . . . ?

The Red Badge of Courage: Stephen Crane

'The young soldier walked along, saying nothing. He looked around nervously. "What's that noise?" he asked himself. "Is it gunfire? And is that smoke?" ' This classic tale of the American Civil War follows the fortunes of a proud young soldier, Henry Fleming, who quickly learns that there is much more to war than adventure and bravery. Crane portrays the fear and suffering of ordinary soldiers. In this story they are not always heroes.