Syllabi for both GUST 0339 and GUST 0341
GUST 0339 and 0341
Course Syllabus
Spring 2005
Instructor: Bill Parker
E-Mail: William.Parker@HCCS.edu
Office Phone: Since I do not have a HCCS office you must contact me by calling the office at 713-718-6365 and leaving word or using my e-mail. If you wish to meet with me please make an appointment or see me after class.
Class: GUST 0339 CRN#67859
Tuesday and Thursday 8 – 10
Class: GUST 0341 CRN#67391
Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 4:45 Second Start, Spring
Class: GUST 0341 CRN#69412
Monday and Wednesday 2 – 4:45 2nd Start, Spring
The Houston Community College System is an open-admission public institution of higher education offering associate degrees, certificates, academic preparation, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and work in an increasingly international and technological society.
Course Description:
This course consists of a lab and a lecture component. It is designed to address the developmental reader’s need for direct instruction in basic reading behaviors that are essential to the acquisition of knowledge in the content areas. Instruction is based on an interactive reading method with emphasis on learning to learn. These skills include previewing chapters, selecting and organizing information, critical reading and making informed decisions. It also incorporates a technology component that will assist students in additional practice with reading skills and assist in developing computer skills necessary for the future.
Course Goals:
The goal of this course is to teach students to analyze materials thoroughly, locate main ideas, and critically read information in an effort to make wise decisions. Students who successfully complete this course will take GUST 0342 the following semester. Students who successfully satisfy THEA are exempt from GUST 0342.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the semester, you will be able to:
1. Identify main ideas and supporting details
2. Define words in context
3. Develop stronger oral communication skills
4. Improve and develop stronger critical thinking skills
5. Locate topic sentences
6. Develop cooperative learning skills
7. Gain technological proficiency
8. Prepare for and take tests successfully
9. Read textbooks with improved retention
10. Locate and utilize a variety of library services and resource materials
11. Understand and apply basic patterns of organization
Instructional Methodology:
Because of the interactive nature of this course, a variety of instructional methodology will be used including, but not limited to: lecture, group discussion, group activities, web activities, library assignments and exploration activities.
Required Text for GUST 0339:
- Groundwork for College
Groundwork for a Better Vocabulary, 3rd edition, by Beth Johnson and all of the materials listed below for GUST 0341.
Required Text And Support Materials: for GUST 0341
1. Breaking Through, 7th edition, by Brenda D. Smith
2. 3-ring binder
3. Blue or black pen
4. Loose leaf paper
5. My Skills Lab Access Code
6. Planner
7. Dictionary
8. Staple machine or paper clips
9. A Hearty Spirit
Attendance Policy:
Realizing that student success in college is largely dependent on attending class, it is imperative that you make an effort to attend every class. There is no such thing as an excused absence. On certain occasions, circumstances may arise such as sickness, family issues, childcare, hospitalization and unavoidable transportation problems. In that light, students are allowed to miss no more than 12.5% of the total class sessions. Those students missing more than 12.5% of class time will be dropped from this course.
Special Note #1:
Classes begin at the exact times specified in the schedule of classes. If you are tardy three (3) times, it will be counted as an absence. Thus, if you are absent 3 classes (4 ½ hours) and you have been late to class 30 minutes, you will be dropped from the class.
Evaluation and Grading Scale:
During the course of the semester, you will have the opportunity to earn a minimum of 16 grades (excluding pop quizzes). For your information and convenience, the grading scale is provided below:
90-100…A
89-80…..B Above
79-70..…C
69 and below IP
IP-Students taking developmental courses may receive an IP only once. If a student must repeat a course, the student must receive an A, B, C, or F.
Grades will be earned as follows for GUST 0339
Mid Term Exam 15%
Final Exam 15%
Journal 10%
Quizzes & Tests 20%
Home and class work 10%
Other 10%
Vocabulary 10%
Lab 20% ___
Total 100%
Grades will be earned as follows for GUST 0341
Mid Term Exam 10%
Final Exam 10%
Journals 10%
Quizzes and Tests 20%
Class/Home Work 10%
Lab 20%
Other 20%
There are NO curves. Your grade is reflective of YOUR efforts and achievements. Your operational calendar details when projects are due. I will remind you in class; therefore, late work is not acceptable.
Mid-Term Exam: Each student is required to take a mid-term examination during the semester. The test will cover a variety of materials discussed in class and found in your readings. You will be given at least one week’s notice before an exam. Exam dates are also found in your operational calendar.
Regular Quizzes: To ensure that each student is mastering the materials assigned for reading and discussion in class, several quizzes will be administered on a variety of subjects throughout the semester. Quizzes and tests will be announced.
Final Exam: Each student is required to take a final exam. The test will cover a variety of materials discussed in class and found in your readings. You will be given at least one week’s notice before an exam. Exam dates are also found in your schedule book.
Classroom Conduct:
You are in college. You will be treated and respected as an adult. Because of the nature of discussion involved in this class, it is imperative that we respect each other’s opinions and values. Discipline problems are not tolerated. Any student failing to abide by appropriate standards of conduct during scheduled college activities may be asked to leave that day’s class or activity by the instructor or another college official. (The student has the right to return to the next class/activity.) If a student refuses a request to voluntarily leave the classroom, security may be summoned to remove the student so that the scheduled activity may resume without further disruption. In cases of serious problems, the faculty member will document and report the incident to his/her supervisor. Further disciplinary action may be pursued according to System guidelines, presented in the HCCS Student Handbook.
Phone And Beepers:
All electronic devices should be turned off during our class. If you have a home, family or work situation that requires you to wear a beeper or a cell phone, please discuss this with the instructor after the first class.
The Importance Of A College Syllabus: Your college syllabus in ANY college class is a roadmap to success. You should always keep your syllabi with your class notes and bring them to class daily. Your syllabi are legal, binding documents or contracts between you and your professors.
Your College Schedule Of Classes:
You should always keep a copy of your semester schedule of classes. It gives you many important facts and dates such as breaks, exam dates, registration deadlines and fee penalties.
Notes On Cheating:
Cheating is never permitted under any circumstance. The penalties for cheating can be found in the schedule of classes. Penalties range from failing the course to being removed for the college. Cheating includes plagiarism and/or using the work of someone else.
Special Note:
The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus except for the grading scale and attendance policy. You will be notified of all changes in writing.
Grade Reports:
As of the Fall 2000 semester, HCCS will no longer mail out grade reports. Students will get their grades online at www.hccs.cc.tx.us or www.getgrades.com. Students who require a paper or hard copy of their grades must obtain an unofficial transcript from the Records and Admissions Office of their campus/college.
American Disabilities Act And
HCCS is compliant with the
Sexual Harassment:
It is a violation of HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47). Consult the Student Handbook (p.25) for specifics.
Missed Assignments: If an occasion occurs where you must be absent from the class, please contact your instructor immediately.
Late Work: Accepting late work is not a policy of this instructor. Please note assignments must be handed in on time.
Requirements to Pass Your Class
GUST 0339
Students must make a grade of A, B, or C to pass this class. Students will enroll in GUST 0341 the next semester if they pass 0339.
GUST 0340
Students must make a grade of A, B, or C to pass this class. Students will enroll in GUST 0341 the next semester if they pass 0340.
GUST 0341
Students must make a grade of A, B, or C to pass this class. Students will enroll in GUST 0342 the next semester.
GUST 0342
Students must make a grade of A, B, or C to pass this class.
