Sample Syllabus for Power Reading Course
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller
“You have searched for the key to unlock the door to powerful thinking; and yet the key is in your hands and you may use it the moment you learn to control your thoughts.” -Ralph Ellison
Texts & Materials:
Developing Reading Versatility, W.R.Adams, 11th edition-2011
1100 Words You Need to Know, M. Bromberg & M. Gordon, 5th edition-2008
College dictionary
Lab fee
Course Objectives:
Power Reading is a course designed for students reading at or near college level. The primary purpose is to enhance existing reading comprehension skills while improving critical reading techniques. To meet this objective, the following skills will be covered during the semester:
Comprehension –
a. Improve comprehension skills
b. Develop efficient study skills
c. Increase their critical reading ability
d. Increase memory and recall
Speed –
a. Significantly improve their reading rate in a novel
b. Develop flexibility in their reading rate
c. Develop a fluent reading style
Vocabulary –
a. Increase vocabulary through roots, context clues, forming derivatives, etc.
Critical Reading & Thinking Skills –
a. Improve understanding of main idea, supporting evidence, reasoning, logic, style, frame of reference (assumptions, bias, tone), summarizing,
paraphrasing, evaluating, interpreting, etc.
Methods of Instruction:
We will use a variety of strategies including lectures, seminars, note-taking, portfolios, modeling, peer collaboration, presentations, computer applications, and testing.
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of instruction in Reading 110 students will be able to:
* Demonstrate significant growth on pre/post standardized reading tests. (Assessment completed through A or B pre-test & G or H post-test)
* Demonstrate their ability to utilize critical thinking/reading skills such as author’s purpose, bias, tone, figurative language, fact vs. opinion,
inference, drawing conclusions/predicting outcomes to analyze college-level reading material. (Assessment will be a written and/or oral report
analyzing college-level written material chosen by the instructor)
* Demonstrate their knowledge of and ability to utilize textbook management skills in content area courses across the curriculum. (Assessment
will be a group presentation using collaborative learning in which each group presents one major textbook study/reading skill to the class as an
oral presentation)
* Demonstrate their ability to read and analyze at least 4 books (or the equivalent) on an independent basis during the semester. (Assessment will
be book reports and/or related projects demonstrating knowledge of novels)
Grading Policy:
Classwork/Homework/Participation 30%
Lab work 30%
Test & Quizzes 20%
Written Assignments (Book reviews, article summaries, etc) 20%
A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 0- 59%
A = 45 hours or more of completed time in the Reading Lab
4 books read and reviewed
90% or better on tests and quizzes
Complete 17 weeks of 1100 words
No more than 3 hours missed
Significant (1-2 years) improvement on reading assessment test
B = 40 hours or more of completed time in the Reading Lab
3 books read and reviewed
80% or better on tests and quizzes
Complete 15 weeks of 1100 words
No more than 6 hours missed
Significant (1-2 years) improvement on reading assessment test
C = 35 hours or more of completed time in the Reading Lab
2 books read and reviewed
70% or better on tests and quizzes
Complete 13 weeks of 1100 words
No more than 9 hours missed
Significant (1-2 years) improvement on reading assessment test
DROPPING A COURSE:
Drops during the first 30% of the course will have no notation on the student’s record. Drops between the first 30% and 50% of the course will be assigned a “W”. After the 50% mark, an evaluative grade (A,B,C,D,F,FW) will be assigned.
READING LAB:
8:00 AM – 9:30PM (M-TH)
8:00 AM – 4:00PM (FRI)
9:00 AM – 2:00PM (SAT)
* Folders containing all the assigned tasks will be checked weekly throughout the semester and will affect the student’s grade accordingly.
* The student is required to put in 2-3 hours per week of lab time in addition to the class meetings.
* One of the conditions for a grade may be waived at the instructor’s discretion.
Classroom Policies:
* Please be on time and attend class regularly. You will be dropped if you have excessive absences (3+) and/or tardies (3+/arriving late or leaving early).
* Please turn off all cell phones as a courtesy to your classmates.
* Work is due at the beginning of class on the date specified. If you are absent, your work will be considered late. Work turned in late will be accepted up
to one week after it’s due date and will be worth up to half credit.
* Academic honesty is a serious matter. I may periodically use Turnitin.com or other methods to check the authenticity of your work. The penalty
for plagiarism is an F in the course.
* There will be no makeup quizzes or exams with the exception of emergencies. You will earn 10 points each class session for actively participating in
class. Participation includes listening attentively, asking relevant questions, offering constructive information, respecting other viewpoints, and engaging
actively and positively in group exercises. If you know in advance that you must be absent, please consult with me before you are gone. If you are
absent or do not participate in class then you will lose your 10 points.
* If you have a disability you are encouraged to contact Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 744-1150 x2394. Their office is located in the DRC, room
DSPS-11. They will help determine what assistance is available to you.
* Utilize the Palomar College Library or College Support Services questions or tutoring needs. Services are free and ensure success.
* Please take your education seriously. This class will be of great benefit to you with your commitment of time and energy. If you miss a class, get notes
from a peer. Ask for help as needed.
“You have searched for the key to unlock the door to powerful thinking; and yet the key is in your hands and you may use it the moment you learn to control your thoughts.” -Ralph Ellison
Texts & Materials:
Developing Reading Versatility, W.R.Adams, 11th edition-2011
1100 Words You Need to Know, M. Bromberg & M. Gordon, 5th edition-2008
College dictionary
Lab fee
Course Objectives:
Power Reading is a course designed for students reading at or near college level. The primary purpose is to enhance existing reading comprehension skills while improving critical reading techniques. To meet this objective, the following skills will be covered during the semester:
Comprehension –
a. Improve comprehension skills
b. Develop efficient study skills
c. Increase their critical reading ability
d. Increase memory and recall
Speed –
a. Significantly improve their reading rate in a novel
b. Develop flexibility in their reading rate
c. Develop a fluent reading style
Vocabulary –
a. Increase vocabulary through roots, context clues, forming derivatives, etc.
Critical Reading & Thinking Skills –
a. Improve understanding of main idea, supporting evidence, reasoning, logic, style, frame of reference (assumptions, bias, tone), summarizing,
paraphrasing, evaluating, interpreting, etc.
Methods of Instruction:
We will use a variety of strategies including lectures, seminars, note-taking, portfolios, modeling, peer collaboration, presentations, computer applications, and testing.
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of instruction in Reading 110 students will be able to:
* Demonstrate significant growth on pre/post standardized reading tests. (Assessment completed through A or B pre-test & G or H post-test)
* Demonstrate their ability to utilize critical thinking/reading skills such as author’s purpose, bias, tone, figurative language, fact vs. opinion,
inference, drawing conclusions/predicting outcomes to analyze college-level reading material. (Assessment will be a written and/or oral report
analyzing college-level written material chosen by the instructor)
* Demonstrate their knowledge of and ability to utilize textbook management skills in content area courses across the curriculum. (Assessment
will be a group presentation using collaborative learning in which each group presents one major textbook study/reading skill to the class as an
oral presentation)
* Demonstrate their ability to read and analyze at least 4 books (or the equivalent) on an independent basis during the semester. (Assessment will
be book reports and/or related projects demonstrating knowledge of novels)
Grading Policy:
Classwork/Homework/Participation 30%
Lab work 30%
Test & Quizzes 20%
Written Assignments (Book reviews, article summaries, etc) 20%
A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 0- 59%
A = 45 hours or more of completed time in the Reading Lab
4 books read and reviewed
90% or better on tests and quizzes
Complete 17 weeks of 1100 words
No more than 3 hours missed
Significant (1-2 years) improvement on reading assessment test
B = 40 hours or more of completed time in the Reading Lab
3 books read and reviewed
80% or better on tests and quizzes
Complete 15 weeks of 1100 words
No more than 6 hours missed
Significant (1-2 years) improvement on reading assessment test
C = 35 hours or more of completed time in the Reading Lab
2 books read and reviewed
70% or better on tests and quizzes
Complete 13 weeks of 1100 words
No more than 9 hours missed
Significant (1-2 years) improvement on reading assessment test
DROPPING A COURSE:
Drops during the first 30% of the course will have no notation on the student’s record. Drops between the first 30% and 50% of the course will be assigned a “W”. After the 50% mark, an evaluative grade (A,B,C,D,F,FW) will be assigned.
READING LAB:
8:00 AM – 9:30PM (M-TH)
8:00 AM – 4:00PM (FRI)
9:00 AM – 2:00PM (SAT)
* Folders containing all the assigned tasks will be checked weekly throughout the semester and will affect the student’s grade accordingly.
* The student is required to put in 2-3 hours per week of lab time in addition to the class meetings.
* One of the conditions for a grade may be waived at the instructor’s discretion.
Classroom Policies:
* Please be on time and attend class regularly. You will be dropped if you have excessive absences (3+) and/or tardies (3+/arriving late or leaving early).
* Please turn off all cell phones as a courtesy to your classmates.
* Work is due at the beginning of class on the date specified. If you are absent, your work will be considered late. Work turned in late will be accepted up
to one week after it’s due date and will be worth up to half credit.
* Academic honesty is a serious matter. I may periodically use Turnitin.com or other methods to check the authenticity of your work. The penalty
for plagiarism is an F in the course.
* There will be no makeup quizzes or exams with the exception of emergencies. You will earn 10 points each class session for actively participating in
class. Participation includes listening attentively, asking relevant questions, offering constructive information, respecting other viewpoints, and engaging
actively and positively in group exercises. If you know in advance that you must be absent, please consult with me before you are gone. If you are
absent or do not participate in class then you will lose your 10 points.
* If you have a disability you are encouraged to contact Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 744-1150 x2394. Their office is located in the DRC, room
DSPS-11. They will help determine what assistance is available to you.
* Utilize the Palomar College Library or College Support Services questions or tutoring needs. Services are free and ensure success.
* Please take your education seriously. This class will be of great benefit to you with your commitment of time and energy. If you miss a class, get notes
from a peer. Ask for help as needed.