Class time will be devoted to activities that allow you to practice and interact in English. To successfully complete the course, you must prepare the assigned homework prior to class and, while in class actively participate in class discussions and pair/group work. Your final grades are determined by the following course components:
- Participation (including attendance, participation and quizzes): 20%
- Speaking assignments: 20%
- Written assignments: 20%
- Group presentation: 10%
- Midterm exams: 15%
- Final exam: 15%
Note: for group assignments, individual grades will still be awarded reflecting your individual effort, participation and achievement in the group. In short, not every member of the group will receive the same grade.
Participation
Your participation grade will be based on your attendance, homework preparation, and the contribution you make to the learning experience of others. Contribution includes your in-class questions to the instructor, insights and comments regarding class content, answers to the instructor’s questions, and reactions to other students’ contributions.
In-class exercises/quizzes
Periodically throughout the semester, writing/listening exercises and pop quizzes will be given in class. These exercises and quizzes CANNOT be made up.
Oral presentations
Every speaking homework needs to be uploaded to Zuvio.
You will give an individual oral report and a group presentation during the semester. For the group presentation, you and your group will report on your assigned reading material. The presentation should be approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute discussion. Each group should meet with the instructor two weeks prior to their presentation to discuss their topic and present their outline. Following the presentation, they will submit a group written report. More details will be provided in class. The grading rubric for the speaking activities is available on the class website (Zuvio).
Written assignments
Every written homework needs to be uploaded to Zuvio.
There will be several periodic in-class and take-home writing exercises. Your papers should show you have completed and thought seriously and critically about the readings and videos provided for you. You are also encouraged to research the topic and cite your sources. The grading rubric for the written assignments is available on the class website (Zuvio).
Examinations
All materials, including the readings, handouts, and information provided in class will potentially be included on mid-term and final exams. The mid-term exam is a written test, and the final exam will be a speaking test. The speaking test requires you to answer two or more questions, each question for two minutes. The instructor will evaluate your ability to respond to the questions appropriately and to speak for an extended period of time without hesitation, deviation or repetition. The grading rubric for the speaking test is available on the class website (Zuvio). No make-up exams will be given unless you have received the instructor’s permission in advance.
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