Welcome to Level 7 OCS Spring 2017!

Professor Lori Rottenberg B.A. Creative Writing M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL Taught ESL at VT, Georgetown, and GMU 20 years as professional writer and editor, continue to publish poetry Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools since 2007 Acting and singing experience in paid and community theater productions

Introductions Your name How long have you studied English in the U.S.? How long did you study English before that? What do you want to do after your English studies? What specific things do you want to improve in your English this semester?

Goals of the Class Build academic listening and note-taking skills Build academic speaking and presentation skills Improve academic vocabulary and grammar Build advanced pronunciation skills

Critical Thinking Cornerstone of American education Based on questioning and independence of thought rather than memorization and reliance on authority Based on being able to SUPPORT your positions and ideas Video: http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php

Syllabus Course Description Course Objectives Course Textbooks and Online Materials Course Requirements Grading Important Dates Course Expectations Honor Code and Disabilities

Course Requirements Daily in-class exercises Weekly listening logs Weekly online homework Quizzes Oral presentations (6 plus 1-2 SLDs) Final exam

Why This Level Is Crucial Many of you apply to: Pathways Programs Direct admission to GMU or other universities One of your last chances to perfect your English skills before entering academia!

Remember… You must get at least an 80% to pass this class! You are “auditioning” for a recommendation starting on Day 1!

How to Do Well in This Class Come to class, on time and ready to work. Put your phone away!!!!! Pay attention in class, ask questions, and contribute to class discussions. Do all your homework—yourself! Work carefully on listening logs and presentations and do them ON TIME! Spend time outside of class listening to and speaking in English EVERY DAY.

If You Start to Have Trouble… Come speak to me as soon as possible! Ask if you don’t understand something! Do not wait! Do not be embarassed! Do not let undone assignments pile up! Remember: The ONLY “dumb question” is the one you DON’T ask!

Ways to Get Help Request tutoring in the LRC Ask to meet with me Participate in every extra opportunity to speak or listen to English that you can!

My Model for Learning… No! Yes! I shine the flashlight to guide your way, but only YOU can walk the path.

Human Treasure Hunt

Homework Buy Pathways Listening and Speaking 4, with online component. Set up online Pathways account at MyELT. Start to work on first listening log.

I’m looking forward to a great semester!