1. Welcome to Core 7 Spring 2016!

2. Professor Lori Rottenberg
B.A. Creative Writing
M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL
Taught ESL at VT and GU
20 years as professional writer and editor, continue to publish poetry
Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools since 2007

3. 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?

4. Goals of the Class Build fluency in writing Build fluency in reading
Build critical thinking

5. 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:

6. Discussion
Talk about the video. Can you put “critical thinking” into your own words?
Think about your education until now. Do you think you have been asked to think critically? If so, how? If not, does this idea scare you or excite you?

7. Syllabus Course Goals Course Objectives Course Expectations
Course Requirements
Course Textbooks and Online Materials
Grading
Honor Code

8. Course Requirements Daily in-class exercises
Weekly reading-response journals
Writing (in-class and take home)
Grammar and vocabulary tests
Extended reading and assessments
Finals:
Final book project
Final research essay
Common final exam

9. 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!

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

11. How to Do Well in This Class
Come to class, on time and ready to work. (Please go the bathroom BEFORE class!)
Pay attention in class, ask questions, and contribute to class discussions and small groups.
Do all your homework—yourself and on time!
Work carefully on written assignments.
Spend time outside of class reading and writing in English EVERY DAY.

12. Ways to Get Help Request tutoring from the LRC Ask to meet with me
Read in English as much as you can!

13. Reading Rocks!
“A large amount of research has shown that one criterion – vocabulary – is most difficult…The most common problem IELTS candidates have is that their vocabulary is limited. It is boring, repetitive, childish, or inaccurate. Perhaps the tone of their language is also inappropriate. Essentially this is due to their not ever reading much in English. Reading exposes you to vocabulary most quickly.” (Sorrenson, 2012, p.8)

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

15. Transformation We want to do more than improve your English!
Take advantage of your unique opportunity!

16. Homework Buy textbooks from the bookstore:
Grammar Sense 4, with online component
LEAP High Intermediate Reading and Writing, with online component
Order Flowers for Algernon from Amazon
Read syllabus in detail
Journals (at least 25 sentences): Due Friday. Pick an article from Upfront to read and write about.

17. I’m looking forward to a great semester!