Professor Lori Rottenberg
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Transcript Professor Lori Rottenberg
Welcome
to
LA Core
Fall 2014!
Professor Lori Rottenberg
Email
[email protected]
B.A. Creative Writing
M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL
Taught ESL at VT and GMU
20 years as professional writer and editor,
continue to publish poetry
Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools
since 2007
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
fluency in writing
Build fluency in reading
Build critical thinking
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
Goals
Course Objectives
Course Expectations
Course Requirements
Course Textbooks and Online Materials
Grading
Honor Code
Course Requirements
Daily in-class exercises
Weekly journals
Writing (in-class and take home)
Tests and quizzes
Extended reading and assessments
Finals:
Final book project
Final research essay
Common 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.
Pay attention in class, ask questions, and
contribute to class discussions and small
groups.
Do all your homework—yourself!
Work carefully on written assignments.
Spend time outside of class reading and
writing in English EVERY DAY.
How to Do Poorly in This Class
Skip
class or come late.
Check your phone and email during class.
Do reading or writing assignments at the
last minute or not at all.
Blow off journals and on-line homework.
Goof around during small-group work.
Read and write only in your native
language outside class—expect class to do
it all for you.
Ways to Get Help
Request
tutoring
Ask to meet with me
Attend every extra workshop and elective
class you can!
Read in English as much as you can!
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)
My Model for Learning…
No!
Yes!
I shine the flashlight to guide your way,
but only YOU can walk the path.
Homework
Buy
textbooks from the bookstore:
Grammar and Beyond 4, with online component
Q Reading and Writing 4, with online component
Read
syllabus in detail and return signed
checklist to me.
Journals (3 entries of at least 10 sentences):
Due Friday
Take-home essay due Friday
I’m looking forward to a great
semester!