CEP Syllabus

Teachers College, Columbia University

Summer A 2014


Course Information

Instructor: Michele Helm

Email: mmh2212@tc.columbia.edu

Location: Tuesday (5/27) Grace Dodge Hall (GDH), Room 369
Wednesday (5/28) GDH, Room 369
Thursday (5/29) GDH, Room 461
(*Our classroom may change after week 1.)

Level: Advanced 3 (A3)

Class meeting time & date: May 27 June 26 (Monday - Thursday, 9:30-12:00 pm)

Important Contact Numbers: CEP office number 212-678-3097
Google Voice - 646-397-3041

About the CEP

The Community English Program (CEP) is a unique and integral part of the TESOL
and Applied Linguistics Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University. It
provides English as a second language and foreign language instruction to adult
learners of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. In addition, the CEP serves as an
on-site language education lab in which TESOL and Applied Linguistics faculty and
students enrolled in the programs teach the courses and use the CEP as a setting for
empirical inquiry. Here at Teachers College we believe that observation and
classroom research are the best way to learn about how we teach and gain insights
into how teaching might take place. Additionally, assessment and program
evaluation play a major part in our program as well. Thus, we encourage observation
and classroom research and want people to use it as a tool for learning.


Course Description

Advanced 3 is an integrated course that helps students improve their English
speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through individual and group activities.
Students will improve their overall English language skills by practicing a wide
variety of communicative activities such as conversations on familiar topics, group
and pair work, and oral presentations which will combine the four skills. Students will
develop oral classroom skills and reading strategies, increase vocabulary, use
grammar structures, make more complex sentences using the vocabulary presented
in the textbook, and complete practice exercises.

Course Objectives

Develop a broad range of tools for using the English language to meet the goals of
your everyday life and beyond. Students will be able to:

Develop oral classroom skills

Improve reading strategies

Increase vocabulary

Use grammar structures effectively

Construct more complex sentences using the vocabulary presented in textbook

Complete practice exercises

Create their own portfolio of writing / speaking samples and course projects

Implement technology in and out of the classroom to maximize language
input


Course Materials

Available in the Columbia University Bookstore (Broadway & 115th ST)
Dimitrova-Galaczi, D. & Galaczi, A. (2003). In Charge 1, Second Edition (Textbook).
Gudgel, S. (2003). In Charge 1, Second Edition (Workbook).

Course Policies

Arrival Time & Attendance

Classes will begin at 9:30 am. Please arrive on time!

If a student misses 5 classes, or if a student is late for 10 classes, s/he cannot pass
the course and will have to repeat the same level.


Class Participation and Student Requirements
Students will

Avoid cell phone use in the classroom.

Participate in classroom activities.

Contribute in class and group activities.

Bring the required books to each class.
Have self-control and be polite to fellow classmates (students will display good
listening skills and keep personal conversations to a minimum).

Try to use English in the classroom and avoid using their native language to
translate.

Grading

Unit Test 1, 2, 3: each 15% (total 45%)

Final Test: 30%

Class Participation and Attendance: 10%

Homework and Assignments/Project: 15%

Grade Results % of Possible Points
A +/- Excellent A+ 97 100% A 94 96 % A- 90 93 %
B +/- Good B+ 87 89 % B 84 86 % B- 80 83 %
C +/- Satisfactory
(pass)
C+ 77 79 % C 73 76 % C- 70 72 %
Fail/Repeat Poor (no pass) 69% or below D 63 66 % D- 60 62 %


Tentative Schedule
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday*
Week 1
Holiday May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30

Introduction/
Unit 9
Unit 9 Unit 9 No Class
Week 2
June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5 June 6
Unit Test 9/
Unit 10
Unit 10 Unit 10 Unit 10 No Class
Week 3
June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13
Unit Test 10/
Unit 11
Unit 11 Unit 11 Unit 11 No Class
Week 4
June 16 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 20
Unit Test 11/
Unit 12
Unit 12 Unit 12 Unit 12 No Class
Week 5
June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27
Project
Presentation
Final Review Final Test
Last day of
classes
No Class

*Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

Important Reminder

Friday, May 30 is the last day for refunds and transfers.

Other Policies

The College will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
disabilities. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Access and Services for
Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) for information about registering with the office.
You can reach OASID by email at oasid@tc.columbia.edu, stop by 163 Thorndike Hall
or call 212-678-3689. Services are available only to students who are registered and
submit appropriate documentation. As your instructor, I am happy to discuss
specific needs with you as well.

It is the policy of Teachers College to respect its members observance of their major
religious holidays. Students should notify instructors at the beginning of the
semester about their wishes to observe holidays on days when class sessions are
scheduled. Where academic scheduling conflicts prove unavoidable, no student will
be penalized for absence due to religious reasons, and alternative means will be
sought for satisfying the academic requirements involved. If a suitable arrangement
cannot be worked out between the student and the instructor, students and
instructors should consult the program director. If an additional appeal is needed, it
may be taken to the Provost.

Students who intentionally submit work either not their own or without
clear attribution to the original source, fabricate data or other information,
engage in cheating, or misrepresentation of academic records may be
subject to charges. Sanctions may include dismissal from the college for
violation of the TC principles of academic and professional integrity
fundamental to the purpose of the College.