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Reading and Writing for Academic Purposes (English III and IV)
Tokyo International University of America
Spring 2001
J. E. Seibert

Syllabus

Welcome and overview

Welcome to the spring reading and writing courses. English III (Writing) and IV (Reading) will be taught together. These courses will help you to improve your general English skills and to develop your academic reading and writing skills.

Contacting the instructor

Name: J. E. Seibert

• E-mail address: jseibert@willamette.edu
• Office telephone number: 503-373-3302
• Office hours: Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment

Overview of the courses

Reading selections and related activities will center around themes. Examples are: international business, art, and health. Now and then, guests from the campus and community will visit class.

Writing assignments will often be related to the topics you read about. You will develop your general writing and grammar skills and learn how to write academic-style paragraphs and essays.

You will have opportunities to practice speaking and listening to English, too, when you discuss your reading and writing topics and assignments.

Texts (bring them to class every day!)

Provided by TIUA

Swan, Michael. Basic English Usage. Oxford University Press, 1984.

Hartmann, Pamela. Quest: Reading and Writing in the Academic World. Book 2. McGraw-Hill, 1999.

You must have your own

A Japanese-English dictionary

An English dictionary (strongly recommended; can be purchased at any bookstore)

General course requirements

• Attend and actively participate in all classes and field trips.
• Come to class everyday with your textbook, your grammar reference, and your dictionaries.
• Complete all in-class and homework assignments at a satisfactory level or above.
• Pass quizzes and tests.
• Use English in class and encourage others to use English.
• Cooperate with your classmates and encourage your classmates.

Grades

You will receive one grade for reading and another for writing. Final grades can be A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, or F. Each assignment will be given points; smaller assignments and quizzes receive fewer points and major assignments and exams receive more points. You can check your grade any time using the course website.

Students who do average work will receive "C's". A few students may receive "A's" if they do outstanding work throughout the course. Students who do below average or unsatisfactory work will receive "F's". The course will not be too difficult for any student; everyone can do well if he or she studies hard.

Student who miss 20% or more of the class hours (about six days) will receive an "F" and will not get credit. This is TIUA policy. Also,

• Three late arrivals equal one absence.
• You are absent if you are asleep in class.
• You will be marked absent if you arrive more than about 20 minutes late.

Special note about doing your own work:

Plagiarism will result in the students involved receiving an "F" on the assignment. Plagiarism is copying text or ideas from another student's work, or from a text or website, without giving credit.

Success

I will do everything in my power to help you succeed in this course, but you are the person in control of your success and your future.