George Mason University English Language Institute

 High Beginner Core -- Fall 2009

Monday- Wednesday-Friday
10:30-12:20  Thompson 117
Tuesday & Thursday
8:50-10:20 Thompson 117
Adele Camus
Krug 201C
Office Hours: MWF 9:30-10:20, TTh 10:30-11:20 or by apponitment
Phone: 703.993.3660
E-mail: acamus@gmu.edu
web-site:  http://mason.gmu.edu/~acamus

Books: Basic Grammar Links (Butler)
Reading Advantage 1 (Malarcher)
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain)
Class Description:




Class Objectives:
In this class you will learn and practice basic English skills to help you improve your speaking listening, reading and writing.   You will practice these skills in many different ways.   For example you will practice new grammar by using it in conversations with other students, including native English speakers from Mason.   You will also practice new grammar by writing about things you have read or talked about in class.   You will also use these writing and speaking times to practice new words you have learned from your reading book.
By the end of this semester you will have learned to:
- describe people, places, things and events
- ask and answer simple questions with correct intonation and understandable pronunciation
- understand and give appropriate responses to everyday situations
- write a simple composition using correct basic grammar and vocabulary and correct paragraph form
- read more quickly and accurately so you can  understand the main idea
  and  speak or write answers to questions about the reading
Class Requirements:



You must speak and listen actively in class and ask questions when you do not understand.   You must do all the in class reading and writing assignments even if you are absent that day.   You must do all the homework assignments and quizes and tests even if you are absent that day.   If you have any problems with these things, please see me and I will do my best to help you.
Assignments: Two book reports
Group project involving reading, writing and speaking
Homework and Tests: There will be homework everyday.  It may be reading or writing or grammar practice or a combination.
There will be quizes  throughout the semester with one midterm test and one final test.  The short quizes will be to make sure you have learned the new grammar and vocabulary.   For the midterm and final tests you will read and answer questions about the reading and you will write a one page composition.   The final exam will be Wednesday December 9  during core class.
Class Expectations:
You must not miss more than ten classes.   If you are more than ten minutes late to class, you will be marked absent for the first hour of class. You are responsible for making up any work you miss during an absence.   If you do not take the midterm or final test, or if you do not complete all the class projects, you will get an NG for the class  You must obey the George Mason University Honor Code, which means you promise to do your own work and promise not to cheat (http:honorcode.gmu.edu)  Cell phones must be turned off or set to vibrate during class.   If you want extra help or extra work to do at home, please ask me, and I will be very happy to help you.
Class Grades:

Your grade: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%) or NG  will be based on:
quizes     25%          midterm test     25%          final test     25%          book reports & projects     25%

Click here for the Class Schedule