George Mason University English Language Institute

 Near Beginner Core -- Spring 2011

Monday- Wednesday-Friday
10:30-12:20 Krug 209
Tuesday & Thursday
8:50-10:20  Krug 209
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: Ventures 1Student Book and Work Book (Cambridge)
Easy True Stories by Sandra Heyer (Longman)
The Big Bag Mistake (Longman Penguin Readers)
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 and by writing about things you read or talk 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:
- understand and  respond appropriately to basic classroom situations
- show you understand basic classroom etiquette and basic study skills needed for study in university
- ask and answer simple questions
- describe people, places, things and actions and understand when other people describe these things
- write simple sentences with subject and verb.
- write on the line using correct spacing between words and correct letter formation.
- write using correct capitalization and puncuation and comprehensible spelling
- read  so you can  understand  main ideas and facts
- learn the meaning and spelling and pronunciation of new vocabulary
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 quizzes and tests even if you are absent that day.   If you have any problems with these things, please see me and I will help you.
Assignments: 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 quizzes  throughout the semester with one midterm test and one final test.  The short quizzes 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 paragraph composition.   The final exam will be Wednesday December 8  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:
quizzes     25%          midterm test     25%          final test     25%          class work & projects     25%

Click here for the Class Schedule