ESL 799: Advanced Integrated Skills CRN# 34102
Instructor: Amy Kayser
Contact information
Email Address: akayser@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: 805-592-9821
Virtual Student Hours (for extra help): MW 3:30-4:45pm and by appointment on Zoom
Email is the best way to contact me. You can text me through Remind app. I respond within 24-48 hours.
Course Description
Welcome to ESL 799! In this course, you will develop English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at the advanced level. You will also improve vocabulary and grammar skills. Activities include reading articles and short stories, writing paragraphs and essays, and collaborating on presentations.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify main ideas and details in a variety of advanced-level listening and reading texts.
- Write well-developed and organized paragraphs using advanced-level grammatical structures and vocabulary.
- Communicate fluently in classroom conversations, discussions, and presentations.
Course Environment
This online course will meet using Zoom, a video conference tool, during scheduled class time Monday and Wednesday 6:30-8:20 pm. We use Canvas to access learning materials, resources, and video links and complete assignments and quizzes.
Before the semester starts, you will receive a text message with the link to the Zoom meeting for the first class. Continuing Education staff will help you log onto Canvas https://cuesta.instructure.com/. I will demonstrate Canvas features on Zoom throughout the semester, and we have a tutor to help you.
Please be prepared to spend 15 hours a week on this course. In addition to the class meetings, you should make time to watch videos, review materials, read the books, complete homework assignments, and study for quizzes and exams.
Textbook and Materials
These texts are required:
Ventures Level 4 Student Book and Workbook by Gretchen Bitterlin et al. ISBN-13: 978-1108687256
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park ISBN-13: 9780547577319
If you don’t already have the books, the ESL Department will provide them for free! You will complete a Google Form that I send to you to provide your mailing address, and the books will be sent to you there.
Instructor Contact Expectations
The best way to contact me is email. I usually respond within 48 hours. You can also text me through Remind. This class meets synchronously twice per week. Other contact includes discussions, text messages, emails, virtual office hours, and regular and prompt feedback on all homework, assignments, and assessments.
Technical Support
To be able to participate fully in the course, you need basic computer skills. A laptop or Chromebook is best. You can borrow one from the Cuesta library on the San Luis Obispo Campus or the North County Center. We use the following technology for the class:
- Zoom for class sessions
- Canvas for class materials, homework, and communication
- Remind to send and receive class texts
- Google docs and Google slides for collaborative activities
It’s important that you contact me, our class tutor, or Continuing Education staff, Alicia Paniagua 805-546-3941, if you have problems with technology, and we can connect you with resources. You can also email support@my.cuesta.edu for technical help.
College and Course Policies
Adding the Class
This is a noncredit class with managed enrollment. You can add the class until the end of the second week of the semester.
Attendance
Participating regularly in the Zoom class sessions is important for your success. You are responsible for all work even if you are absent. Contact me or a classmate for information about work that you missed.
Late Work
Homework and assignments are expected on time. Due dates are posted in Canvas and shared during Zoom meetings. If you have an emergency, contact me for an extension.
Course Evaluation
This is a non-credit course. Each student receives a P (Pass), SP (Satisfactory Progress), or NP (No Pass). In order to pass, you must achieve a 70% or higher on the course objectives. Your grade will be determined in the following way:
Chapter Quizzes: 20%, Homework: 35%, EL Civics: 20%, Final Exam: 25%
Accommodations
Please talk to me about any special needs that you have. Extra help is available for students with disabilities. Contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at dspsinfo@cuesta.edu or 805-546-3148 for more information.
Student Expectations
You are expected to follow Cuesta’s academic honesty policy and student code of conduct. Read the brochure for more information.