Culture in the USA   ENL 030                Winter 2007

Course Description and Learning Outcomes

Culture in the USA is especially designed for recent arrivals to the USA. It is an orientation to SW Washington life and to American College life. The focus of this course is to avoid needless embarrassment due to lack of knowledge of cultural taboos, to facilitate integration of international students within this institution and community, and to offer the American student a chance to learn about different cultures from around the globe. You will learn:

·         American customs

·         To recognize verbal and non-verbal cues used by students and people in general in this area.

·         To participate in Club and or other activities available to Clark College students.

·         To feel at home here at Clark College.

You will also share your culture with American students, so that they can learn more about the world.

College-wide Abilities:

To ensure that all students are well prepared, Clark College focuses on many abilities. This course will focus mainly on these:

Communication  - you will improve your pronunciation, your ability to communicate orally.

Critical Thinking skills – you will be encouraged to observe, to think about, and to make thoughtful decisions about materials we read and discuss in class.

Global/Multicultural Perspectives – you will learn about American Culture and will share yours with others.

Effective Citizenship – you will learn polite customs and learn about the American way of life. You will answer the question: What does it mean to be a good citizen here?

Attendance and Homework

Attendance.  Come to class, attend Club meetings, be on time, and turn in homework on time. Three (3) absences will hurt your grade.

If you are absent -- Call a classmate, check the website to find out what work you have missed.  Even if you are absent, you will be responsible for completing homework and assignments. 

Homework:  You may expect to have approximately 1-2 hours of homework per class hour.  You are expected to learn many new English skills in only 10 weeks.  Because of this, it is important that you spend as much time as possible studying and practicing the skills you have learned in class. A large portion of your grade will be based on your involvement in the International Club. You will be expected to plan and to lead at least one group activity.

Grading

This is a Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory graded course. Attendance and participation in classes and club activities is very, very important.

Language Center

The Language Center/ Computer Lab in Bauer Hall 101 is a great place to go for extra help in any of your classes, to meet with study groups, or to use the computers.  Many teachers have office hours in the lab.  Check the lab schedule and feel free to visit any of the teachers when they are in the lab for help with any of your classes.  You may also use the computers during any Open Lab time. Lab monitors are able to assist you with basic computer and Internet questions.   Also, the ENL department has a web page that has information about each class.  In addition, you will find links to other fun and interesting web sites where you can practice any of your English skills.

 General  Schedule     See the Quarter at a glance for specific schedule. This schedule will depend on the activities planned by the Club you will join this quarter.

!!! In emergencies, please do the following:

1. Inclement weather or emergency information

Go to www.clark.edu or call 360-992-2000 as your first means of getting information.  The College does send notices to radio and television stations, but the College’s web site and switchboard are the official platforms for the most accurate information.

2. Immediate emergency communication alert

To receive immediate notice on emergencies, you can register your cell phone number to receive text pages and your email address to receive email messages.  To do this, go to www.flashalert.net .  Select “Subscribe” on the left, and follow the instructions. Mass communication will also be sent to all college employee phones and computers. 

3. Fire Alarm

Evacuate the building through closest exit; evacuation maps are located in the hallways. Take personal belongings only if it is safe to do so.  Remain at least 50 feet from the building.  Notify others of evacuation.  Do not re-enter building until instructed to do so. 

4. Parking Lot Identifiers

New parking lot identifiers using colors and numbers have been assigned to all Clark parking lots.  To help emergency or security personnel locate you, please refer to these identifying features.

5. Security Escort

* Important:  If you have difficulty hearing, seeing, or any other problem, please let me know! I will do what I can to help.

** See your class schedule for specific assignments and due dates. Check it every day!

09/19/2007