TEXT: The text for this course is contained on this web site. All required readings and documents are linked from the Assignments Page. For your convenience, a print version is available at low cost (under $20) from Lulu Publishing, an online, print-on-demand publisher.

The print-on-demand system keeps the cost low. This text is not available through the bookstore because it would cost substantially more. If you order a print copy, it will take about one week to arrive. You can pay through PayPal, a very secure online payment system owned by EBay, or use a credit card. Because of the college's contract with the B&N bookstore, they will tell you there is no text for this course. I am not allowed to refer you to any other source of books, but this web site in not subject to college approval. My purpose is to save you money.

NOTE: you do not have to purchase anything. The printed version is offered for your convenience, but everything you need is available free on this web site.

You can order your print or PDF copy through the Jud Sage storefront at www.lulu.com.

Course Procedures

• You are not required to attend any on-campus meetings, but you must complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Quizzes and Exams are conducted on line through Blackboard and should be taken in sequence. Students will report to a testing center on any NVCC campus to take the midterm and final exams. You can arrange to take exams elsewhere by submitting a Proctor Request form for alternate proctoring location.
• ELI Testing Information Page
• Print exam pass before going to the testing center. You will need a College Photo ID to use testing, library services, printers, etc., on campus. Your exam passes are in Blackboard.
• Exam and Quizzes links will be on the Exams and Quizzes tabs in Blackboard.
• Practice quizzes do not count toward your grade. You may take them as often as you like or print them for study purposes. Questions will be similar to those on the regular quiz or exam and will cover the same general material.
• Optional online discussion forums in Blackboard: Responses to topical questions and comments by colleagues. Counts for extra credit based on regular participation.

SKILLS:  This course requires intensive reading and good writing skills.  You should be able to read and write at a level sufficient to complete English 111 successfully.  If your reading and writing skills are not yet ready to do college work, your grade will no doubt reflect that fact. I do not recommend taking this course until you have completed ESL. If you have questions in this area, email the instructor. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is encouraged to contact a Counselor for Disability Services. For additional information, please contact an ELI counselor at elicounselors@nvcc.edu or (703) 323-2425. All information is kept confidential and may increase your chances of success in the academic setting.

Technical Requirements

1. You will not have to come to campus for this course. Consequently, you need to have regular computer access in order to complete the requirements.
2. Your computer should be equipped with at least 128 megabytes of RAM and an Internet connection via 56K modem or higher. High speed access is preferable. (You will be able to access most course materials with a somewhat less than up-to-date machine.)
3. You should have Shockwave Player installed and audio capability with headset or speakers. Free download from Adobe.com.
4. Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher is highly recommended. Even if your ISP, such as AOL, has its own browser, you will probably be better off if you open IE once you are on line. You can download IE free from Microsoft. The Firefox Browser is available at www.mozilla.com. Google Chrome is at www.google.com.
5. You will need a printer connection unless you are prepared to read lengthy documents on line.

Computer skills are now an assumed part of the education process. Students should be able to:

• Participate in the course through the Internet;
• Send and receive email, including attaching files or opening attached files;
• Participate in an online forum (specific instructions will be provided);
• Access resources on the World Wide Web and know how to document those sources.

Please note that the pages on this web site are copyrighted, (except for documents.) You may print or copy them for your own personal use but may not redistribute, post or use them for any commercial purpose without express permission of the author. In accordance with common practice on the Internet, feel free to link to these pages.