This
first semester course focuses on developing reading skills through the use of
in-class timed readings and comprehension questions, intensive readings with
comprehension and vocabulary building activities, and extensive reading
conducted mostly outside of class time. Homework will consist of reading for
meaning, for pleasure, and for the purpose of vocabulary building. The overall goals of the
course are to increase reading fluency, to improve understanding of grammatical
forms and vocabulary encountered in simplified written texts, and to gain
skills and strategies necessary for further development of reading
comprehension. It is hoped that students will also develop an increased
interest in EFL reading.