Programs and Courses
Reading
General Information
For Information: Frederica Johnson
Phone: 623.845.3751
Learning to read well is a lifetime process. Reading courses provide opportunities for greater mental growth by improving reading skills and study techniques. A variety of courses ranging from basic to advanced are offered to meet the specific needs of all levels of readers. CRE101 is a required course for students seeking the AA or AGS, and CRE101 or 111 for the AAS degree.
Transferability: Courses numbered 100 or above transfer as electives.
Course Descriptions
Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally
Critical Reading (CRE)
CRE101
Critical and Evaluative
Reading I / 3 credits 3 periods
Emphasis on applying critical inquiry skills to varied and challenging reading materials. Includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation through written discourse. Prerequisites: ENG101 and reading placement test score of 41 or higher (ASSET), or grade of “C” or better in RDG091, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)
To register for CRE101, students MUST have completed ENG101/107 with a grade of "C" or better. Additionally, students must have one of the following: an appropriate ASSET score, permission of instructor, or completion of RDG091 with a grade of "C" or better.
CRE111
Critical Reading for
Business and Industry / 3 credits 3 periods
Emphasis on reading skills required for success in business and technology. Includes interpretation of technical and professional materials with an emphasis on critical analysis and reading. Prerequisites: Reading (ASSET) test score, or grade of “C” or better in RDG091, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E)
Reading Education (RDG)
RDG008
Phonics / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for students who are learning English as a second language. Includes the study of the speech sounds used in English as represented by the written symbols of the alphabet; recognition of spelling patterns and resulting pronunciation; and diacritical markings. Prerequisites: Reading placement score (ASSET) or permission of instructor.
RDG010
Reading English as
a Second Language I / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for students who are learning English as a second language. Provides students with skills needed to become proficient readers in English. Teaches sound symbol relationships of the English alphabet. Expands essential vocabulary for daily communication both in isolation and context. Includes development of reading comprehension skills. Prerequisites: Appropriate ESL placement test score. (F,D,E,S,D)
RDG013
Spelling Development for ESL Speakers
(Non-Native Speakers) / 3 credits 3 periods
Study of basic English spelling principles with emphasis on common spelling errors due to mispronunciation. Examination of homonyms, homophones, homographs, and contractions. Creating personalized mnemonic techniques to spell problem words. Prerequisites: RDG010 with grade of "C" or better, or permission of instructor.
RDG014
Advanced Vocabulary for ESL Speakers
(Non-native Speakers) / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed to expand and improve reading vocabulary skills. Emphasis on understanding advanced vocabulary in both context and isolation through practice and review. Vocabulary building strategies which will aid in ongoing study of words. Emphasis on both learning and using more advanced vocabulary effectively. Prerequisites: RDG010 with grade of “C” or better, or permission of instructor.
RDG020
Reading English as a
Second Language II / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for students who are learning English as a second language. Includes continued development of vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Prerequisites: Appropriate ESL placement test score or grade of "C" or better in RDG010 or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E)
RDG030
Reading English as a
Second Language III / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for students who are learning English as a second language students. Includes instruction for more advanced vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Prerequisites: Appropriate ESL placement test score or grade of "C" or better in RDG020 or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E)
RDG040
Reading English as a
Second Language IV / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for students of English as a second language. Includes development of advanced vocabulary, comprehension skills, and culture awareness. Prerequisites: Appropriate ESL placement test score or grade of "C" or better in RDG030 or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E)
RDG071
Basic Reading / 3 credits 3 periods
Provide opportunities for practice and application of basic reading skills. Word recognition skills including phonic analysis, structural analysis, use of context, and use of dictionary, reinforced through practical application. Development of vocabulary required for success in content area courses. Emphasis on literal comprehension and figurative interpretation using materials selected to build background knowledge. Prerequisites: Reading placement test score, or Grade of C or better in RDG040, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D)
RDG078
Spelling Improvement / 2 credits 2 periods
Study of common spelling errors due to mispronunciation with emphasis on the most useful spelling principles. Examination of homonyms and similar words frequently misspelled and prefix definitions. Recognition techniques used to correct errors in spelling and mnemonic devices useful in spelling difficult or problem words. College preparatory level. Prerequisites: Reading placement score (ASSET), or permission of instructor. (O)
RDG079
Vocabulary Improvement / 2 credits 2 periods
Systematic methods of increasing vocabulary by emphasizing the most important affixes, Latin, and Greek roots. Content analysis techniques. Common foreign words and phrases used in English, vocabularies of areas of study and interest. Interpretation of information in dictionary entries. Examination of words frequently confused and misused. College preparatory level. Prerequisites: None. (O)
RDG081
Reading Improvement / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed to improve basic reading skills. Includes word recognition, prediction of contents of reading selections, and development of basic vocabulary. Emphasis on identifying main ideas and related details. Reviews following directions and the understanding of graphic materials. Prerequisites: Placement test scores, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E,Su1)
RDG091
College Reading Skills I / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed to improve basic reading and study skills, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Recommended to all students whose placement test scores indicate a need for reading instruction. Prerequisites: Reading placement score (ASSET), or a grade of “C” or better in RDG081, or permission of instructor. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)
RDG100
College Study Skills / 3 credits 3 periods
Analysis of learning styles and development of individual learning strategies. Introduction of library research techniques. Emphasis on learning and study techniques applicable to any college course. Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in RDG091 or permission of instructor. (Su1,D)


