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English Department – Reading, Literature and Foundational Studies

Carleta L. Alston, MA

Department Chair

Students taking English courses are prepared to successfully complete college-level English courses for transfer or to receive a degree in General Studies.

Multiple-disciplines

The English Department is comprised of multiple-discipline courses: English 098, 100, 101, and 102 composition sequences, Literature, Reading 099 / Reading125, and Foundational Studies Reading and Writing, which are pre-credit courses. They promote increased literacy and fluency in the various forms of English language communication and reading comprehension and development.  They advance the development and expression of critical, rational thought by the analysis of texts derived from diverse origins; by the creation of original compositions; and, by examining language’s manifold styles, structures, and conventions.

English

Students Learning Outcomes include:

  • Read, evaluate, and select source materials for the creation of well-developed, coherent writing;
  • Employ sophisticated logic and reasoning;
  • Utilize college-level Standard American English grammar, vocabulary, and conventions;
  • Identify main points, supporting evidence, and organizational patterns while engaging critically with written texts; and
  • Construct well-organized written documents appropriate to college-level caliber.

Reading defined

Reading is more than phonics, decoding written words into sound, word identification, and vocabulary development. Reading is a complex transactional process that requires thought and individual construction of meaning from the text.  Weaver (2002) stated, “Learning to read means learning to bring meaning to a text in order to get meaning from, or understand, a text” (p.14).

The Reading Department at Malcolm X College is committed to providing comprehensive reading instruction aimed at advancing student reading skills necessary for academic, professional and personal success.  Students are provided a variety of reading experiences, including cross disciplinary, multi-genre and multi-modal textual experience.  Through the course of reading study, students enhance:

  • semantic awareness
  • comprehension
  • fluency, accuracy
  • access to disciplinary discourse
  • rhetorical thought and expression
  • written expression
  • new literacy skills (technology)

New initiatives

The Reading Department is focused on providing in-class and out-of-class literacy experiences.  We are currently working on two literacy initiatives: The Literacy Circle (an inviting book discussion forum) and Reading Clinic committed to raising individualized literacy skills.. 

The English Department also oversees Foundational Studies in Writing and Reading.  Students in these levels are expected to develop basic writing and reading skills to prepare for the composition and reading sequences up to credit-level courses.

Administrative Assistant: Tonya Gilmer

 
 

Programs

 

Faculty & Staff

Name Phone Email Office
Carleta L. Alston
Michael Callon
Ted Fields
Sakeena Khan
Rong Lin (dual department)
Maria Lani Montreal
Lisa Owens
Valerie Pell
David Rice
Vincent Francone
(312) 850-7296
(312) 850-7317
(312) 850-7295
(312) 850-7315
(312) 850-7316
(312) 850-7318
(312) 850-7327
(312) 850-7317
(312) 850-7325
(312) 850-7296
calston@ccc.edu
mcallon@ccc.edu
tfields18@ccc.edu
skhan126@ccc.edu
rlin7@ccc.edu
mmontreal@ccc.edu
lowens10@ccc.edu
vpell@ccc.edub
drice@ccc.edu
vfrancone@ccc.edu
Room 2509
Room 2518
Room 2517
Room 2511
Room 2514
Room 2516
Room 2524
Room 2515
Room 2530
Room 2518

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Contact Information

Phone: 
(312) 850-7324
Fax: 
312) 850-7338
1900 W. Van Buren St.
Room 2519
Chicago, IL 60612
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Hours

Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Closed Saturday and Sunday

Office hours are subject to change during registration week.

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