College Readiness - Course Descriptions
For more information about who needs to take college readiness courses, please view the understanding Accuplacer scores page.
The course descriptions listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Reading Courses
READ0080 Reading I (4 Credits)
This college reading course offers a step-by-step approach to building the reading skills needed to successfully comprehend college-level textbook readings. Students practice reading comprehension skills and strategies, and then apply them to college-level textbook readings. Students also work on vocabulary acquisition through the study of academic words typically found in college-level reading materials. Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Reading are indicated in parentheses after each competency on the Common Course Outline. (Prerequisites: None)
READ0085 Reading and Critical Thinking I and II Modular (6 Credits)
In this beginning and intermediate combination reading course, students first practice basic reading strategies using a computer-based reading program. They practice only the reading skills in which they are deficient. Deficiencies are identified by a diagnostic reading test taking at the beginning of the course. After practicing basic reading strategies in a computer-based reading program, students then expand and apply these reading strategies in Reading and Critical Thinking II, the application section of the course. The application section takes place in an actual classroom, and utilizes reading textbooks and supplemental literature in the application of reading strategies and concepts learned. Students must score 50-62 on the Reading Comprehension portion of the Accuplacer Test in order to enroll in this course. A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of this course. This course does not fulfill General Education requirements. This course is equivalent to READ 0090. (Prerequisites: Must have a score of 50-62 on the Reading portion of the Accuplacer test)
READ0090 Reading and Critical Thinking II (4 Credits)
This intermediate-to-advanced reading course focuses on applying the reading strategies, concepts, and skills learned in Reading I. This application course utilizes college-level texts of all genres in the application of reading comprehension strategies, concepts, and skills. A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of this course. This course does not fulfill General Education requirements. (Prerequisites: Reading Comprehension score of 63 through 77 on the Accuplacer Reading Test, or satisfactory completion of Reading I.)
READ0095 Integrated Literacy (8 Credits)
Integrated Literacy provides intensive instruction in critical thinking, reading, and writing in preparation for English 100 (Composition) and other 100-level courses. Coursework will emphasize independent reading of complex academic texts, critical response to ideas and information in academic texts, and writing essays that integrate ideas and information from academic texts. Note: This course fulfills the requirements of READ 0080, READ 0090, ENGL 0080, and ENGL 0090. (Prerequisite: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 230 or higher, OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 50 or higher, OR MCA Reading score of 900 or above.)
Writing Courses
ENGL0080 English and Writing I (4 Credits)
This course offers a review in the use, basic study, and review of the Standard English language and an introduction to writing essays. The course emphasizes the development of narrative, expository, and argument writing skills using a writing process that includes pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing final drafts for proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Writing and Language are indicated in parentheses after each competency on the Common Course Outline. (Prerequisites: None)
ENGL0085 Writing and English I and II Modular (6 Credits)
In this beginning and intermediate combination writing course, students practice basic grammar and sentence writing skills for two hours per week using a computer-based writing program. Students practice only the writing skills in which they are deficient. Deficiencies are identified by a diagnostic sentence skills test taken at the beginning of the course. While practicing basic sentence writing skills in a computer-based writing program, students concurrently expand and apply these writing skills in the intermediate section, ENGL 0090, which meets an additional four hours per week. The ENGL 0090 section takes place in a traditional classroom and utilizes writing textbooks, teacher instruction, and implementation of the writing process to apply the writing skills and concepts learned. Students must score 50-62 on the Reading Comprehension portion of the Accuplacer Test in order to enroll in this course. This course does not fulfill General Education requirements. Successful completion of this course is equivalent to successful completion of ENGL 0090. (Prerequisite: Must have a score of 50-62 on the Reading portion of the Accuplacer Test)
ENGL0090 Writing and English II (4 Credits)
This course consists of a review of Standard English grammar, including English usage, sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Students will also study the writing process as it applies to writing both paragraphs and essays. The final project of this class will consist of developing, writing, and editing a persuasive essay. (Prerequisite: Must have a score of 63 or higher on the Reading portion of the Accuplacer test or completion of ENGL 0080 with a grade of C- or higher, or completion of EAP 0040 with a grade of C- or higher)
Math Courses
MATH0075 Introductory Algebra (4 Credits)
This course is designed to provide students with a review of basic fundamentals of algebra and mathematics. Topics include: algebraic expressions, functions, polynomials, exponents, solving and graphing linear equalities and inequalities, interpreting data in graphical form, factoring polynomials, simplifying rational expressions, and solving and simplifying radical and rational equations. Students needing foundational level improvement are highly encouraged to gain this first and/or concurrently with this course. Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics indicated in parenthesis after each competency on the Common Course Outline. (Prerequisites: None)
MATH0085 Intermediate Algebra (4 Credits)
This course is function - based. It starts with a general overview of equations and inequalities. It then proceeds to cover linear functions, polynomial and rational functions, quadratic functions, equations involving radicals, and absolute values. Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics are indicated in parentheses after each competency on the Common Course Outline. (Prerequisites: Must have a score of 56 or higher on the Arithmetic portion of the Accuplacer test or completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C or higher)
MATH0095 Elementary and Intermediate Algebra (6 Credits)
This course is function - based. It starts with a brief overview of the number system and continues through equations and inequalities. It then proceeds to cover linear functions, polynomial and rational functions, quadratic functions, equations involving radicals, and absolute values. This course includes the latter part of Math 0075 and all of Math 0085. Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics are indicated in parentheses after each competency on the Common Course Outline. (Prerequisite: score 36 or above on the Accuplacer Arithmetic test or a score of 250 on the Arithmetic portion of the Next Generation Accuplacer.)