EL514/ 518: Academic Research/Writing 3a/ b (EL514: 4 units, 4 credits, EL518: 4 units, 0 credits)

Chiyeko Kristin Takayoshi, Adjunct Instructor in ESL
Winter 2008 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This Advanced writing course is designed to combine the content of a specified Individualized Distance Learning (IDL) course with a presentation of skills and strategies necessary for developing competency in academic research writing. Skills range from organizing a paragraph to writing a research paper, with a focus on the assignments of the IDL course.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Review and reinforce learning outcomes in Level 1a (Intermediate) and Level 2a (High-Intermediate).
2. Write with few grammatical errors by becoming a self-editor.
3. Develop graduate level writing skills (strong thesis, well supported arguments, variety of references, proper citation, proper formatting) in three drafts.
4. Develop academic writing style

- Developing and shaping ideas, focusing purpose
- Strengthening theses, topic sentences and arranging support
- Revising and editing drafts
- Analyzing, evaluating, and arguing issues
- Summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting sources
- Synthesizing information in essays and research papers

5. Gain experience in writing book reviews, academic research papers, and essay examinations

COURSE FORMAT:

This class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class time will be spent building writing skills using a variety of activities, including ESL and IDL content. In addition to the four hours of class time, students will be expected to complete an additional four hours of lab time which focuses on writing skills.

REQUIRED READING:

1. Core, Deborah. The Seminary Student Writes. St. Louis, MI: Chalice Press, 2000.
2. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (7^th edition). Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 2007.

RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Byrd, Patricia and Beverly Benson. Problem/Solution: A Reference for ESL Writers. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1994.
2. Leki, Ilona. Academic Writing: Exploring Processes and Strategies (2^nd edition). New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press, 1995.
3. Reid, Joy M. The Process of Composition, (2nd edition) Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall Regents, 1988.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Homework assignments will be limited to the assignments in the IDL course, which will vary from term to term. In class, students will actively engage in a minimum of 10 academic writing assignments.

PREREQUISITES: Students must be concurrently registered in a specified IDL course and EL513: Writing Lab.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets partial requirements to advance from the ESL Program.

FINAL EXAM: ESL Exit Exam.

Note: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification. Last Date Edited: 10 October 2007