COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course enhances advanced reading and writing skills essential for proficient academic communication. Students will actively participate in the writing process, explore various rhetorical strategies, and acquire fundamental library research competencies through assignments focused primarily on nonfiction texts. Special emphasis will be placed on improving reading comprehension, research skills, and the critical role of revision in producing polished academic writing.
As the course progresses, students will refine their ability to generate clear and structured writing while developing strategic approaches to their composition. Various texts will be critically analyzed, serving as foundations for writing tasks. Mastery of MLA and APA citation styles will be a key outcome, alongside developing strong thesis statements and well-supported arguments, ensuring students become skilled and persuasive writers.
Key Topics Covered
- Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Cultivating the ability to analyze and evaluate texts critically.
- Writing in an Objective and Academic Style: Practicing formal writing conventions appropriate for academic contexts.
- Understanding and Applying the Stages of Writing: Mastering the processes of drafting, revising, and finalizing written work.
- Conducting Research and Incorporating Supporting Evidence: Enhancing research capabilities to effectively substantiate thesis statements and arguments.
- Considering Audience Needs: Tailoring writing to meet the expectations and requirements of the intended readership.
- Structuring Effective Introductions and Conclusions: Developing skills to craft engaging openings and thoughtful conclusions.
- Mastering Writing Techniques: Demonstrating control over essential writing elements such as paragraph structure, punctuation, and spelling.
REFERENCE MATERIALS for Full-CLC Students
“A full CLC award signifies that the student has attained the knowledge, through either prior education or experience, equivalent to or greater than what would be learned in a traditional college course. Physical attendance is not required; however, successful completion of a final exam for each course is mandatory.”
Reference Materials
- (2011) Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing, Volume 2: Parlor Press West Lafayette. Edited by Charles Lowe and Pavel Zemliansky
- (2010) Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing, Volume 1: Parlor Press West Lafayette. Edited by Charles Lowe and Pavel Zemliansky
- (2015) How to Write Descriptively. Nalo Hopkinson.
- (2015) An Introduction to Academic Writing. John Kotnarowski. NUST MISIS Academic Writing Center
- (2015) How to Use a Semicolon. Emma Bryce.
- (2015) When to Use Apostrophes. Laura Mclure.
- (2013) Comma Story. Terisa Folaron
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Additional Resource Materials:
USILACS is committed to the success of its students. For those needing a knowledge refresher or wishing to expand their understanding of the subject, it is recommended that they review some of the online education resources below:
FREE Online College Courses:
- Khan Academy Link
- edX Link
- Coursera Link
- Open Culture Link
- MIT Link
- Carnegie Mellon Link
- Stanford Online Link
Tips for Success
Some reference materials are extensive books with hundreds of pages. To quickly find answers within these books, follow these steps:
- Use the Table of Contents: Start by reviewing the table of contents to identify relevant chapters or sections that pertain to your topic of interest.
- Utilize the Index: The index at the back of the book can be an invaluable tool. Look up specific keywords or topics to find the exact pages where they are discussed.
- Perform a Keyword Search: If the book is in a digital format (PDF, eBook, etc.), use the search function (often accessed with Ctrl+F or Command+F) to find specific terms or phrases within the text.
- Read Summaries and Abstracts: Focus on chapter summaries or abstracts, which often provide concise overviews of the main points covered.
- Skim Strategically: Skim through headings, subheadings, and highlighted or bolded terms to quickly locate sections that are likely to contain the information you need.
- Consult Study Guides or Companion Materials: If available, use any study guides, companion materials, or outlines that accompany the book to direct you to key information.
By employing these strategies, you can efficiently navigate extensive reference materials to find the answers you need.