English Composition

Course Overview: Introduction to Writing

Course Title: Introduction to Writing

Course Duration: 9 Weeks

Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to writing, focusing on essential skills needed to produce clear, effective, and well-structured essays. Students will learn techniques for note-taking, paragraph construction, and thesis development, and will become proficient in APA citation. The course also covers critical reading, advanced research strategies, and the integration of research into writing. By the end of the course, students will have developed the ability to craft cohesive essays, analyze literary texts, and apply writing and research techniques effectively.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop effective note-taking and sentence construction skills.
• Utilize pre-writing strategies and write structured paragraphs.
• Craft clear thesis statements and apply APA citation formats.
• Construct and research 5-paragraph essays using library resources.
• Enhance critical reading and text analysis abilities.
• Integrate advanced research and enrich writing with additional details.
• Revise and finalize writing projects, including analytical essays.
• Review and apply all learned concepts through a final exam.

Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Writing Foundations

• Week 1: Notes and Sentences
  • Focus: Effective note-taking and sentence construction.
• Week 2: Pre-Writing and Paragraphs
  • Focus: Pre-writing strategies and paragraph structure.

Module 2: Developing Writing Skills

• Week 3: The Thesis and APA Citations
  • Focus: Crafting thesis statements and APA citation.
• Week 4: The 5 Paragraph Essay and the Library
  • Focus: 5-paragraph essay structure and library research.

Module 3: Critical Reading and Advanced Research

• Week 5: Reading Critically
  • Focus: Critical reading and text analysis.
• Week 6: Researching and the Sprinkles
  • Focus: Advanced research techniques and enriching writing.

Module 4: Integrating and Finalizing Writing Skills

• Week 7: Putting it All Together
  • Focus: Integrating course elements into cohesive essays.
• Week 8: Dubliners and Finishing Strong
  • Focus: Literary analysis of Dubliners and final writing tips.

Module 5: Review and Assessment

• Week 9: Course Review and Final Exam
  • Focus: Reviewing key concepts and demonstrating knowledge through a final exam.

Course Materials:

• Textbooks and articles provided by the instructor.
• Access to library resources and research databases.
• APA Style Manual for citation guidelines.

Assessment Methods:

• Homework assignments and exercises.
• Peer reviews and writing workshops.
• Analytical essays and research papers.
• Final exam and reflective essay.

Prerequisites:

• No prior writing experience required; basic proficiency in English is beneficial.

Course Format:

• Lectures, workshops, and discussions.
• Individual and group activities.
• Online and in-class assignments.

Instructor Contact Information:

• [Instructor’s Name]
• [Email Address]
• [Office Hours]

This overview provides a structured approach to learning essential writing skills and prepares students for more advanced writing tasks in academic and professional settings.