The aim of this course is to equip students with the fundamental skills needed for academic reading and writing. The course will enable students to improve their reading and writing skills in an integrated way along with a strong emphasis on developing their critical thinking skills.
Lecture, discussion, demonstration, oral and written feedback, use of written and audio-visual materials.
Principle Sources
Course Material:
Materials will be provided, please check CATS "resources" section on a regular basis.
Barnet, Sylvain, et al. Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Brief Guide to Argument. Bedford- St. Martin's. 2017.
Zemach, D. E., & Rumisek, L. A. Academic writing: From paragraph to essay. Macmillan. 2019.
Other Sources
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction to the course
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
2. Week
The Structure Of A Paragraph – The Development Of A Paragraph
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
3. Week
Paragraph Writing: - Coherence and Unity in Writing
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
4. Week
What is Essay? Topic sentences – Supporting Sentences- Conclusion of a Paragraph
Topic Sentence/
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
5. Week
What is Essay? Thesis statement – Introductory Part of An Essay / Outlining
Components of an Essay: Introduction – Body – Conclusion
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
6. Week
Avoiding Plagiarism and Using Citation Techniques
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
7. Week
Paraphrasing, summarizing and direct quoting
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
8. Week
Midterm
Midterm
9. Week
Academic Language – Style and Register
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
10. Week
Argumentative Essay
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
11. Week
Argumentative Essay
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
12. Week
Cause and Effect Essay – Comparison and Contrast Writing
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
13. Week
Cause and Effect Essay – Comparison and Contrast Writing
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
14. Week
Response Paper / Reaction Paper
Group discussions, group work, writing tasks, reading, homework.
15. Week
Final Exam
Final Exam
16. Week
17. Week
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
30
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
1
20
Attendance
1
10
Final Exam
1
40
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Show knowledge of a substantial range of authors, movements and texts from different periods of literary history.
PO-2
Identify the intellectual, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature
is written and read.
PO-3
Employ the necessary skills in the reading, analysis and in appreciation of literature.
PO-4
Recognize, interpret, and comment on rhetorical and figurative language.
PO-5
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of texts written in the principle literary genres.
PO-6
Recall and define key terms and concepts relating to language, literature and/or culture.
PO-7
Recognize the role of different social and cultural contexts in affecting meaning.
PO-8
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
PO-9
Recognize different structures and discourse functions of the English language.
PO-10
Display competence both in written and/or oral expression and in the
communication of ideas in a variety of contexts.
PO-11
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation,
and analysis of literary and non-literary texts.
PO-12
Use logical thought, critical reasoning, and rhetorical skills to effectively
construct arguments.
PO-13
Apply guided research skills including the ability to gather, sift, organize and
present information and material.
PO-14
Show competence in planning, preparation and revision of essays,
presentations, and other written and project work.
PO-15
Reflect on ethical and philosophical issues raised in literary, critical, and
cultural texts.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
have knowledge about the basics of academic reading and writing.
LO-2
employ fundamental reading and writing strategies in an integrated way in their comprehension and production of texts.
LO-3
identify and define the main argument in a reading text and employ similar strategies in generating ideas and constructing their main arguments in their own writing.
LO-4
identify and define supporting details in a reading text and summarize and paraphrase.
LO-5
demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
LO-6
revise their knowledge of grammar and employ accurate use of complex and clear structures in their own writing.
LO-7
display competence both in the use of written and spoken English.
LO-8
develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills in constructing arguments and writing responses/ short essays.
