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The objective of the course is to develop high-intermediate English composition
and conversation skills. In writing, you will practice the writing
process (brainstorming, freewriting, mapping, outlining, and editing),
two rhetorical patterns (narration/description and comparison/contrast),
strategies in polishing the introductory and concluding paragraphs, and
skills in composing effective thesis/topic sentences. You will also
produce a synthesis essay. To compose a successful synthesis essay,
you will practice paraphrasing, summarizing, synthesis, and proper documentation
as specified by the Modern Language Association (MLA). In addition,
in the Cultural
Connections Project (CCP), you will
be assigned a pal who is a pre-service teacher studying at Department of
Educational Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A & M and he/she will
help you reinforce your writing skills via email. Journals required
by this course can be waived if you faithfully keep email correspondence
with your American tutor.
Our class conversation activities are designed to complement the writing activities. Topics such as comics, mysterious experiences, definition of love, fads and fashions, pop songs, and news stories will be covered. Besides class conversation activities, a web message board will be set up in the Cultural Connections Project. You are required to enter the message board for discussion at least three times a semester.  |
| Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA
Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 4th ed. New
York: MLA, 1995. Kelly, William J., ed. Strategies and Structure: Short Readings for Composition. Needham Heights, Mass: Allyn & Bacon, © 1996. |
