Upon successful completion of this course, students will improve their writing and speaking skills with emphasis on critical thinking. Students will critically interact with, discuss and write about the subjects we determine using a wide range of academic word lists. The focus is on knowledge that they will enable students to discuss ideas and concepts generated in interactive online class atmosphere through the interpretation of the TEDTALKs and connected passages.
Students will consolidate approach to writing and speaking usage as initiated in previous Academic English classes.
Students will encounter some very interesting topics that should add to and enrich your educational experience as college students. They will also encounter passages that may seem difficult and topics that challenge your way of thinking. By mastering the skills and strategies presented in this course, they will be able to tackle a variety of writing and speaking levels and think more critically about different issues and topics in this and other college courses.
Course Contents
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
Introduction to Academic Writing in Political Science
2nd Week
Essay structure and thesis development
3rd Week
Argumentative essays and counterarguments
4th Week
Using outside sources and avoiding plagiarism
5th Week
Integrating evidence and supporting arguments
6th Week
Midterm essay workshop and revision
7th Week
Midterm Exam
8th Week
Introduction to research writing and topic selection
9th Week
Annotated bibliography and source evaluation
10th Week
Writing a literature review
11th Week
Research paper structure and organization
12th Week
Coherence, hedging, and academic style
13th Week
Academic presentation skills
14th Week
Research presentations
Recommended or Required Reading
Alice Oshima & Ann Hogue. Longman Academic Writing Series 5: Essays to Research Papers (5th Edition).
Bailey, S. (2018). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (5th ed.). Routledge.
Additional instructor-prepared materials and selected International Relations texts.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Lecture
Discussion
Questions/Answers
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity
Percentage (%)
Mid-term
1
20
Assignment
14
30
Oral Exam
14
30
Total(%)
80
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)
80
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)
