Process: How to write (the steps).
Product: What the final paper looks like (structure and format).
Criticality: How to think and use evidence.
Language: The appropriate style and tone.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Topics
Module 1: Foundation & Mindset Shift
Topic: What is Academic Writing?
Contrasting personal/creative/high school writing with academic writing.
Key characteristics: formal tone, evidence-based, clear structure, precise language, objective stance, and purpose (to analyze, argue, inform).
Topic: Understanding the Assignment
How to deconstruct essay questions and prompts.
Identifying key task words: analyze, compare, contrast, criticize, define, discuss, evaluate, explain, justify, summarize.
The importance of following instructions (word count, format, etc.).
Module 2: The Writing Process (The How)
Topic: Pre-Writing & Brainstorming
Techniques: Freewriting, mind mapping, listing, questioning (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How).
Moving from a broad topic to a specific focus.
Topic: Developing a Thesis Statement
This is a critical skill. A thesis is a debatable claim, not a statement of fact.
Formula: Specific Topic + Your Argument/Position = Thesis.
Teaching what makes a strong vs. a weak thesis.
Topic: Organizing Ideas & Outline Creation
Creating a basic outline: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
How to group brainstormed ideas into logical body paragraphs.
Using the outline as a roadmap, not a straitjacket.
Module 3: Research & Using Sources
Topic: Introduction to Academic Sources
What are peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and credible websites vs. non-credible sources (blogs, wikis, popular magazines).
Basic introduction to the university library database.
Topic: Active Reading and Note-Taking
Reading with a purpose: skimming for main ideas, scanning for specific information.
How to take useful notes: paraphrasing, summarizing, and selective quoting.
Topic: Introduction to Academic Integrity
The definition of plagiarism and why it is a serious offense.
The basic concept of citing sources to give credit and build credibility.
Module 4: Structure & Paragraph Development (The Product)
Topic: Crafting a Strong Introduction
The "funnel" structure: General background -> narrower context -> thesis statement.
Hooks and their purpose.
Topic: Building Effective Body Paragraphs
The T.E.E.L. or P.E.E. model is essential for beginners:
Topic Sentence: What is this paragraph about? (The claim)
Evidence: Data, quotes, examples from your research. (The proof)
Explanation: How does your evidence prove your topic sentence? (Your analysis)
Link: Connect back to the thesis or to the next paragraph. (The connection)
Topic: Writing a Meaningful Conclusion
Not just summarizing. Restate the thesis in new words, summarize main points, and provide a final "so what?" – the larger implication, recommendation, or question for further thought.
Rule: No new information in the conclusion.
Module 5: Evidence & Argument (Criticality)
Topic: The Role of Evidence
Using sources to support your points, not replace your own voice.
Selecting the most relevant evidence, not just any evidence.
Topic: Analysis vs. Summary
Summary tells what the source says (retelling).
Analysis explains why it's important and how it supports your argument (adding your unique insight). This is the core of university writing.
Topic: Introducing and Integrating Quotes
Never "drop" a quote. Use signal phrases (e.g., "As Smith argues,...", "According to recent data,...").
The basic formula: Introduce quote + Quote + (Citation) + Explain/Analyze quote.
Module 6: Style, Clarity, and Language
Topic: Formal Academic Tone
Avoiding contractions (can't -> cannot), colloquialisms, and slang.
Using precise vocabulary. Avoiding "thing," "stuff," "a lot."
Topic: Sentence Clarity and Conciseness
Avoiding wordiness and redundancy.
Preferring active voice over passive voice where appropriate.
Topic: Transitions and Flow
Using transition words and phrases to show relationships between ideas (furthermore, in contrast, however, as a result, for example).
Module 7: Revision and Editing (The Final Step)
Topic: The Difference Between Revising and Editing
Revising ("seeing again"): Looking at the big picture (argument, structure, flow). Is my paper logical?
Editing: Fixing sentence-level errors (grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting).
Topic: Proofreading Strategies
Reading aloud, reading backwards, using text-to-speech software.
Creating a personal checklist of common errors.
Module 8: Citation and Formatting Basics
Topic: Why We Cite
Avoiding plagiarism, giving credit, allowing readers to find sources, building ethos.
Topic: Introduction to a Major Citation Style (e.g., APA, MLA)
Focus on the absolute basics: how to format a parenthetical in-text citation and how to create a corresponding entry on the References (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) page.
Use practical examples for common sources (a book, a journal article, a website).
Sample Syllabus Structure (Over a 12-14 Week Semester)
Weeks 1-2: Foundation. Introduction to academic writing, understanding assignments, brainstorming, and developing a thesis.
Weeks 3-4: Research. Finding sources, note-taking, academic integrity, and plagiarism.
Weeks 5-6: Structure. Outline workshop, writing introductions and conclusions, the T.E.E.L. paragraph model.
Weeks 7-8: Argument. Using evidence, analyzing vs. summarizing, integrating quotes.
Week 9: Style & Clarity. Academic tone, conciseness, and transitions.
Weeks 10-11: Citation & Drafting. In-text citation and reference list practice. Peer review workshop.
Week 12: Revision. Strategies for revising and editing. Final proofreading.
Week 13/14: Final Paper Due & Portfolio Review.
Assessment Ideas:
Low-stakes assignments: Annotated bibliography, thesis statement exercises, outline submission, single paragraph analysis.
High-stakes assignments: A full, short (3-5 page) argumentative research paper that incorporates all the skills learned.
In-class workshops: Peer review sessions, library database scavenger hunts, grammar and citation quizzes.
This structured approach ensures students build their skills progressively, from the foundational concept of a thesis all the way to a polished final paper.
Module 1: Foundation & Mindset Shift
Topic: What is Academic Writing?
Contrasting personal/creative/high school writing with academic writing.
Key characteristics: formal tone, evidence-based, clear structure, precise language, objective stance, and purpose (to analyze, argue, inform).
Topic: Understanding the Assignment
How to deconstruct essay questions and prompts.
Identifying key task words: analyze, compare, contrast, criticize, define, discuss, evaluate, explain, justify, summarize.
The importance of following instructions (word count, format, etc.).
Module 2: The Writing Process (The How)
Topic: Pre-Writing & Brainstorming
Techniques: Freewriting, mind mapping, listing, questioning (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How).
Moving from a broad topic to a specific focus.
Topic: Developing a Thesis Statement
This is a critical skill. A thesis is a debatable claim, not a statement of fact.
Formula: Specific Topic + Your Argument/Position = Thesis.
Teaching what makes a strong vs. a weak thesis.
Topic: Organizing Ideas & Outline Creation
Creating a basic outline: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
How to group brainstormed ideas into logical body paragraphs.
Using the outline as a roadmap, not a straitjacket.
Module 3: Research & Using Sources
Topic: Introduction to Academic Sources
What are peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and credible websites vs. non-credible sources (blogs, wikis, popular magazines).
Basic introduction to the university library database.
Topic: Active Reading and Note-Taking
Reading with a purpose: skimming for main ideas, scanning for specific information.
How to take useful notes: paraphrasing, summarizing, and selective quoting.
Topic: Introduction to Academic Integrity
The definition of plagiarism and why it is a serious offense.
The basic concept of citing sources to give credit and build credibility.
Module 4: Structure & Paragraph Development (The Product)
Topic: Crafting a Strong Introduction
The "funnel" structure: General background -> narrower context -> thesis statement.
Hooks and their purpose.
Topic: Building Effective Body Paragraphs
The T.E.E.L. or P.E.E. model is essential for beginners:
Topic Sentence: What is this paragraph about? (The claim)
Evidence: Data, quotes, examples from your research. (The proof)
Explanation: How does your evidence prove your topic sentence? (Your analysis)
Link: Connect back to the thesis or to the next paragraph. (The connection)
Topic: Writing a Meaningful Conclusion
Not just summarizing. Restate the thesis in new words, summarize main points, and provide a final "so what?" – the larger implication, recommendation, or question for further thought.
Rule: No new information in the conclusion.
Module 5: Evidence & Argument (Criticality)
Topic: The Role of Evidence
Using sources to support your points, not replace your own voice.
Selecting the most relevant evidence, not just any evidence.
Topic: Analysis vs. Summary
Summary tells what the source says (retelling).
Analysis explains why it's important and how it supports your argument (adding your unique insight). This is the core of university writing.
Topic: Introducing and Integrating Quotes
Never "drop" a quote. Use signal phrases (e.g., "As Smith argues,...", "According to recent data,...").
The basic formula: Introduce quote + Quote + (Citation) + Explain/Analyze quote.
Module 6: Style, Clarity, and Language
Topic: Formal Academic Tone
Avoiding contractions (can't -> cannot), colloquialisms, and slang.
Using precise vocabulary. Avoiding "thing," "stuff," "a lot."
Topic: Sentence Clarity and Conciseness
Avoiding wordiness and redundancy.
Preferring active voice over passive voice where appropriate.
Topic: Transitions and Flow
Using transition words and phrases to show relationships between ideas (furthermore, in contrast, however, as a result, for example).
Module 7: Revision and Editing (The Final Step)
Topic: The Difference Between Revising and Editing
Revising ("seeing again"): Looking at the big picture (argument, structure, flow). Is my paper logical?
Editing: Fixing sentence-level errors (grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting).
Topic: Proofreading Strategies
Reading aloud, reading backwards, using text-to-speech software.
Creating a personal checklist of common errors.
Module 8: Citation and Formatting Basics
Topic: Why We Cite
Avoiding plagiarism, giving credit, allowing readers to find sources, building ethos.
Topic: Introduction to a Major Citation Style (e.g., APA, MLA)
Focus on the absolute basics: how to format a parenthetical in-text citation and how to create a corresponding entry on the References (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) page.
Use practical examples for common sources (a book, a journal article, a website).
Sample Syllabus Structure (Over a 12-14 Week Semester)
Weeks 1-2: Foundation. Introduction to academic writing, understanding assignments, brainstorming, and developing a thesis.
Weeks 3-4: Research. Finding sources, note-taking, academic integrity, and plagiarism.
Weeks 5-6: Structure. Outline workshop, writing introductions and conclusions, the T.E.E.L. paragraph model.
Weeks 7-8: Argument. Using evidence, analyzing vs. summarizing, integrating quotes.
Week 9: Style & Clarity. Academic tone, conciseness, and transitions.
Weeks 10-11: Citation & Drafting. In-text citation and reference list practice. Peer review workshop.
Week 12: Revision. Strategies for revising and editing. Final proofreading.
Week 13/14: Final Paper Due & Portfolio Review.
Assessment Ideas:
Low-stakes assignments: Annotated bibliography, thesis statement exercises, outline submission, single paragraph analysis.
High-stakes assignments: A full, short (3-5 page) argumentative research paper that incorporates all the skills learned.
In-class workshops: Peer review sessions, library database scavenger hunts, grammar and citation quizzes.
This structured approach ensures students build their skills progressively, from the foundational concept of a thesis all the way to a polished final paper.
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