2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
Academic Writing in English 12
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Lorinda Kiyama
- Class Format
- Exercise
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAE.E362
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 19, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
We will improve expository writing skills in English, along with reading comprehension, vocabulary, advanced grammar, and critical thinking skills. Classes are taught entirely in English and will include discussion and sharing of written work with classmates.
Course description and aims
Students will be able to write a variety of kinds of academic documents and a research essay in English and will increase their academic vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and collaborative editing abilities. They will discuss the features of clear and concise writing in English with examples.
Keywords
academic writing in English; essays; discussion
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Students will practice the following academic writing genres: formal email communication; CV/resume; formal letter of interest in an academic opportunity; grant proposal; research essay. They will write at least two drafts of the final research essay.
If there are many students wishing to enroll, there may be a limit on the number of students. Students wishing to enroll must attend the first class. Additionally, do not purchase the textbook until enrollment in the class has been confirmed during the first class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Academic written communication: formal emails & CVs/resumes | write a CV or resume |
| Class 2 | Review formal emails & CVs/resumes; follow models to write an academic letter of interest in a formal position | write an academic letter of interest for a formal position |
| Class 3 | Review formal letters of interest; analyze various kinds of grant proposals | write a grant proposal |
| Class 4 | Review grant proposals; analyze research essays and brainstorm a topic; thesis statements; preliminary outlines | research a topic for an academic essay; write a preliminary thesis statement & outline |
| Class 5 | Analyze own research writing process through reflection on video advice from academic experts; narrative outline of academic research essay; citations and works cited | write a narrative outline of your research essay & works cited or references list |
| Class 6 | Peer review of narrative outline & references; techniques for effective introductions, transitions, and conclusions | write the first draft of your research essay |
| Class 7 | Present first draft of research essay to group for feedback; present to entire class; offer constructive feedback | write the second, revised draft of your research essay |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Handouts
Reference books, course materials, etc.
To be shared in class
Evaluation methods and criteria
class participation 30%
homework exercises 40%
final research essay 30%
Related courses
- LAE.E361 ： Academic Writing in English 11
Prerequisites
capacity to speak and write in English at an upper intermediate level
Other
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