In this course, students expand their academic English skills as they are introduced to complex texts and discussions in their field. They will also be able to express their opinions clearly and persuasively through argumentative essays. There is an additional focus on refining grammar and increasing vocabulary. Students will be able to write a short academic review of a journal article. There is peer assessment in the form of review and editing feedback.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

Language Objectives

• Students will be able to express agreement and disagreements.
• Students will be able to express their opinion and give justification.

Academic Objectives

• Students will be able to understand the sides of a debate and its implications.
• Students will be able to debate different sides of a topic.
• Students will be able to critique an article.
• Students will be able to describe persuasive and argumentative styles of writing.
• Students will be able to use editing techniques and give peer feedback.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to critique an article.
• Students will be able to write persuasive and argumentative essays.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Vocabulary Development- Tone Words and Their Effects on Persuasive Writing

Week 2: Unit 2 – Differentiating Between Fact and Opinion

Week 3: Unit 3 – Critical Thinking Skills and Inferences

Week 4: Unit 4 – Determine Whether an Argument is Logical, Relevant, and Adequate Based on the Evidenced Provided in a Passage

Week 5: Unit 5 – The Reading-Writing Connection. Topics, Thesis, Details Literacy for College Success

Week 6: Unit 6 – Writing the Expository/Informative Essay

Week 7: Unit 7 – Writing the Persuasive Essay

Week 8: Unit 8 – Reflection

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Vocabulary Development- Tone Words and Their Effects on Persuasive Writing

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Differentiating Between Fact and Opinion

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete the Written Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Critical Thinking Skills and Inferences

• Peer Assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete all interactive Vocabulary Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Determine Whether an Argument is Logical, Relevant, and Adequate Based on the Evidenced Provided in a Passage

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete the Written Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: The Reading-Writing Connection. Topics, Thesis, Details Literacy for College Success

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete the Written Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Writing the Expository/Informative Essay

• Peer Assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete all interactive Vocabulary Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Writing the Persuasive Essay

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete the Written Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Reflection

• Peer Assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete all interactive Vocabulary Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor