In this course, students will learn the academic uses of grammar and begin to perform basic research. They will also learn about applied grammar and paraphrasing. By the end of the course, students will be able to present their knowledge of subjects in their field of study through informative essays. Peer assessment will be conducted in the form of review and editing feedback.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

Language Objectives

• Introduction to note-taking strategies for academic purposes.
• Introduced to the ‘5 paragraph’ paper.
• Understand the sides of a debate and its implications.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to argue different sides of a topic.
• Students will be able to create a five-paragraph paper based on personal interest.
• Students will be able to explain different note-taking methods.

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 – Asking Questions: Finding a Topic

Week 2: Unit 2 – Recognizing Arguments: Reasoning & Thesis Statements

Week 3: Unit 3 – Developing Arguments: Research

Week 4: Unit 4 – Shaping Arguments: Constructing an Outline, Paragraphs, & Incorporating Research

Week 5: Unit 5 – Opposing Arguments & Rough Drafts

Week 6: Unit 6 – Drafting Arguments: Revision

Week 7: Unit 7 – Deepening Arguments: The Final Draft

Week 8: Unit 8 – Final Thoughts & Presentation

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:  Asking Questions: Finding a Topic

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

Unit 2: Recognizing Arguments: Reasoning & Thesis Statements

• Peer Assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete all interactive Vocabulary Assignments
• Review and Complete the Written Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Developing Arguments: Research

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

Unit 4: Shaping Arguments: Constructing an Outline, Paragraphs, & Incorporating Research

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

Unit 5: Opposing Arguments & Rough Drafts

• Peer Assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete Interactive Vocabulary Assignments
• Review and Complete the Written Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Drafting Arguments: Revision

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

Unit 7: Deepening Arguments: The Final Draft

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

Unit 8: Final Thoughts & Presentation

• Peer Assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Review and Complete 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
• 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.