COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a writing course with particular attention to writing decisively and analytically.
Emphasis is also given to academic reading and critical thinking. Class discussions and
small group workshops focus on problems of technique and style in expository essay
writing.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the semester, students should be able to:
• Identify the thesis / topic sentence as well as types of details
• Distinguish the objective of various writers and analyse the validity of their
arguments or refute them by providing substantial counter-arguments.
• Make deductions, inferences, hypothesis, predictions
• Read and evaluate literary topics
• Detect fallacies, and differentiate facts from opinions
• Write and think in a convincing manner taking into consideration the social,
economical, scientific, and ethical implications when examining issues
• Become more incisive readers as they explore and discuss a wide spectrum of
topics from literary texts and current issues
GRADING:
Grammar test 10%
Assignments (2) 20%
Mid-term 30%
Final exam 40%
Total 100%
1
Course Outline English Dept
CONTENT:
MAIN TEXT:
Skwire, D. & Skwire, S. E. (1998). Writing with a thesis: A rhetoric and reader. 7th
Edition. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
2
Course Outline English Dept
CLASS POLICIES:
• Readings
o Students are highly advised to read articles and handouts distributed
before class.
• Consultation hours
o Students are indeed welcome to see and discuss with the course instructor
regarding any queries. However, do take note on the specific hours
allocated for consultation. It is strongly advisable for students to come
and consult during this time. If it is not possible to conform to the
time due to some urgency, students can communicate with the
instructor via email and e-forum.
CONSULTATION HOURS:
Mondays & Wednesdays : 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays : 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(Other days/time by appointment only)