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 Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:04 pm
Do you suffer from panic when faced with essay questions on exams? Or simply from uncertainty as to how to write the best response within the time available? Even the most knowledgeable student writers sometimes find the testing situation challenging, and a little feedback can increase your confidence and improve your performance.
In this three-day course, we will cover the basics of a specialized form of the academic essay -- the one that is written under the pressure of time. You will get tips on strategy, feedback on your writing, and a chance to practice using what you have just learned.
I will open more than one section if there is interest. Also, this course will be taught in longer form during summer term. Sign up now for spring or summer. Please indicate whether you are a day or night student. Course times and locations will be adjusted depending on the need.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 4:53 pm
THE SYLLABUS
DAY 1: Intro to the in-class essay -- what it has in common with the out-of-class essay and what is different. Basic essay format -- an intro paragraph, two or more essay body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The thesis sentence -- what it is, why you need one, and how to structure it. Planning your essay before you write it (prewriting). Tips on how to allocate your time.
DAY 2: The importance of writing in detail -- description, supporting information, evidence, quotes and text citation. Group and individual exercises in generating and organizing detail.
DAY 3: Practice. Students will each write two timed essays -- one will be from a pool of prompts created by the students themselves and relating to the subjects they are studying and expect to be tested on in their other classes. The other will be a surprise prompt written by myself, on a general topic.
INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS: Students will sign up for feedback sessions on their essays. Appointments will be for a time convenient for both of us, within a week after class ends. Don't worry. The focus will be on how to write the strongest possible essay given your current strengths, as well as on what to work on now and in the future. The aim is to increase your confidence as well as your skills.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 5:07 pm
SIGNUP FORM
Name:
Day or night student:
Which term are you signing up for? (Spring, summer.)
Your major, if you have decided on one yet:
OPTIONAL QUESTIONS THAT MAY HELP ME PLAN FOR THIS COURSE
List any current classes in which you expect to see essay questions on your next exam. (This goes for spring semester or for summer term if you are signing up for my summer class.)
What do you feel are your strengths in writing?
What areas do you need or want to to work on?
Fill out this form (the first four questions, at least) and post here to be added to the spring or summer class roster.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 5:45 pm
RESERVED
(FOR CLASS RULES, ROSTERS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 1:28 am
SIGNUPS NOW OPEN FOR SPRING AND SUMMER.
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