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Future Course: Academic Writing 200: How to Write in Any Situation

Future Course

This course repeats yearly in the spring semester.

Live webinars are normally held Wednesdays at 8 AM Pacific.

This course is a part of the Academic Writing series. 

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Offered By Instructor

Deborah Simon, M.Ed.
Content Level

Middle School – High School – Grades 6-12
Course Length

16-Week Course

Description

Academic writing is an important part of a student’s scholastic career, and it is also important part of life. Much of what we are asked to write throughout adulthood requires a professional tone, recognizable organization, and polished form. Whether we are writing to persuade, explain, or describe, the ability to effectively write academic nonfiction commands confidence and respect.

Through comparative study and scaffolded format, we will explore the types of academic nonfiction writing (expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive), investigate their component parts, and learn how to mold creative expression into an academic tone, a style-appropriate organization, and the traditional 5-paragraph form. Students will complete one essay in each of these four categories, work through the writing process (prewriting, drafting, editing/revising, final drafting), and learn to compassionately critique each other’s work.

For one class period during each essay’s writing process, students will meet one-on-one with Prof. Deborah to personalize instruction and writing assistance. Other class time will focus on instruction and discussion. Students will be required to complete exercises and writing independently outside of class.

Note from “Prof.” Deborah:

Writing is a process with several distinct stages, and I believe that much of the confusion and disinterest students (and adults!) feel about writing comes from teachers’ lack of involvement at each of those stages. Writing needs to be a conversation between student and teacher. Like navigating on the open sea, a degree or two change can make a huge difference in the destination. If I can help students make necessary course corrections along the way, they will be so much more confident in both their ability and their final product. So I spend quite a bit of time steering students’ essays from prewriting to drafting to revising/proofreading.

Note to parents: 

  • This course can be used as the upper-level writing prerequisite for Advanced Placement English Literature at Athena’s.
  • This course is one of Athena’s Upper Level Language Arts courses. Click for more information.

Offered by:

What to Expect

What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

  • Participate actively in the weekly forums.
  • Create and submit answers to each writing step prior to the next class period. The amount of text will vary depending on the writing step.
    • Text should follow the APA format (double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font with appropriate citations and references).
    • Some steps will require responses to another student’s submission.

What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

  • Because of the nature of this class, all sections in the classroom are either required for the current webinar or required in preparation for the following week’s topic.

What to expect during the weekly webinar:

  • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Although recorded sessions will be available, students should be able to attend at least 75% of the webinars.
  • Primary instruction and guided discussions are provided during live webinars.
  • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions. Students should stay up-to-date on classroom work and come to webinars prepared to offer insights from their own perspective about the previous week’s assignment and readings.

Academic writing 200: How to Write in Any Situation Syllabus

Materials & More

Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

  • Read at a solid 5th-grade level or above. (Note: This class focuses on writing types rather than a specific writing level. Students will choose their own topics and write at their current level; therefore, anything from a 5th grade to high school level writing ability will fit this class.)
  • Write a paper independently.

Students should be willing to:

  • Be prepared for the webinar.
  • Actively participate (via the microphone and chat) in the class discussion.
  • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
  • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

Required books & materials:

  • Weekly readings will be online, no textbook required.

 

Enrollment Options

This course repeats yearly in the spring semester.

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