LITT06006 2017 Introduction to Writing
This module focuses on developing essential writing skills for expository, analytical and academic writing including how to read carefully, summarise, write effective arguments, understand the writing process, engage with others' ideas, cite accurately, and craft effective prose. Learners will develop and sharpen the interpretive and analytical skills necessary to evaluate the soundness and appropriateness of sources for their written work. Reading across disciplines will be integral to this module as learners sample different writing modes in multiple contexts.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Write coherent, well-organized essays with appropriate conventions applying effective writing mechanics such as sentence structure and paragraphing
Understand and demonstrate an awareness of basic rhetorical strategies through various forms of writing
Write documents applying composing process (prewriting, drafting, revision, editing)
Write with awareness of audience in relation to style and tone
Demonstrate techniques of giving feedback and critically assessing own work (not merely “copy editing”)
Access information through library resources and incorporate that information in an organized and coherent manner in writing applying MLA standards of presentation and citation
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The primary mode of instruction will be instructor-led class discussion along with a limited amount of lecturing to address specific content issues. The overall success of this course depends on active student participation, which in turn requires adequate student preparation of the reading assignments.
Module Assessment Strategies
This class emphasises writing as a process. Learners will submit a series of small assignments to develop technique and craft (30%) as well as an op-ed piece demonstrating both expository and persuasive writing skills (30%) and a researched piece of writing including research and documentation according to MLA style to prepare students for academic writing (40%)
Repeat Assessments
project
Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to Writing
Prewriting Activities
Clarity
Structure
effective mechanics: paragraphing, punctuation, spelling.
Differentiating between key ideas and supporting details in reading
Rhetorical modes
Respond to various demands of audience (organization, focus, voice).
Expository
Persuasive
Personal narrative – from private to public writing
Revision
Analytic Writing
Research and Using the Institute databases and resources
Academic writing
MLA and academic conventions
Avoiding plagiarism
Op-ed writing
Applying writing to other contexts
Editing
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Small writing assignments | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Op-ed piece | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | Week 8 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
3 | Research essay | Coursework Assessment | Essay | 40 % | End of Semester | 1,2,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Module Resources
Baldwin, James, Notes of a Native Son, 1955.
Foster Wallace, David. Infinite Jest, 1996
O'Connor, Flannery. A Good Man is Hard to Find ,1953.
Smith, Zadie. The May Anthologies.
Sullivan, John Jeremiah, Pulphead: Essays, 2011
Warburton, Nigel. The Basics of Essay Writing. Routledge, 2007.
Wilhoit, Stephen, A Brief Guide to Writing from readings, 5th edition 2003
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 4th edition. Modern Language Association, 2016.
Purdue Online Writing Lab
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Books and online resources