Course Goals and Objectives

Overarching Goal

To help students become more prepared and confident academic writers as they develop an e-portfolio that fosters self-reflection and demonstrates progress in writing.

Use an electronic portfolio to develop and present themselves as writers

  • develop a sense of audience and purpose.
  • reflect on collected pieces of writing.
  • integrate visual and textual composition.
  • reflect on the connections between academic writing and co-curricular experiences.

Develop an effective writing process

  • interpret writing assignments.
  • explore methods of topic selection.
  • learn organizational strategies.
  • develop skills for finding and citing sources.
  • provide and use feedback to improve drafts.
  • practice revision and editing skills.

Develop arguments in writing

  • practice various kinds of argumentation.
  • practice thesis statement development.
  • logically and coherently develop ideas within sentences, paragraphs, and essays.
  • integrate textual evidence via effective quotation selection and paraphrase.
  • understand principles of academic integrity.

Develop critical thinking and analytical reading skills

  • annotate a text to identify its arguments, sub-arguments, and organizational strategy.
  • develop analytical questions about a text.
  • read, summarize, and respond to others’ arguments.

Develop study skills

  • learn effective strategies for communicating with the instructor in conferences and via email.
  • manage their time to meet deadlines.
  • find and use campus resources (library, study table, writing center).
  • participate effectively in class discussions.