University of Santo Tomas

Office of the Academic Affairs General Education

Department of English
ENGLISH 3
A Course Syllabus for AY 2011-2012
Course Title:

Academic Writing Skills

Course Code:

English 3

Course Description:

The course aims to develop the students proficiency in writing and research skills in academic discourse. The focus is
on
descriptive, expository, and argumentative texts, library research paper and critiques. Collaborative and workshop
activities
between teacher and students have been designed to foster expressive, creative and critical academic writing skills among
students.

Course Objectives

At the end of the semester, the students should be able to:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Course Requirements:

To pass this course, the students should satisfy the following minimum requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Prerequisites:

View writing as a purposeful interactive act;

Use a variety of effective writing strategies;
Produce different types of creative texts;
Construct a library research paper;
Use the portfolio assessment;

Active participation in class

Workshop sheets submitted on time
Three (3) essays (with1st and final drafts)
Examinations
Self-assessment summary
Library Research Paper
Attendance

English 1, 2

Course Matrix
Week
1-2

3-6

7-8

:
Specific Objectives
Demonstrate an understanding
of the nature of research,
approaches to research,
empirical

research vs library research,

types of research, methods
of research, and the language of
research.
Demonstrate a deeper
understanding of the research
process,
choosing a topic, making a
tentative/
annotated
bibliography, formulating the
thesis statement, making an
outline, note taking and APA
citation style.

Demonstrate an understanding
of the nature and aspects of
academic writing.
Adopt writing to specific
purposes, contexts, and
audiences.

Content
Nature of research
Approaches to Research
Types of
Research
Empirical

Teaching/Learning
Strategies
Lecture

Assessment
Self-assessment

Analysis of given examples

Peer-assessment

Doing

Research vs Library Research

Methods of Research
The Language of Research

worksheets

Examinations

The Research
Process
Choosing a Topic
Preparing a Tentative/Annotated
Bibliography
Formulating the Thesis
Statement
Making an Outline
Library Research Tips
Note taking
APA In-text Citation Style with
Annotation
Research Paper Writing Tips
Aspects of Academic Writing
Audience
Purpose
Strategy
Organization
Modes of Development
Tone and Style
Language Features

Lecture

Self-assessment

Doing worksheets

Peer- assessment

Conduct-ing library
research

Examinations

Writing a library research paper

as final output

Lecture

Self- assessment

Discussion

Peer assessment

Doing worksheets

Examinations

Make use of

9-10

language appropriate to
academic writing.
Exhibit a clear understanding of
writing as a

The Nature of Writing

Writing as a

Lecture

Self-assessment

Discussion
cyclical process.
Identify the stages in the writing
process.
Apply appropriate writing
strategies.

11-12

Write a text with an effective

introduction, body and
conclusion.
Identify characteristics of
effective writing.
Use cohesive devices properly.
Write effective essays.

13-15

Identify the different types and

parts of an expository essay.
Analyze expository paragraphs.
Write effective expository
paragraphs.

16

Argue logically and persuade

strongly.

Doing worksheets

Peer assessment using a

checklist

Writing text

Teacher assessment

Essay Writing
Characteristics of an Effective
Writing
Unity
Coherence
Brevity
Cohesion
Language Features
Nature of Exposition
Types of Exposition
Comparison and Contrast
Description
Cause and Effect
Classification and Division
Problem-Solution

Lecture

Self- assessment

Discussion

Peer- assessment

What is an Argument
Argument vs Opinion
Argumentative Thesis

Lecture

Self-assessment

Discussion

Peer- assessment using rubric

Statements
Purpose of an Argumentative

Doing worksheets

for an argumentative essay

Recursive
Process
Stages and Strategies of the
Writing Process
Basic Components of an
Academic Paper
Introduction
Body
Conclusion

Doing worksheets
Composit - ion writing
Lecture

Self-assessment

Discussion

Peer assessment
using essay writing rubric

Doing worksheets
Paragraph writing

Differentiate an argument from

an opinion.

Express arguments
clearly, objectively and
effectively.
Analyze and evaluate the
features of an argument.
Demonstrate the use of
argumentative/
persuasive forms of writing.

Essay
Structure of an Argumentative
Essay
Organization of an
Argumentative Essay
Features of an Argumentative
Essay
Language/Transition Signals
Argumentative Writing Process

Writing an argument -ative essay

Teacher assessment

Writing Critiques

Lecture

Self-assessment

Book Reviews
Reaction/Response Paper

Discussion

Peer- assessment

Use language and transition

words appropriate in
argumentative essays.

17

Write well organized, clearly

written argumentative essays.
Identify the different types of
critique.
Recognize the different steps in
writing critiques.

Doing worksheets
Language Focus

Write effective critiques.

Teacher evaluation of essays
using portfolio assessment

Teaching/Learning Methodology:
Lectures/Class Discussion
Use of instructional media
Group Discussion
Pair Work
Assessment and Grading:
Class standing
Recitation
Quizzes
Worksheets

40%

Preliminary Examination

20%

Written work (minimum of 3 essays

with 1st and final drafts) in the portfolio

20%

Library Research Paper

20%
______
100%

Textbook

: Academic Writing Skills by Ma. Melvyn P. Alamis, Perla C. Villamarzo, Ana Maria Gloria S. Ward (2009)

References:
WW1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N. (2003). How to design and evaluate research in education (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hacker, D. (2004).Rules for writers (5th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martins.
Leki, I. (1998). Academic writing (2nd ed.).Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press.
Master, P. (2004).English grammar and technical writing. Washington, DC: United States Department of State Office of English Language Programs.
McCuen-Metherell, J. & Winkler, A. (2007). Readings for writers (12fth ed.). Boston: Thomson Wadsworth.
Rose, J. (2007). The mature students guide to writing (2nd ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

WW2 THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N. (2003). How to design and evaluate research in education (5th ed.).New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hacker, D. (2004).Rules for writers (5th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martins.
Leki, I. (1998). Academic writing (2nd ed.).Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University

Press.

Master, P. (2004).English grammar and technical writing. Washington, DC: United States Department of State Office of English Language
Programs.
McCuen-Metherell, J. & Winkler, A. (2007). Readings for writers (12fth ed.). Boston: Thomson Wadsworth.
Rose, J. (2007). The mature students guide to writing (2nd ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Vilbar, A., Manlunas, R., & Manlunas, L. (2008). Promoting local Culture and ICT in ESL classrooms. The Rap Journal 31, 40-49.

WW3 INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC WRITING

Bailey, S. (2003) Academic Writing: A practical guide for students. London: Nelson Thames Ltd:
Clanchy, J. and Ballard, B. (1981) Essay Writing for Students, Melbourne: Longman Cheshire
Coffin, C. (2003). Teaching academic writing: A toolkit for higher education. London: Routledge
Ober, S. (1995) Contemporary Business Communication. 2nd Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Oday, J. (1999). The implementation and effects of Californias Public School Accountability Act of 1999. American Institutes for Research, Washington, D.C.
Scarella, R. (2003). Academic English: A conceptual framework. The University of California Linguistic Minority Research Institute Technical Report.
Silvia, P. (2007). How to write a lot: A practical guide to productive academic writing 1st edition. American Psychological Association
Strunk, W. Jr. & White, E.B. (2000) Elements of style 4th ed. New York, USA: Longman
: Swales, J & Feak, C. (2004). Academic writing for graduate students 2nd ed. Michigan: University Press
Williams, J. (1997). Style: Ten lessons in clarity and grace 5th ed . MO, USA: Addison Wesley Publishing Company:
Electronic Sources
Copley, C. (1995). The Writers Complex: Empire State College. Retrieved from http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex in October 8, 2008
Gocsik, K. (2004). What is an academic paper. Retrieved from www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/ac_paper/what.shtml in July 2008.
Writing for University. Retrieved from www.macmillanenglish.com/readers/studentsite/openmaterials in July 26, 2008
Essay Writing Rubric Retrieved from www.ccd.edu/Academic-Standards/Essay-Rubric.aspx in April 20, 2009

WW4 THE WRITING PROCESS

Biber, D., Johansson, S., Leech, G., Conrad, S., & Finegan, E. (1999). Longman grammar of spoken and written English. Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, England:
Pearson Education Limited.
Celce-Murcia, M. & Larsen-Freeman, D. (1999). The grammar book: An ESL/EFL teacher's course. (2nd ed.) Boston: Heinle & Heinle.
Clanchy, J. and Ballard, B. (1981) Essay writing for students, Melbourne: Longman Cheshire
Copley, C. (1995). The writers complex: Empire State College
Faigley, L., Graves R. & Graves, H. (2008) The Brief Penguin Handbook. Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson Longman.
Gardner, A., & Johnson, D. (1997). Teaching personal experience narrative in the elementary and beyond. Flagstaff, AZ: Northern Arizona Writing Project Press.
Hatcher, D & Goddard, L. (2005) The writing process: A step-by-step approach for everyday writers. Springfield, Virginia: Landa Books
Lee-Chua, Q. (March 15, 2008) Six degrees could change the world. The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ober, S. (1995). Contemporary Business Communication. 2nd Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Electronic Sources:
Organizational Chart: The Writing Process. Retrieved from http://www.csuohio.edu/writingcenter/writproc.html in November 4, 2008
Criteria for Evaluating Competence in Academic Writing. Retrieved from http://www.hartwick.edu/x12226.xml in November, 2008
Funnel opening paragraph. Retrieved from http://www.evangel.edu/Academics/PaperWriting/images/keyhole in December 8, 2008.
Teaching Writing Approaches and Activities Retrieved from
http://www.citadel.edu/citadel/otherserv/wctr/essayorg.html in December 29, 2008

WW5 WRITING ESSAYS

Coffin, C. & et. al. (2003) Teaching academic writing: A toolkit for higher education. London: Routledge
Leki, I. (1995) Academic writing exploring strategies 2nd ed. New York: St. Martins Press
Manlapaz, E. & Francisco, E. (2008). The new anvil guide to research paper writing. Anvil Publishing, Inc.
Master, Peter (1998). Responses to English for specific purposes. San Jose University
Menasche, L. (2000). Writing a research paper. The University of Michigan Press.
Metherell, J.R. & Winkler, A. (2007). Readings for Writers 12th ed. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth
Miller, J. & Cohen, R. (2001) Reason to write strategies for success in academic writing. New York: Oxford University Press
Palgrave, R. (2007). Mature students guide to writing 2nd ed. New York: Macmillan.
Strunk, W. Jr. & White, E.B. (2000). Elements of style 4th ed. Longman: New York, USA
Swales, J & Feak, C. (2004). Academic Writing for graduate students 2nd ed. Michigan: University Press

WW6 THE EXPOSITORY ESSAY

Coffin, C. & et al. (2003) Teaching academic writing: A toolkit for higher education. Routledge, London
Leki, I. (1995) Academic writing exploring strategies 2nd ed. New York: St. Martins Press
Master, Peter (1998). Responses to English for specific purposes. San Jose University
Miller, J. & Cohen, R. (2001) Reason to write strategies for success in academic writing. New York: Oxford University Press
Strunk, W. Jr. & White, E.B. (2000). Elements of style 4th ed. Longman: New York, USA

Swales, J & Feak, C. (2004). Academic Writing for graduate students 2nd ed. Michigan: University Press

WW7 THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Anson, C. & Schwegler, R. (2000). The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers. 2nd ed. New York, Longman.
Barnet, S. & Badau, H. (2007). From Critical Thinking to Argument: A Portable Guide. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford
Booth, W. (2003). The Craft of Research. 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Brandt, C. (2009). Read, research, write: Academic skills for ESL students in Higher Education. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Gage, John T. (1991). The Shape of Reason: Argumentative Writing in College. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company
Langan, J. (2001). College writing skills with readings. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Lunsford, A. & Ruszkiewicz, J. (1999). Everythings an argument. Boston: Bedford.
Rosen, L. & Behrens, L. (1997).The Allyn & Bacon Handbook. Boston: Allyn &

Bacon.

Rottenberg, A. (2006). Elements of argument: A text and reader. Boston: Bedford

Electronic Sources
Dartmouth Writing materials Retrieved from http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/toc.shtml in September 4, 2008
The OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue Retrieved from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ in September 15, 2008
Tuzes, T. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/gamble/procon/ in January 28, 2009
Writing process Guides from UW-Madison. Retrieved from http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/Process.html August 1, 2008

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WW8 WRITING CRITIQUES

Coffin, C. & et. al. (2003) Teaching academic writing: A toolkit for higher education. Routledge, London
Leki, I. (1995) Academic writing exploring strategies 2nd ed. New York: St. Martins Press
Miller, J. & Cohen, R. (2001) Reason to write strategies for success in academic writing. New York: Oxford Uiversity Press
Swales, J & Feak, C. (2004). Academic Writing for graduate students 2nd ed. Michigan: University Press
Date:

June 2011

Approved by:

Prof. Priscilla M. Torres, Ph.D.

Dean

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