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Written Proficiency I
Dr. Vitela Arzi
(03-9362516 email-varzi@012.net.il)
Class: First year. 2 hours a week. Lecture, Tutorial and Workshop.
Course Objectives:
1. The student will learn and practice the elements and process of effective writing,
from the sentence to the paragraph, and finally to the whole composition.
2. .The student will be able to write a well-organized and stylistically effective short
essay (3-5 paragraphs).
Topics of Study:
Unit 1: Weeks 1-10 Effective Sentences
1. Unity, Economy
2. Clauses and Phrases, Subordination and Coordination
3. Combining sentences and the Comma Splice
4. Clarity,Misplaced Parts, Dangling Modifiers
5. Fragments and Run-on Sentences
6. Agreement Problems: Subject-Verb Agreement
7. Shifts and Pronoun References
8. Emphasis and Variety
Unit 2 : Weeks 11-18 The Paragraph
1. The Topic Sentence
2. Unity- Sentences related to a central thought
3. Irrelevant Details vs. Focus
4. Coherence and Transitions
5. Orderly arrangement of ideas
6. Methods of Developments:
Examples and illustrations
 Chronology of events
 Data (facts, statistics, evidence, details)
 Anecdote or story
 Definition
 General to particular/ Particular to general
 Cause and effect
 Classification
 Analysis
 Description
 Comparison and contrast
Unit 3 : Weeks 19-28 The Essay
1. Getting started : brainstorming, exploring and focusing the subject
2. Informal working plans/formal outlines
3. The thesis statement
4. Development and arrangement of ideas: ● Beginning ● Middle ● Conclusion
5. Editing and revision
Teaching Methods:
1. Lecture and class discussion: analysis of model sentences ad paragraphs
2.
3.
4.
5.
Error analysis
Power Point presentations for explanation and discussion
On-line Language Labs (OWLS) for interactive practice
Pair-work, peer-editing, group work, class discussion
Student Requirements :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Short written assignments every 1-2weeks.
Written exercises
Preparation of paragraphs and essays for class analysis
Peer-editing of peers' paragraphs and essays
Attendance and participation
A final take-home exam
Assessment will be based on progress and completion of all requirements.
Policy for late papers: Papers and homework assignments MUST be
handed in on time. You will lose points on late papers, and you risk the
chance that they will not be graded at all.
The final assignment is due 2 weeks after the end of the academic year.
Late papers will be graded with a penalty of score reduction. (10% for
every month). Papers that will be submitted after the beginning of the
following academic year will not be accepted.
Textbook: Written Proficiency Handbook prepared by instructor
Additional Bibliogrpahy:
Bailey, S. (2003). Academic Writing: A Practical Guide for Students. London:
Routledge Falmer. Questia database: *
http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=109429538
Barnewll, W.H. & Robert Dees. (1995). The Resourceful Writer: A Basic Writing
Course. 3rd. Ed. New York.
Creme, P., & Lea, M. R. (2003). Writing at University (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Open
University Press. Questia database*:
http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=114404923
Crews, F. (1991). The Random House Handbook. 6th Ed. New York.
Hodges, C. J. & Whitten E.M. (1993) . Harbrace College Handbook. 13th Ed. San
Diego.
Harvey, M. (2003). The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing. Indianapolis: Hackett.
Questia database *: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=111766539
McCrimmon, J.M. & Trimmer, J.F. (1988). Writing with a Purpose. 9th Ed. Boston.
Peck, John and Martin Coyle (1999). The Student's Guide to Writing - Grammar,
Punctuation and Spelling. London.
Reinking, James. A., and others, Eds. (1996). Strategies for Successful Writing : A
Rhetoric, Reader , and Handbook. 4th Ed. New Jersey.
* You should obtain a Questia password from the librarian
Internet Resources :
1. A Guide to Grammar and Writing: http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
2. The Purdue University On-line Writing Lab: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Course's Website: http://orot.macam.ac.il/maagar/english/written.htm