Language Skills for Education
The course is focused on introducing students to the skills and approaches that are required to be successful in academic discipline courses taught in English as well as future educational pursuits at the undergraduate or graduate level. Significant emphasis is paid to developing students' analytical critical thinking skills through a range of texts that differ in terms of genre, historical period, and ideas conveyed. Critical thinking is pursued through writing that aims to not only further develop concepts and notions, but also allow students to critically reflect and make larger inferences. Students are also given academic writing skills that incorporate using and interacting with source materials. In addition, informal writing is conducted to prepare for in-class analysis as well as personal reflection after the conclusion of a class or assignment. Throughout the course, students are provided with approaches that address effective notetaking, time management, and study skills. Over the semester, students write three to four written works ranging from reflective essays to more formal argumentative and research-based pieces. While the course deals primarily with texts, students also gain the experience of improving their communicative skills by engaging in discussion and debate with their peers.