Academic English Writing for University Coursework

This course is designed to prepare students for academic writing by developing their ability to write concise paragraphs and essays across different contexts, such as descriptions, procedures, compare and contrast, and cause and effect. Students will learn to brainstorm, organize, and revise their main ideas and supporting points logically, in order to achieve a clear and succinct style that guides the reader seamlessly. By learning and putting into practice established principles of effective communication and clear writing, students will master writing techniques and analytical skills that enable them to evaluate and improve their own writing, enabling them to engage confidently in the various types of writing they will encounter in their future academic and professional careers.

This course is conducted entirely in English and is designed for students with an English language proficiency level (measured by CEFR) between B2 and C1. The module introduces formal structures and styles of academic writing, and has the function of preparing students for the later ’Usage of Research Tools and Research Writing’ module; both courses have a core aim of helping students become more confident and independent academic writers. In this module, students will learn how to design, organize, and revise paragraphs and essays in different contexts and for different assignment types, such as ’narrative writing’, ’process writing’, ’compare ＆ contrast’, ’cause and effect’, and ’argumentative writing’. The course aims to ensure that completing participants understand writing structures and planning strategies and have mastered revision processes, aided by guided feedback from the instructor. Through guided activities, students will practice outlining, self-editing, and peer review, and will learn how to evaluate their own writing using clear criteria. Writing exercises will require students to produce output in a variety of formats, applicable to both academic and general contexts. Participating students are expected to engage actively in the writing process, including drafting, revising, and reflecting on their work, with the ultimate goal of developing lasting academic writing skills that they can apply independently in future courses.

1. Students can identify and distinguish a variety of academic writing formats and styles.
2. Students can apply principles of essay organization, including the use of outlines and common academic writing structures.
3. Students can plan out writing tasks and organize main ideas and supporting points logically, in order to produce clear and succinct writing that guides the reader seamlessly through the key points and conclusions.
4. Students can evaluate and revise their own writing by applying well-defined criteria related to structure, coherence, and clarity.

In order to pass this course, students need to earn at least 60% of the total course score; attendance alone does not guarantee a passing grade.
The final grade is calculated as follows:
1. Writing assignments and participation in class-activities: 40%
2. Midterm Examination: 30%
3. Final Examination: 30%
Regular attendance, active participation, timely submission of assignments, and satisfactory performance in both examinations are required to achieve a passing grade.

English

Textbooks: To be introduced in the classroom.

Please note that this course is designed for those whose English language proficiency is between CEFR B2 and C1 levels.

• Office hours: Friday between 12:30 and 13:20 in the lecturer’s office ＆ by appointment
• Contact e-mail address: zam08580@shibaura-it.ac.jp

Non-regionally-oriented course

• Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
• Course that cultivates a basic interpersonal skills

Most classes are interactive

• 4.QUALITY EDUCATION