ENGL225 Academic Writing II Page 1 of 14

School of Education & Humanities

Department of Language and Communication
Maracas Royal Road, Maracas, St. Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago.
COURSE OUTLINE
ENGL225 ACADEMIC WRITING 2
Semester 1, 2021/2022

COURSE DETAILS:
Course Title: Academic Writing II
Course Acronym: ENGL225
No. of Credits: 3 Credits

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Name: Meredith Montrichard

Contact: Email: [email protected]
Contact Preference: Please email me with any concerns
and/or questions concerning the course.

STATEMENT OF FAITH AND LEARNING

“True education . . . is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual . . .”
Ellen G. White, Education

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a second year introductory writing course intended to teach introductory research and
writing skills.
 In order to succeed in this course, students must already know rudimentary composition
conventions such as essay organization, writing a thesis statement, basic punctuation and
grammar.

 This course will be conducted in an online environment.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:
 24 credits AND successful completion, with a passing grade, of Academic Writing I.

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PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:

 ENGL225 is a course that is intended to provide students with the foundation skills needed
to conduct and document research using primarily academic resources.
 This course will prepare students for further research and writing in their junior and senior
years. Much preparatory work for field specific course research is begun in this course.
 This course is designed for all students at the USC. All students are expected to complete
this course, except for those students who have transferred credits.
 This course makes students more knowledgeable about scholarly, academic resources, and it
ensures that students are more analytical when reviewing research, especially when
choosing freely available online resources, and it helps to develop general research and
writing skills.

LETTER TO THE STUDENT

Dear Student:

I am happy to be your instructor this semester. This is quite a useful course for those of you who
would like to better prepare your academic papers and conduct research. You will be learning
about the key skills needed for success in organizing your papers and documenting of your
sources. Also, you will learn how to avoid plagiarism! Do not miss out on the instruction you will be
given and try to catch up if you miss any work. I pray that you grow physically, mentally, morally
and spiritually throughout this semester. I am looking forward to engaging sessions where we can
interact and learn from each other.

Meredith Montrichard
God bless!

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GOALS/AIMS

This course aims to equip students with the various competencies required to conduct research and
to do so within an ethical framework.

Also, this course seeks to help students develop the proclivity to analyse information critically in all
their various fields and to gain an appreciation of diverse sources of information across these
diverse fields.

Finally, at the completion of this course, students will be able to efficiently and effectively conduct
research for an academic paper, as well as write a 3 page theoretical research paper incorporating all
the requisite conventions for their specific documentation style.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to:

1. select and narrow a non-designated/personally chosen topic using one or two
appropriate limiters.
2. write a thesis sentence that is precise, concise and original and does not generally
exceed 3 lines.
3. write a mini-proposal of approximately 1 – 1 ½ pages to project the nature and scope
of an academic topic to be researched.
4. use at least 5 standard evaluation criteria to select print and non-print sources for
their research papers.
5. evaluate the value of 3 academic sources and the relevance of these sources to a
research topic.
6. document accurately 3 sources within the text of an essay according to the
documentation styles of their disciplines.
7. document accurately 3 sources in either a References (APA/CSE), Bibliography
(CMS) or Works Cited (MLA) page of a research paper, in accordance with
respective disciplines.
8. compose a theoretical research paper (3 pages) that incorporates a minimum of
3 information sources, an abstract (where applicable) as well as all of the other
formatting and documentation requirements of respective documentation styles.
9. critically review a research paper by editing and proofreading to ensure at least the
minimal standards of essay composition are met.

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COURSE CONCEPT MAP

1. Topic 2. Proposal
Selection
Planning &
& Thesis
Development Writing

The
6. Revising, 3. Research &
Editing and Research Resource
Proofreading & Selection

Writing
Process

5. Organizing the 4. Notetaking

Research Paper &
Documentation

Module Guide

Module 1 - Topic Selection & Thesis Development Module 2 - Proposal Planning & Writing

 Guidelines for selecting an academic topic  Knowing your information sources

 Strategies for refining an academic topic  Formulating an effective research strategy
 Formulating an effective thesis  Writing the Mini-Research Proposal

Module 3 – Research & Resource Selection Module 4 – Notetaking & Documentation

 Online search tools/Boolean searching  Effective notetaking/ The five types of notes
 Evaluating print and non-print sources  In-text and references documentation
 Writing the Annotated Bibliography  Formatting the research paper


Module 5 – Organizing the Research Paper Module 6 – Revising, Editing and Proofreading

 Writing the Outline/Abstract  Writing and revising the first draft

 Writing the Introduction, Body, Conclusion  Editing and proofreading the final paper
TEACHING STRATEGIES

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This course will be conducted primarily by way of lectures, online activities and a presentation by
the staff of Library Services at USC.

RESOURCES

The core resource materials for this course are the respective publication manuals and the required
text.
These are critical.
For each of the documentation styles a copy of the international standard manual is available at the
campus’ Forde library. There are four documentation styles taught in this course that cover the four
major subject fields taught at this university. Students should consider acquiring a copy of their
respective manuals. The documentation styles and the corresponding majors and manuals are as
follow:

STYLE MAJOR MANUAL TITLE

American Business, Human Resources, Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Behavioural Sciences, Education, Psychological Association 6th ed.
Association – Computer & Technology, Nursing, Washington: APA, 2009.
(APA) Family & Consumer Science

Modern Social Studies, History, Language Arts MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Language & English, Music Papers. 8th ed. MLA, 2016.
Association –
(MLA)

Chicago Theology Chicago Manual of Style. 16th ed. Chicago:

Manual of University of Chicago Press, 2010.
Style –
(CMS)
Council of Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual
Science for Authors, Editors and Publishers. 8th ed.
Editors – Biology New York: Rockefeller University Press,
(CSE) 2014.

Supplementary Text:-
Lester, James and James Lester Jr. Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. 15th
ed. New York: Pearson. 2014.
(NOTE: The updated text is not yet available in hard copy)
This book covers all aspects of research writing, from the selection of a topic and
development of the idea to the writing of the final paper. It contains documentation
guidelines for all four documentation styles used at USC.

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Required Electronic Sources:-

EbscoHost http://search.ebscohost.com
These are subscription database sources where scientists, scholars and researchers publish
their work. The publications are usually in the form of journal articles. These are required
for research writing.
Infotrac (Cengage Learning) http://find.galegroup.com

Other useful resources:

 The APA, MLA, CSE, CMS websites
These are website hosted by the organizations responsible for their respective styles.
 The Owl at Purdue - https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/
This university’s online writing lab is very helpful and provides information on the latest
documentation developments of the APA and MLA styles. This university website also
contains very instructive writing tips.
 The National Library and Information Systems Authority website -
http://nalis.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default

The National library and its online site offer membership and access to its online catalogue
and resources. It also has an online database and other resources.
 An advanced college or subject dictionary
This is helpful in defining concepts.
 A thesaurus
This is helpful in concept development and the use of related, narrower or broader
terms when searching online.

Online citation help!

These online services help in formatting bibliographic references within your paper, or in
the list of sources.

Bibme - Free citation generator

http://www.bibme.org/
Landmark's Citation Machine - Free citation generator
http://www.citationmachine.net/
IMSA Citation Wizard - Free citation generator
http://21cif.com/tools/cite/index.html
Oregon School Citation Maker
http://secondary.oslis.org/cite-sources
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ASSIGNMENTS

Varied class assignments will be given to assist in preparation for the final paper. These
assignments are given to help students develop their research during the semester. Students will be
assessed throughout the semester to determine their progress and overall achievement by the end of
the semester.
Please Note: ALL assignments are to be uploaded to Turnitin on Moodle, unless otherwise
specified. Assignments that are emailed to the lecturer cannot be marked

List of Assignments

Thesis Statement Forum - 3 Responses 15% Individual eLearn

Proposal 15% GROUP

Annotated Bibliographies 15% GROUP
Quiz 15% Individual eLearn

Final Research Paper 30% GROUP

Attendance (taken during the first 15 minutes) 10% Individual

Collaborations

Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 students, all with the same research style – APA, CSE,
MLA or Chicago, for three assignments -

Proposal GROUP

Annotated Bibliographies GROUP

Final Research Paper GROUP

Note: All APA students will work in a group of 2 or 3 students

Group assignments that are done individually – not on behalf of the group – will not be graded.

Exception – CSE, MLA and Chicago students may be allowed to submit group assignments
individually if there are no other students with their research style.

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Description of Assignments

I. Thesis Statement eLearn Forum Post and Responses

Students will post their thesis statement in an eLearn Forum and respond to 2 other
thesis statements

II. Annotated Bibliographies

The annotated bibliography is a listing and critical evaluation of 3 sources to be used in
the research paper. A bibliographic citation as well as an analysis of the value of each
source is required for this assignment. The analysis will include a short summary of the
source, background information on the author (s) and an evaluation of the source.

III. Proposal
A short research proposal that establishes - not just the topic – but the issue within the
topic. This includes a (tentative) thesis, the purpose for the research, the background of
the research topic and research questions that outline the specific areas to be explored.
This assignment should not exceed 2 pages.

IV. Quiz on eLearn

This is a short online exercise intended to evaluate students’ understanding of course
content.

V. 3 page Final Research Paper (30%) –

This paper must include:
i. a cover page
ii. an abstract (for APA)
iii. 3 pages of text/writing for your research paper which should include:
- an introduction that establishes the topic/issue,
- a background to the topic
- and a finalized thesis. (The thesis should be the last sentence of the introduction.)
- a body that explores the issue. It must be developed in accordance with the outline
(For the documentation style(s) where applicable) and/or the thesis.
- 3 in-text citations (This is the minimal requirement for all styles).
- a conclusion that summarizes, details and re-emphasizes the main thesis of the
research.
iv. a list of 3 bibliographic references (cited according to the respective disciplines’
requirements).

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(Please note that students MUST use these types of sources –

Mandatory - one journal article from EBSCO Host or other database

or
one book (hard copy or pdf)

Papers will be marked down if all the sources are internet articles or videos

Failure to use the required types of sources will result in a lowering of the overall mark for the
paper. The most authoritative and relevant sources should be chosen.
Plagiarized work, once detected, will result in a failed paper.

Assignment Guidelines

For each major assignment, a handout with specific guidelines will be provided. Assignments are
to be submitted on the due date, to the instructor, by the student. Students are not to seek to
submit assignments after deadlines but within deadlines. Additionally, a record of submission
signed by the student is mandatory for all major assignments. Failure to follow guidelines may
significantly affect student achievement in this course.

Typing Requirements

All assignments are to be typed and double-spaced. The appropriate pagination, according to the
respective documentation style, should be used for the final paper. There should be one inch on the
top, bottom, left and right margins of all pages of assignments. It is important to follow these
guidelines since failure to do so may result in deductions in marks for individual assignments.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

 The assessments in this course are developmental. Students are to build on each assignment.
Students will be assessed on their ability to follow instructions on their various assignments
while critically reviewing and reporting on the sources used for their research. Students are
expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of essay organization and basic grammar
constructs used in Standard English.
 Student assessment in this course is based on performance. Students are therefore asked to
comply with all the stipulated deadlines and instructions for assignments and their
submissions. No student is to submit presumptuously a late assignment.
 The mere submission of assignments is not a guarantee of a favourable assessment. The
quality and timeliness of the assignment is also critical to ensure high marks.

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 This course is a mandatory course for graduation. Students who fail to achieve a passing
grade in this course will be required to do the course again. Only in exceptional cases,
usually emergencies such as documented reasons of ill health or family tragedy, can
coursework marks be carried over to another semester. An ‘Incomplete’ must officially be
requested to facilitate such situations. The ‘Incomplete’ request should be made before the
semester ends. Generally, students who fail the course will be required to redo all
coursework.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Students will be expected to:
 complete all the required matriculation before enrolling for this course.
 attend all classes regularly and punctually.
 fully participate during all in-class activities.
 accurately (and neatly) complete and submit all assignments by the required deadlines.
 observe all university policies re. dress, conduct and general deportment.
 use cell phones or other mobile devices only for educational purposes or emergencies (while
in class).
 demonstrate initiative and integrity in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism is unacceptable by the standards of the University of the Southern Caribbean. Students
who breach academic policy with regard to the unethical submission of research will fail the
assignment, and may also fail the course or face harsher penalties.

(Please read “Academic Integrity,” p. 40 of the Undergraduate Bulletin 2014-2016).

TURNITIN
Students will usually be required to submit their final papers through a plagiarism software
programme called Turnitin (unless otherwise instructed) on eLearn. Further guidelines on using
this software to make assignment submissions will be provided. Changes may be made to
submission guidelines so students are responsible for complying with requirements. Turnitin
usually allows students and instructors to view the extent to which sources have been used in the
paper. Students are therefore advised to use the programme to their benefit. Similarity Reports over
25% will be flagged. Students should aim to have Similarity Reports below 25%.

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Expected Outcome

All students will be expected, having met the objectives and having successfully completed all
course requirements as described on this outline, to obtain a grade not below a C at the end of the
course. Nothing can be done after the course is completed to change a student’s final grade. All
efforts to succeed are to be expended during the semester the course is taught.

Attendance

Class attendance is mandatory and the Attendance Regulation will be in effect. If a student is
absent for a total of nine (9) contact hours, the grade F may be recorded. Any inconsistency in
attendance may result in the lowering of a student’s final course grade. It is each student’s duty to
inquire about classes which they are unable to attend or have missed. Additionally, students are
responsible for completing and submitting all class requirements and assignments given
during their absences. Extended absences can be excused only if accompanied by official
documentation. Attendance at classes and academic achievement generally go hand-in hand.

(Please read “Attendance Regulations,” p. 24-25 of the Undergraduate Bulletin 2014-2016).

GRADING SYSTEM

Students will be evaluated primarily based on a cumulative form of assessment. The following
grading scheme will be used.

LETTER % VALUE GRADE DEFINITION DESCRIPTION

GRADE POINT PER
SEMESTER
CREDIT

A 90-100 4.00 1. Excellent mastery of course content, evidence of extensive

A
background reading.
A– 85-89 3.67 Excellent 2. Excellent performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
3. Excellent performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
4. Student works independently or in groups as is required
with unusual effectiveness

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B+ 80-84 3.33 B 1. Very good mastery of course content, evidence of

Very Good substantial background reading.
B 75-79 3.00 2. Student performance indicates a high degree of originality,
B– 70-74 creativity and problem-solving skills.
2.67
3. Very good performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
4. Student works very well independently or in groups as is
required.

C+ 65-69 2.33 C 1. Acceptable mastery of course content, evidence of some

Satisfactory background reading.
C 60-64 2.00 2. Students demonstrate some degree of originality, creativity
and problem-solving skills.
3. Acceptable performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
4. Student works independently or in groups at an acceptable
level

C– 55-59 1.67 C– 1. Unacceptable mastery of course content, very little

Unsatisfactory evidence of background reading.
2. Students demonstrate little degree of originality, creativity
and problem-solving skills.
3. Unacceptable performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
4. Students display unacceptable level of proficiency in
working independently or in groups.

D 50-54 1.00 D 1. Deficient in mastery of course content, no evidence of

Deficient background reading.
2. Originality, creativity and problem solving skills absent
from performance.
3. Deficient performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
4. 4. Deficient in ability to work independently and in groups.

F 0 – 49 0.00 F 1. No comprehension or grasp of course content, no evidence

Unacceptable of background reading.
2. Originality, creativity and problem solving skills totally
absent from performance.
3. Unacceptable performance in analysis, synthesis and critical
expression, oral or written.
4. Displays neither aptitude nor ability to work independently
or in groups.
5. Plagiarized work.

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Additional Grade Descriptors

Grade Meaning Description

AU Auditing Classes Registration for attendance only. Permission to audit a class must be
granted by the instructor.

UA Unsatisfactory Audit This grade is given to students who are auditing a class but fail to attend at
least 80% of classes.

I Incomplete Student’s work is incomplete because of illness or unavoidable

circumstances, but not because of negligence or inferior performance.

DG Deferred Grade A DG may be given in certain courses recognized to be of such a nature that
all their requirements are not likely to be completed within one semester. A
DG will be changed to the letter grade earned by the end of the following
semester

W Withdrew

DWP Dropped Without

Processing

S Satisfactory

U Unsatisfactory

STUDENTS SHOULD WORK DILIGENTLY TO EARN DESIRABLE GRADES AT THE END OF THE COURSE.

Instructor’s Responsibility Statement

The instructor is responsible for instruction and the facilitating of maximum and effective
classroom learning. Knowledge of the subject, as well as strategies that best demonstrate and
transmit this knowledge, are critical.

Student’s Responsibility Statement

The student is responsible for their learning, attendance and timely submission of assignments.
Class attendance, an interest in learning, the timely completion and submission of assignments are
all critical. In order to achieve desirable grades, queries and energies are to be expended
during the taught semester and not in the subsequent semester.

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HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE

 Follow instructions carefully.

 Choose a topic of interest to ensure full engagement in the course.
 Attend all classes.
 Become familiar with relevant scholarly resources.
 Seek clarity on assignments from lecturer.
 Monitor scores on each assignment.
 Complete all assignments well.

Note:
Remember, students who begin the semester late (after the first class session) and miss
instruction or fail to submit assignments do so at their own peril. Attendance is critical in this
course.

Have a successful Semester!

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised August 2021, M. Montrichard