Research Paper Writing for International Graduate Students (GAS 610)

Course Description

This course, which is designed for graduate students throughout the University whose native language is not English, explores the expectations of academic writing in the USA, and the features that make academic discourse and argumentation unique. This is done by analyzing sample texts, papers in the students' own disciplines, and the students' own writing. Second, through in-class and homework tasks students practice language skills and specific academic research and writing skills, so that the features of academic writing become clearer and more manageable. Finally, they get some guidance as to general intelligibility in written English (grammar, clarity, coherence, etc.).

Materials

The course makes principal use of a textbook focusing on planning, drafting and editing academic writing in English. In addition, students are required to have an appropriate monolingual English dictionary, and access to a copy of the style manual commonly respected in their individual academic disciplines.

Grading

Grades do not depend on general language proficiency. Student progress is evaluated on a continuous-assessment basis. Final grades are criterion referenced to the stated goals and objectives of the course, and reflect each individual's success with in-class assignments, homework assignments, and the projects.

Course Times

GAS 610 is offered in the spring semester only. It usually meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-10:30 AM.

Registration

Registration is by permit only and can be completed by contacting Mr. Christos Theodoropulos. You may phone him at 898-2049 or send him an email message at ctheodor@sas.upenn.edu.