UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMAICA
Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Language, Technology and Research Centre
COM2014 Academic Writing II
SEMESTER 2 JANUARY– APRIL, 2020
W elcome to Academic Writing II, a module that you are required to complete by the university in order to
obtain your degree. All across the world, universities are insisting that their graduates be competent
critical thinkers. This module aims to assist you in improving your critical thinking skills.
This module is evaluated by coursework; therefore, it does not have an examination. Coursework assignments
and in-class tests are therefore extremely important. Please note the following regulations regarding the module,
assignments and in-class tests:
1. Attendance
Attendance is required for this module. Your Student Handbook indicates that specific modules may
make attendance compulsory.
2. Assessment dates
Assignment deadlines are not ‘flexible’. Failure to meet deadlines carries a penalty and your lecturer
reserves the right to refuse assignments altogether. Late submission of work compromises the validity of
the evaluation process.
Working students
The demands of a job will make your student life more challenging. Make careful note of the deadlines for
assignments and dates for tests so that you can adequately prepare for them.
3. Absence from in-class tests
It is your responsibility to keep informed about the dates of coursework assignments and in-class tests.
Make it your duty to get the e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of your classmates and lecturer so
you can keep informed.
Reasons for absence that will be accepted are:
• Illness: medical certificate required.
If you miss a test or an assignment for medical reasons, you must present a valid medical
certificate. This certificate must be submitted to the university’ health centre for
verification (if the certificate is not from the health centre), after which a copy is given
to your lecturer at the first class after the leave expires. Your lecturer will submit this
certificate to the Head, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• A personal emergency
• Activities of statutory and national importance (jury duty, special mission, national
emergencies)
• Representing the university in approved activities
Appropriate documentary evidence in each case, MUST be provided to the Programme
Director for approval.
If your reason for being absent is acceptable, you can request (in writing) a reschedule of
assignment submission or test date if you are unable to meet the scheduled date. Prior approval
from the Programme Director is required before the submission or test date is rescheduled.
In the event that you gave no reason for being absent or your reason was not acceptable, you will
receive a zero for the assignment in question. This means that your final grade will be calculated
out of 100% based on the assignment(s) done.
4. Sitting the test in another class
Permission must be sought from your lecturer to sit a test in another class. Failure to do so may result
in your script being disqualified.
5. Re-do
If you fail this module, you must make plans to re-sit it when next it is offered.
6. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of presenting another person’s ideas as your own. The University of Technology,
Jamaica considers it an act of academic misconduct; in other places it is considered a serious criminal
offence. If you use another person’s ideas and words, whether from a book, journal, magazine, newspaper
or web-page, you must cite the source.
7. Language Technology and Research Centre
The Language, Technology and Research Centre (LTRC), which is located on the ground floor of the
southern wing of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, is a facility provided to help you develop
and improve your language skills. Visit the Centre and consult with the Training Assistant.
8. Issues or concerns with the module
Your lecturer will deal with any issue or concern you have regarding this module. If you are not satisfied
with the outcome of discussions with your lecturer, s/he may advise you to write to the Head, The
Language, Technology and Research Centre. Address your letter to:
The Director
The Language, Technology and Research Centre
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies
In your letter, clearly outline the nature of your concern. Include your ID number, the name of your school
(e.g. College of Business Administration), your occurrence, your group, (e.g. BBA1(C) ), and the name of
your lecturer. You may also provide an e-mail address, a postal address and a telephone number.
2 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMAICA
Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Language, Technology and Research Centre
Academic Writing II
Com2014
Semester 2, January - April, 2020
MODULE OUTLINE FOR Academic Writing II
MODULE CODE: COM2014
CREDIT VALUE: 3
NUMBER OF HOURS: 45
PRE-REQUISITE: Academic Writing I
OCCURRENCE:
YOUR TUTOR’S NAME IS: ……………………………………………………
His/Her Consultation hours are: ……………………………………………………
He/She is located in: ……………………………………………………
Enrolment Key for UTechOnline: Argument2020
MODULE DESCRIPTION
Academic Writing II covers skills in critical thinking and reading, information gathering, documentation and
argumentation. It focuses on developing reasoning and problem-solving competencies and demands the
effective use of both receptive and expressive skills.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the module students should:
1. know the concepts and steps involved in effective critical thinking
2. demonstrate skills in sourcing relevant information
3. evaluate oral and written information
4. formulate logical arguments
5. use different types of rhetorical strategies effectively
6. convey information in a clear and concise manner
7. produce argumentative writing that is fluent, logical and coherent
8. apply critical thinking skills in real life contexts
3 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
UNIT 1: The Concept of Critical Thinking
Objectives:
At the end of this unit students should be able to:
1. define critical thinking
2. list the characteristics of a critical thinker
3. explain the process of critical thinking
4. acknowledge the value of critical thinking in everyday life
5. evaluate themselves as critical thinkers/apply the principles of critical thinking to their own
experiences.
UNIT 2: The Critical Thinking Process
Objectives:
At the end of this unit students should be able to:
1. delineate problems for discussion when presented with scenarios
2. locate valid sources of information
3. critically evaluate different sources
4. summarize articles, giving the thesis (controlling idea) and main ideas
5. identify the relationships between/among ideas
6. explain deductive, inductive and analogical reasoning
7. use deductive, inductive and analogical reasoning to construct arguments.
UNIT 3: Critically Evaluate Arguments
Objectives
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
1. recognize the elements and key concepts of argumentation
2. identify the main characteristics of, and key concepts associated with, the argument
3. name various rhetorical strategies and explain their functions in effective argumentation
4. evaluate the structure and content of arguments
5. critically review an argument
UNIT 4: Writing the Argumentative Essay
4 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
Objectives:
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
1. apply the relevant steps in creating logical arguments
2. document sources in APA format
3. write a sentence outline for the argumentative essay
4. construct arguments that meet the criteria of being logical, well-structured and cogent
5. write an argumentative essay on a topic of local, regional or international significance that meets
the criteria for content, logic, structure.
TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES
REQUIRED TEXT
Jones McKenzie, C. & McDermott, H. (2014). Critical thinking, reading and writing: Student’s
workbook.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TEXT
Seyler, D.U. (2012). Read, reason, write: An argument text and reader (11th ed.).
Boston: McGraw Hill
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Barnet, S. and Bedau, H. (2017). Critical thinking, reading and writing: A brief guide to argument
(9th ed.). Boston: Bedford.
Connelly, M. (2013). The sundance writer (5th ed.). Fort Worth: Harcourt College
Publishers
Kolin, P. C. (2012). Successful writing at work (11th ed.). Boston: Houghton
Mifflin Company
McCuen, J.R. and Winkler, A.C. (2012). From idea to essay (13th ed.). Boston: Allyn
and Bacon
Reinking, J.A., Hart, A.W., and Osten, R. (2017). Strategies for successful writing (11th ed.).
New Jersey: Prentice Hall
5 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
ACADEMIC WRITING II – SEMESTER 2, 2018 - 2019
Date TOPICS TO BE COVERED TEACHING/LEARNING READINGS OUT OF CLASS
ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
Week 1 Lecture One Tutorial One Seyler, Chapter 2 Choose essay topic and
• Introduction to Module Introduction to Module begin preliminary
Jan 8 – 14 • Defining Critical Thinking Critical Thinking and Workbook, readings around the
2020 • Characteristics of the Critical Every-day Life p. 1 – 7 & 15 - 24 issue.
Thinker • Discussion of the
• Overview of the Process of Critical Process of Critical (Essay topics are found
. Thinking Thinking on page 9 of this
o Identifying issues o Identifying issues module outline).
o Sourcing valid information o Sourcing valid
o Interpreting information information
o Interpreting Workbook Activities,
information 3&4
Complete workbook
activities in class for
discussion. Write Reflection Piece
1&2 for submission in week
2.
Reflection Piece: “Myself
as a Critical Thinker/What
I expect from this course”
Week 2 Lecture Two Tutorial Two Seyler, Chapter 3, Continue reading toward
The Argument – Part One Workbook, Activities 12 the final essay
Jan 15 – 21 • Introduction to Argumentation 13, 14, 15A, 15B
2020 • The basic structure of an argument ➢ Discuss the Draft two supporting
• Characteristics of arguments characteristics of points for position.
• Identifying issues arguments Barnet & Bedau,
• Sourcing valid information pp. 177 - 191 Begin sourcing
o Types of sources, using search ➢ Identify similarities information for final
words and differences among Workbook, essay. At least three
online, library catalogues, sources pp. 36-39 types of sources should
narrowing searches, sorting be chosen.
information, recording NB: Use the sentence
information outline to illustrate Workbook, Activity 15B
structure and elements
of the argument.
Week 3 Lecture Three Tutorial Three Seyler, Chapter 6 Review content on
The Argument – Part Two Identifying and critical thinking and
Jan 22 – 28 Types of Argument Constructing Arguments Workbook, argumentation covered
2020 • Deductive ➢ Workbook, p. 44 - 47 in class.
• Inductive ➢ Activities 16, 17, 18
• Analogy ➢ Practice case studies Research essay topic
and write a
preliminary essay
➢ Identifying thesis thesis
statements and
supporting points Begin to document and
summarize sources to be
used for final essay.
Week 4 Lecture Four Tutorial Four Seyler, Chapter 5 Decide how to
The Argument – Part Two cont’d Workbook, Activities 19, incorporate inductive
20, 21A, 21B, 22 Workbook,
6 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
Jan 29 – • Visual arguments pp. 49 – 51, 54 – and deductive arguments
Feb 4 • Rhetorical strategies Practice solving case 56, 57 - 60 in final essay.
2020 • Appeals studies Practice using rhetorical
strategies
Begin to draft final
sentence outline
Week 5 Lecture Five Tutorial Five
The Argumentative Essay Outline Complete draft of
Feb 5 – 11 ASSIGNMENT ONE Sentence Outline
2020 • Using the writing process to (30%) - IN-CLASS TEST
produce arguments
• Developing main and Case Studies - 1 Hour 30
supporting ideas minutes
• Review preparation of the
Sentence Outline
Week 6 Lecture Six Tutorial Six Workbook,
Evaluating Arguments – Part One pp.131 – 133 Begin revision to
Feb 12 – 18 Sentence Outline
2020 The Critical Review • Oral Presentation in Activity 37A
Class of Work in Begin practicing the
• Analysis of Evidence in terms of Progress on Essay Critical Review
its: (based on draft of
outline)
➢ Credibility/Reliability
➢ Currency • Discuss draft of
➢ Relevance Sentence Outline
➢ Sufficiency with students.
Week 7 Lecture Seven Tutorial Seven Workbook, Practice writing critical
Evaluating Arguments – Part Two Workbook, Activity 24 pp. 95 - 100 reviews
Feb 19 – 25
2020 The Critical Review Workbook, Activity 34
• Analysis of the Argument in terms Practice writing critical
of its: reviews Continue revision of
Sentence Outline
➢ Validity/Logic Workbook, Activity 25, 33
➢ Soundness
➢ Fallacies
➢ Bias
7 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
Week 8 Lecture Eight Tutorial Eight Workbook, Do further research if
Evaluating Arguments – Part Three Practice writing critical pp. 49 – 58 necessary
Feb 27* - reviews
Mar 4 The Critical Review
2020 Read up on APA
• Analysis of the Argument in terms referencing and write
of its: reference list accordingly
➢ Persuasive Prepare final draft of
Devices/Rhetorical sentence outline
Strategies
➢ Writer’s Tone
*Ash Wednesday – February 26,
2020 NO CLASSES
Lecture Nine
Week 9 Writing the Argumentative Essay –
Part One Tutorial Nine
Mar 5 – 11 ASSIGNMENT TWO
2020 • Difference between argument and (30%) - IN-CLASS TEST Seyler, Chapter 4, Do further research if
exposition 12 & 13 necessary for final essay
Critical Review – 1 Hour
Introducing the argument 30 Mins.
Structure & Elements Students practice writing
• Attention – grabber the introductory
• Context/Background Final week for approving paragraph of their essay
• Definition of terms Sentence Outline
• Thesis
Week 10 Lecture Ten Tutorial Ten Seyler, Chapter 4, Students practice writing
Writing the Argumentative Essay – Students will examine 12 & 13 the first two body
Mar 12– 18 Part Two sample essays and give paragraphs of their
2020 feedback essay
Presenting Claims Workbook,
• Developing main and Discussion of students’ pp.125 - 126
supporting ideas introductory paragraph
• Selecting appropriate drafts (Use any sample
rhetorical strategies essay from the
• Selecting appropriate Approval of Introductory workbook for
evidence paragraph examination and
• Credibility discussion)
• Relevance
• Sufficiency Practice writing
argumentative paragraphs
• Logic
Week 11 Lecture Eleven Tutorial Eleven Seyler, Chapter 4, Students practice writing
Writing the Argumentative Essay – Discussion of students’ 12 & 13 the counterclaim and
Mar 19 – 25 Part Three body paragraph drafts in refutation paragraphs of
2020 which they present their Workbook, their essay.
Presenting Counterclaim and claims. pp.126 - 127
Refutation
8 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
• Rhetorical strategies+ Approval of First body
paragraph
• Documenting sources-
Referencing and citation Selecting appropriate
(avoiding plagiarism) evidence
• Documentation in APA
Week 12 Lecture Twelve Tutorial Twelve Seyler, Chapter
Writing the Argumentative Essay – 14 Students practice using
Mar 26 – Part Four Approval of APA
April 1 Counterclaim For current APA
2020 • Documenting Sources citation style refer
(cont’d) Practice in-text citations to: www.apa.org
Referencing and citation Discussion of students’
counterclaim and refutation
paragraphs
Week 13 Lecture Thirteen Tutorial Thirteen
Writing the Argumentative Essay –
April 2 – 8 Part Five ASSIGNMENT THREE
2020 (40%) - Argumentative
• Editing and Proofreading Essay
Essays must be
submitted in hard copy
along with a Turnitin
report showing a
similarity of 30% or less.
Instructions for the
report are on
UTechOnline.
Your lecturer will
indicate the time the
assignment will be
collected. Late
assignments WILL NOT
be accepted.
Essay Topics
9 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
Choose one of the following topics to develop an argumentative essay of no more than 800 – 1000 words
1. Granting men paternity leave will do more good than harm. Agree or disagree
2. Professionals, whose education was publicly funded, should be bonded. Agree or disagree
3. Modern contraceptive methods are responsible for the declining birth rates. Agree or disagree
4. The government of Jamaica should move to dismantle all informal settlements. Agree or disagree
5. All aspects of Jamaican culture are worthy of acceptance and celebration. Agree or disagree
ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
Date Assignments Weighting % Description
Week 5 Case Study 30% Students will be required to analyze a given case
Feb 5 - 11 (Analyzing Critical utilizing the basic critical thinking skills.
Thinking) – Short Answers
1 hr. 30 mins.
Week 9 Critical Review – Sentences 30% Students will be given an unseen passage to
Mar 5 - 11 and paragraph answers. analyze. The critical review should:
• Summarize the argument
1 hr. 30 mins. • Identify and comment on features of the
given argument
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses
of the argument.
Week 13 Argumentative Essay 40% Using approved drafts of the sentence outline and
April 2 - 8 sections of the essay, students will write an
argumentative essay out of class. A hard copy of
the essay must be submitted to your lecturer at
the designated time. Late assignments WILL
NOT be accepted.
RUBRIC FOR THE CRITICAL REVIEW
Content The review summarizes the argument being put forward detailing the bibliographic
information. In addition, there is a thoughtful critique of the argument evaluating the
Total marks: 26 evidence used in support of the claims, the authority of the writer, the logical
progression of the argument, the author’s language, style and tone and any other
apparent feature of the article
Grammar Sentence and paragraph responses express ideas freshly and vividly, and are free of
major grammatical, mechanical and spelling errors.
Total marks: 2 Major grammar errors include: run-ons, fragments, errors in noun/verb agreement
and noun/pronoun agreement.
10 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
Organisation and Style Words are used appropriately composing unambiguous and sophisticated sentences.
Paragraphing is clear and logical with effective use of transitions and rhetorical
Total marks: 2 devices. In addition, there is consistent use of the appropriate register and format.
TOTAL: 30
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY RUBRIC
Introduction There is a well-developed introductory paragraph that contains a clear thesis spelling out a compelling
position. The attention-grabber is clear and interesting and adequate context is created for the issue under
Total marks: 4 discussion.
Conclusion The conclusion effectively wraps up the main points with a compelling closure of the issue without
repeating the introduction.
Total marks: 2
Main Points The two main points are well-developed with supporting details. There is a direct relation to the thesis.
The claims are supported with concrete and specific evidence. In addition, it is evident that the writer
Total marks: 10 understands the principles of argumentation.
Counter-point and There is a clear opposing view with adequate rebuttal evidence. The refutation addresses the counter
refutation directly, relevantly, logically and sufficiently.
Total marks: 6
Use of sources and The essay contains material from at least four sources. They are smoothly integrated into the text and are
referencing accurately documented. All the sources are relevant, reliable and establish evidence for the argument.
Total marks: 6
Grammar The essay expresses ideas freshly and vividly and is free of major grammatical, mechanical and spelling
Total marks: 6 errors.
Major grammar errors include: run-ons, fragments, errors in noun/verb agreement and; noun/pronoun
agreement.
Organization Paragraphing is clear and logical with effective use of transitions within and between paragraphs.
Total marks: 3
Style A lively and persuasive voice is present, and the writer makes use of rhetorical devices. Words are used
Total marks: 3 appropriately, composing unambiguous and sophisticated sentences. In addition, there is consistent use
of the appropriate register and format, and the paper exhibits a sense of sophistication and maturity in the
expression.
TOTAL: 40
GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING THE SENTENCE OUTLINE
The thesis is a single sentence setting out clearly the argument of the writer.
11 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
There should be two (2) claims which should be properly constructed and clear. The supporting points and evidence should
be suitable for the claims made.
There should be a clear opposing view and an answer to it in the format of the supporting claims above.
The global format of the outline and the formatting of specific areas should look like a proper outline, and it should use a
numbering system which makes the structure of the paper clear. The punctuations used are clear and appropriate and all
relevant sections are present.
Referencing throughout the outline should follow the current Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association. There should be clear and properly formatted in-text references along with the reference list.
12 Academic Writing II – Semester 2, 2019/2020 Revised by N. Cameron January 2020
