The second Writing Workshop provides an overview of academic essay structure, thesis development, and argumentation. Instructors focus on how to move toward making a contribution to the conversation (i.e., I Say). Students apply what they learn to sketch out a possible organizational structure to their essays.
Understand the fundamentals of academic argumentative essay writing
Practice analytical reading strategies to identify key parts in the texts that can be used in the essay
Generate a draft argumentative statement
Sketch out a preliminary essay structure
Articulate the importance of making evidence-based claims
Below are required readings that students complete the night before and discuss in their study groups with fellows and in a seminar with faculty. Students also have the newest edition (6th) of They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, so instructors should consider assigning readings from this text in class.
Tocqueville, Alexis de. Democracy in America. Translated by Harvey C. Mansfield and Delba Winthrop.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2000. (pp. 105-110, 113-115, 118-124, 130-133, 143-154).
Madison, James. “Federalist No. 10”
U.S. Constitution
Students will have attended a seminar in the morning titled, The Constitutional Framework, during which they will have discussed the above readings. Students will also have had the following fellow-led sessions:
Study group to discuss the above readings in preparation for the seminar
College Success session on attention and time management
Writing instructors provide a core service in our academic boot camps by ensuring that WSP participants learn about and practice college-level writing in a real-life setting. This experience helps to instill confidence and prompt motivation to pursue higher education. Your role is, ultimately, to be yourself; to share your expertise with participants and to run the class like you would with traditional college students. We highly encourage you to find ways to connect with participants and to share any advice you have for them as they transition from military service to higher education.
