Reading and Writing Workshop I: Utopia and Dystopia

Course Description

This course is designed specifically for English Language Learners interested in further developing their English skills in a challenging college-level academic setting.

This intensive two-week workshop is intended for high school students who are not native speakers of English and who wish to strengthen their reading and writing skills. As the cornerstone of good writing includes critical reading skills, this course will emphasize not only intensive writing, but close reading of texts.

The workshop is designed to improve students' analytical and technical skills through close examination of different genres and frequent writing exercises. Each class will encourage lively group discussion as a catalyst for new ideas. Students will sharpen not only grammar and diction, but also skills necessary for success in college. By concentrating on a specific theme, "Utopia and Dystopia," students will be encouraged to focus their thinking.

What are the responsibilities of society toward the individual? This course is an intensive reading and writing workshop focused on readings about the real and hypothetical issues societies face. Students will work in teams to examine philosophical themes, and will read articles and excerpts from books, both fictional and non-fictional to examine society. Readings will include excerpts from Plato and Locke as well as newspaper articles and works of fiction.

Reading and Writing Workshop I and Reading and Writing Workshop II are designed to be stand-alone courses. Students may elect to take one or both workshops.

Prerequisites: None