WR 112
WR 112 is a pass/fail course that will continue to build your academic writing skills as English language learners, with special emphasis on intercultural literacy; textual analysis; the logic of exposition and argumentation; audience and tone; accuracy in language use and prose mechanics.
The advanced readings on the broad theme of globalization cover a variety of genres and will expose you to complex ideas and diverse cultural experiences, stressing important aspects of global citizenship. The course tasks will respond to your evolving linguistic needs by addressing specific elements of English grammar and style in the context of writing. A strong public speaking component will help you achieve oral fluency and confidence while conversing about cultural contexts presented by the texts. Through reading, discussion, and analysis you will gain crucial insights into people from different national, cultural, social, and linguistic backgrounds. You will be asked to understand and interact with various intellectual perspectives, reflect on those experiences, and thus position yourselves more thoughtfully as global citizens. By expanding your cultural horizons, the course will prepare you to engage in focused academic conversations and to apply culturally appropriate communication strategies as an active participant in the intellectual life of our global university.
WR 112 carries one Hub unit, in Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy.
Faculty Guide to Teaching WR 111 and WR 112
Learning Outcomes
All WR 112 sections follow the same curriculum, use the same designated texts, and aim to achieve the common goals for the level. In this course, you will develop your abilities to:
- read academic texts on varied global subjects with accurate comprehension, intellectual discernment, and cultural sensitivity
- recognize and use the cross-cultural conventions of expository and argumentative discourse
- express oneself with fluency, linguistic accuracy, and diction appropriate to diverse cultural contexts, both inside and outside the classroom
- explore and practice multi-modal forms of writing
- plan, write, and revise academic papers for clarity and coherence, and with attention to grammar and the stylistic features of academic English
- develop and use effective strategies for finding and correcting errors in your own work
- critically reflect on how your position as a global citizen informs your choices and performance as a writer, reader, and speaker
Pedagogical Approach
The course emphasizes critical reading and close textual analysis; modeling of argumentation patterns; strategies for summarizing and documenting sources; consideration of audience and purpose; fluent public speaking in semi-formal setting; correct lexical and syntactic usage. The syllabus is structured around four thematic units, each of which presents a variety of genres with specific writing priorities and corresponding formal writing assignments.
Course Requirements
- Initial diagnostic writing
- Annotated readings, with summaries/outlines/journals
- Presentations on assigned readings
- 3 formal papers with multiple drafts
- In-class writing, short papers, and exercises
- Mid-semester self-evaluation
- Final reflective essay
- 1 instructor conference and 1 Writing Center tutoring appointment
- Active participation in class work
Resources for Teaching
Essential Lessons
Major Assignments
Exercises & Handouts
Flipped Learning Modules
Guides & Tips
Previous level:WR 111 Academic Writing for ELL 1
Next level:WR 120 First-Year Writing Seminar
