By the end of the course you will have practiced the following reading acts as a reader

• Deciding what the key vocabulary might be;
• Using titles and headings to predict content;
• Scanning and skimming the text to find main ideas and specific information;
• Highlighting important information;
• Monitoring reading comprehension;
• Learning and using word forms;
• Using text organization and graphic organizers to facilitate understanding of text;
• Using referents to aid in understanding text;
• Annotating text;
• Identifying text organization;
• Analyzing contrast in sentences and ideas;
• Understanding metaphors;
• Writing main ideas;
• Identifying author’s probable intention in presenting information;
• Recognizing definitions;
• Analyzing complex sentences;
• Understanding less common uses of common words and expressions;
• Understanding and interpreting written language from primary sources, translations, and texts in different texts and situations;
• Understanding that reading--as Kern (2000) stated-- “involves: interpretation; collaboration, conventions, cultural knowledge, problem solving, reflection and language use.”

As for writing, again we will use writing to enhance your critical thinking abilities and to learn about the content we are studying.  As the semester progresses, I’ll ask you to write a lot, both on your own and with other people, since you can greatly improve your writing skills by observing other people’s writing process. You will:

• Understand ways to generate and develop topics for writing;
• Understand and practice several different modes of expression (i.e., descriptive, narrative, expository);
• Understand and practice peer response to writing;
• Understand and practice effective revision techniques;
• Understand and use rhetorical strategies for achieving clarity, coherence, and adequate development;
• Understand the ways reading and writing reinforce one another;
• Enhance powers of written expression, including vocabulary and style;
• Understand the importance of standard surface mechanical conventions and apply them appropriately;
• Know ways to evaluate writing according to specific audience needs;

You’ll also be provided with structured guidance as you reflect and analyze, revise and refine your ideas. In sum, we will be concerned with ways of developing the thinking that goes into reading and writing.