Summer: July to August

• Instructor: Kim Gaines-Baran B.A. M.A. (SFU) ~ PhD exam (UBC)

• Workshop Schedule: One workshop a week

• Workshop Format: ZOOM and email

These workshops will develop students' conceptual understanding of traditional university writing conventions enabling them to improve their in-class and term-paper assignments. Each two-hour workshops will begin with a lecture on the conceptual components of the university essay including the purpose of writing; narrowing, and researching the topic, as well as effective reading and note taking strategies. Then, students will be given exercises to develop these conceptual skills. During this time, the instructor will circulate among the students giving correction and suggestions. All exercises will be graded and returned to the students.

These workshops will also develop students' structural understanding of traditional university writing conventions enabling them to improve their in-class and term-paper assignments. Each two-hour workshop will begin with a lecture on the structural components of the university essay including strategies for introduction: broad and narrow thesis construction; body paragraph development: appropriate paraphrase, quotation and citation methods; as well as analytical or interpretive strategies; conclusion: restatement of thesis, summary and closing statement; proper footnote and bibliographical citation. Then, students will be given a five-page research paper assignment to develop their thesis construction, paraphrase, analytical and summary skills. The instructor will grade the research paper, and return it to the student.