Unit 1Writing 101: Basics of a Paragraph, Descriptions, and Summarization
3 lessons2 Weeks
Writing 101: Basics of a Paragraph, Descriptions, and Summarization
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Writing Basics 101
In class 1, we focus on the very basics of writing and developing a single paragraph. We will also cover common grammar mistakes that I frequently see in my own college classroom, including comma placement, conjunction usages, punctuation for a sentence, and using quotes. This class, while covering simple material, is used to make sure all of the students are on the same page moving forward and that the basics of writing are perfected before moving to more advanced material. 
Lesson 2
Word Choice and Descriptive Writing
Students will practice writing descriptions as a way of learning how to effectively communicate an idea, during the second half of the week. Students will have a lesson on how to write an effective description and I will demonstrate 1-2 examples in class. During this week, students will have lessons on word choice and active voice, both of which are crucial for providing succinct and precise descriptions of what you are discussing.
 Week 2
Lesson 3
Primary and Secondary Sources: Summaries and Interpretations
In the college classroom, students will frequently be asked to summarize material they have read, listened to in lecture, or viewed on their own, in homework assignments and exams. In this class, we focus on how to most effectively summarize the material in one to two paragraphs. This is helpful for timed exams, particularly, where students have a short amount of time to cover a lot of information, and in preparation for the research paper.
Unit 2Research Paper Basics
6 lessons4 Weeks
Research Paper Basics
 Week 2
Lesson 4
Starting a Research Paper--Brainstorming and Choosing a Topic
This class begins a multi-week unit on the dreaded college-level research paper! This week, we will discuss how to start putting together a research paper, including brainstorming topics and interacting with a given prompt. Students will learn a number of ways to brainstorm and outline basic research topics that they can develop in future classes. We will also talk about how to find sources for a research paper and the difference between a scholarly level and non-scholarly source.
 Week 3
Lesson 5
Starting a Research Paper--Annotated Bibliographies
This lesson is dedicated to students starting the research for their larger project through developing an annotated bibliography. Students will learn the basics of an annotated bibliography, how to discuss sources, and evaluate their sources for credibility while starting the research.
Lesson 6
Research Paper Basics 1: Introductions, Thesis Statements, and Arguments
In this class, students will begin developing their own research papers. We will begin by working on introductions and move to discuss the all-important thesis statement. Students will learn what a thesis statement is and how to write an effective one for longer research paper. We will work through a few prompts in class and developing a thesis statement together. For homework, students will write the introduction to their research paper and their own thesis statement, which will be evaluated by
 Week 4
Lesson 7
Research Paper Basics 2: Outlines and Preparing a Paper
In this lesson, students will learn how to develop an outline for a research paper. We will discuss paper organization, how to identify gaps in the research, choosing main points for the paper, and how to discuss outside evidence clearly and concisely.
Lesson 8
Research Paper Basics 3: Body Paragraphs and Citations
In this class, students will learn how to develop the body paragraphs of their research paper, thinking about organization of paragraphs, use of passive and active voice, and providing ample evidence to support their argument within a paper. We will also heavily cover MLA citations, standard for college courses and discuss avoiding plagiarism.
 Week 5
Lesson 9
Research Paper Basics 4: Conclusions, Editing, and Paper Formatting
In this class, students will talk about the importance of a paper’s conclusion and how to develop their own without using “all in all,” “in conclusion,” and other similar statements. Students will also learn some great tools for self-editing their papers, including web programs and individual activities. We will also discuss how to format their paper, with a demonstration given in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs so students know how to find the tools they need. For homework, students will co
Unit 3Instructor Meetings
1 lesson1 Week
Instructor Meetings
 Week 6
Lesson 10
Optional Instructor Meetings
This week, students will have the opportunity to meet live with the instructor for feedback on the rough draft of their paper. Students can meet via Zoom at a predetermined time and communicate through video or through chat. Students are expected to submit a rough draft of their full paper a minimum of 48 hours before their meeting, so the instructor has time to review it before the meeting. If the student chooses to not meet the instructor live, notes and feedback will be given on the draft.
Unit 4Presenting in the College Classroom
2 lessons2 Weeks
Presenting in the College Classroom
 Week 7
Lesson 11
Presenting Your Research Projects
In this class, students will learn how to turn their research into a 5 minute presentation for the class. This is a very common practice in the college setting—where students are asked to give 5-10 minute presentations about their subject matter. Students will go through what makes a great presentation and how to be concise with the information they have researched because of time limits. We will walk through Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides, so students know how to create a PowerPoint for
 Week 8
Lesson 12
Final Papers
Following this class, students will be expected to submit their final papers to the instructor within 72 hours of the last class date. The instructor will provide feedback on the essay within a week of the class finishing.