Improving the Quality of your Writing Skills

Wednesdays, January 21-February 25, 2009
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Educational Activities Building

View a printable brochure and registration form

Overview

This noncredit course provides information and strategies to improve existing writing skills. For the first five weeks, each class will consist of instruction for the first half and individual mentoring time for the last half. The sixth week class will meet by individual appointment with the instructor.

OBJECTIVES

To improve written language skills and apply usage effectively and proficiently

To achieve continual development, overall quality improvement, and proficiency of written language skills.

TOPICS

• Writing Styles: Technical, Academic, Literary, Creative
• Idea Development Strategies, Sentence and Parallel Structure
• Mechanics, Pronoun Usage, and Subject-Verb Agreement

INSTRUCTOR

Robin Thal has an M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum with Reading Specialist and Writing Specialization Certification from Penn State Harrisburg. She has been teaching at the college level for over ten years. Office hours by appointment. E-mail: rrthal@verizon.net Phone: 717-948-6505.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The objectives of this course will be achieved by the following:

1. Class Participation
20 points per class; 120 points maximum

2. Class Assignments

1. Weekly Writing Assignments Each writing assignment is directly related to course content. The maximum number of five class assignments is worth 10 points each - 50 maximum points can be earned. Each assignment is due the following week. Assignments may be resubmitted until the set score is met.
2. Weekly Reaction Paper A weekly reaction paper is due for each class; each paper must reflect the course content and discuss how the specific course topic(s) can be applied to writing (academically, personally, or professionally). Each paper must be one page in length and is due the following week; however, papers may be submitted the same evening of class.

3. Individual Mentoring Time
Individual mentoring time (5-10 minutes minimum) with the instructor at each class session is required for full course completion.

4. Cumulative Assignment
This assignment reflects a culmination of course content and is determined by the instructor. Content must be relative to course objectives. The assignment is worth 100 points.

5. Demonstration
Must successfully demonstrate the acquisition and proficiency of improved writing skills. This is determined by the instructor through continual assessment of student progress as demonstrated by achievement of course requirements.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

Access: Penn State encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 717-948-6505 or e-mail ksk1@psu.edu.

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Refunds: A full refund will be made only if notice of cancellation is received at least two business days prior to the course starting date. Anyone who is registered but cannot attend may send a substitute. To cancel your registration, mail or fax a written notice to:

Noncredit Registration
Educational Activities Building
Penn State Harrisburg
777 West Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057-4898
Fax: 717-948-6276
Phone: 717-948-6505
E-mail: ksk1@psu.edu

Continuing Education Units
Upon successful completion of the course, each participant will receive a certificate verifying the 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned. The CEU is a nationally recognized unit of measure used to accumulate a standardized permanent record of an individual's participation in noncredit continuing education programs conducted under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. The CEU is based on a standard of one unit per ten hours of instructional contact.

Act 48 (Pennsylvania Department of Education)
Penn State is a Pennsylvania Act 48-approved provider. This course provides 15 contact hours. Professional educators are encouraged to confirm that this course fits their school district's workforce development plan for Pennsylvania Act 48.