Expository Writing
Registration is now open for 2012-2013!
Live Class: Mondays, 1:00-3:00 PM, CST
September 10, 2012-May 20, 2012
Asynchronous Tutorial: No meeting time
Students work at their own pace but must complete the course between September 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013.
There now TWO options for students interested in Expository Writing! In addition to the live online class that I have taught for the last three years, I am offering a new asynchronous tutorial option. Students who take the class asynchronously will complete coursework at their own pace with instructional material and periodic private conferences with me to replace in-class teaching. Whether taking the class live or asynchronously, all students receive detailed feedback from me on every assignment and can email me with questions at any time. See a comparison of the two options at the end of this page.
Note: Last year, I was able to add a second section of Expository Writing after the first class filled. I will not be able to offer more than one section of the live class in 2012-2013, however, so register now to reserve your spot!
Course Description
In the first eight weeks of this course, we study aspects of sentence structure, style, and organization that serve as a foundation for all essay forms. We then move on to explore the persuasive essay, the comparison/contrast essay, the personal essay, the literary analysis, and the research paper, through which students practice choosing a good topic, developing a strong thesis, and organizing information and ideas in clear, powerful prose. Writing the research paper, students also learn how to document their sources according to MLA style, the citation style often required in college. One of the hallmarks of this class is a very strong emphasis on revision, and detailed, individualized feedback from the tutor guides students throughout that process. Geared toward junior high and early high school, this class is intended to prepare students for writing in advanced high school courses and beyond.
Weekly Homework
Each week students turn in homework, which consists of exercises during the first eight weeks and writing assignments--outlines, rough drafts, or revisions--during the rest of the year. Students also complete reading assignments each week.
Book List
Writers INC by Patrick Sebranek (Please purchase this specific edition.)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (Students may use any edition.)
Other readings will be available for students to download from the course website.
Sample Paper Assignments:
Personal Essay Rough Draft Assignment
Literary Analysis Rough Draft Assignment
Sample Student Papers with Feedback:
How do the live class and the asynchronous tutorial differ?
| Live Class | Asynchronous Tutorial |
$500 tuition + $50 registration fee | $450 tuition + $50 registration fee |
| Weekly two-hour group class | Extra instructional readings; ten private conferences with tutor, each lasting 20-30 minutes (five conferences per semester) |
| Deadlines for all assignments; grades lowered 10% per day late | No deadlines; students complete work at their own pace |
| Students read and respond to other students' essays | Students do not read and respond to other students' essays. |
| Students may email the tutor with questions or set up a private conference at any time. | Students may email the tutor with questions at any time; private conferences beyond the ten included with the course are available for an extra $15 per half-hour. |
Both options include detailed feedback from the tutor on every single outline, rough draft, and revision.