English Component

I. Philosophy

English Component strongly believes in:

  • Teaching the fundamentals of thinking, reasoning, and developing language skills needed for students to succeed academically.

  • Helping students develop the thinking abilities and language skills necessary to understand and intelligently articulate their views on controversial issues that surround them.

  • Integrating the development of thinking abilities with the four language skills:  reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

  • Promoting awareness of cultural diversity among students, which is crucial for a better learning atmosphere.

II. Goals
The goal of the English Component of the SSS/IED program is to facilitate students' success in the University's required Introduction to Writing course by teaching the basic conventions of argumentative discourse, especially in reference to elements of reading, arrangement, development and style. In addition, students learn computer and library skills to support their writing activities. The English Component aims to prepare students for the research and writing required at the college level by providing opportunities to:

  • Produce clear, organized patterns of discourse

  • Write good academic prose

  • Apply rhetorical principles

  • Exercise independence in scholarship

  • Improve grammar in relation to writing

III. Learning Outcome Assessment

  • The English Component has a rigorous policy of systematic evaluation of its students' learning outcome and course effectiveness by assessing students through:

  • Entrance diagnostic test.

  • Pre-test and a post-test.

  • Portfolios of their written work.

  • Mastery of writing concepts is measured by how well students integrate them into their writing. Mastery of the following writing concepts is measured through:

  • Reading–Comprehension of reading material and integration of research material into written work.

  • Development–The writing of full and relevant discussion that supports an argument.

  • Arrangement–The structure of writing into introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs, formation of a strong thesis, and arrangement of body paragraphs in the point-discussion format.

  • Style–Grammatical correctness and, more importantly, effective use of language.

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