Junior English Composition guides students to conduct research independently and write research paper. It is especially helpful for those who plan to pursue graduate studies or study abroad. In the first semester, we will center on some essential tasks of writing research papers, including the methods of selecting and narrowing topic, finding useful resources, summarizing, paraphrasing, reviewing, critically assessing outside material, avoiding plagiarism and so on. Students will also learn to find their own voice and craft sensible arguments. Students will have to complete several short assignments, which will lead to a longer paper in the spring semester.

Students are required to present assigned readings and review fellow students’ works and actively participate in class discussion.