This class will provide a general introduction of academic research. The ultimate goal of this class is to increase communication ability—both in speaking and writing, but the specific focus (with regard to coursework) will be on formal style and research writing. Students will be expected to actively participate in their own learning process, to find ideas of interest, to develop clear, well-supported arguments, and to both search for and present (in-writing) facts and data to support their position. Students will also be expected to share and discuss their ideas with their classmates, and work closely with their group members in the peer-review process.

Although the class goals are universal to any language, this class will be conducted entirely in English, and students will be given ample opportunity each week to practice and improve their speaking and listening skills. The majority of class time will be devoted to student presentations and idea sharing. Homework will consist mostly of reading academic articles, with short review activities held at the beginning of the next class. Readings have been specifically chosen by your instructor to encourage class discussion and lead into writing assignments. There will be no exams in this course.