UNIVERSIDAD DEL TURABO

OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF GENERAL EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES
COURSE GUIDE
Course Code: ENGL 231
Course Title: Research and Writing
Session: CRN:
Section/Days/Hours: Tuesday & Thursday
Professor: L. Garca
Contact Information:
Office/Office Hours:
Description: Research and Writing is a performance course designed to develop
students' skills in academic research and writing. The focus is on the strategies and
techniques needed in the process of producing original academic research-based
papers. Students will learn how to choose a topic, create a research question and
thesis statement, research information, organize ideas, and use technological and
library resources. The principal emphasis will be on correct writing of formal English,
clarity, organization, and logical development. In addition, all papers will exhibit proper
use of current American Psychological Association (APA) norms. Students will receive
practical instruction in the adequate use of computerized resources in the SUAGM
libraries and in the application of APA norms of academic style and citation of
bibliographical sources.
General Objectives:
1. Understand the nature and function of writing in an academic environment
2. Develop the academic reading and research skills needed to prepare and write a
research paper
3. Distinguish relevant and reliable references and resources in traditional,
electronic, and virtual media
4. Recognize rhetorical modes and organizational styles of research writing
5. Locate and retrieve research documents from traditional, electronic and virtual
resources

6. Compare, analyze, and synthesize information from several different sources

7. Produce original research papers which exhibit logical development and clarity of
thought
8. Paraphrase, summarize, and cite references and bibliographical sources in an
acceptable format
9. Organize a research paper in an academically acceptable style
10. Recognize the seriousness of plagiarism and academic dishonesty as well as
their consequences
11. Demonstrate competency in word-processing as a tool for the production,
revision, and editing of the research paper.

Thematic Content:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week?
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 15
Week 16

Getting Acquainted; Writing Samples; Grammar and Essay Writing

Review
Chapter 1: Building a Paper (Explore): Open Reading; Paraphrasing;
Plagiarism
Chapter 1: Building a Paper: Responding to Writing; Summarizing;
Responding to Writing
Paper 1: Research Planning
Chapter 2: Building a Paper (Focus): A Research Question; Reading and
Taking Notes
Chapter 2: Building a Paper (Focus): Creating a Rough Outline
Paper 1: Research Planning
Chapter 3: Building a Paper (Organize): Writing a Thesis Statement;
Expanding with Evidence
Chapter 3: Building a Paper (Organize): Writing an Outline with Evidence
Paper
1: Short Research Paper Revision and Submission
Chapter 4:
Building a Paper (Create):
Paragraphs and Preparing
Evidence
Chapter 4:
Building a Paper (Create):
Integrating Evidence into
Paragraphs
Theme 4: Guided Research (First Draft - Second Paper Graded)
Chapter 5:
Building a Paper (Refine):
Writing Introductions and
Conclusions
Chapter 5: Building a Paper (Refine): Documenting Evidence
Chapter 6: Building a Paper (Independent Research): Choosing a Topic &
Sources
Final Draft of Final Research Paper Due

Methodology:

Students will engage in class discussions, presentations, lectures, and hands-on writing
skills practice. Instruction will be delivered through PowerPoint presentations, lectures,
online material and videos. Assignments will be given to reinforce the writing process
from pre-writing to the final draft. Additionally, the course will require utilizing the
physical and virtual libraries and the Internet. Student will also produce original
research papers in APA format.

Evaluation:
Quizzes: 25

Research planning assignments: 25

Short Research Paper (6-8 pages): 25
Final Research Paper (8-12 pages): 25
Total 100 (400 points)
Grade Distribution: 100-90 A 189-80 B 179-70 C 169-60 D I 59-0 F
Required Texts:
Dollahite N. & Haun, J. (2012). Source work: Academic Writing from Sources

(2nd. ed.). Boston, MA: Heinle, Cengage Learning.

A bilingual dictionary (a good college-level edition).
General Rules:
Regular and punctual online attendance and assignment completion is essential.
Missing assignments will adversely affect your grade. The student is responsible for all
classwork. Arrangements for missed exams will be made with the professor upon
presentation of a valid excuse.

Lack of academic honesty, plagiarism or fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with

university rules and regulations.
Any student that requires reasonable accommodation should request it at the
corresponding university office and notify the professor. For information about the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonable accommodation visit:
http://www.suagm.edu/turabol
Students may communicate with the professor via Blackboard, email, telephone, or
office visit.

Tutoring is available in the Reading and Writing Center, Complementary Services

Program, and the Supplementary Instruction Tutoring Program.

References

American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of The American

Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
Clines, R.H. & Cobb, E.R. (2014). Research Writing Simplified: A Documentation Guide
(8th ed.). New York: Longman.
Cresswell, J.W. (2013). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches. (3rd. ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Lester J.& Lester J. Jr. (2014). Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide (15th ed.).
New York: Longman.