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Tunisia English Language Program
An Asynchronous Writing Course (CEFR B1 and above)
Welcome Video!
Course Description
Designed for students who want to improve their academic writing, this 40-hour, asynchronous writing course explores the process one must go through to write a 5-paragraph essay. As you may know, the 5-paragraph essay has a very specific set of guidelines. Knowing these guidelines can help writers construct any kind of unique message. All course materials will be provided online.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- use English language mechanics and syntax to convey tone and mood
- build a thesis that expresses the main points of the essay
- cite sources that support essay claims
- organize your thoughts into a proper essay structure
- self-edit your essay with track changes
Course Structure
This course has four 10-hour modules that each takes a week to complete. Since it is asynchronous, you may work on your assignments at any time. However, by 4pm each Friday, you are expected to turn in a writing sample. Module topics are:
- Module 1: Review of "the basics" and an overview of the 5-paragraph essay
- Module 2: The introduction paragraph and thesis
- Module 3: Body paragraphs and citing sources
- Module 4: The conclusion and putting it all together
At the end of each module and in the forums, you will receive feedback from one of the amazing Amideast teachers. You are expected to use this feedback and make changes to your writing as the course continues. This means that your final essay may have a completely different introduction paragraph than what you planned in Module 2.
Activities, forums, and writing assignments lead into each other, meaning you have to complete tasks in order. As you will see, each module has various parts. You have to complete Part 1 to open Part 2 and so on. You will be able to see all the items needed to be completed in a module, but you will not be able to click on them until you have finished the previous activity. To summarize, you cannot skip ahead nor can you skip an item. The computer will not let you.
Weekly Participation
Even though the course is asynchronous, you must be punctual with your assignments. Each week, you will read articles, watch videos, complete activities, communicate with your classmates (see Forums tab), and submit a writing sample. Your first forum posts are due on Wednesday. Writing samples are due on Friday by 4pm. Your teacher will provide feedback by the following Monday.
Assessment
Your course grade will come from the weekly activities and forums as well as your writing assignments. A summary of the assessments for this course is as follows:
- 20 points: Weekly activities (5 points each week)
- 20 points: Weekly forums (5 points each week)
- 5 points: Choosing a topic (Module 1)
- 15 points: Introduction paragraph & thesis statement (Module 2)
- 10 points: Body paragraphs (Module 3)
- 10 points: Conclusion (Module 4)
- 20 points: Final Paper (Module 4)
Each week there are several activities to complete in order to receive full credit. You will see a green check mark 
next to an activity once you have completed it.
Each week you must complete one forum. You will find these forums, and the rubric for receiving credit, under the brown tab at the top of this page. You should post your initial thoughts by Wednesday and reply to at least two of your classmates by Friday.
Rubrics for the writing assignments are in Modules 2, 3, and 4.
You must earn 75 points to pass.
Welcome to this asynchronous Amideast Writing Course! We hope you enjoy your time with us.
If you have any questions, concerns, or general comments, please feel free to contact the EL Department or call at 71 145 700 EXT: 6718