21F.225 / 21F.226 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Science and Engineering: ESL, Spring 2003

Abstract

This workshop is designed to help advanced students of ESL and bilingual students to write clearly, accurately and effectively in a professional or academic technical environment. In class, we will focus on analyzing examples of various forms of technical writing. In addition, while 21.225/6 is not a grammar review, we will address many of the common problems of advanced non-native writers of technical English. Class members will occasionally be the authors of the work under review. They will also occasionally be responsible for leading group discussions and for short oral presentations. The course, then, is not a grammar class nor a thesis editing service though we will spend considerable time developing students’ editorial skills. Constructive participation in the group analyses, discussions and speaking exercises that take place in class is crucial to the learning process and to the success of the workshop. As a result, regular attendance and timely completion of assignments are requirements of 21.225/6. Students who, due to general study habits or schedule conflicts, expect to have difficulty in arriving on time or in attending every class, and in completing assignments on time, do not belong in the class. No listeners are accepted in 21F225/6. Completion of 21.226 with a grade of A or B fulfills Phase II of the MIT Undergraduate Writing Requirement. (It cannot fulfill both Phase I and Phase II at the same time.)