Aims

By the end of the course, the student will be able
- to frame a simple topic, whether literary or cultural (in the large sense of the word), to place it in its context, to specify the related issues; to gather the pieces of information required to shape a relevant and consistent position towards the topic ;
- to organize these elements towards their communication; to articulate the reflection in language, to present it in a text that is coherent, cohesive and progressive ;
- to use stylistic and rhetorical means that are adapted to the situation.
In the first part, students will practice these competences towards the writing of an argumentative text presenting a well-supported answer to a specific question, which question will be either given or chosen.

Main themes

First part
- basic elements of textual grammar (cohesion/connection, segmentation, coherence, progression) ;
- argumentative discourse : arguments and their development (constructing the object); involvement of the writer; relation to the situation;
- reading argumentative texts : argumentative reference points, both rhetorical and textual
- the writing of an argumentative text: methodology for the development of a formal text; the pragmatic functions of the different moments of a text.
In the first part of the course, presentation of all these elements with introductory exercises.

Content and teaching methods

This course aims at improving the writing competence of students of Romance languages, and at providing them with the tools required to face different situations of argumentative writing. The theoretical framework and the general methodology to realize this type of writing are developed in parallel with the practice exercises. During tutorial sessions, the various aspects of argumentative writing are addressed. The assignments provide opportunities for personalized feedback. Specific challenges can be addressed in one-to-one discussions.
Working sessions with a mix of problem-solving situations (reading/ writing, paired interactions), and lectures.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Nil

Other credits in programs