Aims

Learning objectives
By the end of the course, the student will be able
- to frame a 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 second part, students will practice these competences towards the writing of an argumentative text, focusing on the assessment of a statement (either given or chosen), and on the development of a well-supported position towards this statement

Main themes

- review of the most challenging elements of textual grammar;
- argumentative discourse : analysis of a given statement and of its foundations; development of a relevant position towards such a statement; involvement of the writer and its linguistic reference points; polyphony; values;
- reading: more granular analysis of the argumentative and linguistic dimensions, and of the signs of a communication situation
- writing: systematic practice of specific aspects of writing, such as conciseness, efficiency, adjustment to the situation.
The second part of the course will provide opportunities to apply all the elements that are critical to the writing of a complex argumentative text.

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

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