Multilingual Student Writers
What kind of support does College Writing Programs offer to native speakers of languages other than English?
The College Writing Programs (CWP) offers a suite of courses designed for native speakers of languages other than English, taught by specialists with backgrounds in teaching writing and Second Language Writing or Applied Linguistics. This means they will have studied English language use, language teaching, language testing, discourse analysis (fine-tuned attention to oral/written language), and linguistics (including syntax and grammar):
- COLWRIT 1 - Grammar and Vocabulary of Written English
- COLWRIT W1 - Grammar and Vocabulary of Written English (online and in-person)
- COLWRIT R1A (MSW) - Accelerated Reading and Composition
- COLWRIT R4B (MSW) - Reading, Composition, and Research
- COLWRIT 9C - Academic Writing
- COLWRIT 20 - Communicating in Class: Advanced Listening and Speaking
- COLWRIT 21 - Conflict Management for Academic Success
- COLWRIT 25AC - Reading in and about US Education Institutions
What kind of off-campus support does College Writing Programs offer to native speakers of languages other than English not enrolled at Berkeley?
College Writing Programs (CWP) offers several MOOCS (online, free, self-access courses) for English Language Learners. These are available on edX/2U under BerkeleyX.
What's a MOOC?
A massive open online course (MOOC) offers interactive participation and coursework to anyone with Internet access. In addition to video lectures, readings, and quizzes, MOOCs provide discussion areas that build a community for the students, professors, and course staff.
How does it work?
When enrollment opens, you can sign up at edX.org. There is no cost to sign up or take the course.
Every week, there are short clips of video lectures and assignments. The course is 10 weeks, divided into two parts—2x.1 and 2x.2. If you choose to pay the $49 fee, then you finish all parts successfully, you will receive a certificate of completion. (Important note: As with most MOOCs, this one does not offer college credit.)
What is COLWRIT 2x?
COLWRIT 2x is a writing course designed specially for learners of English. It is offered through edX.org, and is completely free. It uses some of the most advanced tools in online writing instruction, giving students meaningful ways to practice their writing and get feedback on how well they are doing.
What will I learn?
Here is a brief course overview:
2x.1 Weeks 1-5 How to Write an Essay
A review of basic grammar terminology and understanding; writing effective sentences and paragraphs; introductions and conclusions; strategies for writing longer texts; thesis statements
2x.2 Weeks 6-10 Academic and Business Writing
Formal and informal writing; effective email communication; academic writing; memos; project proposals; technical writing
Who is the instructor?
The course is taught by Maggie Sokolik. Dr. Sokolik received her Ph.D. in applied linguistics from UCLA. She has taught writing and technical communication at UC Berkeley since 1992. She is the author of more than twenty ESL and composition textbooks, including Sound Ideas, co-authored with Michael Krasny. She has also written for and been featured in several educational video projects in Japan. She travels frequently to speak about grammar, writing, and instructor education.
Where can I get more information?
To sign up for email updates and announcements about COLWRIT 2x, join our our Facebook group, or consult the edx.org website.