Unit 1 intro to academic discourse reading

intro to academic discourse

1. Intro to Academic Discourse Week 1 – Overview of an Encyclopedia article

2. Reading Encyclopedias Encyclopedia – “a reference tool; a book or set of books containing articles on many different topics, usually arranged in alphabetical order.” (pg. 2) Encyclopedias: Do not generally cover a topic as deeply as a textbook would, nor are they as up to date as a periodical aritcle. Their value lies in the range of background information they can provide in which they typically define topics, classify them, describe them, exemplify them and provide a historical perspective. Because they are a source of factual information, they have to give clear, unbiased information.

3. Reading Encyclopedias Important features of good encyclopedias: A table of contents, glossaries and indexes are used to help you quickly locate the information you are looking for. Material is well researche d and often written by an expert or a team of experts Information will generally have an informative title, headings, and subheadings Typographical help with specific terms such as boldface or italics Lists for easy access of information or related topics The style of writing is simple, clear with topic sentences in every paragraph Summaries, reference lists and related articles or links to related web sites are often included to assist the reader.

4. Using Encyclopedias with Lectures Coordinate reading with attending lectures so that the one reinforces the other. A careful reading about a topic before attending the lecture – lectures will be much more meaningful Several readings of the information and notes may be necessary and helpful. Spend some time on the different sections – or follow related links and other resources to extend your knowledge search. Seek to understand the information, not to memorize it. Course outlines specify which chapters/sections and topics are to be discussed in which lectures – helps to devise plan of study which coordinates reading about the topics and before you attend lectures.

5. Reading an Encyclopedia (or other Academic Textbooks) All reading exercises in Engl 101 can be done using a simple two- step procedure. Single exposure to complex information is usually insufficient for the material to be understood. Two-step approach to reading of difficult subject matter will bring better results. Two steps: overview close study

6. Reading Encyclopedia articles… Overview Close Study Ask yourself what you already know about the topic Skim the article looking for main ideas, important secondary ideas, the article structure, any helpful features (typography, web links, bibliography, sidebars with additional info). Scan the article for special names Read the introduction and conclusion or summary. Read the text closely for specific details. (“active” reading) re-read and take notes Ask yourself questions and make connections with previous knowledge and learning making Look up new words you think are important. Explore the given links or related topics.

7. Assignment 1 Chapter Overview Overview questions on pg. 4 of Unit 1. (questions (1-19) Type your answers in Microsoft word. Include your name and details on top the left corner of your paper: Name ENGL-101 Section # Date Type the assignment # on the top right corner: Assignment 1 Type a title (centered) on the top line: Chapter Overview When you are finished, save your work and go to the class website: bit.ly/englbnc. Click on the link that says” Homework Assignments” and open Assignment 1. You will see a link where you will need to upload your assignment. Assignment 1 is DUE on Mon day, 25 September 201 7 .