How are we helping our second language writers improve their writing? The case of English 101C and English 150 at Iowa State University
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The Department of English seeks to provide all university students with the skills of effective communication and critical thinking, as well as imparting knowledge of literature, creative writing, linguistics, speech and technical communication to students within and outside of the department.
History
The Department of English and Speech was formed in 1939 from the merger of the Department of English and the Department of Public Speaking. In 1971 its name changed to the Department of English.
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1939-present
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- Department of English and Speech (1939-1971)
Related Units
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (parent college)
- Department of English (predecessor, 1898-1939)
- Department of Public Speaking (predecessor, 1898-1939)
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Abstract
The growth of the international student population in higher education continues to rise. Because of this, traditionally L1 English courses have a growth of second language (L2) writers. This thesis explores the ways in which L2 writers at Iowa State University believe that English 101C (an English as a Second Language course) and English 150 (a first-year composition course) are helping them become better writers. Findings indicate that: students were unsure of the reasons they were placed into English 101C; there is a need for explicit and clear examples in English 101C; students believe the two programs should help students better transition from ESL to FYC courses; and these courses overall provide a foundation for introducing students to of academic writing. Implications from the study suggest a need for the ESL and the first-year composition programs to collaborate and for the ESL program to conduct longitudinal studies that track L2 writers' achievements.