Description

Advanced Composition & Academic Writing is designed to strengthen your student’s understanding of the principles of academic writing and revision. This course will improve skills in formulating a thesis, researching, and writing a compelling and well-supported paper. The course effectively prepares students for college writing and helps them refine a personal style.

This semester-long course helps students master fundamental grammar, learn effective sentence and paragraph structure, and develop skills for writing compelling argumentative papers. The course is divided into two main blocks: Writing Concepts (covering grammar, sentence structure, and writing principles) and Application of Concepts (focusing on essay writing and revision). By the end of this class, students will not only apply essential grammar rules but will also have completed multiple argumentative paper drafts.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define and understand principles of academic writing
• Develop a personal style and voice
• Improve the clarity and strength of their argumentation
• Produce a complete, highly revised thesis paper
• Understand and apply principles of revision to their future writing

What’s Included

• Weekly live instruction covering grammar, composition, and writing techniques
• Individual office hours for personalized feedback and guidance
• Peer review groups for collaborative learning and feedback
• Multiple paper drafts with instructor feedback throughout the writing process
• Mini exercises to reinforce each writing principle
• Comprehensive final exam combining practical and theoretical knowledge
• Final grade submitted to parents for their records

Who This Class Is For

This course is perfect for students who:

• Have written multiple papers and want to improve their writing skills
• Want to prepare for college writing
• Enjoy writing and want to learn how to elevate their prose and refine their personal style
• Are familiar with grammar concepts but want specific instruction on how to better edit their work

Class Details

Credit: Half Credit in High School English/Language Arts

Recommended Grade Range: 10th-12th Grade

The class will meet weekly over Zoom on Fridays from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Central Time according to the schedule below. The format will include interactive lectures, writing workshops, peer review sessions, and individual conferences with the instructor.

About the Instructor

Camille Floyd holds a B.A. in English from Lipscomb University and recently completed postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. With experience as a Teacher’s Assistant in Advanced Composition and a writing tutor, she is passionate about helping students grow in confidence and find their unique voice. Camille brings insight from varied academic settings to support well-rounded, effective writing instruction.

Required Materials

All course materials will be provided by the instructor, including:

• Selected reading materials
• Grammar and writing exercises
• Academic paper examples for analysis
• Writing workshop materials and revision checklists

Students should have:

• Computer or laptop with reliable internet connection
• Word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar)
• Notebook and writing materials for planning and note-taking

Schedule of Class Meetings

All Fridays, all scheduled from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Central Time.

Block 1: Writing Concepts

1. Jan 16 – Course Introduction, Syllabus, Learning Objectives
2. Jan 23 – Lesson 1: Understanding Style and Correctness
3. Jan 30 – Lesson 2: Emphasis & Rhetorical Awareness
4. Feb 6 – Lesson 3: Modularity/Modular Function
5. Feb 13 – Lesson 4: Active vs. Passive Writing
6. Feb 20 – Lesson 5: Style
7. Feb 27 – Lesson 6: Concision & Cohesion
8. Mar 6 – Lesson 7: Review & Recapture Exam
9. Mar 13 – Spring Break

Block 2: Application of Concepts, Essay Writing, Principles of Revision

10. Mar 20 – Lesson 8: Formulating a Complex Claim and Umbrella Thesis
11. Mar 27 – Lesson 9: Effective & Ethical Research
12. Apr 3 – Lesson 10: Quote Integration & Principles of Revision
13. Apr 10 – Lesson 11: Principles of Revision (cont.)
14. Apr 17 – Paper Writing (Individual Office Hours & Peer Review Groups)
15. Apr 24 – Paper Writing (cont.)
16. Apr 24 – Final Exam: ½ Turn in First Draft and Final Draft of Paper, ½ Comprehensive exam on Lectures/Class concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t attend the live Zoom sessions?

All the sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled students to watch at their convenience. You can use the recordings to review or catch up if you missed a session.

Students who can’t make the schedule above can still participate in the class assignments and group discussions by watching the recordings and communicating in the group on My Compass Classroom.

What kinds of assignments and assessments are included?

Assignments include grammar exercises, mini writing tasks, multiple drafts of an argumentative paper, peer review activities, and a comprehensive final exam. All assignments are designed to build systematic writing skills and confidence.

Will my student receive a final grade?

Yes! Camille will provide a suggested final grade based on student performance on assignments, paper drafts, class participation, and the final exam. Since this is a live homeschool course, the parent has the final authority and may use this grade as part of their student’s official transcript or records.

Is there a minimum enrollment required?

All live classes are subject to minimum enrollment in order to hold. If minimum enrollment is not reached before the first scheduled session, all students will be notified and refunded completely.

Do you offer refunds on live classes?

We think you will love this class. If you don’t, you may request a refund but must do so no later than before the second scheduled class after your enrollment (purchase) date. This gives you the chance to experience an entire live class session to make your decision.

How long will I have access to the class?

Recording access expires 6 weeks after the last live session. Students are free to continue working through the course on their own during this time. However, no submissions will be graded after the final class meeting, or as directed by the instructor.