Page 22 - De Anza Summer Academy 2025 Catalog

June 30-July 25
GRADES 9-12
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
These four-week classes will be taught in person on the De Anza College campus.
PERSUASIVE WRITING AND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ARGUMENT*
Entering Grades 9-12 – This course emphasizes rhetorical study and evidence-based analytics and argumentation in clear and efficient writing. Students will analyze and discuss literary, historical and expository texts, while learning about the creation of
a clear and arguable thesis, interesting introductions and conclusions, thoughtful outlining and correct mechanics. Students will also practice writing persuasive essays that employ rhetorical strategies and sound principles of argument. The course is designed to help students develop the depth and scope of their writing, while improving their research skills.
WRITING
INTRODUCTION TO BASIC HIGH SCHOOL WRITING STRUCTURES*
Entering Grades 9-10 – Students in this course will learn to engage in writing as a process, with particular attention to diction, argumentation and thoughtful integration of evidence. Students will craft a basic, five-paragraph essay – emphasizing structure, clarity and argument – in response to informational texts
and fictional short stories. Students will also learn to recognize and correct grammatical errors involving subject-verb agreement, verb form, verb tense, pronouns, modifiers, fragments, run-ons and basic punctuation. This highly interactive class includes peer review, drafting and workshops.
EXPOSITORY READING AND WRITING*
Entering Grades 9-12 – Expository reading and writing skills will help students excel on the reading and writing portions of standardized tests, while also developing lifelong literacy and college readiness. In this course, students will learn to read critically, make predictions about texts, analyze content and rhetorical structures, and properly use materials from texts to support their own written arguments. Readings will be enhanced through expository writing, most often through timed essays. Students will learn to organize ideas and construct persuasive arguments that advance their own ideas with a developed voice.
*Meets Common Core standards
20
Register at deanza.edu/academy
For questions, email communityeducation@deanza.edu