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COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: DEVELOPING READING AND WRITING SKILLS
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
ENG 109 A 1 2 0 2 3 5
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) Dr. Mirela Alhasani malhasani@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: M.Sc. Sümeyra Uyurca suyurca@epoka.edu.al , Monday 10.30-12.00 / Friday 09.30-12.00
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: M.A. Ada Cara acara@epoka.edu.al
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Bachelor in Business Informatics (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:
Course Description: The Development of Reading and Writing Skills in English course is intended for students in the B2 or C levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to build on their prior English skills and foster academic and life-long learning skills in English. The course focuses on providing students with the theoretical or conceptual basis for working in academic English and practical assignments and activities in which to develop their skills. Specific foci include developing strong academic reading strategies and familiarizing students with different types of academic texts, including essays, reports, and scholarly articles. Furthermore, the course familiarizes students with academic vocabulary, phrases, and style in English. The primary focus is on building reading and writing skills, but the development of speaking and listening skills is also an essential component of the course.
Course Objectives: The primary objective of the course is to equip students with essential literacy skills that enhance their ability to comprehend complex texts and communicate effectively through writing. By focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary development, and structured writing techniques, the course aims to foster students’ academic success and prepare them for effective communication in both personal and professional contexts.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 Understanding how to identify and differentiate between the central ideas of a text and the evidence or details that support them.
2 Strategies for using surrounding text to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words and expanding vocabulary for both reading and writing.
3 Understanding the organization of paragraphs and essays, including introductions, body paragraphs, transitions, and conclusions, to create well-structured texts
4 Drafting a well refined essay related to a topic of their interest.
5 Learning to critically assess and revise one’s own writing and offering constructive feedback to peers to improve overall writing quality.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Introduction; My first essay, Process writing, Understanding process writing, the writing method used in most English-speaking university classes. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 2-4
2 Pre-writing: Getting ready to write, Learn how to choose and narrow a topic, gather ideas, and edit ideas. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 5-10
3 The structure of a paragraph, The development of a paragraph, Learn the definition of a paragraph, the parts of a paragraph, how to identify and write topic sentences. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 11-24
4 Opinion paragraphs, Learn how to distinguish between fact and opinion, organize and write a paragraph that expresses opinions and arguments, use transitive words to express causation, use modal expressions to make recommendations. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 33-39
5 Critical reading & writing / The reciprocal nature of reading and writing. Source: John M. Swales, Christine B. Feak (2012) 265-267
6 Comparison / Contrast paragraphs, Learn about compare/contrast paragraphs and reasons for writing them, how to organize compare/contrast paragraphs, linking words used to compare and contrast topics, how to write about the advantages and disadvantages of a topic. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 40-49
7 Problem / Solution paragraphs, Write about problems and solutions, use real conditionals, write a two-paragraph text with connecting phrases. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 50-55
8 The structure of an essay, Outlining an essay, Introduction and conclusions, Learn the definition of an essay, how to format an essay, how to write a thesis statement. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 56-77
9 MIDTERM EXAM
10 Unity and coherence, Learn the importance of unity in essay writing, how to edit an essay for unity, the importance of coherence in essay writing, methods of creating coherence. Source:,Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005) 78-87
11 Writing an essay / Peer review
12 Finalizing the essay / Presentation skills
13 Presentation of essays
14 Presentation of essays. Review for finals.
Prerequisite(s):
Textbook(s): Dorothy E. Zemach, Lisa A. Rumisek (2005). Academic writing from paragraph to essay; Dr. John Morley (2017)- The Academic Phrasebank Academic Writing for Graduate Students; Mark F., Diane H. (2003). Advanced Learners` Grammar; John M. Swales, Christine B. Feak (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students.
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:
Computer Usage: For research and presentations
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Students will be able to effectively read and understand a variety of texts, identifying main ideas, key details, and underlying themes.
2 Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate written materials, recognizing author’s intent, tone, and purpose.
3 Students will be able to utilize a broader and more diverse vocabulary in both reading comprehension and writing, understanding word meanings through context clues.
4 Students will be able to produce clear, well-organized, and logically structured written work, including essays, reports, and other academic assignments.
5 Students will be able to apply correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in writing to ensure clarity and professionalism.
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Bachelor in Business Informatics (3 years) Program
1 Identify activities, tasks, and skills in management, marketing, accounting, finance, and economics. 4
2 Apply key theories to practical problems within the global business context. 4
3 Demonstrate ethical, social, and legal responsibilities in organizations. 4
4 Develop an open minded-attitude through continuous learning and team-work. 5
5 Integrate different skills and approaches to be used in decision making and data management. 4
6 Combine computer skills with managerial skills, in the analysis of large amounts of data. 3
7 Provide solutions to complex information technology problems. 3
8 Recognize, analyze, and suggest various types of information-communication systems/services that are encountered in everyday life and in the business world. 4
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)
1
20
Presentation
1
10
Project
1
20
Final Exam
1
40
Other
1
10
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 4 64
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 2.5 40
Mid-terms 1 7 7
Assignments 0
Final examination 1 9 9
Other 2 2.5 5
Total Work Load:
125
Total Work Load/25(h):
5
ECTS Credit of the Course:
5
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

The students will have made significant progress, not only in their ability to analyze and interpret texts but also in crafting clear, thoughtful, and well-structured writing. The skills they’ve developed in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing will serve them well, whether in academic settings, professional environments, or in their personal life.
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