Homeschool Connections writing program Aquinas Advantage is a great way to give your children the writing skills necessary to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
While the semester has already begun, there are still a few live, interactive courses opened for registration. Scroll down to see all of the writing courses currently available for the Spring 2014 semester. (Note: We also offer recorded, independent-learning courses through Unlimited Access.)
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
Simplified Writing for Middle School Students; Your All-Encompassing Foundational Middle School Writing Course
Class dates: Mondays, February 17 to April 7, 2014
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central)
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: Elements of Writing for Middle School
Students: Essential Punctuation and Grammar is required (Jan. 2014 or Unlimited Access).
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade
Fee: $190 for all
8 classes.
Instructor: Lisa Mladinich
Course description: This course is designed as a first
writing course, to introduce students in middle school to the skills and habits
that create a strong and clear writing foundation for high school writing from
a Christian worldview. Students will learn how to write effective sentences and
paragraphs, including the use of topic sentences, linear writing, and
transitions; the purposes of writing, including expression, informing, and
persuading; the effect of audience on writing; how to sculpt a piece of writing
with direction, including the characteristics of an effective introduction,
body, and conclusion; and practice writing with specific feedback from the
instructor that leads to an increase in skill through rewriting.
Course outline:
Class
1: Writing for a purpose and audience: the “why” of writing
Class
2: Great word choice: how to choose the “right” word
Class
3: Strong sentences: how to write a great sentence
Class
4: Clear paragraphs: what makes a great paragraph/linear writing
that makes sense to the reader
Class
5: Writing with direction: great introductions and the hook
Class
6: Writing with direction: great introductions and the thesis
Class
7: Writing with direction: the body (of your paper) and how to make
it “shapely”
Class
8: Writing with direction: the conclusion
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified
Writing for Middle School Students by E. B. Conroy ($9.99). This book is not yet available from the publisher. Until that time, the chapters will be made available to students free by the instructor as PDF files.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from the
instructor, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework,
outside of class time.
Middle School Writing II: Essays and Papers
Note:
No more than 12 students accepted.
Class dates: Thursdays, February 20 to April 10,
2014.
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern (Noon Central)
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: Simplified Writing for Middle School
is required (Fall 2013 or Unlimited Access).
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade
Fee: $190 for all
8 classes.
Instructor: Lisa Mladinich
Course description: This is a writing course for middle
school students who have taken the Simplified Writing for Middle School
Students course and want to put the foundational writing skills into critical
practice, with specific feedback and coaching regarding how your student's
writing can improve. Students will craft an essay and a short paper during the
course. Attention will be given to writing with a Christian worldview.
Course outline:
Class
1: Writing structure and skill: practicing the introduction, hook,
and thesis
Class
2: Writing structure and skill: practicing outlines and the
conclusion/concluding statements
Class
3: Writing an essay: rough drafts
Class
4: Writing a paper: five types of papers & practicing the
introduction, hook, and thesis
Class
5: Writing a paper: practicing outlines and concluding statements;
revising an essay
Class
6: Writing a paper: rough drafts; editing an essay
Class
7: Revising a paper
Class
8: Editing and formatting final papers
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified
Writing for Middle School by E. B. Conroy ($9.99). This book is not yet available from the publisher. Until that time, the chapters will be made available to students free by the instructor as PDF files.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from the instructor,
with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class
time (depending on the student's individual processing, creating, and writing
speed).
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
Simplified Writing for High School Students; Your All-Encompassing Foundational High School Writing Course
Class dates: Mondays, February 17 to April 7, 2014
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Elements of Writing for High School
Students: Essential Punctuation and Grammar is required (Jan. 2013 or Unlimited Access).
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing.
Fee: $190 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: Lisa Mladinich
Course description: This course is designed to give the
teen skills that make writing strong and clear, lacking nothing—able to
articulate ideas well in writing for all high-school level work. Students will
learn how to perfect strong sentences and paragraphs; learn nine basic forms of
rhetoric; focus on linear academic writing for a purpose; practice transitions
and connectives, parallelism, paraphrasing, and summary; review punctuation as
it influences excellence in writing (comma, semicolon, colon, and dash use);
recognizing and correcting common grammar struggles; understand the
characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; learn
prewriting, drafting, and editing skills; and practice sculpting a piece of
writing with direction that receives specific feedback from the instructor.
Course outline:
Class
1: Audience, purpose, and word choice
Class
2: Perfecting strong sentence and paragraph construction
Class
3: Nine forms of rhetoric (and what they have to do with great
writing)
Class 4: Linear writing for a purpose:
more strong sentences and paragraphs
Class
5: How to effectively use transitions/connectives and parallelism
Class
6: Punctuation and excellent writing: the comma, colon, semicolon,
and dash; conquering common grammar struggles
Class
7: The introduction, body, and conclusion; prewriting for success
Class
8: Drafting for success; editing and polishing your writing
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version.
Simplified Writing for High School Students by E. B. Conroy. Available from www.amazon.com (download the Kindle app for free to
easily read on your PC, Mac, iPad, iPod, or mobile device).
Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments and direct
feedback from instructor, with an estimated five hours per week for homework
(outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding to
feedback.
HS Essential Writing: Vocabulary and Writing, Part One
Class dates: Fridays, January 17 to May 2,
2014. No class Feb. 28 and April 18.
Total classes: 14
Starting time: 10:30 am Eastern Time (9:30 Central)
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
grade
Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester writing
Fee: $200
for all 14 classes.
Instructor: Sharon Hamric-Weis, JD
Course description: In this course (the first of two
successive courses), your student will learn to use all of the upper-level
vocabulary words related to writing that are needed for high school advanced
writing, Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition courses, the
ACT and SAT, advanced writing courses, and all of college writing—and an
introduction of the concepts associated with the terms.. Over 350 words will be
learned and practiced this semester. Course work will be simple yet critical
for your student’s future success. Because vocabulary is the #1 indicator of
success on college entrance testing, if you want your student to not only score
well on testing but also be able to be prepared for college writing and
vocabulary, this course is for you.
Course outline:
Class
1: Writing for a Purpose and Audience
Class
2: Worldview, Critical Thinking, & Passive/Active Voice
Class
3: Writing Effective Sentences; Diction & Syntax
Class
4: Writing Effective Paragraphs: Structure, Linear Writing, Active
writing, Transitions and Connectives
Class
5: Punctuation and its Effect on Writing
Class
6: Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics for Clarity
Class
7: Types of Writing
Class
8: Point of View, Tone, & Voice
Class
9: Style
Class
10: Techniques & Devices of Organization for Coherence
Class
11: More Techniques & Devices of Organization
Class
12: Composing Methods
Class
13: Characteristics of an Effective Argument
Class
14: Research Methods
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified
Vocabulary Guide by E. B. Conroy ($9.99). This book is not yet available from the publisher. Until it is, the instructor will provide the chapters for free as PDF files.
Homework: Studying for tests on the vocabulary identification and
use.
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
HS Essentials: Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two
NOTE: If you did not take Part One first,
you can still take Part Two; The two courses can be taken independently and in
any order (Part One first, Part Two second OR Part Two first, Part One second)
Class dates: Thursdays, January 16 to May 2, 2014
Total classes: 14
Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central)
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Writing
Fee: $230 for all 14 classes.
Instructor: E B Conroy, MA
Course description: In this course (the second of two
successive courses), your student will learn to use all of the upper-level
vocabulary words related to writing that are needed for high school advanced
writing, Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition courses, the
ACT and SAT, advanced writing courses, and all of college writing—and an
introduction of the concepts associated with the terms. Over 350 words will be
learned and practiced this semester. Course work will be simple yet critical
for your student’s future success. Because vocabulary is the #1 indicator of
success on college entrance testing, if you want your student to not only score
well on testing but also be able to be prepared for college writing and
vocabulary, this course is for you.
Course outline:
Course outline:
Class
1: Persuasion; Sources, Citations, & Plagiarism
Class 2: Research
Class 2: Research
Class
3: Critical Reading; Literary Forms & Genres I
Class
4: Literary Forms & Genres II
Class 5: Themes in Writing
Class 5: Themes in Writing
Class
6: Rhetoric & Literary Techniques
Class
7: Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, & Devices I
Class 8: Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, & Devices II
Class 9: Narration; Dissecting Passages of Text I
Class 10: Description; Dissecting Passages of Text II
Class 11: Illustration, Exemplification, & Highly Effective Essays
Class 12: Comparison & Contrast in Writing
Class 13: Process Analysis & Context
Class 8: Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, & Devices II
Class 9: Narration; Dissecting Passages of Text I
Class 10: Description; Dissecting Passages of Text II
Class 11: Illustration, Exemplification, & Highly Effective Essays
Class 12: Comparison & Contrast in Writing
Class 13: Process Analysis & Context
Class
14: Division & Classification;
Writing Cogent, Organized Essays I
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Book: EB Conroy’s Simplified Vocabulary Guide.
Available from www.amazon.com
(download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your PC, Mac, iPad, iPod,
or mobile device).
Homework: Studying for tests on the vocabulary
identification and use.
Advanced High School Writing; Rhetoric,Figures of Speech, Essays, and Papers
Foundational for All High School
Students and Essential for College-Bound Students!
Note: Due to the advanced nature of the feedback, only 16 students are
admitted to the course.
Class dates: Mondays, January 13 to March 17, 2014.
Total classes: 10
Starting time: 11:30 pm Eastern (12:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Simplified Writing for High School
Students is required (Fall 2013 or Unlimited Access). Exceptions only with
written permission from the instructor. Email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com if you need a placement test.
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade
Fee: $230 for all 10 classes.
Instructor: Sharon
Hamric-Weis, JD
Course description: This course content is known as a
prerequisite for many colleges for college-bound students. Designed to give the
teen skills that make writing strong and clear, your student will learn methods
of rhetoric and how to use the skills in all of the main conventions of writing
used in college—including in-depth use of nine basic forms of rhetoric
(rhetorical modes); be able to identify and use major rhetorical strategies and
figures of speech; and pre-write, draft, and edit a comparison and contrast
paper, including use of the hook, thesis, introduction construction,
conclusions, and rewriting with specific, individual feedback from the
instructor. Vocabulary related to upper-level writing will be introduced and
integrated into the learning. Specific class time will be used to show how to
edit and revise upper-level work.
Course outline:
Class
1: The academic paper; advanced academic writing with strong thesis
construction, hooks, and introductions
Class
2: Rhetorical Mode 1: Narration; rhetorical strategies and figures
of speech (tropes, aposiopesis, apostrophe, chiasmus, epithet)
Class
3: Rhetorical Mode 2: Comparison and Contrast; creating a thesis
and hook for your paper
Class
4: Rhetorical Mode 3: Illustration and Exemplification; rhetorical
strategies and figures of speech (litotes, zeugma, euphemism, idiom)
Class
5: Rhetorical Mode 4: Description; drafting your paper’s outline
Class 6: Rhetorical Mode 5: Process
Analysis; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (hyperbole, metonymy,
metaphor, mixed metaphor, extended metaphor); prewriting for papers
Class
7: Rhetorical Mode 6: Definition; rhetorical strategies and figures
of speech (bathos, caricature, deus ex machine, epiphany)
your paper’s rough draft
Class
8: Rhetorical Mode 7: Cause and Effect; advanced methods of draft
revision 1
Class
9: Rhetorical Mode 8: Division and Classification; advanced methods
of draft revision 2; formatting advanced academic works (brief style guide
introduction)
Class
10: Rhetorical mode 9: Argumentation; integrating rhetorical
strategies into upper-level writing
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by EB Conroy ($9.99). Available from www.amazon.com (download the Kindle app for free to
easily read on your PC, Mac, iPad, iPod, or mobile device). Also eBook: Simplified Writing 102: EB Conroy's Top 10 Tips for Using the
Rhetorical Modes in Academic Writing.This eBook is not yet available from the publisher. Chapters will be provided free from the instructor as PDF files until the book is published.
Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments and direct
feedback from the instructor, with an estimated four to five hours per week for
homework (outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding
to feedback.
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
Advanced Research Writing: Preparing for College
Note:
Due to the advanced nature of the feedback, only 16 students are admitted to
the course.
Class dates: Wednesdays, February 19 to May 7, 2014.
No class March 5 and April 16.
Total classes: 10
Starting time: 11:30 am Eastern (10:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Simplified Writing for High School is
required (Fall 2013 or Unlimited Access). Exceptions only with written
permission from the instructor. Email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com if you need a placement test.
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade
Suggested high school credit: ¾ semester Writing
Fee: $230 for all 10 classes.
Instructor: Sharon
Hamric-Weis, JD
Course description: This course will cover advanced
research and writing methods for argumentative research writing, how to craft
an advanced research paper, and understanding style guides (APA, CMS/Turabian,
MLA, AP). A bibliography and research paper will be written during the course.
Course outline:
Class
1: What is research writing? Terms and methods.
Class
2: Advanced research methods: Using libraries and the Internet.
Class
3: Style guides and citations.
Class
4: Creating a bibliography.
Class
5: Creating your outline and thesis: advanced methods.
Class
6: Prewriting: styles and completeness.
Class
7: Outline with rough cut proofs.
Class
8: The rough draft.
Class
9: Revising and editing.
Class
10: Final drafts.
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBooks:
1) Simplified Research Writing by EB Conroy; and 2) Simplified
Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by EB Conroy. Available from www.amazon.com (download the Kindle app for free to
easily read on your PC, Mac, iPad, iPod, or mobile device).
Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments and direct
feedback from the instructor, with an estimated four to five hours per week for
homework (outside of class time) that includes researching, reading, writing,
and responding to feedback.
Creative Writing: Authoring a Book: How it Works, What it Takes, and How to Succeed (Write Your Own Book; Fiction Writing Series)
Series description: There are a total six
parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this
continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-courses, you
can have a completed book!
Class dates: Thursdays, Jan. 16 to Feb. 6, 2014
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 10:30 pm Eastern (9:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade
Suggested high school credit: 1/3 semester Creative
Writing
Fee: $90 for all
4 classes.
Instructor: E. B. Conroy, MA
Course description: This course teaches what it takes to be an author,
from personal practices to the publishing world. The course will also discuss
what it’s like to be a Catholic author today.
Course outline:
Class
1: Personal practices of successful
writers
Class
2: The manuscript and query
Class
3: The platform, marketing, and the
Internet
Class 4: Agents, publishers, and self
publishing
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE
via the instructor.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback
from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated three to four hours per week for
homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding
to feedback.
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
Creative Writing: Plot and Structure (Write Your Own Book; Fiction Writing Series)
Series description: There are a total six
parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this
continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-courses, you
can have a completed book!
Class dates: Thursdays, Feb. 13 to Mar. 6, 2014
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th
Fee: $90 for all
4 classes.
Suggested credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing (three courses in the
Write Your Fiction Book Series equals one full semester credit)
Instructor: E. B. Conroy
Course description: This course teaches key components of writing a
gripping plot for fiction books of any genre. Designed for writing fiction for
middle grade, young adult, and adult plots, the course covers great openings
(the opening line, hook, drop into action, and inciting incident); development
(doors of no return, peaks, and the rising plot line); creating tension and
intrigue; and the climax and finish.
Course outline:
Class
1: Great openings—the opening line,
hook, drop into action, and inciting incident
Class
2: Developing your plot—doors of no return,
peaks, and the rising plot line
Class
3: Creating tension and
intrigue—tricks, tips, and “the plant”
Class
4: Great endings—creating a strong
climax and finish
Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE
via the instructor.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback
from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated five hours per week for
homework, outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding
to feedback.
Creative Writing: Description and Setting (Write Your Own Book; Fiction Writing Series)
Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own
Fiction Book Series. We will continue the series in the fall and into next
spring and start all over again. Students can jump into the series at any time.
Once you have completed all 6 mini-courses, you can have a completed book!
Class dates: Thursdays, March 13 to Apr. 17, 2014.
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade
Suggested credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing (three courses in the
Write Your Fiction Book series equals one semester credit)
Fee: $90 for all
4 classes.
Instructor: E. B. Conroy, MA
Course description: This course teaches key components of using
excellent description and crafting a strong and memorable setting for your
fiction book. The course covers when a good writer uses description and setting
(timing and amount of use); types of description (sensory, metaphor and simile,
figures of speech, and literary techniques); principles and techniques of
memorable settings; and how to integrate description and setting into plot,
structure, and character development.
Course outline:
Class
1: Description and Setting: Timing
and the Basics of their Use
Class
2: Types of Description—The senses,
metaphor and simile, figures of speech, and literary techniques
Class
3: Principles and techniques of
memorable settings (including examples to learn by)
Class
4: How to integrate description and
setting into plot, structure, and character development
Course materials: All materials are provided FREE via the instructor.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback
from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated five hours per week for homework
(outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding to
feedback.
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers, Part Two
Note:
Though this is Part Two, students are welcomed to join us midyear as the two
courses can be taken in any order.
Class
dates: January 16 to March 7, 2014
Total
classes: 8
Starting
time: Noon Eastern (11:00 AM Central)
Duration:
50 minutes
Prerequisite:
None
Suggested
grade level: 6th through
12th grade
Suggested
high school credit: 2/3 Creative
Writing
Fee: $160 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: E B Conroy, MA
Course
description: This is an advanced
fiction writing course that delves into the use of archetypes in what is called
"the hero's journey," the mythic structure that many claim all
stories follow. This course will cover the different kinds of typological
actions and plot lines that appear in stories, to apply that knowledge to the
crafting of your own fiction book. The course can be taken in conjunction with
any of the other fiction writing courses offered with Homeschool Connections.
Whether you plan on going into fiction writing (books, screenwriting, poetry)
or simply want to expand your ability to write in advanced styles, this course
is for you.
Course
outline:
Class
1: Ordinary World
Class 2: The Call to Adventure
Class 2: The Call to Adventure
Class
3: The Refusal of the Call
Class
4: Meeting with the Mentor
Class 5: Crossing the First Threshold
Class 5: Crossing the First Threshold
Class
6: Tests, Allies, Enemies
Class 7: Approach to the Inmost Cave
Class 8: The Ordeal and the Reward
Class 7: Approach to the Inmost Cave
Class 8: The Ordeal and the Reward
Course
materials: Word 2007 or later
version. Book: The Writer’s Journey:
Mythic Structures for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher
Vogler and Michele Montez (Nov 1, 2007, $17.99 paperback). NOTE: The same book
is used in both of the Advanced Fiction (Parts One and Two) courses.
Homework:
Approximately 1 ½ to three hours per
week reading and completing coursework.
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
To register for any Homeschool Connections course, click here: Register Online
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