Advanced English for MA Thesis Writing

The Advanced English for MA Thesis Writing course is a non-credit, pass/fail, seven-week course designed specifically for MA students in the Humanities and Social Sciences whose first language is not English. 

During the course, students will learn how to improve the clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of their writing. They will learn to identify and correct the most problematic aspects of their rhetoric, lexicon, and syntax as well as become more familiar with the writing conventions of their discipline.  By the end of the course, successful students will have acquired the skills, tools, and confidence necessary to write an effective Master’s thesis.  Particular attention will be paid to techniques for improving rhetorical, lexical, and syntactic sophistication and avoiding plagiarism. There will be limited homework.

• Available in Fall + Spring semesters.
• 7-weeks. First half or second half of each semester.
• Classes meet twice a week

Dates + Times

FALL 2021

September 8 - October 21

October 25 - December 10

SPRING 2022

January 18 - March 4

March 7 - April 23

Classes meet Wednesday 10:10-12:00 + Friday 11:10-1:00. 

Tuition

This course is tuition-free and is funded by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 

How to Apply

GSAS department approval is required to take this course. 

To be registered for Advanced English for MA Thesis Writing:

1. Talk with your departmental advisor. 

2. Have your advisor email alp [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu giving the following information: 

• Your name
• Your UNI
• Your preference for first or second half of the semester
• Confirmation that you can attend both classes per week per the schedule. 

Once this is received your place is confirmed. You will be registered by the ALP just before the start of the semester into the appropriate section.