Join us starting October 21 for our in-person, micro class!

What this class does:

This workshop will help students learn the craft of academic writing WITHOUT THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

AI can be a helpful tool, but young people MUST be able to think, reason, and express their ideas on their own, or they risk becoming intellectually enslaved.

High school (and college!) writing often stalls in the same places: 

• writer’s block, 
• no clear thesis, 
• a general topic instead of a question, 
• a factual statement instead of an argumentative thesis, 
• unclear or illogical support structure. 

Through 15, in-person classes, students will learn the components of an academic essay and will write and revise a 5-page argumentative essay.

They will learn to narrow topics and ask problematic questions. They will learn how to answer them with a thesis that governs the whole work, developing and proving that thesis through strong supporting paragraphs, and revising their work into an excellent final essay.

A student will be able to transfer this fundamental knowledge of thinking and expression to any writing assignment for any discipline. 

What a session looks like:

Each meeting is 90 minutes. The first part of class instructs students on one problem, shown clearly. During the second part, students will work on small writing exercises which relate to the session’s topic and which are components of the final essay.

Students pose questions, try theses, sort evidence, and build or rebuild paragraphs. They will hear their own sentence or claim read back so they can tell whether the logic or expression holds. Feedback is specific and immediate. Dr. Freeh will teach grammar’s purpose as essential for clear expression and communication.

Because the class is in person, students also practice the ordinary skills that make community life healthy and happy: mutual respect, punctuality, attentiveness, polite and charitable discussions. Hopefully, home school students will also meet a new friend(s?) within a natural setting.

The Essay

Students will write a 5-page argumentative essay that they will revise multiple times. Each class will have writing exercises that build into the final essay.

Younger high schoolers will learn the fundamental elements of argumentative academic writing.

Older students who may (or may not) have more experience will learn a stronger use of rhetoric and to develop their reasoning into a more polished and persuasive style. 

Enrollment

Seats are limited to no more than 10 students.  Register at the link below by October 9^th. Class Wallet is accepted.

If you have any questions before you register, email, text, or call Dr. Freeh at 505-413-7879, drhelenfreeh@protonmail.com

Dr. Freeh has worked with hundreds of students both at the high school, college, and post-graduate levels. She has passed numerous background checks to gain clearance to work with minors both for high school and also for dioceses. She has a level one fingerprint clearance through the state of Arizona.

FAQ

Does my student need a paper already in progress?
No. Students will write a paper during the course.

Is this a grammar class?
No. Students must have an elementary understanding of grammar. This class will help students learn to improve and use grammar in the service of a clearer argument.  

Does my student need to be an advanced writer?
No. They need to be willing to write, revise, and take direction.

What if we miss a session?
Ask at registration. With 15 meetings, attendance matters; makeup help can be arranged case by case.

Where do we meet?
Location will be announced to enrolled families. The course will meet either in Northwest Tucson or in Oro Valley.