29 Oct 7:00pm – 17 Dec 7:00pm 2024 NZDT
Do you worry that doom scrolling is hindering your ability to think? Is information overload becoming a problem? Have you lost your ability to be critical in your reading and writing? Do you want to be able to summarise information succinctly and express yourself clearly? If so, then this course will help teach you to critically read and write.
Check out the course webpage for more details!
Course Structure
This course will take the form of eight weekly modules. In each module there will be a 20 minute video lecture, a 90 minute class on Zoom, a list of resources for reading, watching, or listening, a shared group chat on Signal, and e-mail access to the course instructor.
The Zoom sessions for this event are at
Tuesday 7:00 pm NZST
Tuesday 5:00 pm AEST
Course Instructor
Dr. Phill Simpson is an award winning author, teacher and educational consultant with over 20 years teaching experience in the classroom. He holds a Doctorate in Education and a Masters degree in Creative Writing. He is particularly interested in the writing process, and is a strong advocate of literacy in both children and adults.
He brings his own experiences as a creative writer to his sessions. Phill has published over 100-chapter books and 9 novels. Much of his published content is for the education market in NZ, Australia, the U.S, U.K and China. In addition, he has written several assessment and comprehension guides as well as books on how to teach creative writing.
Phill holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD), where he investigated how teachers teach creative writing, often focusing on the use of digital technology. As well as education and teaching qualifications, he also holds a Masters in Creative Writing.
When not writing, he works as a teacher and educational consultant. Phill lives and writes in Auckland, New Zealand, with his wife Rose, their son, Jack, and their border terrier, Baxter.
Course Modules
Week 1: Introduction to Critical Reading and Writing
Understanding the importance of critical reading and writing skills. Differentiating between summary, analysis, and critique
Week 2: Developing Effective Reading Strategies
Active reading techniques and annotation methods. Identifying author's purpose, tone, and argument. Practice exercises in active reading and annotation
Week 3: Analyzing Texts for Meaning and Structure
Recognizing different text structures (e.g., argumentative, narrative). Analyzing how structure influences meaning and interpretation
Week 4: Evaluating Sources and Evidence
Assessing credibility, bias, and reliability of sources. Evaluating evidence and supporting arguments. Critical review of an academic article or news piece
Week 5: Developing a Critical Writing Style
Crafting clear and concise thesis statements. Writing with clarity, coherence, and precision. Drafting and revising a persuasive essay
Week 6: Engaging with Different Perspectives
Considering multiple viewpoints and counterarguments. Constructing effective rebuttals and responses. Debate or discussion forum on a controversial topic
Week 7: Ethical Considerations in Critical Writing
Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity. Citing sources correctly
Week 8: Final Projects and Reflection
Finalizing and presenting the critical essay (voluntary). Reflecting on personal growth and future application