Course Description
The goal of this course is to teach students to argue effectively and to write good academic papers that defend an opinion with evidence and strong rhetoric. In this course, students will analyze and respond to texts of various kinds. Students will write essays and research papers that defend their points of view concerning important issues. The readings and exercises will help students learn to write broad-minded, well informed essays in polished academic prose that persuasively moves and educates the reader.
Course Credits: 3
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Freshman Composition I, or its equivalent at some other institution of higher learning. (This will be checked with the Registrar’s office.)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the use of the writing process by producing at least 20 pages of writing using prewriting (invention), drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and presentation.
- Understand and appropriately apply modes of expression i.e., descriptive, expositive, narrative, argumentative, and self-expressive in written communication, specifically where that applies to basic principles of critical thinking, problem-solving, and the development of exposition and argument.
- Demonstrate good academic reading and interpretation skills for analytical evaluation and rhetorical analysis by producing persuasive arguments in an academic context.
- Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding. Students will establish broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which he/she lives, and to understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diverse world.
- Develop personal values for ethical behavior specifically as that applies to the understanding and avoidance of plagiarism as it applies to the scope of this class.
- Demonstrate the use of polished academic prose through papers that are not only correctly written but show attention to the academic use of style and expression.
- Develop the ability to do research, including but not limited to books and academic databases, and produce a documented research paper.