Course Description
In this accelerated course, students will receive instruction twice weekly on English I composition assignments. Learning to think clearly and critically, organize paragraphs and essays, and use research skills will be a major focus. Computer and information literacy skills will be developed and honed.
Prerequisite(s)
Appropriate assessment score
Corequisite(s)
Topical Outline
- Composition: Focus; Coherence; Development; Grammar, spelling, and punctuation; Introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions
- Reading: Engagement with texts: annotation, outlining, vocabulary; Critical analysis of texts including non-fiction academic writing
- Writing Process: Brainstorming and other invention strategies; Paragraph and paper development and organization; Revision strategies
- Rhetoric: Rhetorical situation; Strategies, devices, tools, and appeals; Relationship to audience
- Research & Information Literacy: Credibility; Integration; Citation and documentation; Research as inquiry; Types of sources; Role of research librarian
- Critical Thinking: Analysis and other methods of logical inquiry and reasoning; Recognize assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; Intellectual empathy and fairmindedness
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical reading skills by annotating, analyzing, and thoughtfully responding to a variety of texts.
- Use various invention, drafting, and revising strategies (including peer support and/or peer review).
- Narrow topics to appropriate claims.
- Organize paragraphs and papers for clarity and rhetorical effectiveness.
- Support claims and generalizations with adequate and relevant examples, details, explanations, or evidence.
- Demonstrate basic proficiency with rhetorical principles, primarily rhetorical situation and appeals.
- Practice evaluating and incorporating outside sources in MLA style.
- Recognize and utilize standard grammar, spelling, and mechanics in their own writing.