Composition I
ENGL-1301

Basic forms of expository writing. Frequent themes. Collateral reading in articles and essays of a factual and informative type. This course is prerequisite to ENGL 1302 and 1374. (NOTE: ENGL 1301 and one other course from ENGL 1302 or 1374 will satisfy the general degree requirement in composition. A student may receive credit for only one such course in a semester.)

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

In at least 4 out-of-class essays, including at least 1 argumentative essay, students will:

• develop a writing process that includes invention, drafting, and revision
• write to specific purposes and for specific audiences
• organize essays around a thesis and develop body paragraphs that support the thesis
• apply critical thinking skills to their writing
• practice peer review techniques in small groups

Communication:

1. Writing
   1. Students will compose informative, argumentative, or analytical essays with a clear thesis and introduction.
   2. Students will compose informative, argumentative, or analytical essays with organized supporting paragraphs.
   3. Students will use standard conventions of English grammar and punctuation and write clear and efficient sentences.
   4. Students will maintain a style and persona appropriate for a particular purpose and audience.
2. Oral or visual communication
3. Students will present clear, salient, and supported oral/visual speeches/demonstrations. And/or Students will participate in class or group discussions.

Critical Thinking 

1. In an essay or presentation, a student will compose and sustain an argument.

Personal Responsibility

1. Any rhetorical act is both personal and social. In written responses (preferably complete essays), presentations, discussions (online or face to face) students show an understanding of the complexities and dynamics of personal (the self) and social responsibilities (one’s family, culture, country, politics, society, etc.). They also reveal their consideration through appropriate integrations of audience, purpose, and persona.

Teamwork

1. In group projects, team presentations, peer reviews/grading/editing, or in-class discussions; students should actively contribute to the progress of the group or class as a whole.

The following course materials are required:

Essays must be kept on file for a calendar year after the semester concludes. Please turn in your folder before or when you submit Essay 1.