ENGL 1010 Essentials of Writing

Abstract

Course Description Welcome to English 1010. This course will introduce you to the conventions and expectations of writing at the college level. Since careful reading leads to stronger writing, we will spend time examining texts closely to understand what makes them effective (or ineffective) pieces of communication, and you will be given ample practice in applying those techniques in your own work. This semester, our reading and writing will focus on the general theme of "Going Rogue." While the term “rogue” has been attached to villains and cheats for centuries, today, “going rogue” suggests individual behavior that expresses independence and resists the status quo. In our primary texts we'll encounter figures who disregard conventions (whether cultural, legal, moral, literary, etc.) and examine how characters—and writers— make use of various rhetorical strategies to resist, exploit, and/or survive situations that they perceive as unaccommodating, unfair, or just plain oppressive. In many ways, learning how to write requires a keen understanding of audience expectations and genre conventions. Throughout this course, you will study the writing process and produce several original essays that demonstrate your ability to understand and respond to a text, develop and defend your ideas, and integrate and synthesize sources with your own thinking—all of which are essential skills required across disciplines. We will also consider mechanical and grammatical issues, and you will be responsible for observing the rules of standard English as you develop your craft and style. Reading and writing are time-consuming endeavors; however, if done well, this course will be a highly rewarding experience (as with any worthwhile educational venture) since the skills you will learn here will serve you in and beyond your other academic pursuits. Goals and Objectives The goal of this class is for students to develop proficiency in textual analysis and academic writing in preparation for English 1100. Instruction simultaneously focuses on writing strategies, such as revision, summarizing, structuring, as well as the usage of academic English. Upon successful completion of this course students will: • Understand rhetorical contexts for their writing by establishing the writer’s role, the target audience, and the purpose of the communication act. • Identify and discuss the key elements of successful paragraphs and essays. • Paraphrase and summarize the main idea and supporting details from a variety of texts without plagiarizing. • Read and respond to various texts for purposes of interpretation, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and argumentation. • Use recursive writing processes that include collecting information, focusing, ordering, drafting, proofreading, revising, and editing. • Demonstrate the techniques and skills of research, integration of source material, and documentation. • Write more effective sentences by improving coordination/subordination, eliminating fragments and run-on sentences, and addressing any other needs of fundamental English mechanics and usage. ___ Essential Employability Skills • Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. • Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. • Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. • Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others. • Interact with others in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and goal achievement. • Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. • Take responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and consequences.