Course Description
This course focuses on writing essays using various rhetorical modes: persuasion, description, comparison and analysis. It also presents basic methods of library research, as well as the MLA documentation system. Students write one research paper and several essays. First course in a two-course sequence.
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to help students develop the ability to write clear, persuasive prose. This 8-week course is the first in a series of two courses. Students will hone critical thinking skills while they increase reading comprehension and vocabulary. They will also compose a persuasive research paper using MLA format, and in the process will review elements of grammar and diction.
Week 1
Lecture: Course Overview
Outcomes
- Perfect the ability to write clear theses
- Demonstrate proficiency in writing well-constructed introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs
- Demonstrate proficiency in writing essays in several rhetorical modes
- Attain the ability to proofread, edit, and revise writing assignments
- Develop and compose a persuasive research paper
- Apply the rules of grammar and mechanics to their writing
Lecture: Prewriting
Outcomes
- Recognize the importance of good writing
- Perform the preparation stage of writing
- Follow the steps of the writing process
- Use techniques for generating ideas
- Register with http://www.turnitin.com and follow its guidelines
Lecture: Developing a Thesis and Examples
Outcomes
- Create a thesis statement
- List the components of an effective thesis statement
- Discuss the need for examples in writing
- Use different types of examples in writing
- Formulate a research question
Week 2
Lecture: Drafting the Essay
Outcomes
- Compose a 12-point essay
- Explain the relationship between the 12-point essay and the 500-word essay (12-point essay is the basic framework in the process of writing a well-developed 500-word essay)
- Create an introduction and a conclusion
- Recognize common mistakes made in the introduction and conclusion
Lecture: Process Analysis Essay
Outcomes
- Identify a process analysis essay
- Differentiate between the directive process analysis and the information process analysis
- Write an effective process analysis essay
Week 3
Lecture: Paragraph Writing
Outcomes
- Recognize the importance of creating solid paragraphs
- Perform the introductory steps in conducting research in preparation for writing a scholarly research paper
- Begin the research paper assignment for this course
Lecture: Definition Essay
Outcomes
- Recognize a definition essay
- List the three characteristics of the definition essay
- Write an effective definition essay
Week 4
Lecture: Revision
Outcomes
- Explain what revision entails
- Define the difference between revision and proofreading
- Recognize and use different revision techniques
- Perform the steps in evaluating sources for a research paper
Lecture: Narrative Essay
Outcomes
- Recognize a narrative essay
- Explain the role of description in a narrative essay
- Describe the characteristics of the narrative essay
- Define sequence of events and point of view
- Write an effective narrative essay
Week 5
Lecture: Fragments, Comma Splices, and Fused Sentences
Outcomes
- Recognize and correct fragments, comma splices, and fused or run-on sentences
- Practice the correct general uses of the comma
Lecture: Cause and Effect Essay
Outcomes
- Recognize a cause and effect essay
- Explain the difference between a cause and an effect
- Write a successful cause and effect essay
Week 6
Lecture: Agreement
Outcomes
- Use the rules for creating subject/verb agreement
- Use the rules for creating pronoun agreement
Lecture: Compare and Contrast Essay
Outcomes
- Recognize a compare and contrast essay
- Define the characteristics of the compare and contrast essay
- Write an effective compare and contrast essay
Week 7
Lecture: Punctuation
Outcomes
- Properly use commas and semicolons within sentences
- Effectively use introductory words, clauses, and phrases
- Properly use apostrophes, colons, and quotation marks
Lecture: Argumentative Essay
Outcomes
- Recognize an argumentative essay
- Define the main parts of an argumentative essay
- Discuss the concept of counterargument
- Effectively write an effective argumentative essay and research paper
Week 8
Lecture: Plagiarism
Outcomes
- Define plagiarism
- Explain plagiarism as it relates to writing
- Follow and understand the guidelines for avoiding plagiarism
The course description, objectives and learning outcomes are subject to change without notice based on enhancements made to the course. November 2011
