Texts:

Funk, Day, McMahan, Short Prose Reader
Harbrace College Handbook, 13^th edition

Description and Objectives:

In this course we will explore six rhetorical strategies for composing an essay: narration, definition, classification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, and persuasion. In the process of reading and writing, we will also develop critical thinking skills, research skills, and writing skills that will help us become effective and successful college communicators.

Requirements:

• Weekly journal responses to the assigned readings.
• Six formal essays—one of which will be developed into a research paper.
• Class attendance and participation.

Week One: August 30 – September 3
Introduction to Composition
Short Prose Reader – Chapters One and Two

Weeks Two and Three: September 6 (Labor Day) – September 17
Narration and Process
Short Prose Reader – Chapters Three, Four, and Eight

Weeks Four and Five: September 20 – October 1
Definition
Short Prose Reader – Chapter Five
Beginning the Research Process

 Weeks Six and Seven: October 4 – October 15
Classification
Short Prose Reader – Chapter Six

Weeks Eight and Nine: October 18 – October 29 (Mid-term break October 22)
Comparison and Contrast
Short Prose Reader – Chapters Seven and Eight

Weeks Ten and Eleven: November 1 – November 12
Cause and Effect
Short Prose Reader – Chapter Nine

Weeks Twelve and Thirteen: November 15 – November 26 (Thanksgiving November 25)
Persuasion
Short Prose Reader – Chapter Ten

Week Fourteen: November 29 – December 3
Research Writing Workshop

Week Fifteen: December 6 – 10
Term Project Presentations

Week Sixteen: December 13 – 17
Final Exam

Helpful Websites

English Department Pages