Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze and interpret various print and non-print materials.

• Explore diverse perspectives on contemporary issues and trends.

• Express their ideas clearly with logical reasoning and evidence.

• Apply the stages of the writing process from brainstorming to revision.

• Utilize academic research methods and library resources effectively.

• Accurately integrate and cite sources using MLA and/or APA formats.

• Demonstrate proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and standard written English.

• Write confidently across multiple rhetorical modes including expository, analytical, and reflective.

 

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Employ critical reading strategies to engage with and evaluate texts.

2. Generate and organize ideas through prewriting and drafting techniques.

3. Construct clear, well-organized essays with a focused thesis and supporting evidence.

4. Apply various rhetorical strategies to suit different writing purposes.

5. Edit written work for clarity, coherence, and correctness.

6. Conduct academic research, assess the credibility of sources, and synthesize findings.

7. Avoid plagiarism by accurately paraphrasing, quoting, and citing source material.

8. Use appropriate tone, vocabulary, and register based on audience and purpose.

 

Recommended Course Materials

• A college-level writing handbook (e.g., The Little Seagull Handbook by Bullock, Brody, and Weinberg)

• BIFS academic database and library resources

• Notebook or digital platform for writing and revision

• Dictionary and thesaurus (print or digital)

 

Course Content

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A. Reading

• The Reading Process: anticipating, surveying, questioning, skimming, scanning, note-taking, reciting, reviewing

• Interpretation: key ideas, connotation/denotation, facts/opinions, implications/inferences, literal/implied meaning, reasoning

• Style & Technique: diction, voice, sentence variety, figurative language, imagery

• Critical Analysis: assumptions, values, tone, purpose, audience

 

B. Writing

• Writing Process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing

• Essay Structure: thesis, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, unity, coherence

• Organizational Strategies: definition, narration, description, exemplification, analogy, comparison & contrast, division/classification, cause/effect, process, analysis

• Style & Mechanics: word choice, sentence structure, tone, dialect, register, grammar, spelling, punctuation

• Research Strategies: topic selection, information gathering, source credibility, integration techniques (paraphrasing, quoting, summarizing), documentation (MLA/APA), academic integrity

 

Course Assessment & Evaluation

• Attendance and Participation – 10%

• Midterm Examination – 40%

• Final Examination – 50%