Course Description
This course builds upon the foundational skills developed in College English Skills I (BIFS 119), with a deeper emphasis on critical thinking, advanced argumentation, and the rhetorical strategies used in persuasive academic writing. Students will analyze complex texts, refine their argumentative writing techniques, and enhance their research and documentation skills. Emphasis is placed on crafting well-supported arguments, identifying fallacies and biases, and writing with purpose and audience in mind.

 

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

· Analyze complex readings for meaning, bias, and rhetorical effectiveness.

· Evaluate and critique various perspectives on contemporary issues.

· Identify and respond to fallacies, assumptions, and generalizations in argumentation.

· Construct well-reasoned argumentative essays that persuade and inform.

· Develop a clear thesis supported by evidence, reasoning, and appropriate counterarguments.

· Conduct academic research using reliable sources and document findings using MLA and/or APA formats.

· Reflect on their growth as writers and critical readers.

· Communicate ideas fluently across different writing styles and rhetorical modes.

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

1. Engage in critical reading of academic and persuasive texts.

2. Compose clear, well-organized argumentative essays.

3. Recognize and avoid logical fallacies in their own and others’ writing.

4. Apply various rhetorical strategies to support their viewpoints effectively.

5. Integrate scholarly research into their writing using proper citation methods.

6. Use revision techniques to enhance the clarity and strength of written arguments.

7. Tailor tone, diction, and structure to specific audiences and purposes.

8. Demonstrate academic integrity and respect for intellectual property in research and writing.

 

Recommended Course Materials

· College-level dictionary and thesaurus (digital or print)

· BIFS database and library research tools

· Notebook or writing software for drafting and revisions

Course Content

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A. Reading

1. Reading Process: anticipating, surveying, questioning, note-taking, reviewing

2. Interpretation: key ideas, connotation/denotation, fact vs. opinion, implications and inferences, literal vs. implied meaning, reasoning

3. Style & Technique: vocabulary, sentence variety, diction, voice, figurative language, organization, persuasive devices (emotional, logical, ethical appeals; refutations)

4. Critical Analysis: rhetorical stance, evidence, fallacies, assumptions, values, tone, purpose, and audience

 

B. Writing

1. Writing Process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing

2. Principles of Argumentation: issue selection, position, reasoning, acknowledgment of opposing views, refutations, unity, coherence

3. Argumentative Devices: establishing credibility, expert support, analogies, emotional appeals, euphemisms, personal experience

4. Style and Mechanics: tone, diction, transitional devices, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, register

5. Research Strategies: topic selection, source evaluation, integrating sources (quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing), MLA/APA citation, avoiding plagiarism

 

Course Assessment & Evaluation

· Attendance and Participation – 10%

· Midterm Examination – 40%

· Final Examination – 50%