ENGLISH 117 (DMACC)

Composition I

Prerequisite: ENGL 091 or Satisfactory writing skills

Course Description: This course introduces students to college writing; students will construct and revise a series of writings, primarily expository but not excluding persuasive. Students will practice effective reading and research techniques that may include library and computer-based research skills.

COURSE COMPETENCIES:

During this course, the following will be expected of the student:

1. Practice writing as a recursive process.

1.1 Explore invention activities such as brainstorming, listing, and freewriting.

1.2 Identify audience and purpose.

1.3 Organize material, using thesis statement, supporting details and transitional devices.

1.4 Revise for clarity, unity, and coherence.

1.5 Practice writing as an active, recursive process using a computer (as facility allows).

2. Practice reading as an active part of the writing process.

2.1 Use effective reading techniques such as rereading, annotating, and summarizing.

2.2 Differentiate between main and supporting ideas.

2.3 Distinguish between objective and subjective material.

2.4 Understand connotation and denotation.

2.5 Demonstrate sensitivity to discriminatory language.

2.6 Analyze the content, expression, and context of the writing.

2.7 Adapt material for specific writing purposes.

3. Apply the rules of standard English grammar.

3.1 Practice standard rules of punctuation and mechanics.

3.2 Practice constructing syntactically sound sentences.

4. Investigate research resources where/when available.

4.1 Tour a library.

4.2 Use a librarian for research assistance.

4.3 Use an on-line catalog.

4.4 Practice searching the stacks for topical information.

4.5 Identify common research vehicles on the Internet.

4.6 Practice accessing sites.

4.7 Begin to distinguish legitimate Internet material from less valid material.

4.8 Practice retrieving relevant information.

5. Recognize standard documentation form.

5.1 Understand the MLA definition of plagiarism.

5.2 Identify reasons for documentation.

5.3 Distinguish between personal ideas and outside sources.

5.4 Practice rewriting source material in own words.

5.5 Practice quoting primary texts accurately.

5.6 Practice integrating outside sources effectively within the context of the student paper.

5.7 Practice MLA formatting style.