English Composition II

English Composition II (ENG-104)
Location:
Various: distance learning format

Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)

Dates:
May 2013 - Present.

Subject Area:
English

Number of Credits:
3

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate mastery of clear and effective writing through carefully written analyses of exemplary models of literature; identify and apply various rhetorical modes in English Composition, focusing on the expository and argumentative approaches; identify elements of a theme and its evidence presented by the author throughout a piece of literature; effectively read and analyze a poem and its components, focusing on rhythm, how a poem sounds versus how it reads, and demonstrate improved mastery of word choice and poetic devices in the writing of poetry; actively engage literary works to develop creative interpretations through an individualized strong reading of classic short stories, poetry, and drama; compose a literary argument with appropriate documentation related to context from selected pieces of fiction; develop techniques for addressing opposing views to insure that the basic theme of a paper is adequately supported; recognize and assess the philosophical or analytic approaches that literary critics adopt as templates for understanding the meaning behind a piece of writing and identify potential bias of an author or critic; write an in-depth research paper demonstrating a discriminating focus upon what constitutes good literature and facility with MLA format and specific requirements for citing references; and recognize various forms of plagiarism, both benign and intentional.

Instructions:
This self-study course builds on the expository writing skills developed in English Composition I and helps students further develop critical writing and thinking skills through in-depth readings, analyses of literature, and translating thoughts across a range of disciplines. Students read a variety of genres including fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry and develop their own interpretation with greater clarity and depth. Students also employ literary theories that distinguish between literal and figurative meaning as well as cultural, political, or philosophical underpinnings of particular literary pieces. Students research and address opposing views of critics’ interpretations of literary works and assert their own positions. Major topics include: Themes in Fiction, Poetry, Writing Literary Arguments, Literary Criticism, and Critical Thinking about Writing.

Credit Recommendation:
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in College Composition II, Literary Research Methods, or as Liberal Arts elective (9/13)(8/18 revalidation).