3 crs. 3 hrs.
This is a basic college-level course, similar to "freshman English" at other community and four-year colleges. Students learn to use their experience and ideas as subject matter for essays and to analyze topics in depth. They also become acquainted with the process of writing, from pre-writing activities to producing a final, proofread draft. The purpose of, audience for, and structure of the essay are explored through readings chosen to stimulate ideas for writing and demonstrate varied style. Grammar and syntax are discussed as needed. At the end of this course, students take a departmental essay examination that requires them to compose, draft and edit a thesis-centered essay of at least 500 words.