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English Composition

Dan M. Wiley

Students will develop critical skills for both academic and career growth. Students will engage in activities that apply the writing process, succinctly state and support thesis statements, identify and incorporate information from reference/research materials, and align writing to specific audiences/purposes. The course will culminate with an opportunity for students to explore problems in a community setting and attempt to solve them through careful research, logical argumentation, and clear written communication.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to apply the writing process to produce well-organized, clear, and coherent writing.
  • How to adapt writing to context, purpose, and audience.
  • How to develop a clear thesis that states a claim and the key points that will be used to support that claim.
  • How to employ proper citation and formatting in apa style.
  • How to apply the fundamentals of research, including source assessment.
  • How to improve your writing skills for academic and career success
  • How to apply elements of effective writing to communicate ideas and opinions
  • How to assess information and ideas for reliability and credibility
  • How to utilize the skills learned to explore a problem in your community and come up with a solution based on your research.
  • How to synthesize information from various sources to develop new insights

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops critical skills in writing, research, and critical thinking
Taught by experienced instructors, Dan M. Wiley
Offers practical applications for academic and career advancement
Provides hands-on learning opportunities to solve real-world problems
Aligned with industry standards for effective writing, including APA style

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English Composition with these activities:
Review Research Methods
Reviewing research methods will provide a strong foundation for understanding the course materials and conducting effective research.
Browse courses on Research Methods
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  • Review lecture notes and textbooks on research methods.
  • Complete practice problems and exercises related to research design and analysis.
  • Attend a workshop or seminar on research methods.
Review: The Elements of Style
Reading and reviewing 'The Elements of Style' will provide a strong foundation in writing mechanics and style.
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  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Complete exercises and practice problems.
Online Writing Resources
Exploring online writing resources will provide additional support and guidance for writing assignments.
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  • Identify online writing resources, such as writing guides, tutorials, and grammar checkers.
  • Use these resources to supplement course materials and improve writing skills.
Five other activities
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Writing Practice Exercises
Regular writing practice will improve writing skills and help students apply the writing process effectively.
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  • Complete daily writing prompts or exercises.
  • Participate in peer review sessions to receive feedback on writing.
  • Review and analyze sample writing pieces.
Writing Feedback Groups
Participating in writing feedback groups will provide opportunities to receive and provide constructive criticism, improving writing skills.
Show steps
  • Join a writing feedback group or form one with classmates.
  • Share writing samples with the group for feedback.
  • Provide thoughtful and constructive feedback to other members.
Annotated Bibliography
Creating an annotated bibliography will help students develop research skills and critically evaluate sources.
Show steps
  • Gather and read relevant research articles.
  • Summarize and analyze each article.
  • Write annotations for each article, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses.
Research Project Proposal
Developing a research project proposal will provide hands-on experience in applying research methods and writing skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a research topic and develop a research question.
  • Conduct a literature review to gather background information.
  • Design a research plan and methodology.
  • Write a research proposal outlining the project plan.
Academic Essay
Writing an academic essay will provide a comprehensive assessment of writing skills, including research, analysis, and argumentation.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic and conduct research.
  • Develop a thesis statement and outline.
  • Write the essay, incorporating evidence and analysis.
  • Revise and edit the essay for clarity and coherence.

Career center

Learners who complete English Composition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Content Writer
In the role of a Content Writer, you will create engaging and informative written content for various platforms, including websites, blogs, articles, and social media. This course will provide you with the skills to develop clear, compelling, and persuasive writing that resonates with your target audience. By learning to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, you can effectively convey your message and achieve your desired outcomes. Additionally, your enhanced research abilities will enable you to gather and evaluate information to support your writing and ensure its credibility.
Copywriter
As a Copywriter, you will craft persuasive and engaging marketing materials, such as ad copy, website landing pages, and sales brochures. This course will help you build a strong foundation in the writing process, enabling you to organize and present your message effectively. By learning to adapt your writing to different contexts and audiences, you can create copy that resonates with your target customers and drives conversions. Additionally, your enhanced research skills will enable you to gather and evaluate information to support your claims and ensure the credibility of your writing.
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you will craft clear, precise, and reader-centric documentation for a variety of technical topics. This course will help you build a foundation in the writing process, allowing you to organize and present information effectively. By learning to adapt your writing to different contexts and audiences, you can create documentation that meets the specific needs of your readers. Additionally, your improved research skills will be invaluable in gathering and presenting complex technical information accurately and reliably.
Editor
As an Editor, you will be responsible for reviewing, editing, and proofreading written content to ensure its clarity, accuracy, and consistency. This course will provide you with the critical skills to evaluate writing and identify areas for improvement. By learning to adapt your editing style to different contexts and audiences, you can ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of quality. Additionally, your enhanced research abilities will enable you to verify information and ensure the accuracy of the written content.
Grant Writer
As a Grant Writer, you will be responsible for researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for various projects and organizations. This course will help you develop the critical writing skills necessary to persuade reviewers and effectively advocate for your project's goals. You will learn to clearly state your thesis, support it with evidence, and align your writing to the specific requirements of grant applications. Furthermore, your enhanced research abilities will enable you to gather and evaluate information to build a strong case for funding.
Marketing Manager
As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies to promote products or services and build brand awareness. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to create compelling marketing materials that engage your target audience and drive conversions. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your marketing messages are effective and achieve your desired outcomes.
Communications Manager
In the role of a Communications Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans to manage the flow of information within and outside an organization. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, concise, and impactful messages that resonate with your target audience. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your communication is effective and achieves its desired outcomes.
Public relations manager
In the role of a Public Relations Manager, you will be responsible for managing the public image of an organization or individual and building relationships with the media. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft effective press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials that convey your message clearly and persuasively. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and audiences, ensuring that your public relations efforts are successful.
Social Media Manager
As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for creating and managing social media content to engage with your audience and build brand awareness. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft compelling social media posts, tweets, and other updates that resonate with your target audience. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your social media content is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.
Journalist
As a Journalist, you will be responsible for researching, writing, and reporting on news and current events. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, concise, and informative articles that engage your readers and convey complex information accurately. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your journalism is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.
Academic Writer
As an Academic Writer, you will be responsible for researching, writing, and publishing scholarly articles, books, and other academic materials. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, concise, and well-researched academic writing that contributes to your field of study. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your academic writing is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.
Professor
As a Professor, you will be responsible for teaching and mentoring students in higher education. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, engaging, and informative lesson plans, lectures, and other teaching materials. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your teaching is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.
Researcher
As a Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research studies and analyzing data to answer questions and solve problems. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, concise, and well-researched reports, proposals, and other research materials. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your research is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.
Policy Analyst
As a Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing public policies. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, concise, and well-reasoned policy briefs, reports, and other policy documents. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your policy analysis is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.
Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you will be responsible for researching, writing, and arguing legal cases. This course will provide you with the writing skills necessary to craft clear, concise, and persuasive legal briefs, motions, and other legal documents. You will learn to adapt your writing to different contexts and purposes, ensuring that your legal writing is effective and achieves your desired outcomes.

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in English Composition.
This official style guide of the Modern Language Association provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and documentation for academic writing. It is an essential resource for students who need to write MLA-style papers.
This comprehensive style guide provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and documentation for academic and professional writing. It valuable resource for students who need to write in a variety of styles.
This authoritative dictionary provides comprehensive definitions and usage examples for words in the English language. It valuable resource for students who need to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides detailed information on the history, structure, and usage of the English language. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the English language.
Provides a step-by-step guide to the research process in the social sciences, including how to develop a research question, design a study, collect data, and analyze results.
This concise reference guide provides quick and easy access to information on grammar, punctuation, and usage. It helpful resource for students who need a quick reference to writing rules.
This compact handbook provides concise and practical advice on writing for a variety of purposes. It helpful resource for students who need a quick and easy reference to writing rules.
Provides a comprehensive guide to incorporating sources into your writing, including how to avoid plagiarism and how to use sources to support your arguments.
This handbook provides advice and exercises on all aspects of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and drama.
This comprehensive guide to reading and writing provides insights into the process of reading and writing. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to read and write.
This style guide is the standard for academic writing in the humanities and social sciences.
This style guide is the standard for academic writing in the humanities and social sciences.
Provides a concise and practical guide to the writing process, including tips on how to overcome writer's block, develop good writing habits, and improve your writing style.
This classic book on writing provides advice on how to write clearly, concisely, and effectively.
Provides a personal and humorous approach to the writing process, offering advice on how to overcome fear and self-doubt and get your writing done.
Provides a guide to writing for the social sciences, with a focus on how to write clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the research process, with a focus on how to develop a research question, design a study, collect data, and analyze results.

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