Bulletin Description:

Advanced practice in reading and writing of various genres for different situations and audiences. Includes field research, collaboration, and visual communication.English 120, Composition II, has been approved for the Communications category in general education in the North Dakota University System.

Outcomes:

Students should learn to communicate effectively in numerous genres, for various audiences and a variety of situations (GE Outcome #1). English 120 will emphasize academic genres, and extend reading and writing to include genres common in public communication situations. In order to achieve this outcome, students will:
1. read a variety of genres of writing, with an emphasis on writing produced for students and scholars and writing produced for the general reader, intended to inform and influence members of the public on matters of concern to all.
2. write in a variety of genres for various audiences and purposes (e.g. writing for specific disciplines, writing to communicate visually as well as textually in order to reach wider audiences and meet different reading styles, writing for the general public about issues you care about, etc.)
3. practice effective and efficient writing strategies, including generating, developing, and focusing ideas, sharing drafts of writing with peers and the instructor, revising and editing for clarity, consistency, and correctness
Students should also understand that effective communication can only be defined within the context and situation of reading and writing tasks.

Students should learn to integrate knowledge and ideas in a coherent and meaningful manner (GE Outcome #6). English 120 instruct students in library and web research skills, and introduce field research as an additional means of finding or generating ideas and knowledge. In order to achieve this outcome, students will:
1. locate information in library and web resources, and respond to others' ideas within their own writing.
2. conduct field research appropriate to their writing projects (e.g. observe people or things, conduct interviews, write and distribute surveys, relevant to their topic), and integrate that research
3. use a thesis statement, claims, and evidence effectively when a writing situation calls for these particular elements.

The English department also has a specific content goal for this course.

Students should come to understand the relationship between effective communication and leadership. While civic leaders are often examples of good communicators, students should come to see through the collaborative assignments and explorations of leadership in this course that leadership can take many forms, and individuals who communicate well can either take leadership roles or support strong teams throughout college, into their careers, and within their communities. In order to achieve this goal, students will:
1. Work collaboratively on at least one writing assignment.
2. Reflect on their experiences as a collaborator as a means of understanding their own experiences in a group, as a leader or member.
3. Reflect on, and in some cases do research on, the concept of leadership.


Questions regarding this course should be directed to Dr. Amy Rupiper Taggart, Director of the First-Year Writing Program (231-7148).