This course is designed to help you become a better writer and reader of academic and other nonfiction writing.  Reading assignments require students to strengthen and apply critical thinking to a variety of texts. You will explore various rhetorical formats through reading and discussions and you will be required to write three essays: one narrative, one critical analysis of a text, and one compare and contrast. The course emphasizes analysis, careful consideration of evidence, and full explanation of reasoning and consideration of evidence. The writing process is developed through weekly assignments of personal and academic essays in the standard rhetorical modes. Writing, revision and careful analysis of written work is a critical component of the course. An argument/persuasion research paper that supports argument as an everyday decision-making and problem-solving process, a means of negotiation, inquiry, and persuasion is required. The standard conventions of English will be reviewed as necessary.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to creative writing and the styles and techniques necessary to produce creative written expression. Students will read and analyze published work. In a workshop setting, students learn to critique their own work and that of others. Students will maintain a portfolio of the semester's writing, and will produce work for publication or pubic reading. Emphasis is on fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.