Composition I

The course focuses on theme-based argument. Students practice and develop critical reading, thinking, and writing skills necessary for college. Students read, analyze, and summarize college level analytic arguments from various genres (popular, academic, etc.) and compose research-based analytic arguments based on the course's theme. Students become aware of writing decisions made for different audiences, purposes, and genres, with a focus on academic writing conventions. Students also learn beginning research skills, including appropriate quotation, summary, paraphrase, and documentation skills. At the end of the semester, students compile a portfolio of 15-25 pages, to include their summary, synthesis, and analysis projects.