English 281 is designed on the philosophy that composition is pivotal to academic and professional success. By learning the power of genre and focusing on the role of disciplinarity, students of 281 expand on previous writing experience in the university by practicing advanced strategies for composition success.

As a composition course, English 281 A has the following goals.

- to teach the function of genres and encourage genre sensitivity

- to establish awareness of writing strategies within relevant disciplines

- to instill recognition of the demands inherent in different writing situations

Additionally, English 281 A invites students to explore the parameters of a discipline that interests them and has relevance to their academic goals. Over the course of the quarter, students will gain the confidence that comes with constructing a disciplined argument from its most basic to its most polished elements. Through extensive journaling, discipline mapping, and multiple drafting, students will leave 281 with skills honed in argument, rhetoric, formatting, and genre recognition and reproduction. In addition, students will have the experience of crafting highly polished, expertly appointed arguments that align specifically with their disparate fields of study.

Texts and Requirements

o Course Packet, available at Ave Copy

o Journal

o Internet access

o Printing capabilities

Note about prerequisites:

While 281 has no formal prerequisite, this is an intermediate writing course, and instructors expect entering students to know how to formulate claims, integrate evidence, demonstrate awareness of audience, and structure coherent sentences, paragraphs and essays. Thus we strongly encourage students to complete an introductory (100 level) writing course before enrolling in English 281.

Prerequisites:

While 281 has no formal prerequisite, this is an intermediate writing course, and instructors expect entering students to know how to formulate claims, integrate evidence, demonstrate awareness of audience, and structure coherent sentences, paragraphs and essays. Thus we strongly encourage students to complete an introductory (100 level) writing course before enrolling in English 281.