Composition Courses

English Composition I
English Composition II
Enhanced Composition I and II
Computer-Aided Instruction
Community Service English Composition II
Learning Communities
English as a Second Language
Advanced Writing Courses

English Composition I 52-1151
The first course in the two-course composition sequence addresses techniques for idea generation, planning, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading. Assignments vary form class to class, but emphasis is always placed on expressive and persuasive writing and reading skills, allowing students practice in writing and reading for and about the self and others. Teaching strategies include one-on-one conferencing, small and whole class workshops, and a multi-draft approach to the creation of meaningful communication.
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English Composition II 52-1152
Composition II courses follow an inquiry-driven approach to teaching research writing. Working from a number of models, courses guide students as they develop and sustain a single inquiry over the duration of the course. Students learn that writing is used to generate insight, not merely to express an idea, position, opinion, or argumentative claim that has been settled on before writing. Questions-rather than "topics"-drive inquiry-based writing.
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Enhanced Composition I and II 
For further information on 52-1100, Introduction to College Writing, on 52-1111, English Composition I: Enhanced, and 52-1112, English Composition II: Enhanced, visit the Basic Writing page. These courses also emphasize the process approach.
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Computer-assisted Instruction 
Some sections of English Composition I and II are computer-assisted (CAI) classes and meet in the English department computer classrooms on the 3rd floor of 33 E. Congress. Lab 312 is an open lab and one of many computer labs on campus where students may write their papers between classes. The content of the computer-assisted classes is the same as in other sections of English Composition I and II.
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Community Service English Composition II 
52-1162, Community Service English Composition II classes are special four credit courses designed for students who want to give something back to the community. In addition to the standard ECII reading/writing load, students earn a fourth credit by volunteering an hour a week at an outreach agency connected thematically to their class. Themes include: women's issues, environmental concerns, family, and youth services.
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Learning Communities 
Some sections of English Composition I and II are linked with sections of other courses in a given semester to create learning communities. One learning community linked a group of journalism students in their English Composition I class and their Introduction to Mass Media class. Learning communities involving English Composition courses have also been developed with Film, Television and other departments.
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ESL (English as a Second Language) 
ESL English Composition I and II cover the same material as Composition I and Composition II (see below), but students benefit from smaller class sizes (12 students at most), specialized instruction addressing the ESL writing experience, supplemental one-on-one instruction in the Writing Center, and computer-assisted instruction. For further information on the courses and services offered to English as a Second Language (ESL) students, visit the ESL page.
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Advanced Writing Courses
Some incoming students "test out" of Composition I and thus need to take Composition II and one additional writing course. There are a variety of courses that fulfill this requirement. Specific questions about this requirement should be directed to the assistant director of composition, or students can download a list of eligible courses here:
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