MDC Description of Course

This is the second required general core course in college-level writing.  Observing the conventions of standard edited American English, students will compose informative and persuasive essays, write responses to a variety of literary genres and/or non-fiction, and produce a documented paper based on research.  This course fulfills the Gordon Rule requirement that students demonstrate proficiency in college-level writing through multiple assignments.         3 Credits

Note: This course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Prerequisites:   ENC 1101 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better.

Course Competencies

Competency 1:The student will compose essays that explain an idea, belief or attitude by

• choosing and limiting a subject that can be sufficiently developed within a given time, for a specific purpose and audience.
• formulating a thesis reflecting the subject and purpose of the essay.
• supporting the thesis with specific details and arranging them logically.
• using appropriate transitional devices.
• writing an effective conclusion.

Competency 2:The student will present writing that seeks to persuade an audience to accept a belief, attitude, value or course of action by

• using logical, ethical, and/or emotional appeals appropriate to audience and purpose.
• demonstrating logical reasoning.
• providing sufficient evidence to support the thesis.
• clearly acknowledging any sources by using a standard form of documentation.

Competency 3:The student will write responses to a variety of literary genres and/or non-fiction by

• reflecting a literal and critical comprehension of the reading.
• providing suitable support and organization.
• articulating the author’s point of view.

Competency 4: The student will write a documented research paper by

• limiting a topic.
• using library and electronic resources to fulfill research objectives.
• taking notes, paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting sources.
• articulating a thesis that demonstrates a logical connection between research and argumentative techniques.
• organizing the text to be congruent with the subject and purpose of the paper.
• using sources in the text to substantiate the thesis.
• using a standard form of documentation (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).