ENGL 103 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Research in the Work Place

(ENGF)

Studies in argumentation and research in the workplace. A second of two sequential freshman composition courses, this course is designed to help students understand the processes and products associated with writing used in technology and business. Emphasis will be on the writing process, including writing to different audiences and supporting claims persuasively with appropriate evidence and detail. Students will write a variety of reports, documentation, and proposals, employing a range of stylistic options. The course will include an introduction to the rules for integrating visual aids into technical documents and a major research project focusing on developing an appropriate research question, conducting scholarly research, and incorporating information into writing with the proper conventions of citation.

To comply with Maryland state requirements for English Foundation (ENGF), ENGL 103 must be completed with a final grade of C or better for a student to graduate with an associate’s degree.

PREREQUISITE(S): A grade of C or better in ENGL 101 /ENGL 011 or consent of department. Three hours each week.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Write multiple-page essays and workplace documents that demonstrate critical thinking - including an 8-10 page research paper - that meet college-level standards for content, organization, style, grammar, mechanics, and format as well as accepted conventions of writing in the workplace.
Write effective, sound, well-supported arguments using a variety of rhetorical techniques and conventions.
Manage the research and writing process effectively and show evidence of effective planning for research project methods and resource use.
Identify and respond to a range of audiences, including those encountered in a workplace environment, effectively in written and oral assignments.
Formulate a thesis to anchor development of an argument appropriate to audience.
Analyze readings for implied and direct meaning and for tone, audience, and purpose.
Synthesize a variety of viewpoints to develop an individual argument position.
Develop and analyze arguments using logic and other appeals.
Identify flawed logic or logical fallacies.
Participate constructively in discourse that may be controversial in nature, including discourse encountered in collaborative writing groups in the workplace.
Use computer technology and appropriate software applications to produce documentation, quantitative data presentations, and functional graphical presentations appropriate to various academic and professional settings.
Identify valid issues for research compatible with relevant business purposes and practices.
Formulate research questions that aid in discovery and analysis.
Use traditional library and online research skills to locate and evaluate college- level research materials as well as types of sources appropriate to research and writing in the workplace.
Integrate outside information into essays.
Use appropriate standard documentation procedures.
Recognize and avoid plagiarism.

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