Critical Writing - 1st year
A Writing Intensive course on critical thinking, focusing on the techniques and principles of persuasive writing for academic purposes. The course emphasizes: principles of logical argument, advanced rhetorical modes, critical reasoning, and effective use of source material, research and citation skills, and stylistics.
Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Compose a clear, coherent, unified argumentative essay;
2. Demonstrate understanding of and employ rhetorical modes including:
narration, description, illustration, comparison/contrast, division and classification,
analysis, definition, process analysis, cause and effect;
3. Compose effective thesis statements;
4. Demonstrate understanding of and employ principles of logic, including:
induction and deduction, premise, inference, claims and warrants;
5. Recognize logical fallacies;
6. Apply techniques of effective persuasion, including acknowledging counter-arguments, making concessions, using appropriate tone;
7. Critically evaluate rhetorical writing to recognize emotional appeals, distinguish fact from opinion, identify assumptions, stereotypes, generalizations and biases;
8. Employ the various stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising and editing;
9. Employ various forms of support for claims, including concrete, significant and specific examples, illustrations, anecdotes, facts and reasons, expert opinion;
10. Perform, evaluate, integrate and document research;
11. Read, evaluate and discuss readings;
12. Identify effective writing techniques in his or her own essays and in peer writing;
Topics:
Course topics will include the following:
1. Critical reading (evaluating readings for rhetorical strategies and argumentative integrity)
2. Rhetorical modes
3. Writing process (brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, editing)
4. Thesis statements
5. Techniques of persuasion: supporting claims, acknowledging counter-arguments, making concessions
6. Logical argument and logical fallacy
7. Research skills
8. Stylistics (syntax, vocabulary, conciseness, creating interest, tone)
9. Correct paper formatting
10. Grammar & mechanics as needed
11. Responding to and discussing assigned readings
Method of Instruction:
1. Lecture
2. Seminar discussion
3. In-class composition
4. Peer-revision
5. Assigned readings
6. Computer-assisted instruction
7. Independent reading
8. Journal writing
Types of Assignments:
1. Papers
2. Short papers
3. MLA documented research paper
4. Informal writing assignments, such as responses to readings or journal writing
5. Assigned readings
6. Independent reading
7. Class presentation
