Course Descriptions

English 1A: First-Year Writing

ENGL 1A is an introductory writing course that will help you understand the writing process and the goals, dynamics, and genres of written communication. Through interpretation and analysis of texts, you will learn to think clearly and write effectively as you give form and coherence to complex ideas. You will explore writing for various audiences, purposes, and contexts.

English 1AF/1AS:  Stretch English

Stretch English is the yearlong version of ENGL 1A. Its description and learning goals are the same as those of ENGL 1A, but the course work is stretched out over two semesters. Students enroll in ENGL 1AF (fall) and 1AS (spring). The extra time affords you opportunities to practice, to receive and offer feedback, and to revise and reread before turning in assignments and compiling a final portfolio of your work. Studying with one instructor and one student cohort for the full year also builds an effective writing community to sustain your development beyond this single course.

ENGL 1A and Stretch English are open to all students. Based on AP, CLEP, and IB scores, students may place out of ENGL 1A and Stretch. Please consult the Credit by Exam chart to see if you are eligible for exemption.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Reflection on College Writing.

Go to How to Choose Your Writing Course

Satisfies GE Area A2: Written Communication I (with a grade of C- or better)

Read more about ENGL 1A and Stretch English course descriptions 

 

English 1B: Argument and Analysis

ENGL 1B is a writing course that exposes you to significant works of the human intellect and imagination. Through the study of literary, rhetorical, and professional texts, you will examine the analytical and creative process in the production and perception of such works, and the significance of the historical and cultural contexts in which the works are created and interpreted.

ENGL 1B is open to (1) students majoring in Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Geology and Engineering (Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, General, Industrial and Systems, Materials, Mechanical, Software); and (2) transfer students who have completed GE Area A3 (Critical Thinking) requirement and still need to take a second semester of English composition for GE Area C2. Please consult your advisor to confirm your degree requirements.

ENGL 1B is not open to students who successfully completed ENGL 2. Based on AP, CLEP, and IB scores, students may be exempt from taking ENGL 1B. Please consult the Credit by Exam chart to see if you are eligible for exemption.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1A or 1A-F/S (with a grade of C- or better)

Satisfies GE Area C2: Letters 

 

English 2: Critical Thinking and Writing

ENGL 2 is an introductory writing course that focuses on the relationship between language and logic when composing arguments. Building on the skills acquired in ENGL 1A, students learn various methods of effective reasoning and appropriate rhetorical strategies to help them invent, demonstrate, and express arguments clearly, logically, and persuasively. 

This course is open to all students needing to fulfill GE Area A3 (Critical Thinking). ENGL 2 is required for business majors. It is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGL 1B.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1A or 1A-F/S (with a grade of C- or better)

Satisfies GE Area A3: Critical Thinking and Writing