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COURSE DESCRIPTION - ENGLISH 20803

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English 20803 Intermediate Composition Writing as Argument 

 

This is a multimodal writing workshop that builds on its prerequisite ENGL 10803 by focusing on the analysis and production of arguments in a variety of media (i.e., print, visual, oral, digital). This term we will focus on a particular theme: evidence and scientific integrity.  Readings will be selected to provide experience with distinguishing between types of evidence, between scientific, political, and commercial rhetoric, and between neutral data, news reporting, public relations, propaganda, disinformation, and "fake news." Students will select and work individually on independent study topics for the duration of the course,  and compose various effective arguments in multimodal formats that blend traditional print-based rhetorical strategies with digital media:

 

  • Evidence, Sourcing, Fact-checking

  • Classical Argument 

  • Framing  With Warrants

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Web Advocacy

 

After choosing a research topic for the semester, students will research and produce:

1 annotated bibliography 

1 classical researched argument

1 graphics bank

1 illustrated PowerPoint argument, and

1 public advocacy website

2 mini-essays/ reflections

English 20803 satisfies Written Communication 2 (WCO) requirement in the TCU Core Curriculum. The prerequisite for this course is ENGL 10803 or the equivalent,  and sophomore standing (24 hours). This course is prerequisite to all upper-division English and advanced writing courses at TCU. 

Unit 1: Evidence & Sourcing

Unit 2: Classical Argument

Unit 3: Framing

Unit 4: Conflict Resolution 

Unit 5: Public Advocacy

PURDUE OWL (GRAMMAR RESOURCE)
Team Meeting

For guidance on grammar, style, spelling, and just about any other issue that comes up in academic writing, we recommend that you use the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).  The Purdue OWL is world famous, user friendly and even better,

it's SEARCHABLE!

APA STYLE GUIDE

We will be using APA (American Psychological Association) style todocument sources in this course.  This method of citing sources is the most widely used at TCU, especially in the sciences, social sciences, kinesiology, environmental sciences, nursing, and business.  The good news:  a searchable guide is available at the Purdue OWL APA section.

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