Programs & Degrees

Core Curriculum

ENGL 1010: Introduction to Academic Writing

ENGL 1010 offers a disciplined approach to the rhetoric of English composition with emphasis on organization and development in the whole composition, on coherence and effectiveness in paragraphs, and on maturity and flexibility in sentence styles. While grammar and usage are not neglected, they are treated as means to achieving rhetorical objectives.

By the end of ENGL 1010, students should

• Engage in writing as a process, including pre-draft strategies, multiple drafts of essays, peer review, and revision at both large-scale and small-scale levels.
• Recognize and evaluate rhetorical, cultural, and stylistic elements of texts.
• Interact with “texts” beyond the printed word.
• Acknowledge multiple points of view.
• Identify the needs of and appeal to various audiences.
• Use various rhetorical modes (such as definition, narration, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect) to analyze, generate, and organize writing.
• Write focused, arguable thesis statements and develop subordinate ideas through paragraphs that connect through transitions and clear topic sentences.
• Use specific evidence in development of subordinate ideas.
• Demonstrate the ability to summarize, paraphrase, and quote correctly and appropriately.
• Incorporate sources with signal phrases, cite correctly using current MLA-style parenthetical references, and create a properly formatted list of works cited.
• Understand the definition of plagiarism and follow the principles of academic integrity, as explained in Chapter 2 of the SUU General Catalog.
• Recognize and correct common errors of grammar and style, including but not limited to confused words, tense shifts, misplaced modifiers, sentence structure problems, pronoun/antecedent agreement, sexist language, and use of the generalized “you.”

In ENGL 1010, instructors will

• Require 15-20 pages of polished essay writing.
  • Two or three short essays.
  • A persuasive essay of at least 6 pages in length that includes cited sources.
    • Research papers will not be assigned.
    • Topics for papers should grow from class discussions and readings.
• Assign approximately 10-15 pages of informal writing, which might include exploratory writing, journal writing, audience analysis, and responses to assigned readings.
• Require at least 100 pages of reading including authors representing diverse perspectives.
• Present student model essays.
• Facilitate peer reviews.
• Assign individual and/or group presentations.