[ENG 098] Basics of Composition

Introduction

This course focuses on developing three skills crucial for academic success: critical reading, critical writing, and clarity of written expression (including grammar and sentence skills). In pursuit of strengthening these skills, students will complete weekly reading and writing assignments, grammar reviews, and discussions. The course begins with structuring paragraphs and progresses to drafting and revising short essays.

The best way to master a skill set is to practice. Additionally, guidance and feedback are essential. In this course, students will have numerous opportunities to interact with classmates in discussions, to practice skills introduced in weekly lessons, and to receive individual feedback from the instructor.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for ENG 098: Basics of Composition - 3 non-degree credits. A study of fundamental writing skills, including grammatical conventions, usage, sentence structure, paragraph development and the organization of short essays.

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• communicate clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner;
• recognize and use a variety of communication forms and styles.

Department-specific proficiencies assigned to this course

By completing this course, students will

• achieve competence in writing structurally sound sentences;
• achieve competence in adhering to grammatical and mechanical conventions;
• develop skills in organizing and developing paragraphs and short essays;
• develop an understanding of writing as both a process and a product;
• develop an understanding of the role of purpose and audience in writing;
• develop skills in learning how to read texts critically and to identify main ideas and methods of development.

Requirements

Software

• Microsoft Word.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, Excel and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

About the Instructors

• Beth Horikawa
  Associate Lecturer, English
  BS, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  MA, University of Alaska-Fairbanks
  
• Stephanie Johnson
  Lecturer, English
  BA, Middlebury College
  MFA, Emerson College