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Arts and Communication

English Course Descriptions

ENGL 099: Critical Reading and Writing

Credits: 5.0

Prepares students for ENGL& 101 and other college level courses. Emphasizes comprehension and critical reading skills, basic composition methods, rhetorical principles, and approaches to college discussion. Helps students strengthen academic sentence-level conventions, and introduces students to academic citation. Prerequisite(s): Placement through Testing and Assessment Services, or completion of ENGL 93 with a grade of 2.0 or higher, or a permission code from ENGLP or AENGL.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Read college-level texts closely to understand their explicitideas and to draw logical inferences, summarize texts, and integrate appropriate textual evidence when writing and speaking.
  2. Respond to a text's themes, claims, support, and rhetorical strategies both analytically and with reference to evidence gathered from outside the text.
  3. Write papers that develop original arguments by supporting claims with evidence, arranging ideas logically, and connecting them coherently.
  4. Apply rhetorical strategies in one's own writing by adapting writing to audience, context, and purpose.
  5. Demonstrate the writing process by exploring and applying various strategies for gathering evidence, generating ideas, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading.
  6. Use appropriate technology to produce and publish writing.
  7. Use MLA format at a beginning college level, avoiding plagiarism.
  8. Demonstrate command of a variety of sentence types, with a particular focus on sentence clarity and rhetorical strategies.
  9. Read and write using academic vocabulary; analyze the impact of word choice on meaning and tone.
  10. Collaborate effectively with diverse partners in discussions, activities, and/or projects.
  11. Contribute actively through expressing ideas clearly and listening and responding appropriately to others' ideas.

ENGL& 101: English Composition I

Credits: 5.0

Focuses on multiple processes for composing clear, purposeful, analytic/argumentative texts. Promotes inquiry and learning via critical thinking, reading, and writing. Addresses context-appropriate sentence-level strategies, source integration and citation. Prerequisite(s): Placement through Testing & Assessment Services, or ENGL 99 or PREP 99 (or certified equivalent) with minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Integrate critical thinking, reading, and writing in a process of inquiry and learning.
  2. Compose analytic/argumentative texts that effectively support, arrange, and connect ideas.
  3. Adapt writing for diverse audiences, contexts, and purposes.
  4. Apply composing strategies, such as planning, drafting, revising, editing, and feedback.
  5. Identify and use clear, context-appropriate sentence-level strategies and styles.
  6. Ethically acknowledge and incorporate others' ideas by using MLA style at an intermediate college level.

ENGL& 102: Composition II

Credits: 5.0

Emphasizes integrating critical reading, thinking, and writing in the development of analytic/argumentative research essays.Covers composition methods; rhetorical principles; academic writing style and conventions; textual analysis; evaluation, integration and citation of sources; and academic research. Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101 or Edmonds College certified equivalent with minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Integrate critical thinking, reading, and writing independently to research and analyze college-level texts and to develop college-level analytic/argumentative research essays.
  2. Adapt writing to audience, context, and purpose by independently using rhetorical principles in varied, complex ways.
  3. Apply composition principles independently by connecting ideas coherently, explaining them thoroughly, and arranging them logically.
  4. Demonstrate writing processes by independently choosing and applying suitable strategies to different stages, such as idea generating, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading.
  5. Use academic sentence-level conventions and style; apply MLA style documentation independently to manage multiple sources of various kinds.

ENGL 104: Enhanced Composition I

Credits: 5.0

Directly supports the academic writing goals of ENGL&101 by providing enhanced instruction in the development, drafting, and revision of academic essays for students who are also enrolled in ENGL&101. Focuses on demystifying the "hidden" rules and methods behind effective reading, thinking, and writing in college-level courses. Appropriate for students who have placed into ENGL&101 but are unsure of their skills or readiness for college-level English. May not be taken as a stand-alone course. Requires concurrent enrollment in linked section of ENGL&101. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101. Corequisite(s): Linked section of ENGL&101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Analyze and apply the formal rules and informal guidelines that define academic discourse.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to recognize the complexity of issues and qualify claims.
  3. Practice writing as a process including pre-writing, multiple drafts, and revision.
  4. Accurately, thoroughly, and coherently summarize, paraphrase, and explain the meaning of college-level texts.
  5. Explain their own views clearly in writing, with supporting reasons and/or evidence.
  6. Demonstrate awareness of when and how to paraphrase, quote, and cite an author.
  7. Write clear and coherent sentences by applying conventions of academic language, grammar, and mechanics.
  8. Substantively assess their own writing and the writing of others.

ENGL 110: Origins of English: CD

Credits: 5.0

Studies diverse influences on English's evolution; explores cross-cultural borrowings and language variations; and examines the underlying reasons for English's quirky spellings and word forms. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or higher.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Summarize the general prehistory and history of the English language, its evolution from localized dialects to a global language, and its growth into the many varieties of English(es) spoken today.
  2. Identify and analyze examples of diversity-related linguistic issues, including how English's evolution, cross-cultural borrowings, and language variations have influenced or have been influenced by political/historical trends (e.g., conflicts, injustices, artistic movements, and scientific/technical advances).
  3. Describe the basic principles of etymology and how/why new words are borrowed or developed for varied purposes, e.g., informal conversation, civic discourse, commerce, and scientific naming.
  4. Describe examples of historical and contemporary influences on English words/word parts and some of the major reasons underlying English's seemingly erratic spellings and word forms.

ENGL& 111: Introduction to Literature

Credits: 5.0

This class explores ways that writers portray human experience in their short stories, poems and plays. Through class discussions, lectures and creative responses, students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of literary works. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of literary concepts by identifying and describing the formal elements, techniques, genres, and cultural/historical context of literary works.
  2. Reason clearly by applying critical reading methods/theories to analysis of texts in order to understand, interpret and draw conclusions.
  3. Describe and explain ways texts shape and are shaped by cultural/historical contexts and trends.
  4. Support analysis and interpretation of literary texts by locating, using and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.

ENGL 125: Reading Today's Authors: CD

Credits: 5.0

Exploration and interpretation through discussion of works written during the past 30 years. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of literary concepts by identifying and describing the formal elements, techniques, genres, and cultural/historical context of contemporary literary works.
  2. Reason clearly by applying critical reading methods/theories to analysis of contemporary literary texts in order to understand, interpret and draw conclusions.
  3. Describe and explain ways contemporary literary texts shape and are shaped by cultural/historical contexts, trends, attitudes. and beliefs about such issues as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, cultural identity, religion, etc.
  4. Support analysis and interpretation of contemporary literary texts by locating, using and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.
  5. Explain how texts read for the course reflect the experiences and perceptions of diverse cultural identities.

ENGL 131: Introduction to Creative Writing

Credits: 5.0

An introduction to literary creative writing with an emphasis on the short story, poem, and creative nonfiction. Students will read contemporary examples of each genre and write their own original works. Seminar format. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the key elements of short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Describe the creative writing experience from the point of view of the writer.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Explore idea-generating techniques and genre conventions to develop stories, poems, and essays.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe the processes for manuscript preparation, submission, and publication.

ENGL 141: Telling True Stories I

Credits: 5.0

Exploration of several forms of creative nonfiction, including memoir and literary journalism. Students will read contemporary writers in the field and explore the genre through their own writing projects. Workshop format. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the genre's conventions and styles via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Apply the genre's conventions and techniques to develop, revise, and edit their own writing projects.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Communicate and interact effectively while giving and receiving feedback in writing groups.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe and implement the process of submitting their work for publication.

ENGL 142: Telling True Stories II

Credits: 5.0

Continues ENGL 141's exploration of creative nonfiction and encourages students to expand their skills and productivity. Students will continue to read contemporary writers and explore the genre through their own writing. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 141 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the genre's conventions and styles via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Apply the genre's conventions and techniques to develop, revise, and edit their own writing projects.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Communicate and interact effectively while giving and receiving feedback in writing groups.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe and implement the process of submitting their work for publication.

ENGL 151: Writing Poetry I

Credits: 5.0

An introduction to writing poetry, both formal and free verse. Students will read and critique the work of contemporary poets to become familiar with the genre as well as write their own poems. Workshop format. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the genre's conventions and styles via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Apply the genre's conventions and techniques to develop, revise, and edit their own writing projects.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Communicate and interact effectively while giving and receiving feedback in writing groups.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe and implement the process of submitting their work for publication.

ENGL 152: Writing Poetry II

Credits: 5.0

Continues ENGL 151's introduction to formal and free-verse poetry writing and encourages students to expand their skills and productivity. Students will read and critique the work of contemporary poets to become familiar with the genre as well as to write their own poems. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 151 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the genre's conventions and styles via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Apply the genre's conventions and techniques to develop, revise, and edit their own writing projects.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Communicate and interact effectively while giving and receiving feedback in writing groups.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe and implement the process of submitting their work for publication.

ENGL 155: Special Topics in English

Credits: 5.0

Topics and seminars of current interest in English. 

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of a specific topic related to English composition, rhetoric, creative writing, or literature.

ENGL 161: Creative Writing: Fiction I

Credits: 5.0

An introduction to writing fiction, with an emphasis on the short story. Students will read and critique the work of contemporary fiction writers and will explore the genre through their own writing projects. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the genre's conventions and styles via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Apply the genre's conventions and techniques to develop, revise, and edit their own writing projects.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Communicate and interact effectively while giving and receiving feedback in writing groups.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe and implement the process of submitting their work for publication.

ENGL 162: Creative Writing: Fiction II

Credits: 5.0

Continues ENGL 161's exploration of fiction writing and encourages students to expand their skills and productivity. Students will read and critique contemporary fiction writers and will explore the genre through their own writing projects. Workshop format. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 161 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and evaluate the genre's conventions and styles via the works of contemporary writers.
  2. Apply the genre's conventions and techniques to develop, revise, and edit their own writing projects.
  3. Assess their own writing and the writing of others.
  4. Communicate and interact effectively while giving and receiving feedback in writing groups.
  5. Demonstrate effective writing process and productive, sustainable writing habits.
  6. Describe and implement the process of submitting their work for publication.

ENGL 166: Introduction to African American Literature: CD

Credits: 5.0

Explores a range of African American literary traditions, their historical contexts, their influences on American culture, and their representations of such themes as oppression, resistance, identity, and empowerment. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and describe the formal elements, techniques, and genre traits of African American literary works read in class.
  2. Summarize major African American literary traditions and their roles in American culture.
  3. Explain how historical forces and events have shaped literary themes, e.g, slavery and abolition; oppression and resistance; political movements and empowerment; communities and identities; creative expression and culture; celebration and joy.
  4. Describe literary representations of power, identity, and intersectionality in relation to such factors as race, gender, sexuality, and class.
  5. Describe the influence of and resistance to the "white gaze," or the centering of white perspectives, in selected literary pieces and scholarly critiques.
  6. Compare major concepts in contemporary critical approaches, e.g., Anti-Racism; Critical Race Theory; Post-Colonial Theory; BIPOC Feminism; and Queer Theory.

ENGL 170: Popular Genres: CD

Credits: 5.0

Studies a culturally diverse range of popular literature; film and game adaptations; and comic/graphic formatsin various genres, including science fiction, mystery, and horror. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL 99 or instructor permission. Crosslisted as: HUM 170.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify, analyze, and compare how writers use genre-defining and genre-defying elements, techniques,and concepts in popular works.
  2. Describe and analyze the ways that popular works shape and are shaped by cultural/historicalcontexts, trends, attitudes, and beliefs about race, class, gender, sexual orientation, cultural identity, religion, etc.
  3. Analyze how or if popular genres incorporate a diverse, inclusive range of creators, perspectives, themes, representations, etc.
  4. Reason clearly by applying critical-reading methods/theories to popular works in order to analyze their features and recurrent themes and to develop plausible, supportable interpretations.
  5. Support analyses and interpretations of popular works by locating, using, and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.

ENGL 198: Individual Project in English

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Selection, design and completion of project in the field of English. Student consults with faculty member in all aspects of the project. S/U grade option. Registration permitted first seven weeks as space is available. Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and explore/research topic(s) relevant to English for individual study.
  2. Support findings/analyses by locating, using and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study through an agreed-upon means, such as a paper, a presentation, or a display.
  4. Demonstrate skill in and knowledge of other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

ENGL 199: Special Project in English

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Contact the English Department for more information. Instuctor permission and division dean project approval.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and demonstrate a well-developed understanding of a specific topic related to English composition, rhetoric, creative writing, or literature.
  2. Support independent analysis, interpretation, or explanation of topic by locating, using and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study of topic.
  4. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor.

ENGL& 235: Technical Writing

Credits: 5.0

Principles of organizing, developing, and expressing technical information and ideas in writing. Report forms, headings, style, tone, illustrations, word processing, and graphics. (Dual listed as ENGR 231). Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Analyze writing assignments in terms of the audiences to be reached and the purposes to be achieved.
  2. Apply the basic writing process principles of pre-writing, writing, and revising to organize and write technical reports.
  3. Perform basic library research and computer database searches.
  4. Demonstrate the appropriate citations of source materials.
  5. Apply effective formats for informal and formal technical reports.
  6. Utilize graphics in reports.
  7. Participate effectively in a group of writers working together to produce a single report or project.

ENGL 255: Special Topics in English

Credits: 5.0

Topics and seminars of current interest in English. Contact the English department for more information. 

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify and demonstrate thorough understanding of focused area of interest related to English composition, rhetoric, creative writing, or literature.

ENGL 298: Individual Project in English

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Selection, design and completion of project in the field of English. Student consults with faculty member in all aspects of the project. Instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Independently identify and explore/research topic(s) relevant to English for individual study.
  2. Support findings/analyses by locating, using and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study through an agreed-upon means, such as a paper, a presentation, or a display.
  4. Demonstrate other project-specific objectives as determined by the instructor

ENGL 299: Special Project in English

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Contact the English Department for more information. Instuctor permission and division dean project approval.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Independently identify and demonstrate a thorough understanding of a specific topic related to English composition, rhetoric, creative writing, or literature.
  2. Support independent analysis, interpretation, or explanation of topic by locating, using and citing relevant textual and contextual evidence.
  3. Communicate findings from the individual study of topic.
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