You will gain a foundation for college-level writing valuable for nearly any field. Students will learn how to read carefully, write effective arguments, understand the writing process, engage with others' ideas, cite accurately, and craft powerful prose.
English Composition I
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(1,234 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 25 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
11 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 10 modules in this course
To start our course, we will examine your own writing process and what it means to respond to the writing of others. We will also think about what academic writing means.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 discussion prompts
This week will concentrate on the skill of reading critically. Additionally, we will learn about the conventions of academic writing, including integrating evidence and schools of citation. Finally, you are encouraged to write your own critical review of "The Sweet Spot." This is an optional writing assignment, but it is a requirement to receive a honor's certificate.
What's included
5 videos7 readings1 assignment7 discussion prompts1 plugin
This week, the central topic is visual images in academic writing. The goal is to practice interpreting and writing about images convincingly. Plus, Dr. Comer will help you think about what area of inquiry you would like to focus on in this course and what it means to write a draft. Finally, you will write your visual analysis and learn how to give meaningful feedback.
What's included
9 videos5 readings1 assignment9 discussion prompts
Based on the feedback of your colleagues improve your visual analysis. After you receive feedback on your final submission, submit a self-reflection quiz about your experience writing this project.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 assignments
This week, various aspects of effective research will be discussed, such as creating an annotated bibliography, research strategies, and avoiding plagiarism. You will conduct research for your next project, a case study, contribute to an annotated bibliography, and submit your case study draft.
What's included
6 videos4 readings1 assignment10 discussion prompts
In preparation for improving your case study, Professor Comer will present strategies of writing more cohesively. After receiving your final feedback, please submit a self-reflection about this project.
What's included
3 videos3 readings2 assignments
This week, Professor Comer introduces the idea of public scholarship, how academic writing can be transformed for a broader public. Her guest, David Jarmul, will give an overview of how to write an op-ed. You will then have the opportunity to write your own.
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
This week Professor Comer will address the topic of concise writing; how to convey meaning with fewer words. Your task is to rewrite your op-ed.
What's included
2 videos2 readings2 assignments
This final week is dedicated to how to move forward with your writing and apply the skills learned in this course to new contexts. Your final assignment is a self-reflection about your development as a writer over the last several weeks.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
Additional videos that highlight differences in academic writing across disciplines.
What's included
17 videos
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.7 (309 ratings)
Offered by
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Learner reviews
4.6
1,234 reviews
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Showing 3 of 1234
JJ
4
Reviewed on May 25, 2016
Areas of improvements:common mistakes made and how to overcome themsentence structure and vocabularylearning from prose to better refine writing style
KH
5
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2020
I learned so much.I never thought I could be a writer. Now I have the tools and skills to be a better reader and a better writer. I am on my way.
JR
5
Reviewed on Mar 7, 2017
Very helpful for writers and future career writers. Plus the professor is extremely down to earth. Was not expecting that and I forgive her for being a Duke fan. Go Tar Heels!!!! jk jk
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