Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title ENGL 1117: Reading and Writing Critically I

Catalog Description

Credits 4
Hours/Week 4
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 1/Written and Oral Communication

Course Description

This course introduces students to various writing strategies for both single and multiple-source essays. By critically reading and responding, students will practice expository, analytical, and persuasive modes of communication to develop critical thinking and writing skills, culminating in limited research projects. College level reading and writing skills as demonstrated by appropriate RCTC placement test score or completion of appropriate developmental course(s) with a grade of C or better required.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

May, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Context
  2. Competent use of subject, audience and purpose to make appropriate writing decisions
  3. Mastery of grammar and mechanics
  4. Process
  5. Local and global revision
  6. Idea development in response to feedback
  7. Research and information literacy
  8. Critical evaluation of sources
  9. Effective use of sources with documentation
  10. Critical thinking
  11. Complexities of persuasive stances
  12. Respect for others in persuasion
  13. Responsible use of rhetorical appeals

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Produce writing that demonstrates mastery of grammar and mechanics.
  2. Compose writing that takes into account different subjects, audiences, and purposes.
  3. Use the writing process to plan, draft, revise and edit.
  4. Demonstrate critical evaluation of sources and use appropriate sources correctly and effectively to support his or her own writing.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of argument and a respect for the viewpoints of all participants in civil argumentation.
  6. Complete at least 2,500 words of polished writing.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 1/Written and Oral Communication

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
  2. Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
  3. Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
  4. Construct logical and coherent arguments.
  5. Use authority, point-of-view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
  6. Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.
Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None