ENGL 1101: Introduction to University Writing
Students explore the practices of reading and writing in scholarly contexts by investigating a chosen topic or issue. Students read, critically analyze, and synthesize information and ideas found in appropriate secondary sources and coming from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. They also develop their abilities to communicate knowledge by composing in the genres and sub-genres of scholarly writing, including the incorporation of research and documentation while using a clear, persuasive, grammatically-correct style.
Learning outcomes
- Perform close critical readings, demonstrating comprehension of course texts.
- Identify the rhetorical characteristics of scholarly writing.
- Investigate a topic, using various research methods to identify secondary sources.
- Assess, organize, and synthesize secondary sources, composing in the sub-genres of scholarly writing, e.g. summary, critical summary, research proposal.
- Critically reflect on and articulate the complexities of a problem, underlying assumptions, and biases.
- Compose analytical essays, using an articulate thesis, scholarly argument, and academic citations.
- Write with proficiency at a university-level, grammatical style.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Critical Reading and Summary
- Unit 2: Critical Thinking and Comparison
- Unit 3: Academic Research
- Unit 4: Rhetorical Moves in Scholarly Writing
Required text and materials
There is no textbook for this course.
Additional requirements
Computer with Internet is required for this course. Students can find detailed information about the hardware, software, and computer skills requirements for your course at https://www.tru.ca/distance/services/online_courses.html
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.The final grade is determined as follows:
| Assignment 1: Article Summary | 15% |
| Assignment 2: Critical Comparison Essay | 20% |
| Assignment 3: Annotated Bibliography | 15% |
| Assignment 4: Research Paper | 30% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 20% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
