Faculty

ENGL-1302 English Composition II

RYAN LOPEZ

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

ENGL-1302-042 (16519)
LEC MW 10:30am - 11:50am HLC HLC1 2210

ENGL-1302-120 (31176)
LEC MW 12:00pm - 1:20pm HLC HLC1 2201

ENGL-1302-158 (28724)
LEC TuTh 1:30pm - 2:50pm RVS RVSG 9103

ENGL-1302-257 (49981)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

Topical Focus

Readings and assignments are organized around the general theme of “This Is America: Examining Cultural Values through Literature,” focusing on poetry and short fiction by a wide range of American authors.

Course Requirements

ENGL 1302 - English Composition II - (3 credit hours)

Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.

PREREQUISITES

ENGL 1301 or equivalent w/ minimum grade of C. Student will present proof as needed, and professor will verify.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Instruction in ENGL1302 will include:

Lectures
In-class writing and discussion
Assigned Readings
Instructional Videos
Independent Research
Essays

GRADING

The final course grade is calculated as follows:

Participation 10%
Reading Guides 30%
Writing Exercises 10%
Essay 1 5%
Essay 2 10%
Essay 3 20%
Essay 4 15%

Grading Scale: A = 90-100%; B = 80–89%; C = 70–79%; D = 60–69%; F = ≤ 59%.

Major Essays

As a Liberal Arts Gateway (LAG) course, readings and assignments are organized around the general theme of “This Is America: Examining Cultural Values through Literature.” For essays and research, each student will select their own texts and topics from a range of those studied and discussed in class. Topics and texts should be chosen thoughtfully. Instructor can provide guidance as needed.

Essay 1: Personal Narrative
1. Length: 500-800 words (prose)
2. Sources: None
3. Prompt: Write a personal narrative describing how you as a character (your personal identity) has been defined or influenced by one of the themes or issues addressed in the assigned readings from Unit 1.
Essay 2: Literary Analysis
1. Length: 750+ words
2. Sources: Primary text
3. Prompt: Using one story from Unit 2, write a Literary Analysis which 1) identifies and explains one or more primary conflicts, then 2) analyzes and evaluates how one or more literary devices are used to develop the conflict(s).
Essay 3: Research Paper
1. Length: 1250+ words
2. Sources: 7+ (1+ literary text and 6+ outside sources)
3. Prompt: Research the cultural/historical context of a text and its author. Write an essay which explains how knowledge of the cultural/historical context creates a deeper understanding and appreciation of the text(s).
Essay 4: Argumentative Essay
1. Length: 1000+ words
2. Sources: 5+ (2+ literary texts and 3+ outside sources)
3. Prompt: Write an argumentative essay which takes a clear position on a current social or political issue that is both of personal interest and a major focus of at least two assigned texts from the semester, one of which must not be a poem.

Readings

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

This course does not require a specific textbook, but uses Open Educational Resources (OER). All necessary texts and resources will be posted in Blackboard as a link or attachment (.pdf, .doc, Google doc, etc.). To succeed in this course, it is necessary to bring a laptop or similar device (preferably, not a smartphone) to each class period and to have reliable internet access outside of class.

Course Subjects

COURSE OBJECTIVES/RATIONALE

Composition II deepens the work of Composition I to promote critical thinking, reading, and writing in the service of clear and effective communication in academic and other public writing contexts. Students will continue to develop their voice as they analyze texts, which may be literary or drawn from other fields, conduct independent research, and engage in collaborative learning. All of these skills are applicable to future collegiate study, professional work, and civic life.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of ENGL 1302, students will be able to:
● Analyze and interpret a variety of texts through literary, critical, and/or contextual
approaches.
● Write objectively, concisely, and analytically in a style that clearly communicates meaning,
builds credibility, and inspires belief or action
● Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative research processes
● Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic
arguments, including two or more research-based essays
● Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical uses of evidence
● Apply the conventions of style manual appropriate to the English discipline (MLA)

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following outcomes are developed in all Composition courses:
● expanded critical reading ability;
● strengthened written communication skills, characterized by
o ability to write to the specifications of an assignment;
o ability to develop a thesis, locate and select credible sources applicable to the thesis, and
write an essay of the specified length that responds to the thesis;
o ability to use standard American English writing conventions (grammar, spelling, usage,
punctuation, and formatting) and the ability to communicate to readers with clarity and
fluency.

● improved critical thinking, characterized by
o examination of multiple components of a larger issue,
o synthesis and evaluation of multiple perspectives,
o consideration of moral/ethical questions.

GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES
Upon completion of the general education component of an associate’s degree, students will
demonstrate competence in:
● Critical Thinking Skills (CT) - creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation
and synthesis of information
● Communication Skills (COM) - effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas
through written, oral and visual communication
● Teamwork (TW) - ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others
to support a shared purpose or goal
● Social Responsibility (SR) - intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the
ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities
● Personal Responsibility (PR) - ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical
decision-making