Faculty

ENGL-1301 English Composition I

RYAN LOPEZ

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

ENGL-1301-070 (29040)
LEC MW 1:30pm - 2:50pm HLC HLC2 2220

Topical Focus

This Is America: Examining Cultural Values through Research & Rhetoric:

Which values are distinctly American and why? What first made us associate particular values with being American? Who gets to decide what is or is not “American”? How have these ideas evolved in the two and a half centuries since our nation’s inception? Examine these questions and more through the works of a broad range of American authors, artists, and activists from various backgrounds and perspectives, all while learning to better form and argue your own opinion on such matters through research and rhetoric.

Course Requirements

GRADING

The final course grade is calculated as follows:

Participation (includes Attendance) 20%
Writing & Revision Exercises 25%
Essay 1: Review 10%
Essay 2: Personal Narrative 10%
Essay 3: Annotated Bibliography 5%
Essay 4: Supported Argument 20%
Essay 5: Research Proposal 10%

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 “American Values.” Each student will select their own broad topic related to this theme which will apply to all of the following essays. Students may switch topics once during the course with prior approval, if necessary. Topics should be chosen thoughtfully. Instructor can provide guidance as needed.

Review
1. 500+ words
2. Sources: Primary text
3. Prompt: Choose a recent work of art or literature (film, novel, album, art exhibition, etc.) which significantly reflects, influences, or critiques American culture. Write a review which evaluates the work’s message and effectiveness at communicating that message.
Personal Essay
1. 750+ words
2. Sources: 2
3. Prompt: Choose an issue of cultural relevance and personal interest. Write a personal essay which explains or explores how your current position on this issue was formed. Your position might be for, against, or inquisitive.
Annotated Bibliography
1. 750+ words
2. Sources: 6 (4 PR)
3. Prompt: Find, cite, and annotate sources for the Supported Argument Essay, which will argue for a specific position on an issue related to your selected topic for the semester.
Supported Argument Essay
1. 1250+ words
2. Sources: 8-10 (4 PR)
3. Prompt: Form a unique research question related to your selected topic for the semester, then write an essay which answers that question and argues a position supported by multiple scholarly sources.
Research Proposal
1. 750+ words
2. Sources: 4+
3. Prompt: Identify an area or issue related to your selected topic for the semester which is lacking in research and/or reliable data. Design a unique research project to address this gap and write a proposal aiming to secure permission and/or funding for this research.

Readings

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

This course does not require a specific textbook, but uses Open Educational Resources. 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 (not a smartphone) to each class period and to have reliable internet access outside of class.

Course Subjects

ENGL 1301 - Composition I - (3 credit hours)

English 1301 is an intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of ENGL 1301, students should be able to
● demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes
● develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution
● write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose
● read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts
● use Edited American English in academic essays
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