ENGL 151-07, First Year Writing Seminar: Thinking Reading and Writing Critically, Spring 2012

Abstract

In this course, we will read several selections from The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2008. We will consider the form as well as the content of these essays; while they provide provocative perspectives on science and nature, they are also exemplars of articulate, persuasive writing. By the end of the course, you will not only have a better sense of the current national discourse about science and nature, but you will also be prepared to comment persuasively on this discourse through argumentative writing. Our main focus will be on the process of good writing, and perhaps the most essential skill for being a good writer is to be a good reader. Therefore, we will talk about the elements of persuasive analysis not only as training for you to be better writers, but also to give you a vocabulary to discuss and analyze essays and books. By the end of the course, you will have: 1) Learned to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments and points of view 2) Developed skills in expressing yourself both in writing and orally 3) Learned how to find, evaluate and use resources for answering research questions