Writing assignments provide hands-on composition experience, stress different approaches to organization and development, and emphasize audience awareness and revision of paragraphs, short essays and informal reports. In addition, students apply electronic-communication tools and techniques. This course builds on the conventions and techniques of composition through critical reading requirements and longer, more sophisticated reports, including a library research paper. Assignments require revising and editing for an intended audience. Students are also taught search methods for accessing a variety of print and electronic resources.
Students also adapt written materials to oral presentations.
The research process is explored as well, and the highlight of the course is a brief research project presented in both written and oral forms. They learn to analyze audiences to determine the best approaches and formats. Audience analysis, development of effective technical style, organization methods and graphic aids are emphasized. Classroom activities include planning, reviewing and revising writing. This course provides instruction and practice in gathering news, and in writing news stories and various types of feature articles.