Course Title: Composition II

Notes: P - Prerequisite, S - In addition to the technical requirements listed below for WebCT, students will also be required to use the Writer's Workbench software program which requires Microsoft Word. The Writer’s Workbench program is available for purchase online for approximately $100.00.

You may order a copy at http://www.writersworkbench.com/ or from the NIACC NIACC BookZone.

For those not wishing to purchase a personal copy of Writer’s Workbench, the program is available for use on NIACC computers in the Writers Workbench computer Lab in Beem Center at the Mason City campus or at the NIACC Charles City center.

Students can expect to:

1. Increase their ability to formulate sound written opinion by writing a minimum of five persuasive essays of acceptable style and mechanics;

2. Increase their ability to respond to written argument through analysis of the author's opinion and persuasive techniques;

3. Increase their ability to enter into discourse on matters of public policy through discussion and analysis of opinion as presented through the print media;

4. Acquire an understanding of the value and utility of academic research as it relates to

constructing effective written argument;

5. Increase their ability to approach received wisdom with a skeptical and critical eye;

6. Have fun and enjoy the class;

Course Academic Requirements:

1. At least five persuasive essays, one of which will be in-class (done online, but

timed); one may also be a written business plan for a proposed start-up company;

2. One persuasive research paper of approximately ten pages;

3. Daily readings of assigned text; this will generally be approximately 30 pages per week;

4. Participation in the discussion group on WebCT, as assigned;