Course Descriptions

English 1310 is a course in expository writing. Students will study the principles of effective composition, with emphasis on the improvement of papers through revision and the critical reading of substantive nonfiction texts. While self-expressive and narrative writing may serve as a means of supporting ideas within a given paper, such writing is not, in itself, the focus of the course.

After completing English 1310, students should be able to draft, revise, and edit texts in which they demonstrate the ability to formulate a thesis (central idea) in an orderly way; form clear and effective paragraphs and sentences; use an appropriate vocabulary; and apply the grammatical conventions of written English.

Additionally, according to the Core Objectives for the Communication Component of the 2014 Texas Core Curriculum, in English 1310 students will:

1. demonstrate command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills
    that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to their
    subject, occasion, and audience.
2. demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, as well as analysis,
    evaluation, and synthesis of information.
3. effectively develop, interpret and express ideas through written, oral,
    and visual communication.
4. relate choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
5. recognize different points of view and work effectively with others to
    support a shared purpose or goal.
6. demonstrate critical thinking skills, communication skills, teamwork,
    and personal responsibility.

English 1320 is a continuation of English 1310, with emphasis on expository writing as a means of analyzing and understanding texts.

While some instructors teach literary texts in English 1320, the course is NOT an introduction to literature and/or film. Rather, it is a composition course in which students learn to read critically and to draw on written sources to support their ideas. All papers in the course are documented, with at least one of them (1,250-word minimum) requiring the use of several print and/or online sources.

After completing English 1320, students should be able to draft, revise, and edit texts in which they demonstrate the ability to understand and analyze a variety of texts; quote, paraphrase, and summarize print and/or online sources to support their ideas; and use standard procedures of citation and documentation.

Additionally, students must continue to meet the objectives outlined for English 1310, including the six Core Objectives for the Communication Component of the 2014 Texas Core Curriculum.

English 1300 is an intensive writing course for students who require additional experience in expository composition in preparation for English 1310 and other college level courses. 

In English 1300, students will study the principles of effective composition, with emphasis on the improvement of papers through revision and the critical reading of substantive nonfiction texts. While self-expressive and narrative writing may serve as a means of supporting ideas within a given paper, such writing is not, in itself, the focus of the course.

After completing English 1300, students should be able to draft, revise, and edit texts in which they demonstrate the ability to formulate a thesis (central idea) in an orderly way; form clear and effective paragraphs and sentences; use an appropriate vocabulary; and apply the grammatical conventions of written English.