English 100, 101 and 102 are all structured similarly. Every course consists of three main segments, or units, each culminating in a major written or multimodal project. Every course teaches rhetoric, critical reading and research, though at differing levels of difficulty and complexity. Each course focuses on a theme for its specific reading and writing activities.
It is important to note that English 100 and 101 are not sequential courses. Instead, they are equivalent modes of preparation for English 102. Students take either 100 or 101, not both.
English 100: Introduction to College Writing and Reading (4 credits)
English 100 is a small, intensive version of English 101. English 100 provides the same curriculum and writing assignments as 101, but it does so with smaller classes and expert teachers, which allow for individualized instruction and concentrated forms of support. English 100 meets four hours per week to give students more time in class and with their teacher to develop their writing skills. Three Writing Center visits during the semester are also required. English 100 is recommended for students who have struggled with academic writing in the past or are seeking more support to grow as college writers. Students must earn a C or higher to move into English 102.
English 101: Introduction to College Writing (3 credits)
English 101 prepares students for the reading, writing, and rhetorical demands necessary for success in college and beyond. This course focuses on effective communication, specifically rhetorical theory, rhetorical analysis and genre awareness, to develop students’ abilities to respond to any writing situation, whether academic, professional or personal. The course also teaches advanced academic reading, college-level research, critical reflection and revision. Students must earn a C or higher to move into English 102.
English 102: College Writing and Research (3 credits)
English 102 focuses on 21st-century information literacy to address the technological advances that make writing and researching uniquely challenging today. In addition to learning advanced academic research techniques, students examine ways that generative AI, algorithms, data mining, digitization, among other things, are reshaping the information landscape and research processes. Students apply concepts from 100/101, like rhetoric, genre, critical reading and reflection, to generate complexity about their topic and create a usable public-facing research project. Students must earn a C or higher in this course to fulfill the University’s OWC-A requirement.