Introduction

Welcome to Advanced Composition! In this course, we embark on a journey through the art and craft of writing, exploring various forms, styles, and purposes of composition. Over the semester, we will delve into four distinct units, each designed to equip students with the necessary information to complete the four major assignments in the course.

This course will also equip you with invaluable tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of the rhetorical situation. Understanding the interplay between audience, purpose, context, and genre is essential for crafting effective written communication in any setting.

Throughout the semester, we will explore how to tailor your writing to various audiences, whether academic, professional, or personal, and how to adapt your message to different rhetorical contexts. By considering the unique needs, expectations, and perspectives of your audience, you’ll learn to communicate with clarity, relevance, and impact.

Moreover, we will delve into the importance of identifying and clarifying your purpose as a writer. Whether you seek to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke, articulating your objectives with precision is essential for crafting focused and purposeful writing. By honing your ability to articulate your intentions, you will develop a stronger sense of authorial voice and agency in your writing endeavors.

Context, too, plays a pivotal role in shaping effective communication. We’ll explore how cultural, historical, social, and institutional factors influence the reception and interpretation of written texts. By situating your writing within its broader context, you will learn to craft messages that resonate with your audience and resonate with contemporary discourse.

Finally, we will delve into the nuances of genre, examining how different forms and styles of writing serve distinct purposes and audiences.

The course units are organized to follow the course schedule and subsequent major assignments to hone your skills and broaden your understanding of effective communication. Each unit and assignment will build upon the foundations and skills learned in the previous weeks.

The Writing Process

We will emphasize the importance of prewriting strategies, such as freewriting, clustering, and outlining, to generate ideas, organize your thoughts, and establish a clear direction for your writing. Through workshops, peer review sessions, and one-on-one conferences, you’ll receive constructive feedback and guidance to refine your drafts and strengthen your arguments.

We will explore strategies for effective revision, helping you develop the critical eye and editorial skills necessary to polish your writing to perfection. By learning to identify weaknesses, clarify ideas, and fine-tune your prose, you’ll cultivate a rigorous approach to revision that yields polished, polished, and persuasive final drafts.

By mastering the rhetorical situation and developing a systematic writing process, you’ll be equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to excel in your academic endeavors and beyond.

Unit Breakdown

UNIT 1

In Unit 1, we will Discover A Community. Through this unit, you’ll explore your understanding of community and communication in order to set up for the rest of the semester. After this unit, you’ll know what we mean by “discourse,” and feel comfortable discussing “discourse communities.” Additionally, you’ll learn to identify your own discourse communities, and begin to narrow your focus into a research project that will span the whole semester.

UNIT 2

Moving forward to Unit 2, we’ll shift our focus to the intricacies of community engagement and analysis in the Provide Background assignment. Through research, interviews, and observation, you’ll learn to capture the essence of a community and convey its complexities through the written word. You will then expand this community profile into a multi-modal project which utilizes visual and digital communication to better articulate the details of your community.

UNIT 3

In Unit 3, we’ll delve into the power of storytelling with the Tell A Story assignment. Here, you’ll unleash your creativity as you explore the art of narrative construction, character development, and plot dynamics. Whether crafting fiction, memoir, or creative nonfiction, you’ll learn to captivate your audience, evoke emotions, and craft memorable stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.

UNIT 4

Finally, in Unit 4, we’ll sharpen our persuasive prowess with the Make An Argument assignment.

Reflective Work

This course will also provide opportunities for self-reflection, allowing you to deepen your understanding of your relationship with writing and cultivate a more mindful and intentional approach to your craft.

Midterm and final assignments will allow you to engage in self-reflection assignments designed to prompt introspection and exploration of your writing process, habits, strengths, and areas for growth. Through guided prompts, journaling exercises, and reflective worksheets, you will have the opportunity to gain greater self-awareness, resilience, and agency in your writing journey. You’ll learn to recognize patterns, identify areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals for your ongoing development as a writer. These self-reflection assignments will foster a sense of ownership and empowerment, empowering you to take control of your writing process and chart a course that aligns with your individual goals.

How to Interact with this Course

Throughout the course, you will engage in lively discussions, receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors, and refine your writing skills through a series of workshops and revisions. By the end of our journey together, you will emerge not only as a more proficient writer but also as a critical thinker, adept at navigating the diverse landscapes of written expression.