English 103 Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor:

• Brandon Rocke
  • Full-time Faculty Member
  • Office is D-409 in Dunlap Hall
  • Master of Arts, English from Chapman University
  • Bachelor of Arts, English Education with Emphasis in Creative Writing, CSULB

Course Syllabus: Syllabus in DOC and Syllabus and PDF

Course Description: 

• This course focuses on developing critical thinking, reading, and writing skills by studying established argumentative methods and models and applying them to contemporary issues. Emphasis will be on logical reasoning and analytical and argumentative skills necessary for critical writing.

Textbook Information:

• Elements of Argument, A Text and Reader (Twelfth Edition) by Annette T. Rottenberg and Donna Haisty Winchell

Additional Course Information:

• I would suggest purchasing a small dictionary in preparation for our the essays; however, this is not required.

Course Learning Objectives:

• To give students a platform for them to develop their critical thinking skills and voice in preparation for future academic course work.
• To help students prepare for a world in which multiple viewpoints strongly defend their stances so that these students can read between the lines and staunchly defend their own supported ideas.

Student Learning Objectives:

• Students will use knowledge of the components of argument, rhetorical devices, and logical fallacies to respond critically to various texts.
• Students will be able to formulate sophisticated arguments and defend them with logical, persuasive evidence.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in using standard written English.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in integrating and documenting appropriately-chosen sources, in MLA format, in an academic research essay.