English (ENGL) 255

Overview

ENGL 255 focuses on essay writing at the university level. In order to improve the necessary skills, students study examples of good writing, do a brief introductory assignment, write two short summaries, participate in online discussion forums, and complete three essays covering a spectrum of styles and purposes. The course is designed to recognize students’ personal interests, objectives, and learning styles and to provide flexible scheduling options.

ENGL 255 provides some grammar review but assumes at least a senior high school level of competency in both grammar and composition.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you should be able to

• summarize essays.
• use effective research methods and proper documentation technique.
• adapt to various writing requirements calling for a range of rhetorical approaches.
• think and write critically.
• write effective essays meeting first-year university expectations for content, organization, style, mechanics, and grammar.

Outline

• Unit 1: Writing Paragraphs
• Unit 2: Writing to an Audience: Discussion forum
• Unit 3: Writing a Summary
• Unit 4: Writing an Essay and Incorporating Research
• Unit 5: Writing an Argumentative Essay
• Unit 6: Writing a Rhetorical Analysis

Evaluation

To receive credit for ENGL 255, receive D (50 percent) or higher on the examination and an overall average of D (50 percent) or higher to pass the course. Assignments not submitted by the course contract completion date (end of active registration) receive a grade of 0. The weighting of the course assignments is as follows:

Note: Weighting in most grouped-study offerings is somewhat altered to accommodate a classwork component.

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.

A print version of the eText may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.

Challenge for Credit Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.

Full information about Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the ENGL 255 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on both the rhetorical analysis essay and the examination.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form

If you are interested in the English 255 Challenge for Credit option, please e-mail the Challenge Coordinator, Adien Dubbelboer, at adiend@athabascau.ca.

Winter 2020 Grouped Study Course Schedule

For more information on grouped study courses, please visit our classroom-based study information page.