Students who have not done any formal writing for some time or who feel that their basic skills might be weak should consider taking ENGL 155 or, for ESL/EAL needs, ENGL 177 or ENGL 187. Students who feel uncertain which course to choose may consult the course coordinator or do a self assessment test, English Language Assessment.
Course start date:
If you are a:
Self-funded student: register by the 10th of the month, start on the 1st of the next.
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.
Outline
Unit 1: Writing Paragraphs
Unit 2: Writing a Summary
Unit 3: Writing an Expository Essay
Unit 4: Writing an Annotated Bibliography
Unit 5: Writing a Research Essay
Unit 6: Writing an Argumentative Essay
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you should be able to
summarize, quote, and paraphrase
use effective research methods and proper citation techniques
adapt to various writing requirements that call for a variety of rhetorical modes
think and write critically
write effective essays that meet first-year university expectations for content, organization, style, mechanics, and grammar
Evaluation
To receive credit for ENGL 255, you must receive a grade of 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:
Activity
Weight
Writing Paragraphs
5%
Writing a Summary
10%
Writing an Expository Process Essay
15%
Writing an Annotated Bibliography
10%
Writing a Research-Based Expository Essay
20%
Writing a Research-Based Argumentative Essay
20%
Final Exam
20%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Dubbelboer, Adien, and Pam Chamberlain. Writing in University: Read, Think, Write. OER, AU Press, 2023 (eBook)
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.
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.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.