ENGL 101 Notes (Fall 2025)
Course Information
- Course: ENGL 101 English Composition I (3 credit hours)
- Class: ENGL 101, Section 31, Fall 2025
- Instructor: Amanda Workman
- Email: aworkman@desu.edu
- Office: Virtual; Office Hours: By Appointment
- Required Study Material: DSU English 101 Blackboard Course Modules
Course Description
- ENGL 101 covers essential composition skills: grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph formation; rhetorical techniques like audience analysis, recognizing genre conventions, and aligning messages with purpose.
- Engages with diverse texts to improve writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.
- Emphasizes a process-oriented approach: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing.
- Collaborative activities: in-class workshops, peer-reviews, instructor-student conferences.
- Active engagement throughout the term is expected.
- Students will write four academic essays employing different rhetorical modes; participate in discussions and complete short writing exercises; assemble a portfolio for the final assessment.
Learning Objectives and Rubrics
General Education Program’s 5 Cs Learning Objectives (DSU)
- 5 C Categories
- Communication
- Identifies and presents a central message (thesis) effectively and consistently
- Organizes material in an effective and appropriate manner
- Identifies and effectively utilizes appropriate supporting material/evidence
- Identifies and discusses counterarguments/limitations
- Uses oral and/or written language that is correct and appropriate for the purpose
- Creativity
- Utilizes a deep knowledge base including a variety of ideas and the appropriate context
- Utilizes appropriate information sources to develop creative solutions to a problem
- Applies originality to solve a problem, address an issue or design a new product or plan
- Cognition
- Identifies and evaluates factual evidence in problem analysis and formulates logical conclusions (Inquiry and analysis)
- Identifies and examines ethical issues and applies appropriate principles and concepts to address them (Ethical issues)
- Designs solutions by integrating information and concepts from different subject areas and contexts (Transfer)
- Civic Engagement
- Learns from and values diversity of community and culture
- Recognizes the special place of the African American experience to DSU as an HBCU and in the US at large
- Analyzes knowledge of self and local, national and global societies and cultures
- Engages in civic involvement and reflection on this involvement
- Analyzes issues relating to responsible citizenship, social concerns and related moral and ethical issues
- Content
- Masters concepts critical to understanding and using the discipline
- Articulates the foundational basis of the discipline’s way of understanding the human and/or natural world
- Analyzes information in a discipline-appropriate manner
- Integrates information in a cross-disciplinary manner to engage with significant questions and problems
- Department of Languages and Literatures’ (DLL) Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- Survey Knowledge: Demonstrate basic knowledge of canonical texts, prominent authors, historical time periods and literary movements in American, British and other Anglophone literatures; articulate how literary and cultural texts can transform one’s understanding toward ethical choices.
- Evolution, Connections, Contexts: Demonstrate awareness of the evolution of world Englishes and draw logical connections between prominent authors, genres, movements, and contexts.
- Metacognition and Analysis (Portfolio): Assemble a comprehensive portfolio showing metacognition and ability to recognize/analyze different genres and texts.
- Effective Oral/Written Production: Produce rhetorically/critically written texts and oral presentations enhanced by technology; clear, grammatical prose; tailored to diverse audiences/purposes.
- Appreciation, Intellectual Engagement: Demonstrate integrative/independent thinking, creativity, and imagination in intellectual engagement.
- Research: Plan, conduct, and evaluate interdisciplinary research, individually or collaboratively; produce comprehensive/credible arguments.
English 101 Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Produce original thesis-based writing with effective supporting evidence and examples. (Communication 1-3) (DLL-SLO 4)
- Organize ideas in coherent paragraphs and short essays with topic sentences/outlines. (Communication 2 & 3)
- Employ prewriting, outlining, drafting, and revising stages within their writing process. (Content 1, DLL—SLO 1)
- Recognize how rhetorical modes shape civil, social, and political discourses. (Communication 4 & 5, Content 1) (DLL-SLO 3)
- Use appropriate language for audience in various contexts/rhetorical modes. (Communication 5) (DLL-SLO 4)
- Compile a portfolio to self-evaluate writing process and learning. (Cognition 4, 5) (DLL-SLO 3)
Summary of Required Work
- (1) Four Essays (different rhetorical modes):
- Personal Narrative: theme-driven, reflective; uses narration and description; recounts an event and reflects on its significance; length: 4 pages; weight: 15%
- Definition-Exemplification Essay: defines a concept and demonstrates with examples (e.g., “This I Believe” style); length: 3 pages; weight: 15%
- Proposal Essay: community-engaged; uses cause/effect or compare/contrast; explores a social issue and possible solutions; length: 4 pages; weight: 15%
- Evaluation Essay: establishes criteria first and analyzes a text (including an image or ad); length: 4 pages; weight: 15%
- (2) A combination of Discussion Forum, Writing Exercises, and Attendance — 30%
- (3) Final Portfolio: includes a 2-page reflection letter, table of contents, and final drafts of major assignments — 10%
- See Blackboard course site for detailed grade breakdown.
Attendance and Course Format
- Hybrid course: meets once a week in person (Mondays) and once a week virtually (Wednesdays). Attendance required at both times.
- Online sections: also require regular site visits and participation; instructor may schedule virtual class meetings/conferences.
- Students should log in to Blackboard regularly to read messages and announcements.
- Missing classes harms progress due to the course’s emphasis on process and scaffolding.
Late Work and Submissions
- Late work will not be accepted.
- Submission via Blackboard using SafeAssign.
- The last day to submit any work for the course: Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submissions after this time will receive 0 credit.
- You are responsible for tracking submission dates and managing deadlines; no reminders will be sent.
Class Decorum, Netiquette, and Special Needs
- Class Decorum: come prepared; stay on task; listen constructively; follow instructor directions.
- Netiquette (online): communicate civilly and formally; avoid internet jargon; correct spelling/grammar.
- Special Needs: contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for accommodations; accommodations require an Accommodation Letter; no retroactive accommodations; SAS contact details provided.
Academic Honesty and AI Policy
- You are expected to submit work that is your own; using work from previous courses is a violation.
- Cheating/Plagiarism: buying or downloading papers or stealing papers will lead to a failing grade.
- MLA 9th Edition citations are used unless stated otherwise.
- Generative AI Policy: Do not submit AI-generated writing as your own work; AI-produced writing will not be accepted for credit. You may use AI tools for exploration, but not submit AI-produced content as your own.
- Recycled Work: You may reuse ideas from other courses, but you must produce new work for this course.
- DSU Writing Studio: a resource for improving writing; link provided.
Grading and Rubrics
- Grading (total 100%):
A = 90-100 ext{\%},\quad B = 80-89\text{\%},\quad C = 70-79\text{\%},\quad D = 60-69\text{\%},\quad F \le 59\text{\%}. - Department of Languages and Literatures’ General Rubric for Writing Assignments:
- The “A” Paper: Exceeds all requirements; demonstrates superior understanding; exceptional tone, diction, style; ethical documentation; flawless grammar.
- The “B” Paper: Good; meets requirements; strong understanding; above-average risk and originality; mostly correct grammar.
- The “C” Paper: Average; some flaws; intermediate understanding; some errors but generally correct grammar.
- The “D” Paper: Below-average; basic understanding; significant issues; limited ethical communication.
- The “F” Paper: Fails to address requirements; unacceptable understanding/attempt; lacks ethical communication and mechanics.
Specific Rubrics for Writing (A–F) – Highlights
- A Paper characteristics:
- Exceeds assignment requirements
- Excellent understanding of genre, context, purpose, audience
- Superior application of rhetoric and writing process
- Outstanding tone, diction, style, organization
- Originality and ethical communication; strong evidence/documentation
- Excellent grammar and mechanics
- B, C, D, F Paper characteristics summarized similarly with gradations in execution, risk, ethics, and mechanics.
Schedule Snapshot (Weekly Modules)
- The schedule is subject to change; changes will be announced on Blackboard.
Week 1: Module 1
- Topics/Activities (Due Mon 8/25):
- Syllabus overview; introductions; explore Blackboard modules
- Assignment 1.1 Diagnostic Essay due Sun 8/31/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
- Access “Personal Narrative” Assignment
- Writing Process: Prewriting, Outlining, Drafting, Revising, Editing
- Discuss reengineering writing process; Elements of a Narrative Essay; Essay and Thesis Statement
- Discussion 1.0 Introductions due Fri 8/29/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Discussion 1.1 Prompt Response due Thu 8/28/2025 11:59 pm EST; Peer responses due Sun 8/30/2025 11:59 pm EST
Week 2: Module 1
- Mon 9/1: Labor Day (University Closed)
- Wed 9/3:
- Invention strategies: brainstorming, freewriting, topic exploration
- Outline Personal Narrative Essay due Sun 9/7/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Assignment 1.2 Personal Narrative Essay Outline due Sun 9/7/2025 11:59 pm EST
Week 3: Module 2
- Mon 9/8:
- “Show, don’t tell” strategies; peer-review of Personal Narrative (bring draft)
- Assignment 1.3 Personal Narrative Essay First Draft due Mon 9/8/2025 by 5:00 pm EST
- Discussion 2.1 Prompt Response due Thu 9/11/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Peer responses due Sun 9/14/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 9/10: Major descriptions sharing; “show, don’t tell” exercises
- Assignment 2.1 Short Write #1 due Sun 9/14/2025 by 4:00 pm EST
Week 4: Module 2
- Mon 9/15:
- What Is AI Writing? How it works; where to use AI chatbots; when to avoid them
- Debunk AI myths; difference between writing to learn vs. writing to demonstrate
- Wed 9/17: Access Definition-Exemplification Assignment; defining concepts; concrete/abstract definitions
- Assignment 2.2 Personal Narrative Final due Sun 9/21/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
Week 5: Module 3
- Mon 9/22:
- Writing Strong Paragraphs: Unity and Topic Sentences
- Discussion 3.1 Prompt Response due Thu 9/25/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Peer responses due Sun 9/28/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 9/24:
- Writing Strong Paragraphs: Coherence and Development
- Draft outline for Definition-Exemplification essay
- Assignment 3.1 Definition-Exemplification Essay Outline due Sun 9/28/2025 11:59 pm EST
Week 6: Module 3
- Mon 9/29: Student-instructor conference
- Wed 10/1:
- Peer-review of Definition-Exemplification Paper (bring draft)
- Paragraph Strength-Check Exercise (use draft with rubric)
- Discuss a focused Essay in Module on Structure
- Assignment 3.2 Definition-Exemplification Essay First Draft due Wed 10/1/2025 by 5:00 pm EST
- Discussion 4.1
Week 7: Module 4
- Mon 10/6:
- Prompt Response due Thu 10/9/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Peer responses due Sun 10/12/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 10/8:
- Strategies to Make Writing Interesting; discussion of a sample essay
- Assignment 4.1 Definition-Exemplification Essay Final due Sun 10/12/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
- Week 8-9 continue with Midterm/Proposal work etc. (see schedule for details)
Week 8: Module 4
- Mon 10/13:
- Time to Compose Midterm Reflection; access “Proposal Essay” Assignment
- Identify Topic for Proposal Essay
- Assignment 4.2: Short Write #2 (Midterm Reflection) due Sun 10/19/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 10/15:
- Examine a Proposal Essay; share plan for Proposal Essay; outline
- Assignment 4.4 Proposal Essay outline due Sun 10/19/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
Week 9-10: Module 5
- Mon 10/20:
- Cause and effect; examine a Cause/Effect essay; Discussion 5.1 prompt due Thu 10/23/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Peer responses due Sun 10/26/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 10/22:
- Rhetorical Situation: Message, Audience, Purpose, Occasion; discuss Proposal Essay’s rhetorical situation
- Peer-review of Proposal Essay Draft; Assignment 5.1: Peer-review of Proposal Essay due Wed 10/22/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Assignment 5.2 Proposal Essay Draft due Wed 10/22/2025 by 5:00 pm EST
- Mon 10/27:
- Compare and Contrast; Words for Comparison and Contrast
- Wed 10/29:
- Characteristics of Powerful Sentences; Improve sentence variety and punctuation
- Assignment 5.3 Short Write #3 due Sun 11/2/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
Week 11-12: Module 6
- Mon 11/3:
- Access “Evaluation Essay” Assignment; establish relevant criteria
- Discussion 6.1 prompt due Thu 11/6/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Peer responses due Sun 11/9/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 11/5:
- Stated and Implied Criteria; analyze reviews for criteria
- Outline for Evaluation Essay due; Assignment 6.1: Proposal Essay Final due Sun 11/9/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Assignment 6.2: Evaluation Essay Outline due Wed 11/5/2025 11:59 pm EST
- Week 12 cont.: Peer-review of Evaluation Essay; Evaluation Essay First Draft due Wed 11/12/2025 by 5:00 pm EST
Week 13-14: Module 7
- Mon 11/17:
- Writing Introductions; Assignment 7.1 Short Write #4 due Fri 11/21/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
- Wed 11/19:
- Developing Body Paragraphs; Writing Conclusions; proofreading/editing strategies
- Assignment 7.2 Evaluation Essay Final due Sun 11/23/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
- Week 14 (Mon 11/24): Access Final Portfolio Assignment; analyze sample portfolio
- Wed 11/26: Student-Instructor Conferences (Thanksgiving Recess/University Closed)
- Mon 12/1: Reflections and presentations; time to review portfolio
Week 15: Module 8
- Wed 12/3: Reflections and Presentations; Assignment 8.1 Final Portfolio with Reflection Letter due Fri 12/5/2025 by 11:59 pm EST
Additional Notes on Portfolio and Final Deliverables
- Final Portfolio includes:
- A 2-page reflection letter
- Table of contents
- Final drafts of major assignments
- Final Portfolio due date: Friday, December 5, 2025 by 11:59 pm EST
Quick References
- SafeAssign is used for submission on Blackboard
- MLA 9th Edition for citations
- DSU Writing Studio available as a resource
- Accommodation letters issued by SAS; link/contact information provided in course materials
- For AI policy, use AI as a tool for ideation only; submitting AI-generated text as your own is prohibited
Key Dates (selected)
- Last day to submit any work: Fri, Dec 5, 2025, 11:59 pm EST
- Final Portfolio with reflection due: Fri, Dec 5, 2025, 11:59 pm EST
- Diagnostic Essay: due Sun, Aug 31, 2025
- Personal Narrative Outline: due Sun, Sept 7, 2025
- Personal Narrative First Draft: due Mon, Sept 8, 2025
- Definition-Exemplification Essay Final: due Sun, Sept 21, 2025
- Proposal Essay: outline due Sun, Oct 19, 2025; draft due mid- to late- Oct; final due late Oct/early Nov 2025
- Evaluation Essay: final due Sun, Nov 23, 2025
- Final Portfolio: due Fri, Dec 5, 2025
(This set of notes distills the transcript into comprehensive study-ready bullets, preserving all major policies, outcomes, tasks, and timelines.)