Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    ENGL

 Course #:    170

 Credits:    3

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    3

 CIP:    231101

 EPC:    897

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

English 170 is the study of fundamental composition skills and writing strategies commonly used in employment situations. By the end of the quarter, students will have written and revised a number of writing assignments, including but not limited to memoranda, letters of inquiry and response, summaries, technical descriptions, instructions, and business proposals.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a "C" or higher (or placement into ENGL& 101).

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Communication, Required for ATA degree, Required for certificate, Elective  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the requirements within typical workplace writing situations by asking and answering the following questions:
   • What is the purpose of the task?
   • Who is the audience to be addressed?
   • What does the audience need?
   • What limitations (such as time/length) exist within the task?
2. Plan to address the purpose and audience by considering the following questions:
   • How much/what kind of information is needed?
   • What form (memorandum, letter, summary, minutes, report) is most appropriate for this communication task?
   • What are the conventions within the chosen form?
   • What language is most appropriate for this task?
   • What tone is most appropriate for this task?
3. Put the plan into writing as quickly and efficiently as possible.
   • Move as needed between planning, writing, and rewriting.
   • Work with peers/coworkers and consultants/supervisors as needed.
4. Revise the writing as needed, with attention to the following:
   • Accurate and relevant information.
   • Appropriate attention to detail.
   • Logical sequence of information.
   • Concise, direct, correct sentences.
   • Precise, direct language.
   • Professional tone.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Process of composition
   • Prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing
   • Selection of focus of appropriate data and format
   • Adaptation of writing style and format for varied audience
2. Effective style
   • Avoidance of needless technical language
   • Use of simple, direct, concise, and precise syntax and diction
3. Specific thinking/writing strategies
   • Summarizing written and oral material (minutes, summaries, definitions, technical descriptions
   • Conveying information (correspondence, written instructions, definitions, technical descriptions
   • Requesting approval, information, classification
   • Applying critical thinking skills to reading and writing
   • Demonstrating ability to apply diverse perspectives