You will gain a foundation for college-level writing valuable for nearly any field. Students will learn how to read carefully, write effective arguments, understand the writing process, engage with others' ideas, cite accurately, and craft powerful prose.
English Composition I
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(1,196 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 25 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
11 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 10 modules in this course
To start our course, we will examine your own writing process and what it means to respond to the writing of others. We will also think about what academic writing means.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 discussion prompts
This week will concentrate on the skill of reading critically. Additionally, we will learn about the conventions of academic writing, including integrating evidence and schools of citation. Finally, you are encouraged to write your own critical review of "The Sweet Spot." This is an optional writing assignment, but it is a requirement to receive a honor's certificate.
What's included
5 videos5 readings1 assignment7 discussion prompts
This week, the central topic is visual images in academic writing. The goal is to practice interpreting and writing about images convincingly. Plus, Dr. Comer will help you think about what area of inquiry you would like to focus on in this course and what it means to write a draft. Finally, you will write your visual analysis and learn how to give meaningful feedback.
What's included
9 videos5 readings1 assignment9 discussion prompts
Based on the feedback of your colleagues improve your visual analysis. After you receive feedback on your final submission, submit a self-reflection quiz about your experience writing this project.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 assignments
This week, various aspects of effective research will be discussed, such as creating an annotated bibliography, research strategies, and avoiding plagiarism. You will conduct research for your next project, a case study, contribute to an annotated bibliography, and submit your case study draft.
What's included
6 videos4 readings1 assignment10 discussion prompts
In preparation for improving your case study, Professor Comer will present strategies of writing more cohesively. After receiving your final feedback, please submit a self-reflection about this project.
What's included
3 videos3 readings2 assignments
This week, Professor Comer introduces the idea of public scholarship, how academic writing can be transformed for a broader public. Her guest, David Jarmul, will give an overview of how to write an op-ed. You will then have the opportunity to write your own.
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
This week Professor Comer will address the topic of concise writing; how to convey meaning with fewer words. Your task is to rewrite your op-ed.
What's included
2 videos2 readings2 assignments
This final week is dedicated to how to move forward with your writing and apply the skills learned in this course to new contexts. Your final assignment is a self-reflection about your development as a writer over the last several weeks.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
Additional videos that highlight differences in academic writing across disciplines.
What's included
17 videos
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.7 (302 ratings)
Offered by
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Frequently asked questions
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.