ITT Technical Institute
EN1420
Composition II
Onsite Course
SYLLABUS
Credit hours: 4.5
Contact/Instructional hours: 45 (45 Theory Hours)
Prerequisite(s) and/or Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite: EN1320 Composition I or equivalent
Course Description:
This course builds on the foundations of Composition I with emphasis on rhetorical
structures, argumentation and research. Students study how to make strong arguments
using visual and oral communication techniques.
Composition II
Syllabus
Where Does this Course Belong?
General Education courses include courses in the humanities, composition, mathematics, the sciences,
and the social sciences.
Program Goals and Objectives
General Education courses are designed to provide ITT Tech students with a well-rounded education in
the context of their technical programs. Each course emphasizes one or more of ITT Tech’s General
Education Student Learning Outcomes.
1. The student will be able to demonstrate personal responsibility.
2. The student will be able to analyze information.
3. The student will be able to solve complex problems.
4. The student will be able to communicate effectively in oral, written and visual forms.
5. The student will be able to contribute as a member of a team.
6. The student will be able to pursue lifelong learning opportunities.
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Composition II
Syllabus
The following diagram demonstrates how this course fits in the program:
Composition
General Studies
Mathematics
Composition
Humanities
Science
Social Science
EN1420
Composition II
EN1320
Composition I
GS1145
Strategies for the
Technical Professional
If shaded =
<Current>
Course
Social
Science
Courses
General
Studies
Courses
Mathematics
Courses
Composition
Courses
Prerequisite or
Corequisite
NOTE: Refer to the catalog for the state-specific course information, if applicable.
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Composition II
Syllabus
Course Summary
Major Instructional Areas
1. Communication for analysis and argument
2. Rhetorical structures
3. Advanced research strategies
4. Boolean operators and web search techniques
5. Appropriate use of style guides – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Bluebook
6. Using the ITT Tech Virtual Library
Detailed Topical Outline
1. Understanding argument
1.1. Definition
1.1.1.
Current perspective
1.1.2.
Individual argument style
1.2. Traditional and consensual argument
1.2.1.
Describe and define traditional argument
1.2.1.1. Examples
1.2.2.
Describe and define consensual argument
1.2.2.1. Examples
1.2.3.
Comparison and differences in goals and outcomes
1.3. Visual argument
1.3.1.
Recognition and description
1.3.1.1. Examples
1.3.2.
Steps for reading visual arguments
1.4. Conditions for argument
1.4.1.
When argument works
1.4.2.
When argument fails
1.4.3.
Twelve tests of an arguable issue
1.5. Engaging with issues
1.5.1.
Enduring public issues
1.5.1.1. Arguing like a citizen
2. Audience and context
2.1. Five components of the rhetorical situation
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Composition II
Syllabus
2.1.1.
Traditional arguments
2.1.2.
Visual Arguments
2.1.3.
Online arguments
2.2. Audience analysis
3. Identifying and analyzing issues
3.1. Reading to develop arguments
3.1.1.
Resources for issues
3.2. Preparing to write
3.2.1.
Developing an argument
3.2.2.
Avoiding plagiarism
3.2.3.
Taking notes
3.3. The writing process
3.3.1.
Writing and revising
3.3.2.
Peer review
4. Toulmin’s model of argument
4.1. Exploration of the Toulmin Model
4.1.1.
Essential parts
4.1.1.1. Definitions and examples
4.1.2.
Applying the model
4.1.2.1. As a reader, to analyze an argument
4.1.2.2. As a writer, to construct an argument
5. Claims
5.1. Five types of claims
5.1.1.
Drafting a working claim
5.1.2.
Claims in visual arguments
5.2. Planning the research paper
6. Proofs
6.1. Logos, Ethos, Pathos
6.1.1.
Types of logical proof
6.1.2.
Proof that builds credibility
6.1.3.
Emotional proof
6.2. Role of proofs in reading and writing argument
6.3. Research techniques
7. Fallacies
7.1. Logical fallacies
7.2. Fallacies affecting character
7.3. Emotional fallacies
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Composition II
Syllabus
7.4. Ethics in argument
7.5. Identifying and evaluating sources
8. Visual Argument
8.1. Recognition and definition
8.1.1.
Eight special features of visual argument
8.2. Using argument theory with visual argument
8.2.1.
Analysis
8.2.2.
Identifying bias
8.2.3.
Supporting a written argument
8.3. Outlining and completing a first draft
8.3.1.
Incorporating research
8.3.2.
Annotated bibliography
9. Rogerian argument and common ground
9.1. Explanation and examples of Rogerian argument
9.1.1.
Strategy of Rogerian argument
9.1.2.
Achieving common ground
9.2. Writing a Rogerian argument
9.3. Peer feedback- critiquing sources
10. Peer editing and revision
10.1. Peer review of final paper
10.1.1. Giving valuable feedback
10.1.2. Review of tools and models
10.2. Making revisions and improvements
11. Presentation skills
11.1. Presenting your paper to the class
11.1.1. Visual aids
11.1.2. Presentation skills
12. Summary review, final paper submission and final exam
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Composition II
Syllabus
Course Objectives
1. Use argument strategies, both traditional and consensual, to develop, communicate, and defend a
position in a variety of communication formats.
2. Differentiate and evaluate competing arguments.
3. Apply peer review and editing techniques.
4. Analyze, organize, and synthesize information from both primary and secondary sources.
5. Produce an annotated bibliography.
6. Assess and implement rhetorical structures.
7. Implement Toulmin’s Model as a tool for analyzing and constructing arguments.
8. Apply standard writing conventions to research papers that evaluate the strengths, weaknesses,
risks, and benefits of competing perspectives and complex problems.
9. Make an oral presentation of research findings, individually and in a group.
10. Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library to research selected topics.
Learning Materials and References
Required Resources
New to this
Textbook Package
Course
Wood, Nancy V. (2012). Perspectives on argument
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
(7th
Carried over
Required for
from Previous
Subsequent
Course(s)
Course(s)
n
Recommended Resources
Books, Professional Journals

Strunk, W. & White, E.B. Elements of style. Boston, MA: Longman. (any edition)
Professional Associations

NCTE – National Council of Teachers of English: www.ncte.org/

Conference on College Composition and Communication: www.ncte.org/cccc
ITT Tech Virtual Library (accessed via Student Portal)
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Composition II
Syllabus
School of Study> General Education> Recommended Links> Grammar, Writing, and Style>

APA Reference Style Guide
Other References

APA Style
http://www.apastyle.org/

Modern Language Association: MLA
http://www.mla.org/

NoodleTools
http://www.noodletools.com/

MindTools
http://www.mindtools.com/ http://litemind.com/

Lumosity
http://www.lumosity.com/app/v4/personalization

Politifact
http://www.politifact.com/
NOTE: All links are subject to change without prior notice.
Information Search
Use the following keywords to search for additional online resources that may be used for supporting your
work on the course assignments:

Academic Writing

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Argument

Fallacy

Composition

Inquiry

Context

Reasoning

Critical Reading

Research

Debate

Research Process

Discourse

Revision

Ethics

Rhetoric
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Composition II
Syllabus
Course Plan
Suggested Learning Approach
In this course, you will be studying individually and within a group of your peers. As you work on the
course deliverables, you are encouraged to share ideas with your peers and instructor, work
collaboratively on projects and team assignments, raise critical questions, and provide constructive
feedback.
Use the following advice to receive maximum learning benefits from your participation in this course:
DO
DON’T
 Do take a proactive learning approach.
 Don’t assume there is only one correct
 Do share your thoughts on critical issues
answer to a question.
and potential problem solutions.
 Don’t be afraid to share your perspective on
 Do plan your course work in advance.
the issues analyzed in the course.
 Do explore a variety of learning resources in
 Don’t be negative about the points of view that
addition to the textbook.
are different from yours.
 Do offer relevant examples from your
 Don’t underestimate the impact of
experience.
collaboration on your learning.
 Do make an effort to understand different
 Don’t limit your course experience to reading
points of view.
the textbook.
 Do connect concepts explored in this
 Don’t postpone your work on the course
course to real-life professional situations
deliverables – work on small assignment
and your own experiences.
components every day.
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Composition II
Syllabus
Course Outline
Unit 1:Understanding Argument
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

work:
Define traditional as well as consensual argument strategies used to develop,
9 hours
communicate, defend, and negotiate agreement on a position.

Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library to research selected topics.
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grade Allocation
Grading
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category
work)

Wood, Chapter 1

Read, Reflect and
Visual Argument
Analyze pg. 470-471
Unit 1 Assignment 2: ITT Tech Virtual
Assignment
(% of all graded
Unit 1 Assignment 1: Chapter Review and
2%
2%
Library Worksheet
Unit 2: Audience and Context: The Rhetorical Situation
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
work:

Define and analyze the audience for an argument.

Identify the five components of the rhetorical situation.
9 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grade Allocation
Grading
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category
work)

Wood, Chapter 2

Read, Reflect and
TRACE
Analyze pg. 486 – 493
Unit 2 Assignment 2: TRACE Analysis
Assignment
(% of all graded
Unit 2 Assignment 1: Chapter Review and
9
2%
2%
Date: 11/19/2012
Composition II
Syllabus
Unit 3: Reading, Thinking, and Writing About Issues
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

work:
Use traditional as well as consensual argument strategies to develop,
9 hours
communicate, defend, and negotiate agreement on a position.

Assess and implement rhetorical structures.
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grade Allocation
Grading
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category

Wood, Chapter 3

Read, Reflect and
Assignment
(% of all graded
work)
Unit 3 Assignment 1: Summary Response
2%
Unit 3 Assignment 2: Exploratory Paper
2%
Analyze pg. 544 - 551
Unit 4:Toulmin’s Model of Argument
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:
work:

Employ Toulmin’s Model to analyze an argument and identify its components.

Construct a sound argument essay incorporating the summary of a claim and
9 hours
evidence followed by reasoned response.
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grade Allocation
Grading
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category
(% of all graded
work)

Wood, Chapter 4
Assignment
Unit 4 Assignment 1: Toulmin Analysis
2%

Read, Reflect and
Quiz
Unit 4 Quiz 1
3%
Analyze pg. 567 – 575
Unit 5: Claims and Planning
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

Use tools of critical analysis to evaluate an argument.

Construct a sound argument in essay form incorporating the summary of a
work:
15 hours
claim and evidence followed by a reasoned response.
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Composition II
Syllabus
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grade Allocation
Grading
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category

Wood, Chapter 5

Read, Reflect and
Analyze pg. 441 – 450
Assignment
(% of all graded
work)
Unit 5 Assignment 1: Oral Presentation
2%
Unit 5 Assignment 2: Summary-Response
2%
Project
Unit 5 Project Part 1: Research Outline
5%
Quiz
Unit 5 Quiz 2
3%
Unit 6: Proofs and Research
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

work:
Collect, analyze, organize, and synthesize information from both primary and
12 hours
secondary sources.

Conduct a targeted internet search for sources using Boolean operators.

Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library to research selected topics.
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grade Allocation
Grading
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category

Wood, Chapter 6;
Assignment

work)
Unit 6 Assignment 1: Using Proofs to
2%
Prepare a Brief Position Paper
Chapter 11, pp. 348Project
355
(% of all graded
Read, Reflect and
Unit 6 Project Part 2: Annotated
5%
Bibliography
Analyze pg. 511- 518
Unit 7: Fallacies, Ethics, and Evaluating Sources
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

Collect, analyze, organize, and synthesize information from both primary
work:
12 hours
and secondary sources.

Conduct a targeted Internet search for sources using Boolean operators.

Use tools of critical analysis to evaluate an argument.

Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library to research selected topics.
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Composition II
Syllabus
READING ASSIGNMENT

GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
Wood, Chapter 7:
Fallacies and Ethical
Argument

Wood Chapter 12
Read, Reflect and
Analyze pg. 518-521
Activity/Deliverable Title
Category
Assignment
pages 356-360

Grade Allocation
Grading
(% of all graded
work)
Unit 7 Assignment 1: Spotlight On:
2%
Primary Source
Project
Quiz
Unit 7 Project Part 3: Opposing Sides
Unit 7 Quiz 3
5%
4%
Unit 8: Visual Argument and Writing Preparation
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

Use tools of critical analysis to evaluate an argument.

Produce an in-class essay on an assigned topic.

Create a draft of the final project paper.
READING ASSIGNMENT

Wood, Chapter 8

Wood Chapter 12
361-364

work:
12 hours
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
Grade Allocation
Grading Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
(% of all graded
work)
Assignment
Unit 8 Assignment 1: Spotlight On:
Read, Reflect and
Written Reflection
Analyze pg. 587-590
Unit 8 Assignment 2: Visual Argument
2%
3%
Analysis
Project
Unit 8 Project Part 4: First Draft Final
5%
Paper
Unit 9: Rogerian Argument and Revising a Draft
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

Identify the characteristics and goals of Rogerian argument.

Use tools of critical analysis to evaluate an argument.

Apply peer review and editing techniques.

Create a PowerPoint presentation to support an oral presentation.
12
work:
9 hours
Date: 11/19/2012
Composition II
Syllabus
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
Grade Allocation
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grading Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
(% of all graded
work)

Wood, Chapter 9

Read, Reflect and
Analyze pg. 575-586
Assignment
Unit 9 Assignment 1: Rogerian Argument
3%
Paper
Project
Unit 9 Project Part 5: Storyboard for
5%
Presentation
Unit 10: Review and Oral Presentation Skills
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

work:
Use traditional as well as consensual argument strategies to develop,
9 hours
communicate, defend, and negotiate agreement on a position.

Deliver an oral summary of the researched argument for the final paper,
accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.

Apply peer review and editing techniques.
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
Grade
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grading Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
N/A
Presentation
Unit 10 Presentation 1: Final Project
10%
Presentation
Project
Unit 10 Project Part 6: Peer Review
5%
Evaluations
Unit 11: Oral Presentations (continued, as needed) and Final Exam
Out-of-class
Upon completion of this unit, students are expected to:

Deliver an oral summary of the researched argument for the final paper,
work:
9 hours
accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.

Apply peer review and editing techniques.

Revise and finalize a draft based on instructor and peer review feedback.
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Date: 11/19/2012
Composition II
Syllabus
GRADED ACTIVITIES / DELIVERABLES
Grade
READING ASSIGNMENT
Grading Category
Activity/Deliverable Title
Allocation
(% of all graded
work)
Review textbook
Exam
Unit 11 Final Exam
10%
and class notes
Research Paper
Unit 11 Research Paper 1: Final
10%
for final exam.
Paper Submission (PORTFOLIO)
Evaluation and Grading
Evaluation Criteria
Category
Weight
Assignment
30%
Project
30%
Presentation
10%
Research Paper
10%
Quiz
10%
Exam
10%
TOTAL
100%
Grade Conversion
The final grades will be calculated from the percentages earned in the course, as follows:
Grade
Percentage
Credit
A
90–100%
4.0
B+
85–89%
3.5
B
80–84%
3.0
C+
75–79%
2.5
C
70–74%
2.0
D+
65–69%
1.5
D
60–64%
1.0
F
<60%
0.0
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Date: 11/19/2012
Composition II
Syllabus
Academic Integrity
All students must comply with the policies that regulate all forms of academic dishonesty, or academic
misconduct, including plagiarism, self-plagiarism, fabrication, deception, cheating, and sabotage. For
more information on the academic honesty policies, refer to the Student Handbook and the Course
Catalog.
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Date: 11/19/2012