Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Argumentative Writing, Spring 2026
Course Number:
English W270
Section Number:
Section 16680
Course Description:
Must have earned grade of C or better in ENG-W 131 to enroll. Offers instruction and practice in writing argumentative essays about a variety of issues about complicated and controversial issues. The course focuses on strategies for identifying issues, assessing claims, locating evidence, deciding on a position, and writing papers with clear assertions and convincing arguments.
Student Learning Outcomes:
English W270 is a general education course that also fulfills these Student Learning Outcomes for Critical Thinking courses. As a result of taking Critical Thinking, students will be able to...
- Identify reasons that support a claim
- Construct arguments for and against a claim
- Use widely accepted standards for evaluating the quality of evidence and reasoning
Evaluation for these Student Learning Outcomes will take place at the end of the semester.
Grading Weights and Scales:
Assignment Percentage of Grade
Attendance and Weekly Assignments 25%
Papers 1, 2, and 3 75%
Grade Percent Range
A+ 98-100
A 94-97
A- 90-93
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D+ 67-69
D 64-66
D- 60-63
F <60%
Course Delivery:
Asynchronous Online
Meeting Dates and Place:
January 12, 2025–May 8, 2026.
Due Dates for Major Assignments (subject to change, with adequate notice):
Week 6: 16th - 20th February
Paper 1 Due
Week 11: 23rd - 27th March
Paper 2 Due
Week 16: 27th April - 1st May
Paper 3 Due