Students in Expository Writing I learn to summarize, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize the published views of others. The course addresses questions such as: What does it take to "crack" a difficult text? to assess the soundness of a text? to position other sources and oneself in relation to a text? Instructors assign readings that advance students' learning, challenge them intellectually, and engage them in the process of thinking critically about the issues raised. ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) sections of Expository Writing address linguistic, rhetorical, and cultural issues that arise for students whose primary language is not English.
Students are expected to complete Expository Writing I by the end of the first year.