ENGL 350 Advanced Expository Writing

Instruction in the principles of expository and persuasive writing with emphasis on logic and style. Research paper required.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


Writing is an essential skill for purposeful communication in the arts, sciences, and Christian service. Building upon skills learned in English 101 and 102, writers must continue to develop the ability to express and defend their ideas in a manner which enlightens and motivates their audience. Analyzing professional essays and applying learned techniques to their own compositions will enable the student to explore the ethical implications of various disciplines and develop values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact tomorrow’s world.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Peer-Review Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to post his/her papers to the Peer-Review Discussion in the assigned module. The student is required to read and reply to 2 other classmates’ papers. Each reply must be at least 350 words. (CLO: A, C)

Reading Analysis Journal Assignments (6)

The student will keep a reading log for each of the assigned texts. The format for each journal entry must be an outline following the same order and listing of the questions provided in the assignment instructions document. The answers must be in complete sentences. (CLO: A, B, C, E)

Topic Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write 3 short essays on selected topics in specified modes. Each paper must be 1300–2000 words, include 3-5 reliable sources, and be written in current MLA format. The student must also submit a Topic Paper Reflection in the following module in order to submit the next paper in future modules/weeks. (CLO: D, E, F, G)

Capstone Research Paper Assignment

The student will write a 2600–3300 word research-based essay in current MLA format that focuses on developing an idea started in a previous topic paper. The essay must include at least 8–10 references in current MLA format. (CLO: D, E, F)

Reading Reaction Final Activity Assignment

The student will select 2 essays from the assigned course Reading Analysis Journals and make a connection to an outside “activity” or visual. The student can find a video clip, conduct an interview, write or find a related poem or song, find or create an image (poster, photo, painting), or write a 1-page narrative. The student must write an expository paragraph of at least 300 words that explains how the activity relates to the two essay in question. (CLO: A, B, C, F)

Quizzes: Topic Paper Reflections (3)

The student will write a short, 350-word minimum, reflection paragraph on each topic paper after the papers have been graded. Each quiz contains 1 essay question, has no time limit, allows 1 attempt, and is worth 20 points. (CLO: G)


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