ENGL 1551 - Writing 2
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 55, CRN 41088,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
James Johnson
Email: jjohnson38@ysu.edu
Course Description
This course builds upon students’ knowledge of the writing process and rhetorical concepts as they conduct scholarly inquiry on a specific topic using academic research. The course emphasizes the process of investigation including identifying problems to explore with research, collecting data from primary and/or secondary sources, synthesizing source material, and clearly presenting the results of these inquiries in a research-based argument. Students write a minimum of 5,000 words (approximately 20 double-spaced pages) cumulatively across the major assignments. Grading is ABCDF. English 1551 is three semester hours. Prereq.: ENGL 1549 with a grade of "C" or better or ENGL 1550 with a grade of "C" or better or ACT/SAT scores or Composition Placement Test results. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | The Norton Field Guide to Writing with readings + handbook, 7E | Bullock, Bertsch, D., Goggin, M. D. | |
| Optional | Write What Matters |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
- The Norton Field Guide to Writing with readings + handbook, 7E
Bullock, R., Bertsch, D., Goggin, M. D. (2025). The Norton Field Guide to Writing with Readings and Handbook (Seventh Edition). W. W. Norton.
- Chapters as assigned in Blackboard and listed in the attached Schedule
- Note: Your Ebook access is included and is already paid for in your course fees. You need to opt out of the ebook by the date shown in Blackboard in order to avoid the fee.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | How to Read Like a Writer — Idaho Pressbooks | Course Introduction and How to Read Like a Writer | Complete the course orientation and read How to Read Like a Writer. Post the Introduce Yourself discussion and complete the Reading Response as assigned. |
| 8/31 | How to Read Like a Writer; Writing as a Process; What About AI? | Writing as a Process; Prewriting, Drafting, Revision, and Proofreading; Responsible Use of AI in Writing | Read How to Read Like a Writer; complete the Writing Process activities; read What About AI?; post the What About AI? discussion. |
| 9/7 | Developing a Research Question; Finding and Evaluating Sources | Developing Effective Research Questions; Finding, Evaluating, and Selecting Credible Sources | Develop a focused research question; identify and evaluate credible sources; complete the assigned reading response and research activities. |
| 9/14 | Synthesizing Sources; Integrating Sources into Your Writing | Synthesizing Ideas Across Sources; Integrating Sources Effectively into Academic Writing | Complete the assigned source synthesis and integration activities; complete the assigned reading response; continue developing and documenting research sources. |
| 9/21 | Writing a Research-Based Argument; Developing and Supporting a Thesis | Developing a Research-Based Argument; Creating a Focused Thesis; Supporting Claims with Evidence | Develop a working thesis; organize supporting claims and evidence; continue drafting the research-based argument; complete the assigned reading response. |
| 9/28 | Drafting and Revising a Research-Based Argument; Using Evidence Effectively | Drafting and Revising the Research-Based Argument; Integrating Evidence; Strengthening Analysis and Support | Complete the research-based argument draft; participate in peer review; revise the argument using feedback; complete the assigned reading response. |
| 10/5 | Revision Strategies; Editing and Proofreading; MLA Documentation | Revision Strategies; Editing and Proofreading; MLA Documentation and Citation | Submit the final research-based argument; complete the assigned reading response; review MLA documentation and citation practices. |
| 10/12 | Analyzing Arguments; Rhetorical Analysis; Understanding Audience, Purpose, and Context | Analyzing Arguments; Rhetorical Situation, Audience, Purpose, and Context | Complete the rhetorical analysis activities; identify audience, purpose, context, and rhetorical strategies; complete the assigned reading response. |
| 10/19 | Evaluating Arguments; Recognizing Claims, Evidence, Assumptions, and Logical Fallacies | Evaluating Arguments; Analyzing Claims and Evidence; Recognizing Assumptions and Logical Fallacies | Complete the argument evaluation activities; analyze claims, evidence, assumptions, and logical reasoning; complete the assigned reading response. |
| 10/26 | Developing Counterarguments; Responding to Opposing Views; Strengthening an Argument | Developing Counterarguments; Responding to Opposing Views; Strengthening Claims through Reasoned Response | Complete the counterargument activities; identify and respond to opposing viewpoints; strengthen the argument through evidence and reasoning; complete the assigned reading response. |
| 11/2 | Drafting an Argument; Organizing Claims, Evidence, Counterarguments, and Responses | Drafting and Organizing an Effective Argument; Integrating Claims, Evidence, Counterarguments, and Responses | Complete the argument draft; integrate claims, evidence, counterarguments, and responses; participate in peer review; revise using feedback. |
| 11/9 | Revising Arguments; Strengthening Organization, Evidence, and Style | Revising Arguments; Strengthening Organization, Evidence, Analysis, and Style | Submit the final argument; complete the assigned reading response; review and reflect on argument-writing strategies and the revision process. |
| 11/16 | Writing Conclusions; Revising for Coherence, Style, and Effectiveness | Writing Effective Conclusions; Revising for Coherence, Style, and Effectiveness | Complete revision activities; strengthen coherence, style, and effectiveness; review conclusions and overall organization; complete the assigned reading response. |
| 11/23 | Thanksgiving Week — No New Reading Assigned | Thanksgiving Break; Reflection and Independent Writing | No new assignments due; use the Thanksgiving break to catch up on coursework and continue independent writing and revision. |
| 11/30 | Reflective Writing; Revising and Editing; Preparing a Final Portfolio | Reflective Writing; Revising and Editing; Preparing the Final Portfolio | Complete the final portfolio; revise and edit selected writing; complete the final reflection on growth as a writer and researcher. |
| 12/7 | Final Course Reflection; Reviewing and Applying the Writing and Research Process | Final Course Reflection; Evaluating Growth as a Writer, Researcher, and Critical Thinker | Submit the final course reflection and final portfolio; complete all remaining course requirements. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.