This document outlines the objectives and content of an English orientation course. The course aims to help students develop their writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills. It will focus on teaching students how to write argumentative essays, which require a thesis and evidence to persuade the reader of a position. Examples of argumentative essays and books are provided. The course will also examine topics of class, race, and gender through analyzing essays and news articles.

1. English
Orientation

2. Course Objectives
 To expand upon what you learned in previous
English courses
 To help you to:
 Develop your writing
 Read critically and think analytically
 Analyze the symbolic aspects of cultural media,
such as films and literature
 Persuade a reader/audience of your position

3. Argumentative Essay
 Also known as:
 Persuasive Essay
 Position Essay
 Analytical Essay
 Critical Analysis
 Any essay requiring a central thesis statement
accompanied by supporting evidence is an
argumentative essay, the main purpose of which
is to persuade the reader that an argument is
true.

4. Argumentative Essay
 Why is this important?
 One of the most common forms of writing at
universities.
 This class will help you to think critically about certain
issues and to better defend your position and
persuade others that your opinion is correct.
 PhD: Obtaining a doctorate will likely require you
to write what is essentially a book-length
argumentative essay.
 At the professional level, it is used to discuss and
debate a wide range of issues (such as scientific,
political, artistic, film and literary theories).

5. Argumentative Essay
 Examples:
 Hegemony or Survival:
America’s Quest for Global
Dominance by Noam
Chomsky
 The Myth of Martyrdom:
What Really Drives Suicide
Bombers, Rampage
Shooters, and Other Self-
Destructive Killers by Adam
Lankford
 1421: The Year China
Discovered America by Gavin
Menzies

6. Further Information
• After the introductory period, the course will be
composed of three main topics: Class, Race, and
Gender. We’ll be examining essays and news
articles about these topics.
 See the syllabus for more information

7. Further Information
• After the introductory period, the course will be
composed of three main topics: Class, Race, and
Gender. We’ll be examining essays and news
articles about these topics.
 See the syllabus for more information