76-101, a research-based First-Year English course, is structured to introduce students to an inductive process for writing an argument from sources. The course assumes that reading and writing are inseparable practices for responsible, academic authoring. In the course, students are exposed to a variety of different texts, both fiction and nonfiction, so that they can explore and critically evaluate a single issue from multiple perspectives. They are taught to summarize and analyze arguments within that issue so that they may contribute an argument of their own. The course is also geared toward helping students understand the requirements of college-level writing. Students should learn to be reflective and strategic with their composing processes as they plan, write, and revise their own texts. Ultimately, the course provides opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills and strategic methods for analyzing and producing texts within the context of an academic community.
