DA2010 Technical Writing and Composition

This course provides a review of the rhetorical and grammatical principles necessary for successful academic writing. Course content emphasizes standard English grammar and syntax, as well as mastery of two rhetorical modes: comparison and contrast and persuasion. Emphasis is also placed on the correct use of both parenthetical and footnote notation and documentation for traditional and electronic sources. Prerequisites: None.

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives:

By the end of DA2010, you will be able to:

• Effectively plan, draft, revise, and edit analytical essays appropriate for graduate courses in Defense Analysis;
• Read strategically;
• Envision a successful thesis writing process;
• Understand and apply the mechanics of the literature review;
• Write for a broad, public audience;
• Craft effective abstracts and executive summaries;
• Compose stylish and correct sentences;
• Quote, paraphrase, and summarize effectively and accurately, avoiding unintentional plagiarism;
• Apply the rules of proper academic documentation to create correct and complete in-text, footnote, and reference list citations;
• Skillfully edit on the sentence and paragraph level;
• Develop and deploy a proofreading strategy best suited to your own specific needs.