Why study composition/writing?
The
English composition classes in the Humanities Department at Parkland College aim to
develop students’ abilities to read and think critically and to write meaningfully.
Composition classes prepare students to interact with texts, analyze the needs
of audiences, evaluate sources, and integrate and document source materials
properly to formulate complex arguments logically, coherently, and powerfully.
English classes develop skills required for a very wide range of careers. In today's ever-changing workplace, it's not enough to have technical skills. You need to know how to access and evaluate information; synthesize different perspectives; write clearly, accurately, and with a purpose; make good decisions; and think critically with a global perspective. Technical skills continue to change, but the basic reading, writing, and thinking skills you’ll acquire in our composition classes will provide a foundation that will continue to serve you well wherever your journey takes you.
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
Courses
Because strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills are absolutely fundamental to academic, professional, and personal success, nearly every student at Parkland will take at least one composition class. All A.A. and A.S. degree-seeking students must complete the full composition sequence (ENG 101 and ENG 102, or ENG 106) and many certificate programs require at least ENG 101. Beyond the required composition sequence, there are also a variety of classes in professional communication and creative writing for students who wish to express themselves through poetry and fiction and creative nonfiction writing.
Writing Skills Review I and II (ENG 098 and 099): develops writing skills necessary to produce essays.
Composition I and II (ENG 101 and 102): focus on research techniques, processes, and documentation needed to write research papers.
Accelerated Composition (ENG 106): combines aspects of ENG 101 and 102 to create an accelerated course of study.
Workplace Writing (ENG 111): emphasizes format, grammar, and writing mechanics for workers in skilled technical service and support positions.
English Grammar and Punctuation (ENG 115): improves grammar and punctuation of standard written English.
Creative Writing—Fiction I (ENG 161): focus on writing techniques needed to create fully developed works of short fiction.
Creative Writing—Poetry I and II (ENG 162): focus on poetic writing techniques needed to create fully developed works of poetry.
Professional Writing (ENG 220): includes business and technical writing scenarios as well as real world projects for local companies.
Will my classes transfer?
The basic composition sequence at Parkland (ENG 101 + ENG 102, or ENG 106) fulfills freshman writing requirements at all public four-year institutions in the state of Illinois and at many institutions across the country. Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.
For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.
Curriculum
Find out more information about how these courses fit into: