English and Critical Thinking

English and Critical Thinking

This seminar is designed for students, especially those in the social sciences, who want to improve their writing. Classes will focus on how to write an argumentative or persuasive essay, as contrasted with a “narrative essay.” Our main focus will be on “academic” or professional writing, in which the author poses a significant question and sets out to answer it, presenting evidence and drawing on relevant literature on the issue. We will also examine persuasive writing directed to a larger, non-professional audience, including those addressed to citizens generally. Students will write four or five essays during the course.