Course Overview:

This course introduces students to academic and professional writing through the lens of rhetoric and persuasion. Students will learn how to analyze audiences, construct persuasive thesis-driven arguments, and apply rhetorical strategies across genres. Emphasis is placed on academic literacy, critical reading, and writing in response to complex ideas. Students practice drafting, revising, and peer-reviewing essays that integrate multiple sources with appropriate citations (APA & MLA). This course also prepares students for workplace communication, with dedicated units on business writing formats such as memos, policy briefs and proposals. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to write with purpose, clarity, and credibility in both academic and professional settings.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • Students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 50, CAEL 45, CELPIP 6.5, DET 105, PTE 47, PCE 175, CAMBRIDGE B2 Level, LANGUAGECERT B2 Level, MET B2 Level, ITEP 3.8, EIKEN Grade Pre-1. or
    • Provide proof of achieving at least 65% in Grade 12 English (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    • Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
      • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
      • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
        • Reading: 235
        • Writing: 235
        • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

  • Analyze rhetorical situations and select appropriate rhetorical strategies tailored to audience, purpose, and genre.
  • Construct persuasive, thesis-driven academic arguments using logical organization, credible evidence, and a consistent tone.
  • Integrate research effectively and apply both APA and MLA citation styles to support written arguments with academic integrity.
  • Revise written texts through an iterative drafting process, incorporating peer and instructor feedback to enhance clarity, coherence, and impact.
  • Distinguish between academic and professional writing conventions across multiple disciplines and contexts.
  • Produce workplace documents such as memos, proposals, and policy briefs that are concise, well-organized, and purpose-driven.

Course Content & Topics:

Class 1: Introduction to Rhetoric and Academic Writing
Class 2: Rhetorical Appeals — Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Class 3: The Writing Process and Drafting
Class 4: Developing Thesis Statements
Class 5: Paragraph Structure and Transitions
Class 6: Integrating Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
Class 7: Essay Structure and Organization
Class 8: Critical Reading and Response Writing
Class 9: Style, Tone, and Word Choice
Class 10: Writing Memos and Workplace Communication
Class 11: Writing Proposals and Policy Briefs
Class 12: Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
Class 13: Revision Workshop and Peer Review
Class 14: Final Essay Presentation and Reflection

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)