Composition
Placement in Writing Courses
Each student planning to take English Composition is required to write a multi-paragraph essay before registering, unless testing waivers are granted. Each essay is auto-scored by the placement test system. If an essay is not auto-scored, the essay is read by two readers and scored 2 (lowest) - 6 (highest), corresponding to standards established by the School of Language & Literature. With a score of 6, a student places out of COMP107: Introduction to Academic Writing into COMP110: English Composition I. To progress through the sequence, a final grade of C or higher is required. For more information, including scoring standards and sample essays, contact the Department of Language & Literature in Grupp 201 or call 215-968-8150.
Composition Support Seminar
COMP085
The Composition Support Seminar directly supports the learning objectives of the linked composition course in which the student is concurrently enrolled, by providing additional support and instruction to enhance student success.
1 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department of Language & Literature
Corequisite: None
Basic Writing
COMP090
By writing short compositions, through a process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing, students improve both grammar and usage and composition development and organization. Course readings serve as sources and models for writing. This course prepares students for subsequent composition courses.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 2 or AESL101 (C or better) or permission of the Department of Language and Literature
Corequisite: None
Introduction to Academic Writing
COMP107
To prepare students for COMP110, this course emphasizes paragraph development in academic, text-based essay assignments. Instructors guide students through the writing process, which requires critical thinking and decision-making in the use of evidence, sources, and rhetorical modes for effective paragraphs and essays.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 4 or better or COMP090 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Introduction to Academic Reading & Writing
COMP108
EXPERIMENTAL
To prepare students for COMP110, this course emphasizes academic, text-based, themed reading and writing assignments. Instructors guide students through the reading and writing process, which requires critical thinking and decision-making in the use of evidence, sources, and rhetorical modes for effective paragraphs and essays.
4 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 4 or better or COMP090 (C or better); and
Initial Reading Placement Test score of 2 or better
English Composition I
COMP110
English Composition I emphasizes the systematic study of writing effective expository prose and argumentation, stressing development and support of a clear thesis. The focus of the course is to lay the foundation for future academic writing requirements, including the ability to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, summarize, paraphrase, and cite textual sources from required course readings.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or COMP107 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better)
English Composition I (Honors section)
COMP110H
English Composition I emphasizes the systematic study of writing effective expository prose and argumentation, stressing development and support of a clear thesis. The focus of the course is to lay the foundation for future academic writing requirements, including the ability to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, summarize, paraphrase, and cite textual sources from required course readings.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or COMP107 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better); admission to the Honors@Bucks program
English Composition II
COMP111
In this continuation of English Composition I, students write several analytical essays assigned in conjunction with classroom study of a range of readings, including literature and critical analysis, that may center around a course theme. After sequenced instruction in research techniques, students write an argumentative and scholarly research paper.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COMP110 (C or better) or Permission of the Department of Language and Literature
Corequisite: None
English Composition II (Honors section)
COMP111H
In this continuation of English Composition I, students write several analytical essays assigned in conjunction with classroom study of a range of readings, including literature and critical analysis, that may center around a course theme. After sequenced instruction in research techniques, students write an argumentative and scholarly research paper.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COMP110 (C or better) or Permission of the Department of Language and Literature; admission to the Honors@Bucks program
Technical Writing
COMP114
This course is designed for students majoring in technical, pre-engineering, and scientific fields. Assignments reflect actual technical writing tasks, with a focus on subject, purpose, and audience. The class examines traditional linear documents (instruction manuals, proposals) and those in an on-line format. Students learn to incorporate electronic formatting into technical documents.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COMP110 (C or better) or Writing Placement Test score of 9 or permission of the Department of Language and Literature
Corequisite: None
Creative Writing I
COMP115
This course is a seminar-type exploration of creative writing techniques with emphasis on writing and criticism of student writing. Work from literary tradition will be studied as models and inspiration for the students' own literary efforts. Assignments will enable students to express and develop their creative skills.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COMP110 (C or better) or Writing Placement Test score of 9 or permission of the Department of Language and Literature, based on the writing samples
Corequisite: None
Creative Writing II
COMP116
This course is a seminar-type exploration of creative writing techniques with emphasis on writing and criticism of student writing. Students study works from literary traditions as models and inspiration for their own creative work. Assignments will enable them to develop mastery in a certain genre.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COMP110 (C or better) or Writing Placement Test score of 9 or permission of the Department of Language and Literature, based on the writing samples
Corequisite: None
Writing Internship
COMP280
Students participate in on-the-job experience and observation to support students academic and career development in writing and/or researching. Students periodically review actual experience and observation in light of theory and skills learned academically with a faculty coordinator.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department of Language and Literature and completion of COMP111
with a grade of B or higher
Corequisite: None