This course focuses on the development of critical reading and effective writing for college course work. Students are introduced to essay reading and writing that is useful for college academic programs and workplace settings. The course emphasizes the student’s ability to read and understand professional articles and essays as well as to express ideas in clear, succinct, Standard English prose in a variety of rhetorical patterns. The course includes an introduction to research and students will use what they have learned to write a short research-based essay.