This course builds on the composition and research skills that you learned in ENG 111.  You will learn how to analyze the ideas of others expressed in a variety of formats, and how to write your own well-organized and well-supported opinions.

ENG 112 is organized around three themes important to all of us --  family, war, and freedom and democracy.  In each unit, you will critically read or view a variety of works on a theme.  You will post short writings in class discussion forums to practice analyzing what you read, constructing an argument, and citing sources.  The short assignments will also help you construct longer essays for each unit.  You will review your classmates' writing and suggest ways to strengthen it, and they will do the same for you; this will require everyone to follow the same assignment schedule.

Democracy and scholarship are both strengthened by healthy debate.  ENG 112 will help you to analyze complex ideas, form your own opinions, and then express and defend them in writing.  With these abilities, and the knowledge you gain in your other courses, you will be capable of taking part in literate discussions of issues in your field of study and in society at large.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Develop and use a personal writing process for prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and reflecting.
• Critically analyze and present complex ideas.
• Apply rhetorical principles to construct effective arguments.
• Locate, evaluate, and document information to support your arguments.

The required textbook for this course is:

• America, America:  Readings about Family, War, Freedom, and Democracy.  Compiled by Chiles, A., Fleck, P., Grant, S., and Nayak, M.  Pearson Custom Publishing, 2007. 

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

You will be required to view at least one episode from any two of these TV programs in Unit 2.  Some are currently on network television or in syndication on cable channels.  Those on DVD can be rented from Netflix, Blockbuster, or another video rental service of your choice.

• All in the Family    (available on DVD)
• Good Times           (available on DVD)
• The Simpsons       (Fox )
• Gilmore Girls         (CW)
• Big Love                 (HBO)

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:
 

There are 2 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your proctored exams at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking proctored exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

We are here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact us when they do:

You may also call us to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or at our campus offices. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.