COM120 Reasoning and Writing (8)

This subject focuses on skills and knowledge relevant to the composition of an academic essay. It has four elements. The first introduces the fundamentals of argument and critical thinking. The second develops skills in writing and grammar. The third introduces generic study skills, such as academic referencing, the use of library databases, how to avoid plagiarism, and how to determine reputable sources. The fourth presents students with a particular ethical topic, upon which they will focus their academic papers.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Bathurst Campus
Port Macquarie Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: COM120. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Not for students who have completed either GEN101 or GEN102.

Incompatible Subjects

COM173, COM430

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • recognise and meet the expectations of an argumentative essay; carry out research for an argumentative essay; determine how to properly acknowledge and reference sources
  • identify the main forms of argument; analyze arguments, and construct good arguments
  • plan, structure, write, and properly format an argumentative essay
  • reflect upon a particular topic and create a well constructed argumentative essay

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

- Writing skills at the level of the sentence, the paragraph and the essay
- Skills of summarising
- Rhetorical analysis
- Critical reasoning including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning and analysis of logical fallacies

- Analysis and critique of some key ethical values underpinning a particular topic

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of COM120 in Session 3 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Essay question & main claim
5
2
Argument
15
3
Topic sentences
5
4
Essay
75

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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