CHA 300 - English 4 Communications

4.4 Continuing Education Units (CEU). This course is not for Credit(s).

This course is designed to enable the student with developmental and other disabilities to learn about research-based writing, memoirs, argumentative essays, and editing for grammar and language mechanics. Topics to be covered include the difference between memoir and autobiography, composing a memoir, completing a research paper, developing an argumentative essay, giving a speech/presentation with supporting audio-visual materials, taking notes on a speech and lecture, and using MLA or Chicago/Turabian style citation forms.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of a memoir vs. autobiography;
2. compose a memoir by brainstorming ideas, drafting a clear outline before writing, editing the first draft according to the outline, and using a proofreading checklist to revise;
3. complete writing exercises that reinforce proper use of punctuation and grammatical concepts;
4. compose a research paper on a current event that includes a thesis statement, four to five body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph with appropriate works cited;
5. develop an argumentative essay using a specific position on a topic to convince the reader by relying on logic and evidence;
6. prepare and give a speech on a chosen topic both pre-written and from note cards or an outline;
7. create audio-visual materials to support a speech, using PowerPoint and/or Google Slides, utilizing non-verbal communication and eye contact;
8. practice taking notes from a speech and lecture;
9. identify the parts of a Works Cited page; and
10. identify and demonstrate three basic citation forms using MLA or Chicago/Turabian style (book, article, online source).