English 102 is a course with a "split personality." Most of you, in 101 or its equivalent, learned about formal writing such as is required in college and the professions, and you wrote on a variety of topics. You were most likely graded on essays as opposed to examinations.

Though our content deals with literary concepts, we still, as in 101, WRITE FORMALLY. Hence, most of your performances for grades will be expository essays. The literature, mainly from one text, focuses on the major genres--fiction, poetry, and drama.

The course treats, about equally, fiction, poetry, and drama, during which time we will emphasize what are customarily called the "elements" of fiction, poetry, and drama. As indicated in the Grading Requirements, section, you will have five major performances, two of which are essays with the other three being a combination of exam and essay. Considerable instruction will be devoted to further composition instruction.

In a very basic way, the course is about better reading and writing. Though we have no such thing as a "warranty," it is certain that, if you adhere to the requirements and do the assignments conscientiously, you will leave the course reading with more insight and writing with more precision than previously.