This course focuses on reading and interpreting textbooks, articles, essays, and fiction. Students are taught how to recognize and analyze the modes of discourse, which are narration, description, exposition and persuasion. Critical reading and thinking (including topics such as evaluating sources, recognizing author¿s purpose, tone, and bias) are emphasized. Does not fulfill Humanities requirement, but is considered a general elective. (Usually offered Fall and Spring semesters.) Prerequisite: AAC 041 and AAC 042 if required. Also appropriate, and strongly recommended, for students who score 75-84 on the College Placement Test, COMPASS.

This course exposes students to in-depth readings and well-chosen oppositional readings to help them develop intellectually and ethically by recognizing competing arguments and making a reasoned, context-appropriate commitment to one position. Some of the oppositional readings include artists, statements, criticisms, biographies, web-based essays, peer-reviewed journal articles, and book chapters. These authentic authorial voices engage students in thinking through competing perspectives on an issue. Students will practice critical thinking and reading in order to: reconsider and revise views where honest reflection suggests that change is warranted and face their own biases, prejudices, stereotypes, or egocentric tendencies. When students believe that their efforts are contributing significantly to their learning, learning becomes its own motivation.