This introductory college-level course focuses on effective oral and written communication skills and the development of analytical abilities through various reading and writing assignments. Students must demonstrate competence in writing mechanics, including grammar, sentence structure, logical content development, and research documentation through 4 essays/research papers. Rhetorical modes may include description, comparison/contrast, narrative, and process analysis. Students are expected to develop effective oral communication skills through speeches. Group projects will develop effective team skills such as decision-making, time management, and cooperation. Prerequisites: acceptance based on placement test scores (3-0-3)